Here’s how we make ethical and sustainable wedding gowns…
We start with thoughtful design and fabric choices
Dinah has been involved in the sustainable fashion space from its early days. Our bridal wear is made from OEKO-TEX® certified fair trade silk. Silk is a luxury fibre perfect for special dresses for occasions such as weddings. It is grown predominantly by small growers and is a valuable supplement to farmers’ incomes. If you are looking for a vegan wedding dress, we can source vegan silk for your dress.
All fibres have pros and cons. We chose silk because it is a biodegradable renewable and natural resource. It also uses less water than other fabrics in its production. Silk is also a monofilament, meaning that the fibre undergoes one less process to become a fabric. It doesn’t need to be spun into yarn first. Silk fibre is versatile and comes in many varied textures weights and fabrics.
Vintage fashion is a huge resource. We have recovered many luxury items just waiting to be reused; including fabrics, antique beads, high-quality hooks and eyes. Dinah has a huge resource of vintage trims and laces just waiting for the right time to emerge again on a wonderful gown. We source our lace from makers that produce beautiful lace on old machines.
We focus on ethical manufacturing
Pearl Button Bridal is a small business and all of our design and manufacture is done in-house in our studio on the New South Wales South Coast.
We have been certified by Ethical Clothing Australia since 2018. To achieve this accreditation, our supply chain is audited annually. All workers are paid appropriately, receive all their legal entitlements and work in safe conditions. We also work with suppliers with integrity.
We pursue eco-conscious business practices
The Pearl Button Bridal studio is located on founder Dinah Mitchell’s property. Over the last two decades, Dinah and her husband have worked to regenerate and reforest what were once arid paddocks. Dinah also sources dyestuffs from the bush around her when she can, being mindful not to disrupt the native habitat.
Our studio is solar-powered and runs on tank water
We use compostable packaging where possible and recycled paper
Our online Zoom meetings and fittings reduces travel time and our carbon footprint.
Your wedding dress needn’t be a single-use product - here’s how.
If you are concerned about single-use products make an appointment to talk to us about ways we can design your dress to be worn again for future use.