Our founder, Ý, had dealt with persistent body breakouts and irritation for years, and she just couldn’t shake the sneaking suspicion that the polyester-laden clothes in her daily closet were to blame. That is, until she went on a trip to India 5 years ago for a few months, where she found that wearing locally-made linen and cotton garments in the same outdoor conditions didn’t irritate her skin at all.
Returning home to Vietnam, however, the skin issues came right back after 2 weeks, even when she made sure to keep herself in a clean, healthy environment. It was a frustrating mystery – until the proverbial lightbulb went off. Ý realized she needed to make an evolution for herself. And so, as she was sifting through yet another disheartening pile of soulless, mass-produced garments, inspiration struck. ‘There has to be a better way’
After 3 years sourcing the finest natural fabric suppliers and high-skilled artisans, Ylian /e-li-an/ was born, based in southeast Vietnam, our home. No more greenwashing or half-measures, just vintage-soul seamlessness with a simple, natural daily modern look year after year. All is captured with the guiding principle “Build a healthier relationship between human, fashion, and the environment” which is at the heart of everything we do:
- Simplicity
- Transference
- Authenticity
- Quality
- Effortless pricing
Happiness is worth x10 when its shared! Join us in weaving a more thoughtful, joyful wardrobe – one stitch at a time. Welcome home <3
our impact
Material Mastery
Our search for the great fabrics has taken us on a global journey – from scouring the bustling textile markets of Saigon to exploring niche corners in the West Indian countryside. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve forged connections with local factories in China, all in pursuit of sourcing the finest organic materials to craft our eco-conscious apparel.
Empowering People
Let us introduce you to Thuy and Loan, the talented producers who bring our vision to life. With over a decade of experience in Saigon’s garment factories, they realized their true passion lay in empowering their local community. So, they returned to their coastal hometown in Southeast Vietnam, where they’ve connected with a network of family women who share their love of sewing. Together, they’ve created a thriving workshop that not only provides stable incomes, but also allows them to care for their families with pride. When the human element is this strong, the quality of the product speaks for itself – imbued with the love and care of its makers.
Circular Solutions
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at the production line. We’ve also made it our mission to give recycled materials a second, third, and even more chances at life. (as fabric sample on the tag, or our packaging). Your purchase plays a crucial role in this circular system. Our small, 12-square-meter storage facility in Ho Chi Minh City – nestled in the founder’s own apartment – is where your products are preserved with the utmost care, like a beloved vintage wine.
*note: our founder is not alcoholic, she just love red wine : )
We’ve intentionally kept our operations compact to avoid the trap of overproduction. Rather than forcing our sales team to manipulate nervous customers into purchasing items they’re unsure of, we’ve chosen to increase the wages of our dedicated makers. This allows us to maintain a consistent, manageable production schedule, refilling our inventory every two weeks. The result? A happy workforce, a thriving brand, and satisfied customers who can feel good about their purchases.
continue…
(story never end)