Ecologyst
Victoria, BC based brand, Ecologyst, was founded in 2014 by Rene Gauthier. Though, this was not Gauthier’s first foray into the world of textile and apparel manufacturing. Prior to establishing Ecologyst, Gauthier was the founder of surf and skate apparel brand, Sitka. In 2013, after over a decade in the business, Gauthier was in a traumatic motorcycle accident which caused him to rethink the brand from the ground up. He and his team realized there was a great disconnect between the values they held as people, the goods they were creating, and the systems of manufacturing in which they participated.
The now defunct Sitka evolved into what we now know as Ecologyst. They ditched overseas manufacturing and hired sewers at home in Victoria to construct most of their collection. They opted to abandon synthetic fibers in lieu of organic and biodegradable materials like cotton and wool. Rather than overly trendy, flash-in-the-pan designs, Gauthier set his sights on a streamlined, elevated, less-is-more aesthetic. The new ethos of the brand aims to bring the needs of people and the planet into harmony rather than opposition.
Ecologyst aims to create timeless pieces that will remain relevant and cherished in your wardrobe for decades, that may be passed along to future generations, and, if necessary, could return to the earth in its composite parts. To do this, they uplift and celebrate the gifted makers and artisans that are at the heart of the products’ creation.
