Frankie Collective

Frankie Collective is a Canadian fashion brand that has carved a niche for itself in the realm of women's streetwear by focusing on sustainability and innovation. The brand, which operates from Canada, has gained recognition for its unique approach to fashion, which involves reworking vintage sportswear and streetwear into modern, stylish, and one-of-a-kind pieces. With a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, Frankie Collective takes pride in upcycling various clothing items, ranging from sweat shorts to tanks and sweaters, while also offering their own line of apparel.

The brand's journey began when Sara Gourlay, who previously ran her own Vancouver-based line called Fate Vintage, joined forces with Jesse and Drew Heifetz, founders of F as in Frank Vintage. This collaboration led to the birth of Frankie Collective in 2014, a brand that specifically targets the women's market with reworked vintage sportswear. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they have caught the attention of major brands like Reebok and Tommy Hilfiger.

At the heart of Frankie Collective's operations is their workshop in Vancouver, where they emphasize transparency and fair labor practices. The brand ensures that their workers are paid a living wage and that the working conditions are up to standard by using in-house manufacturing. This level of control over their production process allows them to maintain high ethical standards and contribute positively to the community.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Frankie Collective's ethos. They partner with Fabcycle to recycle all waste generated from production and use biodegradable packaging for their garments. By focusing on upcycling clothes and owning their own factory, they minimize their environmental footprint and promote a more sustainable fashion industry.

Frankie Collective's design philosophy revolves around repurposing brand name vintage garments, transforming them into trendy and appealing pieces that resonate with a modern audience. They have a particular affinity for classic 90s staples, which they rework with a contemporary twist. The brand's creative process involves taking stained or damaged vintage fabrics and pieces from well-known brands like Nike, Champion, and Supreme, and giving them a new lease on life. This not only keeps garments out of landfills but also provides consumers with unique fashion options that stand out from the crowd.

Despite the challenges of sourcing vintage pieces, Frankie Collective has a steady supply thanks to their parent brand, F as in Frank Vintage, which is constantly on the lookout for items to wholesale or rework. Looking to the future, Frankie Collective hopes to expand their reach by introducing a clothing line made from sustainable fabrics, further solidifying their commitment to eco-friendly fashion practices. Their dedication to sustainability, ethical labor, and innovative design has positioned Frankie Collective as a brand to watch in the evolving landscape of streetwear fashion.