MS MODE

Introduction

MS MODE was established in 2003 by a group of passionate individuals who believed that fashion should be accessible for everyone, regardless of size. The founders aimed to create a brand that catered specifically to women who wear sizes 42 and above, focusing on offering stylish yet comfortable clothing options. Over the years, MS MODE has built a reputation for its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, striving to ensure that women of all shapes and sizes feel beautiful and confident in their attire.

The philosophy of MS MODE revolves around the belief that fashion is a form of self-expression and should suit every individual’s personal style. The brand promotes positivity by celebrating body diversity through its collections, designed to showcase the latest trends while providing a flattering fit. This empowering approach fosters a sense of community among its customers, who often share their fashion journeys and experiences with the brand. MS MODE aims to create not just clothing, but also a lifestyle that embraces individuality and encourages women to feel proud of their curves.

What sets MS MODE apart from other fashion retailers is its unwavering commitment to quality and style at an affordable price. The brand frequently collaborates with influencers and designers to arrive at unique, trendy designs while keeping comfort at the forefront. The dedication to sustainability is also reflected in their practices, as MS MODE works towards minimizing their environmental impact while continuing to provide fashion-forward looks for their customers. These elements contribute to the brand’s identity and its overall appeal to consumers who seek out both style and substance in their fashion choices.

Signature Products

The products of MS MODE truly encapsulate the brand's ethos of inclusivity, comfort, and style. Each collection is designed with a keen attention to quality and trends, ensuring that every piece resonates with its audience.

• Maxi Dresses : Flowing designs that flatter the figure while offering comfort and versatility for various occasions.
• Tailored Blazers : Chic outerwear that adds polish to any look, available in a range of sizes to enhance every silhouette.
• Stylish Loungewear : Cozy and fashionable options that blend comfort with contemporary design, perfect for relaxed days at home or casual outings.
• Statement Tops : Bold, eye-catching designs that bring personality and flair to versatile wardrobe staples.

Materials and Ingredients Used by MS MODE

• Spandex : Spandex is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity, often blended with other materials to create clothing that fits snugly while allowing for freedom of movement. MS MODE uses spandex in activewear and fitted garments to ensure comfort and flexibility during wear, making it ideal for a range of body types.
• Cotton : Cotton is a natural fiber renowned for its softness, breathability, and durability. MS MODE incorporates cotton in everyday clothing to provide comfort and a classic look, appealing to customers seeking both style and practicality in their wardrobe.
• Viscose : Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from wood pulp, known for its silk-like feel and drape. MS MODE utilizes viscose in dresses and blouses to create flowing silhouettes that enhance the overall aesthetic, contributing to a chic appearance while maintaining comfort.
• Wool : Wool is a natural fiber sourced from sheep, valued for its warmth and moisture-wicking properties. MS MODE features wool in outerwear and knitwear, providing customers with stylish and insulated options for colder weather without sacrificing elegance.
• Elastane : Elastane, often known by the brand name Lycra, is used to provide stretch and recovery in fabrics. MS MODE employs elastane in various clothing lines, particularly in fitted and shape-retaining designs, to enhance comfort and allow garments to move with the wearer.
• Ribbon : Ribbon, typically made from various textile materials, is used as a decorative element in fashion. MS MODE often incorporates ribbon as embellishments in clothing and accessories to add a touch of style, texture, and a personalized feel to their collections.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From MS MODE

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

High Energy Consumption:

The production of synthetic fibers such as Spandex, Polyester, and Nylon involves substantial energy input. For instance, creating one kilogram of nice, shiny polyester can require up to 109 MJ (megajoules) of energy, which translates into a significant carbon footprint. This energy often comes from fossil fuels, contributing considerably to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change. For brands, this not only incurs higher costs but also raises significant environmental concerns.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Manufacturing processes for materials such as Spandex, Polyester, and Nylon release a considerable amount of greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. For instance, production of Nylon, especially, emits nitrous oxide—a GHG nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. These emissions contribute to global warming and climate change, making the reduction of GHGs a critical issue for sustainability.

Microplastic Pollution:

Microplastics are a major concern with synthetic fibers like Spandex, Polyester, and Elastane. Every time garments made from these materials are washed, tiny plastic particles are released into the wastewater. These microplastics pass through sewage treatment plants and enter oceans, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. An estimated half a million tonnes of microfibers end up in the ocean annually, causing serious harm to aquatic life.

Water Consumption:

Water is heavily utilized in the production of Cotton, Viscose, Wool, and even Organic Cotton. Cotton alone is incredibly water-thirsty; it takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt. This high water demand is unsustainable, especially in regions already facing water scarcity. The Viscose production process also necessitates large amounts of water, posing further environmental challenges.

Pesticide Use:

Conventional Cotton farming is notoriously pesticide-intensive. These chemicals are harmful to not only farmers and local communities but also the wildlife and ecosystems surrounding farming areas. For instance, the Aral Sea in Central Asia has shrunk dramatically due to cotton farming, resulting in an ecological disaster. Pesticides have caused soil degradation and reduced biodiversity.

Soil Degradation:

The continuous, intensive farming practices needed for Cotton and Organic Cotton cultivation can lead to significant soil erosion and degradation. Fertilizers and pesticides used in these processes degrade the soil health, reducing its ability to sequester carbon and support diverse plant life, which contributes to broader environmental degradation over time.

Chemical Pollution:

Materials like Viscose, Nylon, and Leather involve hazardous chemicals in their production. The viscose process requires carbon disulfide, a toxic chemical that can cause severe health effects if improperly managed. Similarly, leather tanning often involves chromium, a highly toxic substance that, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate water resources and soils, posing risks to human and environmental health.

Non-Biodegradability:

Synthetic fibers like Polyester, Nylon, Elastane, and Lycra are non-biodegradable, persisting in the environment for centuries. When disposed of, they contribute to landfill masses and release toxic chemicals as they slowly break down. This long life-span in the environment creates significant waste management issues that brands need to address through sustainable disposal and recycling programs.

Labor Exploitation:

The textile and garment industries, especially Cotton farming, have notorious records of labor exploitation, including child labor and poor working conditions. Workers are often underpaid, work long hours, and are exposed to hazardous chemicals without proper safety measures, raising significant human rights concerns.

Animal Welfare:

The production of Wool and Leather raises significant animal welfare issues. Sheep in wool production farms often suffer from inhumane practices like mulesing, and leather production involves the slaughter of animals, raising ethical concerns. Ensuring humane treatment in the textile supply chain is essential for ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Deforestation:

Viscose and Leather production can contribute to deforestation and habitat loss. The pulp for viscose often comes from rapidly depleting forests, while leather production has been linked to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. This deforestation disrupts ecosystems and contributes to biodiversity loss and climate change.

Flammability:

Acetate fiber is particularly flammable, posing significant safety hazards during both manufacturing and consumer use. This increases the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and finding ways to improve the material's safety profile, given its widespread use.

Addressing these issues within MS MODE's supply chain would improve both their environmental and social impact.