V by Very

Introduction

V by Very is a contemporary fashion brand that emerged from the UK retailer Very.com. The brand was established with the vision of providing stylish, on-trend clothing and accessories that celebrate individuality and inclusivity. V by Very aims to cater to a diverse audience, offering a wide range of sizes and styles that appeal to different tastes and lifestyles. Its founder(s), though not widely known, played a crucial role in shaping a brand that resonates with fashion-forward individuals seeking both affordability and quality.

The philosophy behind V by Very revolves around accessibility and modernity, ensuring that everyone can express their personal style without breaking the bank. The brand continuously seeks to deliver fresh and innovative designs that reflect current trends while prioritizing comfort and practicality. V by Very emphasizes a customer-centric approach, where feedback and preferences from its audience significantly influence product development, fostering a sense of community among its consumers.

What makes V by Very special is its commitment to creating fashion that empowers individuals. The brand not only focuses on aesthetics but also promotes body positivity and self-expression through its diverse collections. By embracing inclusivity and encouraging customers to feel confident in their clothing, V by Very sets itself apart from competitors in a crowded market, developing a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the brand's values and vision.

Signature Products

V by Very offers a range of products that embody the ethos of the brand, combining style with practicality. Each product reflects the contemporary and inclusive philosophy that the brand stands for.

• Dresses : Trendy and versatile, perfect for any occasion, available in various styles and sizes.
• Tops : From casual tees to elegant blouses, designed to suit different styles and needs.
• Outerwear : Fashionable coats and jackets that provide both warmth and style, ideal for layering.
• Activewear : Stylish and functional, designed for comfortable movement whether at the gym or on the go.
• Footwear : A collection of on-trend shoes that complete any outfit while ensuring comfort and fit.

Materials and Ingredients Used by V by Very

• Cotton : Cotton is a natural fiber known for its breathability and softness. V by Very often uses cotton in clothing items like t-shirts and dresses to ensure comfort and easy maintenance, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.
• Elastane : Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. V by Very incorporates elastane in garments such as leggings and fitted tops to provide stretch and ensure a comfortable fit that moves with the body.
• Polyester : Polyester is a durable synthetic fiber that resists shrinking and wrinkling. V by Very employs polyester in various garments, including outerwear and activewear, due to its longevity and ability to retain shape, making it ideal for fast-paced lifestyles.
• Lace : Lace is a delicate fabric often made from cotton or synthetic fibers, known for its intricate patterns. V by Very utilizes lace in dresses and tops to add a touch of elegance and femininity, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the pieces.
• Viscose : Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber that mimics the feel of silk, offering a soft drape and luxurious texture. V by Very incorporates viscose in blouses and dresses to create flowy styles that are both comfortable and visually appealing.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From V by Very

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration when evaluating sustainability and environmental impacts.

Water Usage:

The production of materials like cotton and wool is highly water-intensive. Cotton farming, for example, requires significant amounts of irrigation, especially in arid regions, leading to the depletion of local water resources. For instance, the Aral Sea in Central Asia saw a drastic reduction in size due to the diversion of rivers for cotton irrigation. Similarly, wool production involves water use in animal husbandry and during the processing stages to wash and clean the fibers. This excessive water use can lead to shortages, affecting both human and ecological systems.

Pesticide and Chemical Use:

Cotton and wool farming often rely heavily on chemicals to boost yield and manage pests. Cotton, which occupies just 2.5% of the world's cropland, accounts for about 16% of insecticide use globally. These chemicals can leach into the soil and water bodies, posing serious risks to biodiversity and human health. In the textile processing stages, materials like lace, polyester, and leather involve the use of various chemicals for dyeing and finishing, which, if not managed appropriately, can result in hazardous waste and pollution.

Dependency on Fossil Fuels:

Materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are derived from petroleum, meaning their production is intimately linked with fossil fuel extraction and refining. This dependency not only impacts the availability of non-renewable resources but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycle - from extraction to transportation to processing. The use of such materials exacerbates climate change, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports.

Non-Biodegradability and Pollution:

Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and elastane do not biodegrade easily. When they break down, they tend to divide into smaller pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics are a pervasive pollutant found in oceans worldwide, disturbing marine life, and entering the food chain. Recent studies have shown microplastics even in remote regions like the Arctic, emphasizing their ability to travel and accumulate across the planet.

Deforestation and Habitat Destruction:

Materials like viscose are partly attributed to deforestation, as they are derived from wood pulp. This impact is evident in regions where forests are cleared for plantations to meet cellulose demands. Such deforestation not only leads to loss of biodiversity and disruption to indigenous communities but also increases carbon emissions as trees, which act as carbon sinks, are removed. Sustainable forest management practices are crucial to mitigate this impact.

Animal Welfare:

For fibers like wool and leather, there are inherent concerns about the treatment of animals. The wool industry sometimes is criticized for poor animal welfare practices such as mulesing. In the leather industry, animals are raised primarily for their hides, leading to questions regarding humane treatment. Addressing animal welfare is crucial to ensuring ethical and humane production methods across supply chains.

Mining and Pollution:

The extraction and processing of metals used in components like zippers and buttons involve environmentally intensive mining practices. Mining activities lead to the degradation of landscapes, pollution of water bodies through acid mine drainage, and the release of harmful heavy metals into the environment. Evaluating and choosing more eco-friendly and recycled metal options can help limit these impacts, promoting sustainable production.