Zee & Co

Introduction

ZEE & CO was founded by two visionary entrepreneurs, Zee and Co, who aimed to fill a gap in the market for contemporary fashion that seamlessly blends luxury with accessibility. Drawing inspiration from global fashion trends and individualistic styles, the founders have steered the brand towards a unique aesthetic that transcends the typical constraints of high-end retail. Their commitment to creating a brand that resonates with a diverse audience is palpable in their innovative designs and carefully curated collections.

The philosophy behind ZEE & CO revolves around empowerment and self-expression. The founders strongly believe that fashion should not only cater to aesthetics but also enhance the wearer’s confidence and identity. This ethos is reflected in the brand's dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices, nurturing a sense of community and ownership among its customers. By championing these values, ZEE & CO fosters a deeper connection to the brand, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique style and narratives.

What sets ZEE & CO apart from other fashion labels is its deep understanding of the modern consumer’s needs. The brand strikes a balance between contemporary trends and timeless elegance, ensuring that every piece is not only fashionable but also versatile. Their focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail makes each product stand out, creating a lasting impression that speaks volumes about the craftsmanship behind the brand. The combination of innovative designs and a commitment to ethical practices positions ZEE & CO as a frontrunner in the fashion industry.

Signature Products

ZEE & CO offers a curated selection of products that reflect its brand ethos and aesthetic. Each piece embodies the principles of quality, style, and individuality, serving as a testament to what the brand represents.

• The Classic ZEE Blazer : A timeless tailored piece that elevates any outfit, seamlessly transitioning from casual to formal occasions.
• Co's Signature Silk Scarf : Made from luxurious silk, this versatile accessory adds a pop of color to any ensemble, showcasing the brand's attention to detail.
• ZEE Eco-Friendly Tote : Crafted from sustainable materials, this stylish tote combines functionality with an eco-conscious approach, appealing to modern, environmentally-minded consumers.
• Co's Distressed Denim Jeans : These jeans strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, featuring a modern fit that flatters various body types while offering a hint of edginess.

Materials and Ingredients Used by ZEE & CO

• Cotton : Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the cotton plant. It is known for its breathability, softness, and comfort, making it an ideal choice for casual wear and everyday clothing. ZEE & CO utilizes cotton in their collections to offer lightweight and comfortable garments that appeal to a wide range of customers.
• Leather : Leather is a durable material made from animal hides, known for its strength and timeless appeal. ZEE & CO incorporates leather into their products, particularly in accessories and outerwear, to provide a sophisticated and luxurious touch to their designs while ensuring longevity in wear.
• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is known for its durability, wrinkle resistance, and ability to hold vibrant colors. ZEE & CO incorporates polyester in many of their stylish pieces, allowing for easy care and versatility in various fashion applications, which suits the needs of modern consumers.
• Lyocell : Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp that is softened by a solvent process. This material is favored by ZEE & CO for its eco-friendly properties and smooth texture, often used in flowing garments that provide comfort and drape elegantly on the body.
• TENCEL™ Modal : TENCEL™ Modal is a specific type of lyocell known for its exceptional softness and breathability. ZEE & CO uses TENCEL™ Modal in their collections to offer luxurious-feeling pieces that are comfortable against the skin while also being environmentally conscious due to sustainable sourcing practices.
• Viscose : Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, recognized for its silk-like feel and lustrous appearance. ZEE & CO employs viscose in their designs to create elegant and flowy silhouettes that enhance the overall aesthetic of their collections, appealing to customers looking for a refined look.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From ZEE & CO

These issues are related to the supply chain of ZEE & CO and need to be taken into consideration. Below is a more detailed explanation of each identified issue across the materials used by the brand.

Water Consumption:

The agricultural practices of materials such as cotton and organic cotton require significant water resources. Conventional cotton is notorious for its heavy water dependency, often leading to water scarcity in regions where it is grown. This issue is exacerbated in countries like India, where the groundwater table is severely depleted due to over-extraction for cotton farming. Even organic cotton, while generally better for the environment, still requires considerable water, particularly in arid regions. The excessive use of water not only affects local ecosystems but also diminishes access to water for local communities, impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies.

Pesticide Use:

Conventional cotton farming employs large quantities of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that can lead to soil degradation and water contamination. For instance, runoff from cotton fields treated with these chemicals often pollutes nearby water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems and making water unsafe for local communities. Pesticide exposure can also pose health risks for farmers and laborers applying these chemicals, who may suffer from a range of health issues due to prolonged contact.

Soil Degradation:

Continuous monoculture farming of cotton and other agricultural products contributes to soil degradation. The practice not only strips soil of its nutrients over time but also leads to a loss of biodiversity within the soil ecosystem. This is evident in regions that have been extensively farmed for cotton, where the soil quality deteriorates, leading to reduced crop yields and greater reliance on chemical fertilizers to maintain production levels.

Deforestation:

Materials such as leather and TENCEL™ Modal are closely tied to deforestation. Leather production often involves raising cattle, which necessitates clearing vast areas of forests for pastureland. This deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss, alters local climates, and increases CO2 emissions, worsening climate change. TENCEL™ Modal production is derived from beech trees, and if sourced unsustainably, can also contribute to deforestation, especially if the forests are not managed responsibly.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Leather production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from enteric fermentation in cattle, which contributes to the overall carbon footprint of the material. The process also involves energy-intensive manufacturing processes to convert raw hides into leather goods, further amplifying emissions. Polyester as a synthetic material also has a notable carbon footprint during its production and processing, primarily because it is derived from fossil fuels.

Toxic Chemical Pollution:

The processing stages for materials like leather and viscose rely heavily on toxic chemicals. The tanning process of leather can involve substances such as chromium, which can leak into water systems if not disposed of properly, leading to health hazards for nearby communities. Similarly, the viscose production process generates hazardous waste that can pollute local waterways, affecting both ecosystems and human populations relying on these resources.

Land Use Change:

Growing materials such as hemp and bamboo often involves significant land alteration, which can impact local flora and fauna. For instance, large-scale bamboo plantations can disrupt existing ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss. Similarly, while hemp may have lower resource demands compared to other crops, its growth can still lead to competition with native plant species if not managed responsibly.

Microplastic Pollution:

Polyester, especially when washed, can shed microplastics into water systems, contributing significantly to marine pollution. Research has shown that a single wash of polyester clothing can release thousands of microplastic fibers, threatening marine life and entering the human food chain. This pollution exemplifies the broader problem of plastic waste permeating both the environment and human health.

Invasive Species Risk:

Cultivation of bamboo, while often touted for its sustainable properties, can sometimes lead to invasive species issues if the growth is not carefully managed. Bamboo can spread rapidly, outcompeting native plant species and altering local ecosystems. This poses risks as it can disrupt food chains and affect the balance of local flora and fauna.

Limited Recycling Infrastructure:

While recycled polyester provides some mitigation of the negative effects associated with conventional polyester, the current recycling infrastructure is often insufficient to handle the volume of textiles being discarded. Hence, this can lead to a high carbon footprint during the recycled polyester processing phase and still results in waste that enters landfills if not properly managed.

Chemical Processing:

Many of the materials identified, including lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal, involve significant chemical processing to convert raw plant materials into fibers. This process can impact water quality and local ecosystems if not regulated strictly. The chemicals used, and their byproducts, can pose health risks to workers involved in the processing, as well as to communities living nearby.

Understanding these issues is crucial in addressing the sustainability and ethical sourcing concerns facing the fashion industry, and particularly brands like ZEE & CO.