HOLR is sitting down to chat with Silvia Gallo, the founder and CEO of jeane & jax.
Today, HOLR is sitting down with Silvia Gallo, who is the founder and CEO of the sustainable luxury brand, jeane & jax. During our chat, we discuss Silvia’s brand-building journey, how jeane & jax is a leader in the sustainable and ethical fashion industry, as well as some impressive brand accomplishments to date.
Jeane & jax offers a range of luxury vegan handbags that encompass the principles of ethical fashion and sustainability. As a result, this is a must-try brand that is dedicated to incorporating progressive sustainable practices. As a brand that is committed to transparency, jeane & jax thoughtfully chooses materials and partners to collaborate with, without compromising on quality or style.
Keep reading to find out how the brand got its start, its values, and what’s next for jeane & jax!
Talk to us about your background in the industry and your journey in regard to building a sustainable, luxury brand.
Born and raised in Montreal with Italian origins, I’m very much inspired by my multicultural surroundings and my European heritage. After earning a BCOMM in Marketing and International Business, I built a successful career working for reputable fashion brands. This opportunity allowed me to work in all facets of the industry, giving me a solid foundation to build upon.
Although many professions have the potential to make a difference in the world, it was challenging for me to determine how my contribution to society could be measured in the fashion industry. When I started my business, I felt it was important to do something that could make a positive impact and give back. With that motivation, jeane & jax was created by combining my fashion expertise and compassion for nature.
How is jeane & jax a leader in the sustainable and ethical fashion industry?
At jeane & jax, we go beyond “vegan”, taking the planet and its people into consideration.
We’re dedicated to using only premium leather alternatives, and our hardware is EU-certified ensuring that it’s free from hazardous metals. We actively explore the market for cutting-edge materials that align with our handbag designs while reducing our environmental footprint. As of 2024, we are furthering our commitment to sustainability by using main materials that are all-natural, plant-based, and plastic-free.
Partnering with Veshin Factory, known for its progressive sustainable practices and commitment to transparency, allows us to uphold these values in the manufacturing stage as well. Veshin shares our dedication to sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and elevated craftsmanship. They prioritize fair employee wages, strict health and safety measures, and extensive CSR initiatives, ensuring a stable workforce driven by mutual respect.
Talk to us about jeane & jax’s values in terms of how they encompass a “Total Ethics Fashion” model where you focus on the well-being of Animals, People, and the Planet.
Our brand philosophy revolves around ethical, sustainable, and responsible practices. We are in the process of being certified as a “Total Ethics Fashion” brand as we believe in the well-being of animals, people, and the planet. Our mission is driven by the intersection of these three core values. It’s important for us to have a product that is animal-free, made in a safe and ethical way, and has the least impact on our planet.
That’s why we’re meticulous about the materials we use and the partners we collaborate with. Our dedication also extends to social responsibility, ensuring ethical sourcing and supporting charities such as Humane Society International and Animal Justice.
Sustainability is a hot topic right now, and with a lot of businesses making the shift towards being more sustainable, what are your thoughts on greenwashing in the industry?
Greenwashing remains a significant concern in the industry as many brands are using the word “vegan” to imply their product is also eco-friendly however that is not always the case.
Being “vegan” doesn’t automatically mean good for the planet. Although there are many benefits to using non-animal-based materials, we need to be mindful of how and what they are made of.
Companies need to be more transparent about the materials they use and how their products are being made. At jeane & jax, we advocate for honesty and transparency at every step of our product’s lifecycle.
We heard that jeane & jax recently received the Innovation, Productivity, and Sustainable Development fund award. Tell us more about this incredible brand achievement.
Winning the Innovation, Productivity, and Sustainable Development fund was a tremendous honor for us. Considering the carbon footprint of the fashion industry (responsible for an estimated 8% of global emissions), this award is particularly noteworthy as it validates our dedication to pushing boundaries in sustainability and innovation.
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of our key partners. Notably, NFW, creators of MIRUM®, the innovative plastic-free leather alternative, and the exceptional craftsmanship of Veshin Factory.
As the founder and designer, this acknowledgment fuels my passion for driving positive change toward a more sustainable future.
What’s next for jeane & jax as a brand?
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our Luxury Collection, made with MIRUM®; a premium plant-based material crafted from 100% natural ingredients and contains zero plastic.
You can expect more designs made with MIRUM® and other plant-based materials in our future collections.
We’re continuously exploring new leather alternatives and collaborating with innovative companies worldwide to introduce a variety of textures and designs. Customers can join our mailing list and follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with all our latest news and get early access to collections.
Published by HOLR Magazine.
Image credits: jeane & jax