Luna e Stelle's Journey from COBALT: Reflecting on Our Past, Looking to Our Future

Everything is about to change.

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, change is the only constant. As we at Luna e Stelle stand on the cusp of an exciting new chapter, it feels like the perfect moment to pause, reflect on our journey, and share with you—our cherished community—the path that has led us here. It's a story of mistakes, growth, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to our values. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew, settle in, and join me as we trace the threads of Luna e Stelle's past and offer a glimpse into our brilliant future.

Our Humble But Incongruent Beginnings

Every great journey begins with a single step, and Luna e Stelle's was no different. Born in January 2018 from a deep-seated passion for fashion and a desire to create something meaningful, Luna e Stelle started as a dream—a vision of beautiful, expressive clothing that could make a difference in the world.

But dreams, as we all know, often face reality checks. In those early days, we encountered challenge after challenge. From navigating the complexities of production to finding our unique voice in a crowded market, each obstacle tested our resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that shaped us, teaching invaluable lessons about resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to our core values.

In the initial phase, I embraced the print-on-demand model. It seemed like the perfect solution—a way to create custom designs without the overhead of traditional manufacturing. I was excited about the possibilities, and the ability to offer a wide range of designs quickly with minimal waste that were "eco-friendly". I loved the crisp, gorgeous images that were possible with sublimation printing on polyester, and there were very little issues or headaches.

Plus, it was perfectly aligned with my lifestyle at the time. I was running the business from the road, my home a converted shuttle bus that served as both living and work space. With my trusted feline companion, Gabriella, by my side, I found myself surrounded by the most inspiring of backdrops - the lush forests, majestic mountains, and vast deserts of the West Coast and Southwest. This nomadic existence wasn't just a personal adventure, with nature as my workspace and muse, the true spirit of Luna e Stelle began to take shape.

Little did I know, this phase would become a crucial turning point in Luna e Stelle's journey.

The Awakening

As I delved deeper into the world of print-on-demand, a discomforting realization began to dawn on me. The environmental impact of polyester print-on-demand and the greenwashing surrounding it was far more significant than I had initially allowed myself to accept.

Polyester, the cornerstone of most print-on-demand operations, is a petroleum-based fiber. Its production process is energy-intensive and polluting to the environment, and even worse, it releases microplastics into our water systems with every wash. And let's not forget the endocrine disruptors and carcinogenic chemicals that polyester clothing can leach onto the skin. The greenwashing in the industry—marketing polyester products as eco-friendly because they're made-to-order—began to ring very hollow in my ears.

To be perfectly candid, deep down I knew the truth all along. I was navigating a challenging period in my life, still reeling from the loss of my younger sister to ovarian cancer. In my grief and haste to launch Luna e Stelle, I allowed myself to be swayed by greenwashing claims, viewing print-on-demand as a necessary stepping stone towards creating "real" fashion someday. Despite a dear friend, Tigrilla Gardenia's persistent attempts to open my eyes, I remained blind to what was right in front of me. Yet, the dissonance was gnawing at my conscience.

Then came the moment of clarity. One morning, as I awoke in my bus in the vast desert outside Sedona having a panic attack. I remember running outside, and thinking, "OMG, what have I done!!". I knew I had made one of the worst mistakes of my life, and had to rectify it immediately. In that instant, I knew I had no choice but to scrap all the hard work I'd done. That very day, I removed the products from the website, took a significant step back, and committed myself to figuring out how to offer truly sustainable clothing to the world - pieces that would be not only breathtakingly beautiful and unique but also aligned with my deepest values.

This epiphany was both terrifying and liberating. It meant completely starting over, but it also meant starting right. The desert's stark beauty and silence had provided the perfect backdrop for this moment of truth, setting the stage for Luna e Stelle's rebirth as a genuinely sustainable fashion brand.

This realization reconnected me with my background in environmental education. Years ago, I had dedicated myself to teaching others about our planet's delicate ecosystems and the importance of sustainable practices. Now, it was time to bring that knowledge and passion back into focus, this time through the lens of fashion.

The Transformation

The decision to pivot from print-on-demand to truly sustainable fashion wasn't a simple one. It meant reimagining our entire business model, our production processes, and even our definition of fashion. It meant discontinuing almost 200 products, and walking away from the effort spent on developing each one. But it was a necessary step—one that would allow me to sleep soundly at night, knowing we were part of the solution, not the problem.

I immersed myself in the world of sustainable fashion, researching eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and innovative techniques that could minimize our environmental impact while maximizing my creative expression.

As I delved deeper, a sobering realization dawned on me. Even with the most eco-friendly materials and processes, the manufacturing of new garments from newly manufactured materials still carried an environmental footprint larger than I was comfortable with, especially at scale. It pushed me to question every aspect of the production process, forcing me to confront the hard truth that truly sustainable fashion might require a complete paradigm shift. I found myself at a crossroads, knowing that moving forward, Luna e Stelle's commitment to the environment would need to go beyond simply using organic fabrics or low-impact dyes. It was clear that our path to sustainability would require more radical, innovative solutions – ones that might redefine what it means to create fashion in harmony with our planet.

It was during this period of exploration that I began exploring upcycling and eco-printing. Upcycling wasn't a new concept for me. I had dabbled in it before, breathing new life into old items for my personal wardrobe. It was a lightbulb moment when I realized how perfectly this practice aligned with Luna e Stelle's mission. Not only could upcycling make a significant impact on our planet, but it also provided me with a treasure trove of blank canvases to work my creative magic on. It was as if the stars had aligned, pointing the way forward for our sustainable fashion journey.

Upcycling became our way of breathing new life into forgotten fabrics and discarded garments. We saw the potential for beauty and luxury in materials others had cast aside. Each piece we transformed told a story—of its past life, its rebirth under our care, and the reduced environmental impact of its creation.

Eco-printed Magic

I was drawn to eco-printing for its promise of sustainable, nature-inspired designs. The process of creating unique patterns using flowers and leaves seemed like a perfect fit for Luna e Stelle's ethos. However, as I delved deeper into the technique, I encountered significant challenges that ultimately led me to discontinue its use at that time.

The constant need for fresh botanical materials posed major sourcing and scheduling difficulties. More critically, I became increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the mordants used in the process. While substances like alum and iron water are often considered safer alternatives to conventional dyes, their potential for environmental harm when used at scale cannot be ignored. The issue of color fastness of the prints also presented challenges in meeting the high standards our customers expect. Natural dyes and pigments from plants fade quickly when exposed to sunlight or washing. This means garments simply will not maintain their vibrant appearance over time.

I do plan on experimenting with eco-printing more in the near future to see if I can better address these concerns at this point. It is exquisitely, delicately beautiful.

Technicolor Evolution

After moving away from eco-printing, I was determined to find a dyeing method that aligned with Luna e Stelle's commitment to sustainability without compromising on color vibrancy or longevity. My search led me to Procion fiber reactive dyes, a game-changer in our production process. These dyes offer significant environmental and health benefits compared to traditional methods. They bond directly with the fabric at a molecular level, resulting in minimal runoff and reducing water pollution. The process requires less water and energy, and once the dyes are set, they're colorfast without the need for harmful mordants. And importantly, Procion dyes are non-toxic and biodegradable once the dye process is done.

The vibrant, long-lasting colors we achieve with these dyes allow us to create the bold, unique pieces Luna e Stelle is known for, while staying true to our eco-conscious values. This discovery has allowed us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion, proving that we don't have to choose between environmental responsibility and stunning, high-quality design.

While first experimenting with these dyes, I discovered the magic and ethereal beauty of ice-dyeing. With its unpredictable patterns and color blends, it became our signature technique. It allows us to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces, and the process feels almost alchemical—transforming simple fabrics into works of wearable art.

While ice-dyeing is a bit like collaborating with chaos—you can guide it, but never fully control it—we've been pouring our hearts into mastering this mercurial art. Through countless experiments over several years, and a fair share of beautiful accidents, we're learning to dance with the unpredictable nature of ice and dye. The results of our recent endeavors have left us breathless; we're achieving color blends and patterns that are not just stunning, but truly worthy of the luxury fashion world.

Each piece that emerges from our dye baths tells a unique story, painted by the capricious hand of nature and guided by our growing expertise. It's a thrilling journey of discovery, and I can hardly contain my excitement about where this technique is taking us. The pieces we're creating now are just the beginning—a tantalizing glimpse of the ethereal, one-of-a-kind garments that will define COBALT's future collections. I can't wait for you to see what we have in store.

Our Current Ethos

Today, Luna e Stelle stands firmly rooted in its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Every decision we make, from sourcing materials to designing our latest pieces, is filtered through the lens of environmental responsibility and social consciousness.

Our atelier is a sanctuary for fashion's forgotten treasures. Hundreds of pre-loved garments line our racks, each with its own story to tell. Bolts of vintage and antique fabrics and scraps and trims, rich with history, wait patiently for their renaissance. Luxurious deadstock materials, once destined for waste, now hold the promise of new creation.

This isn't just a collection of textiles – it's a living, breathing archive of fashion history, rescued from obscurity and given a second chance at glory. As I run my hands over these diverse materials, I'm struck by the potential they hold. Each piece, whether it's a stylish carved wooden button from the 1940's, a stunning piece of vintage red silk brocade fabric, or the back from a French Nobleman's chair from the 1700's, carries with it the echoes of its past and the excitement of its future.

In our hands, these overlooked gems will be transformed. They'll be reborn as stunning Luna e Stelle creations, their stories woven into the fabric of our brand. It's more than fashion – it's alchemy, turning the discarded into the desirable, the forgotten into the fabulous.

We've embraced a slow fashion approach, focusing on creating timeless, versatile pieces that transcend seasonal trends. Our artisanal craftsmanship ensures that each garment is not just clothing, but a unique work of art, a future heirloom designed to be cherished for years to come.

Inclusivity has also become a cornerstone of our brand. We believe that sustainable luxury should be accessible to all, regardless of size or gender expression. Our designs celebrate diversity, offering a range of sizes and styles that allow everyone to express their authentic selves.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

This journey has taught us invaluable lessons. Perhaps the most crucial is the importance of aligning business practices with personal values. When we made the decision to pivot away from polyester print-on-demand, we discovered that staying true to our beliefs not only felt right but also resonated deeply with our customers.

We've also learned the power of creativity in overcoming limitations. Working with upcycled materials and sustainable practices often presents unique challenges, but these constraints have pushed us to innovate, resulting in designs we might never have conceived otherwise.

Lastly, our journey has reinforced the value of persistence and adaptability. The fashion industry is ever-changing, and the path of sustainable luxury is not always smooth. But by remaining flexible, open to learning, and steadfast in our commitment to our values, we've been able to navigate the ups and downs along the way.

Looking to the Future

As we stand here today, looking back on our journey, we're filled with gratitude for how far we've come—and excitement for where we're headed. The future holds thrilling possibilities for what Luna e Stelle is to become, and we can't wait to share them with you.

As we honed our techniques and deepened our commitment to sustainability, two distinct lines have emerged: Luna e Stelle Alchimia and Luna e Stelle Atelier. Alchimia, our more accessible line, showcases the magic of upcycling and ice-dyeing. Atelier, our high-end line, represents the pinnacle of our sustainable luxury vision, offering bespoke pieces that marry artisanal craftsmanship with eco-conscious design.

Without revealing too much (we do love a bit of mystery!), I can say that we're on the brink of a significant evolution. We're pushing the boundaries of sustainable luxury fashion in ways we've only dreamed of until now. Our upcoming Sanguine Collection, in particular, represents a bold new direction for us—one that honors our past while stepping confidently into the future.

Gratitude and Invitation

None of this would be possible without you—our wonderful community of conscious fashionistas, sustainability advocates, and loyal customers. Your support, feedback, and shared passion for ethical fashion have been the wind beneath our wings.

As we embark on this next phase of our journey, we invite you to join us. Your voice and your choices matter. Together, we can continue to push the fashion industry towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful future.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. What has your journey with Luna e Stelle been like? What are your hopes for the future of sustainable fashion? Drop us a comment below or reach out on social media. Your insights are invaluable as we chart our course forward.

In Conclusion

As we close this chapter and open the next, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable, artisanal luxury. The road ahead is bright with possibility, and we're thrilled to walk it with you by our side.

The future of fashion is sustainable, inclusive, and breathtakingly beautiful. At Luna e Stelle, we're not just dreaming of this future—we're creating it, one stitch at a time. Thank you for being part of our story.

And get ready! Next week, on Wednesday October 16th at 8am CDT, everything is going to change. I promise you won't even recognize Luna e Stelle.

The best is yet to come!

With every thread sewn,
Blue 💙