Tatler sits down with Ariff Faisal and Haris Kamal to talk about their mission to make everyday clothes stylish and sustainable
Launched in August, Kualesa is a homegrown apparel company that is turning away from cotton and synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, which significantly contribute to water pollution and can sit in landfills for up to 200 years. Instead, they use bamboo lyocell, an eco-friendly and biodegradable alternative from one of the most abundant and fastest-growing plants on the planet.
Offering a core selection of lightweight polo shirts designed for every occasion, from sport to casual hangouts, Kualesa has also released a similarly versatile collection which pays tribute to Southeast Asian batik with three traditional motifs: Kawung, Parang and Truntum.
What sparked your interest in sustainable textiles?
Ariff Faisal (AF): In recent years, the eco-conscious side of me woke up. I went snorkelling one day and I saw the entire coral reef completely dead, and that really struck me hard. I discovered the damage synthetic fibres (the favoured textile of the apparel industry) were doing to the environment. Only when I looked closely through my wardrobe did I realise how many 100 per cent polyester pieces of clothing I had. My moral compass went into overdrive and I dove headfirst into the world of sustainable textiles, which is when I discovered the functional applications of bamboo fabric.
After unearthing bamboo’s fantastic attributes, it shed light on the potential of building a company that did things a little differently and had a conscience of its own.
See also: Paul&Shark, Fashion's Innovative Champion of Sustainability, Opens New Store In The Starhill, KL
