METTAMADE has not only been making waves in Hamilton, but in the fashion community at large.
The METTAMADE concept was born while co-founder Morgan was on a medical leave from work, in recovery from an eating disorder. During this period, she spent time with her mother – and partner – Carol and they sewed together as a way to bond. Carol was a former fashion designer and together they came up with custom clothing creations made from bamboo fabric, that would help Morgan feel comfortable during her time of transition through recovery. At the time, the mother/daughter team was also completing a 10-week course for Mindful Self Compassion, and integrated these learning concepts into their METTAMADE brand such as: the way the Bamboo-Spandex fabric drapes and feels, the inclusive sizing, and representation of bodies modelling the clothing.
For many, looking for a certain sized garment can be triggering, especially if their body has undergone some changes. For this reason, METTAMADE has implemented a gemstone sizing guide. Each size is represented as a different type of gemstone. This is their way of making identifying with a size a neutral or even positive experience. “We chose gemstones because they allowed us to represent the spectrum of sizes like the spectrum of a rainbow, and draw attention to the fact that each size is unique and beautiful”, says Morgan of METTAMADE.
A portion of proceeds at METTAMADE go towards Body Brave, a Hamilton-based non-profit that offers community treatment and support for those struggling with body image, disordered eating and eating disorders. Body Brave was supportive of Morgan while she was in recovery, and METTAMADE believes in giving back to this essential community service for the city,
“Hamilton has been wonderful to us” says the METTAMADE team, “Ever since we launched our online store in November, we were supported by many like-minded people; people who wanted to support a local and conscious brand working towards social and environmental justice.”
The METTAMADE team is a force to be reckoned with.
Both Carol and Morgan have their own specific skill-set, with Carol as the lead designer and clothing engineer behind METTAMADE. Morgan supports Carol in style development and focuses on customer experience. If you visit their new location in the Westdale Village, you will most likely see the friendly face of Morgan!
In addition to their mission to make the personal experience a good one, they also have a mission to operate as sustainably as possible.
“We understand how convenient it is to purchase from larger, fast-fashion companies but we do appreciate that we’re meeting more people who are seeking smaller, more consciously made products that don’t exploit humans or the environment.” says Morgan. At METTAMADE, they use the environmentally conscious material bamboo, which requires much less water than cotton to grow. Scrap fabrics are made into accessories like scrunchies, bandanas and headbands; minimizing waste.
When asked for her words of wisdom, Morgan states “Don’t buy into diet culture. Honour your body and find clothing that fits your body, just as it is.”
Wise words, Morgan!
METTAMADE
1032 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1L5
(905) 523-6233
HOURS
Sunday & Monday CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday 11am to 6pm
Saturday 11am to 5pm
