Equilibrium
Denver, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Deb: Equilibrum
I am a sustainable fashion designer. My education and background are in Environmental Health, Hazardous Waste Management, and Environmental Remediation. In 2000 I created my sustainable lifestyle street brand called Equillibrium. It represents the boarder lifestyle (surf, skate, snow) I've lived and a skate punk street aesthetic throughout the line. I grew up sewing and working retail (both fashion retail and working in board shops). These skills allow me to offer custom commissioned work and ready to wear, along with amazing hand bags and accessories made from mostly up-cycled materials.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
Equillibrium came from organic chemistry... studying the free exchange of valence elections in aqueous solutions and reduction oxidation (redox) reactions to balance equations (some math). I have an extra "L" in the word for distinction and to have an "ILL" in it.... likely a Beastie Boys influence- haha!
Chemical equations in Equilibrium have free ionic exchange at all times with the reactants and products- making it always in balance going back and forth... I relate this to many things like boarding, but especially to life. We are always striving for that sweet spot in the middle, going back and forth... they say when a human achieves true equilibrium is when we die.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
Equillibrium is known for a punk rock and classic aesthetic, made from sustainably sourced textiles and practices.
I'd say Equillibrium is best know for its rad graphic T's, hoodies, denim, hats, and hand bags. I do make couture gowns and such for runway and custom orders as well... but I laid down the ground work to be a heavy hitting sustainable street brand from day one and have earned that reputation.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
Equillibrium has brought sustainable high end street fashion with Triple Bottom line ethics since before that term was even coined. During a time when sustainability is considered “on trend” and “green washing” at an all time high, Equillibrium holds a 20yr history of doing it right with no B.S. and holds the bar high for others compared to it…
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
The biggest road block has been the challenge of consumers to buy in. My price points have always used real math, not convenient math. I am from the less is more school of thought as well as quality over quantity- all very different than the driven capitalist consumer model. I learned to really hone in on my market, the educated want it without explanation and know that value in what they are getting. I also have incorporated services to expand the lifespan of my products with mending and repair services on Equillibrium products. First repair is free, after that an hourly rate will apply.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
It is interesting times for sure! I started making face masks in early March when news stories were confirmed by a friend who is an ER Nurse here in Denver.... when I began to receive inquiries for purchase and running out of my top shelf hemp fabrics, I moved to a selling model to be able to keep making them... it has been the item selling keeping this ship afloat. Very grateful to have an essential skill like sewing to contribute some comfort to others during this pandemic. I still donate face masks to non-profits, hospitals, and individuals who need one but cannot afford to buy one. This is an accessory that is now part of our CORE CLASSICS line, and likely will be from here on out.
Courtesy Robin Fulton of Robins Photography
What is your favorite part of what you do?
I LOVE hearing from happy customers who believe in Equillibrium and all it represents from its CORE... I have customers who are fans from the lifestyle and hardcore board culture it came from, customers who know it from runway shows and having a solid couture offering from over 15yrs of shows, customers who like its sustainability, and those who know it and love for ALL OF THAT. It is truly an honor to be the vehicle such an amazing brand came through... beyond kool and 100% bitchin'!
What is your *must do* local activity?
I'd say my must do local activity, especially right now as things are opening back up, is to vote with your dollars and support the community. We rise together, and I like to feed the brands and establishments that feed me and support my values and ethics in politics. I am mindful to be responsible with my hard earned dollars and I would rather go without than give it to a Company that works against me.
Where to find Equillibrium
Showroom: 1131A West Custer Place, Denver CO
Online: www.equillibrium.com
Instagram: @equillibriumofficial
Facebook: @Equillibriumofficial1