S02 Episode 88 | TARA + THE ERA OF CUSTOMIZATION

In episode 88, Kestrel welcomes Annette Lasala Spillane, the founder and CEO of TARA (The Artisan Row Accessories), to the show. Known for their buildable fine jewelry, TARA intentionally designs each piece so it stands beautifully on its own, but can also be stylishly interchanged with with other pieces in their collection. Throughout this episode, Kestrel and Annette chat about the era of customization, whether it's here to stay, and in what capacity. They also discuss individual ideas of personal style, and innovative ways to make the clothes in your closet go a long way. The below thoughts, ideas + organizations were brought up in this chat: Will Mass Customization Work For Fashion? -via Business of Fashion "I don't think that complete free-for-all, white canvas customisation works. What works is certain parameters that a designer has left for the consumer. It's potentially 10 or 20 percent designed by the customer, enough that it feels individual, without tampering with the creative direction of the brand." -Jose Neves, the founder and CEO of Farfetch, in the above article Gemological Institute Of America, where Annette took a class when she decided to build TARA Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, event where the early beginnings of TARA were born This week's Conscious Chatter episode is brought to you by: ARC Apparel.  ARC Apparel is an online marketplace for responsible fashion. They do the research and source brands that are doing notable things in the industry, in the realms of sustainability, ethics, and giving back. INTERESTED IN CHECKING IT OUT? Use promo code consciouschatter20 for an exclusive 20% discount off of your ARC Apparel order! Now through December 24th, 2017, 5% of their sales will go toward sponsoring families through the YMCA Holiday Giving Program.