Who Makes These Clothes?

Designer/recycler, Elisabeth Delehaunty leads a small but hearty team of cutters, combiners and stitchers. Rooting among mountains of forgotten things, Elisabeth unearths treasure — past fabric gems awaiting rediscovery. An obsession for finding these “experienced textiles” compliments her desire not to add any more “new stuff” to the world. In 1996, the obsession joined forces with her background, a B.A. in Art from Dartmouth College as well as a series of jobs costuming for theatre — and Elisabethan was born. Now the studio works year-round to create the line of clothing and accessories in rural Western Colorado.

How Are These Clothes Made?

Bags and bales of cast-off t-shirts, wool sweaters and second-hand textiles arrive at the Elisabethan studio. The team culls and low-impact launders what Elisabethan can use, then donates what’s left to local thrift stores. They hand-cut each piece from Delehaunty’s original patterns, then combine, stitch and finish with appliqués and other accents. Phew! Fabulous, one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly garments are born.

Approved for People and Planet

Some of our favorite t-shirts come from TSdesigns, a sustainable company that graciously sends us their damaged t-shirts which otherwise would go to waste. We’re always interested in tapping into new sources for our raw materials.

Elisabethan is a proud member of Green America. Check them out!