Annie Thompson-Way Forward

“Age, stage of life, COVID and forty years designing for my eponymous label are pointing my sights in the direction of the here and now. More personal and individualized fashion, more meaning in the present moment, less scurrying around, more appreciation, more dance, more music, more woods, more friendship, more meaning, more depth, more peace.”
There are fewer new styles of Annie Thompson designs in each collection: ‘Micro Sample Collections’ to take individual orders instead of production of each style. Even though it is more labour- intensive, it is a greener way – fewer emissions and nothing is heading to the landfill, she says.
From now on, Thompson will only create new designs that inspire her to give life to because of a need for them – climatic or circumstantial – not because she needs twenty new styles for the sake of a new seasonal fashion collection. Each piece has more reason for existing. They will be inspired and imbued with functionality and usefulness. When pieces’ work’ (deep pockets, two-way zips and more zips), they add ease to our days as manifested by the Thompson designs. With her self- imposed criteria for her best design, which is,–”It has to LOOK GOOD. FEEL GOOD. Fit, flatter, accentuate our best attributes and de-emphasize the lowlights.”
“Especially as we age, comfort is more important but not at the cost of looking good. I endeavour to strike a pleasing balance and use NATURAL and SUSTAINABLE FABRICS which feel the best against the skin.”
Many designers and manufacturers are rethinking their approaches and priorities– to produce higher-quality goods that last, can be passed down, up-cycled, worn longer and end up in landfills much less frequently. Although it may not be a good model for corporates and their profits, there are a handful of genuinely conscious corporations, on the one hand, building towards a more sustainable future. As far as Annie Thompson can see, the smaller independent designers are implementing sweeping mindful business practices. The virtues of ‘local’ are resonating more and more for many. She says that “knowing how much we have to do to make this planet liveable for our youngsters and all living things make the ‘A’ word (Amazon) much less desirable.” Are we purchasing with our morals intact?
Conscious consumers dig to understand their favourite brands’ sustainable practices, but valid information is not always at our fingertips.
Due to COVID, many companies are rethinking their supply chain systems and reconsidering the values of producing locally. It is not an easy feat to dismantle supply/production and rejig everything. Having more control by producing and supporting local –citizens and the economy– speaks louder now than before the pandemic. Many who appreciate good design also understand the costs associated with it (labour – living wages for made locally/made in Canada) and will continue to support independent design when financially viable. Many value good things and want and need far less ‘stuff,’ so better and fewer purchases will prevail, affirms Thompson.