Sustainability
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Kupong do not not follow seasons, but design timeless garments that can be used in an everyday wardrobe. We use mostly natural materials that are suitable for a Nordic climate, and wool that can be used all year round. These are clothes to wear all day - everyday. We wish to build a brand with a good production line that makes unique quality products. Kupong uses traditional knitting techniques in developing the products, but the look and style is contemporary and upbeat. The Uniform Collection After successfully developing the 1st proto these garments internally became the new "office uniform”. This is how The Uniform Collection was born. The construction of the garments and the quality of the wool are fundamental to future designs as we have made a blueprint for upcoming collections. Our productions are small, some on request - but always designed to last. The collections are made in both Europe and China, with yarn from Italian suppliers. It was important to us to use important to use small factories focusing on good craftsmanship- both factories use sustainable certificated fibres and focus on less waste. The compositions in the collection is mostly wool, but sometimes with a mix of synthetic fibres for strength and longevity. Hand knitted goods
Collaborations Long life We spend a lot of time developing the right models in terms of fit and timeliness, and one of the things that makes our collections sustainable is that we have developed one cut and “blueprint” that can be used year after year. Kupong is designed and developed for a Nordic lifestyle and climate by using wool to wear all year round. We do not follow seasons as one can always wear wool and cotton in Norway- no matter the time of year. Wool is great for cool summer nights, and cotton is perfect as first layer in winter. We want to grow at a slow and organic pace with a positive financial and ecological development. We are constantly trying to think ahead while we can adapt to new consumption habits and new generations. Buy less, but better. The Name The name adapts to Kupongs collections when it comes to choice of materials, production and expression. Kupong can be associated with something frugal and has a nostalgic tone that suits the brands philosophy and mindset. There are also lots of possibilities in the future to introduce deposit solutions where you get discounted coupons and handing in clothes, repairs and new life to the garments. Kupongs philosophy lies within development, little use of resources and prototypes, right choice of materials and production. The Uniform Collection is always in stock. It is made in fewer sizes, some in one size with boxy inclusive fits, which means it will fit more people. In The Uniform Collection, which is the everyday wardrobe, the idea is to keep the good models and classic colours from year to year, but introduce a few new colours each year. The Uniform Collection is also our "base" which we build on with new development at a reasonable pace. We want to grow as a brand and have a healthy development by taking each step carefully. Our angle on sustainability lies a lot in the life of the garments and how they are made. A garment is not just sustainable because it consists of recycled fibers, Kupong has a holistic approach, not just at the fiber level - but designed for longevity. At Kupong the productions are small, some on demand but always made to last.
Fibres The alpaca fibre is soft, durable, luxurious and silky. While similar to sheep`s wool, it is warmer, and has no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic. Alpaca fiber is naturally water-repellent and difficult to ignite. Lambswool is wool taken from the first shearing of the sheep, usually around seven months after its first coat has come in. It is fine and soft, and requires minimal processing. Lambswool, like all sheep's wool, contains lanolin. It is popularly used for good quality knitwear. In The Uniform collection we also use a lot of lambswool. Lambswool contains lanolin which naturally strengthens the wool fibers and gives them shine. Lambswool was widely used in the 80's and 90s before merino wool became so popular. We are very inspired by the decades from the 70s, 80s and 90s in our collections and it was then natural to retrieve some of the materials that were used back then. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, leaving the soil, air and water free from contaminates that cause harm. It uses far less water to grow since organic cotton growers typically utilize rain far more than irrigation. Many people with skin problems report a dramatic improvement in their skin condition once they switched to organic. By choosing to buy organic cotton you are enhancing the health of humans, animals and natural resources around the world. Supporting organic agriculture is also essential if we want to create improved working conditions for cotton farmers because farming organic cotton is more regulated, and therefore, fairly traded. Synthetic fibres Wash When washing, always turn your knits inside out beforehand, this will also help prevent pilling. If machine washed - go for the cool setting, no warmer than 30°C. Slow, gentle spins are best (600 RPM max). Natural fibres release water easily, so fast spins are unnecessary. Detergents Avoid biological and non-biological detergents as both these contain bleaching agents, which do not play nice with your knitwear! Drying Moths Pilling |
"Kupong is an Oslo based clothing brand with a love for knitwear and sustainable fashion. There has always been a desire to establish a brand with good ethics and philosophy, from the design process and throughout the entire production line".
