INTERWOVEN Atelier: Weaving Fashion with Sustainability in Phnom Penh
Meet Jess, the co-founder of INTERWOVEN Atelier, a small-batch, slow fashion brand in Phnom Penh. With a background in marine biology and conservation, Jess’s journey into fashion might seem unexpected, but her passion for sustainability ties it all together. After five years in Cambodia, working across sectors like energy conservation, waste management, and marine conservation, she found herself longing for a creative outlet.
“I had zero experience in fashion or entrepreneurship,” Jess admits. “The brand was born out of a longing to create. Clothing, to me, is more than just fabric. It’s an expression of who I am, how I feel, and an important opportunity to wear my values.” She began by sourcing deadstock material and partnering with local tailors to make pieces for her own wardrobe, which eventually grew into INTERWOVEN Atelier.
The brand’s name reflects its ethos: “INTERWOVEN refers to the intricate and interconnected relationships within an ecosystem. Highlighting the concept that elements of nature are intimately tied together, where each rely deeply on one another to maintain harmony.” This philosophy drives the business, which embraces small-batch production, intentionality in design, and a commitment to sustainability.
Slow Fashion, Thoughtful Choices
Officially launched in April 2024, INTERWOVEN Atelier is a true slow fashion brand, valuing conscious creation over following fleeting trends. Jess emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design: “Our collections are created with longevity and low impact in mind, prioritizing versatility. The pieces are simple enough to complement your current wardrobe and provide more freedom for creative exploration.”
One of the brand’s core principles is encouraging consumers to be more selective with their purchases. “I believe in investing in quality over quantity and cherishing those chosen items. With the right love and care, your items can last a lifetime, reducing our carbon, chemical, and water footprints too,” Jess explains.
Discover more things to do in Cambodia
Her dream is to unite her passion for the natural world with fashion by exploring natural dyes and botanical printing to celebrate Cambodia’s biodiversity. “We have some brilliant ethical and sustainable clothing brands in Phnom Penh, but I felt there was a gap for merging these values with a fun, feminine, and elegant feel—while maintaining affordability and accessibility.”
Sustainable Sourcing and Community Impact
Jess’s passion for sustainability is evident in every aspect of INTERWOVEN Atelier, from fabric sourcing to production practices. One of her favorite parts of the job is exploring O’Russey Market, “sifting through the huge amounts of textiles as if on a treasure hunt.” Cambodia’s garment sector produces around 140,000 tonnes of textile waste annually, and INTERWOVEN Atelier is committed to using 100% deadstock materials in their collections. “Deadstock are the leftovers from production errors or canceled orders that usually end up in landfills. We select only natural fiber deadstock, and the exciting part is that they’re often unique—you won’t find them elsewhere!”
INTERWOVEN Atelier also places a strong emphasis on supporting local artisans. “Handcrafting is an act of nurturing culture, and the essence is woven into pieces by those who make them. We work with family-run tailor shops in Phnom Penh, conserving Cambodian tradition while contributing to the local economy.” Jess ensures that artisans are paid a fair price, set by the tailors themselves, with no negotiation or haggling involved.
Form, Function, and Feminine Elegance
The clothing at INTERWOVEN Atelier is designed with busy women in mind. As Jess puts it, “If I couldn’t ride my moto while wearing an item, the design had to be adjusted or discontinued.” The balance between comfort and elegance is central to the brand’s design philosophy, with fit and feel being crucial elements.
Each piece is crafted based on Jess’s own body and then adjusted for other sizes. “Women’s figures change monthly, yearly, and throughout our lives, so our designs reflect this,” she says. The pieces are either flowy, gracefully draping, or feature drawstrings and soft elastic waistlines for a custom fit.
Why Choose INTERWOVEN Atelier?
For those looking to shop more sustainably, INTERWOVEN Atelier fills an important gap in the Phnom Penh fashion scene. Jess’s commitment to thoughtful design, sustainability, and supporting local artisans sets the brand apart. As she explains, “We must become more mindful consumers. Through INTERWOVEN, I hope to inspire people to pursue ways to reduce their impacts—the future of our planet depends on it.”
For Jess, creating INTERWOVEN Atelier has been a way to weave together her love for nature, fashion, and sustainability. As the brand grows, she hopes to continue exploring new ways to incorporate Cambodia’s natural beauty into her designs.
Visit INTERWOVEN Atelier
You can follow INTERWOVEN Atelier on social media @interwoven.atelier, where you can book an appointment to visit their studio and browse the collection or have something custom-made. INTERWOVEN pieces are also available at several partner stores:
- For Someone I Like, Shack Collective, The Green Store in Phnom Penh
- No Planet B (inside Babel Guesthouse) in Siem Reap.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 9 678 01791 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
