FAQ
Welcome to our the Candor FAQ Page!
Here, we've gathered the most common questions and answers to provide you with all the information you need to know about our sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
What is slow fashion?
Slow fashion is a movement that focuses on creating garments with a conscious approach to design, production, and consumption. It encourages sustainable practices, fair trade, and the use of high-quality materials to ensure longevity and minimize environmental impact.
What do you mean when you say Masc or Femme?
"Masc" Style: Our "masc" clothing options are tailored to accommodate a more relaxed and angular silhouette. These items often feature straighter cuts, broader shoulders, and a fit that flatters a body with these characteristics. However, these clothing choices are not exclusive to any specific gender and can be worn by anyone who appreciates their design.
"Femme" Style: Conversely, our "femme" clothing options are crafted to enhance and celebrate a softer, curvier shape. You'll find clothing items in this category that accentuate curves, embrace vibrant colors, and include stylish details. Like our "masc" collection, these pieces are not limited by gender and can be enjoyed by anyone who feels comfortable in this style
Why Do We Offer These Categories?
We provide the "masc" and "femme" categories to assist our customers in finding clothing that suits their personal preferences and comfort levels. However, these categories are entirely flexible, and there are no restrictions. You are encouraged to mix and match, explore, and create your unique style.
We understand that self-expression is diverse and unique to each individual, and our mission is to empower you to be yourself, free from the confines of traditional gender norms. If you ever have questions about sizing or anything else, our friendly team is here to assist you!
How are your garments made?
Our garments are crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. We prioritize ethical production processes, working with skilled artisans and fair trade cooperatives. Our small design studio is available for anyone who is curious to view upon collection, we want to ensure customers that our working conditions are safe and the best way to do so is being being transparent, we believe that the proof is in the pudding!
What makes your brand sustainable?
PACKAGING
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We use tissue paper & twine for packaging up our orders - our sturdy tissue paper is sourced from a local company, made from 100% recycled materials. We also source our eco-twine from this same company, which is 100% eco-friendly. For a personal touch, we also use recycled card from our pattern making offcuts to create personalised name-tags for customers' parcels - it’s the little details that count!
BUSINESS CARDS
We have teamed up with proudly local and sustainable brand Growing Paper for our unique business cards. Growing Paper makes hand-made recycled paper embedded with indigenous seeds and we could not have dreamed of a more perfect match for our motto. We include one of these unique business cards in every order, so, once you’ve received your garments, you can literally ‘plant the seed’ by crumpling and burying our business cards in some soil and caring for the seedlings that will sprout. This is a direct reflection of the movement we hope to build from our brand.
FABRIC WASTE
There is lots of fabric waste in the fashion industry, and inevitably (like all fashion business) that constitutes so much of our waste. However, we do not just sweep up the scraps and send them off to the dump, which, unfortunately, is often the case. We use our bigger fabric offcuts to make scrap tops, patchwork pillow cases and various other things. We also make scrunchies to gift our customers as a freebie with every online order!
LABELS
Established local label-making company Wunderlabel supplies our classic black & white Candor labels for our garments. These high-quality labels are strictly made from recycled fibres, which are then processed and rewoven for our branding - quintessentially Candor.
SHIPPING
Our free parcel pick-ups mean that we can offer a better alternative to the pressure that using courier services puts on the environment, and it also means that we get to reward those supporting local entrepreneurs. For our couriered parcels, we use recyclable courier bags and a local courier company that offsets the carbon emissions created by delivery.
WATER
The entire building in which Candor is situated in uses recycled rainwater for all flushing, which saves thousands of litres of water each month and falls right in line with our commitment to the environment.
RECYCLING
We've teamed up with local recycling gurus Recycle1st to make sure our day-to-day non-fabric waste is not ending up in a landfill. We clean and separate our trash into reusable materials (paper, glass, plastic, tin), which is collecting once a week!
ZERO WASTE PATTERNS
For those who might not already a know, a pattern is the template in which a designer uses to cut the fabric into the pieces used to make up a garment. Typically when laying down your pattern, there is dead space & that dead space is most typically turned into fabric waste or otherwise referred to as off cuts. Our designer makes every effort when pattern-making to design in a way that leaves little to any dead space.
How do I care for my slow fashion garments?
To extend the lifespan of your garments, we recommend following the care instructions provided with each item. Generally, washing in cold water, using mild detergents, and air drying are best practices. By caring for your clothing properly, you can contribute to its longevity and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Can I return or exchange items?
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Please review our Returns and Exchanges policy on our dedicated page for detailed information on the process, timelines, and any applicable terms and conditions. You can view our returns police here : https://studiocandor.com/policies/refund-policy
How can I stay updated on new collections, items and promotions?
We invite you to join our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay informed about our latest collections, exclusive offers, and sustainability initiatives. Be the first to know about new arrivals and enjoy special perks as a member of our community.
If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team. We're here to help you embrace the slow fashion movement and make mindful choices for a more sustainable future
When can I collect my order if I choose free collection?
You may collect your order at our shop at 2 Scott Road, Observatory, Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm
What happens if I don't come to collect my items I purchased for collection within the 15 day working day window?
Offering free collection is a big deal for a small team, we offer this because it can help to offset emissions from shipping and packaging. However we ask that you kindly understand we are strict with our collection policy timeframe, if the package is not collected from us within three weeks (15 working days) the order is cancelled and no refund will apply. We do this because packages begin to pile up and we dont have the space or capacity to leave unclaimed packages lying around for extended durations of time. If you are concerned you will not make it in the final week of your collection period, please contact us to arrange shipping immediately.
Can I shop at your store in Observatory?
Yes, we are currently open for in person shopping Monday - Friday 1pm - 4pm. Our times can change and we will advertise this on our socials as well as our Google Page. You can also send us a DM on Instagram @studio.candor or email us at support@studiocandor.co.za if you have any questions.