Salaam VELA fam! Hope you all had a restful summer break or season! As summer nears its end, we look forward to fall. Specifically the amazing new launches from VELA with the Sample Sale and the recent Soft Sculpt Jersey and Ruching Lite line! I understand, as a VELA-holic, it is so tempting to buy EVERY single print or shade, but we need to gain clarity and understand an essential concept called Ethical Consumption. Ethical Consumption is defined as the principle of purchasing items with the intention of having the environment in your best interests and supporting a company’s positive practice. VELA has championed their sustainability practices and commitment since day one. When it comes to VELA, we are firm believers in interlinking fashion with compassion, as all of the items purchased in our Solidarity Capsule are given as proceeds to a number of non-profit organizations such as Islamic Relief USA and Healing Our Homeland. Today’s blog post will highlight some of the efforts that VELA has made regarding ethical consumption as well as promoting hijabis to have healthier spending habits.

The First Ever Sample Sale

Yes, you read that correctly. VELA had their first ever Sample Sale that featured a select number of hijabs, apparel, and accessories on sale for a limited time! While this sale includes a number of OG items such as the Black Chain hijab, this sale is especially unique because it promotes a circular economy, which is one of the pillars of environmental sustainability that VELA stands for. The scarves and apparel that are on sale do have some variations in color, print, texture, and/or weave. VELA designs its scarves in-house and operates from a women owned facility that provides opportunities to underrepresented individuals and minorities. Emphasizing the importance of "slow fashion" which is more sustainable and eco-friendly compared to fast fashion. From the beginning stages of designing and dyeing to the end-packaging, VELA follows the up-cycled trend to implement waste reduction and allow all fabrics to be used efficiently and sustainably.

To Buy or Not To Buy?

I sympathize with you fellow readers, as I too am a VELA-holic. However, we need to ask ourselves this important question: Do we really need to buy every print? And the answer is quite simple: No you don't have to. Some people make the claim that VELA’s prices are too high, and so they would rather purchase dupes or other alternatives. Honestly, if you understand the purpose as to why you are buying the hijab and more specifically, if you truly support the brand’s mission for a sustainable future with "slow fashion," then you would not be complaining about the price range. VELA’s hijab quality has been consistent with its efforts to promote up-cycled fashion. 

No, you don’t need every single version of leopard print because they are all unique and look amazing, and you can easily accessorize your outfit with other fabrics including the Soft Sculpt jersey scarves! Another important tip is to become creative with the way that you style your hijabs. Yes of course you wear the hijab on your head, but VELA’s hijabs are so unique because of their design and coverage that they can even be used as accessory belts, butterfly tops, etc. The next time you are ready to "check-out" your VELA order, think about the reason you are purchasing as well as how this will impact the environment and in turn our circular economy.