SUSTAINABILITY

our SUSTAINABILITY

At Lost Pattern, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of our foundation. From sourcing organic materials to embracing eco-conscious production techniques, we make intentional choices that honor heritage craftsmanship, support communities, and protect our planet. We believe beauty should never come at the expense of responsibility—and that every design can tell a story that’s both meaningful and mindful.

THE ARTISTRY OF SILK

With roots tracing back over 6,000 years to Hangzhou, silk has long symbolized luxury, friendship, and cultural heritage. At Lost Pattern NYC, we carry this legacy forward—fusing traditional silk-making with art, fashion, and a celebration of diversity.

Our products are crafted from 100% mulberry silk—the strongest, smoothest, and lightest of all silks. Naturally biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, mulberry silk offers unmatched durability and elegance.

OEKO-TEX – CERTIFIED SAFETY

We use OEKO-TEX® certified, non-toxic dyes to protect our artisans, manufacturers, and customers. Therefore, our scarves feature rich, vibrant colors that meet the highest international standards for chemical safety and environmental responsibility.

ZERO -PLASTIC PACKAGING

Our packaging is 100% plastic-free, made from recyclable paper materials. Thoughtfully designed, it minimizes our environmental impact while delivering an elevated unboxing experience that reflects our values.

DEADSTOCK REUSE – MINIMIZING WASTE

We champion sustainable luxury by giving new purpose to deadstock fabrics—transforming overlooked materials into thoughtfully designed pieces. Our signature ‘Pan Pan’ bag exemplifies this commitment: each one is crafted from reclaimed textiles and adorned with delicate embroidery made from repurposed silk scarf offcuts. The result is a collection of one-of-a-kind accessories where environmental responsibility meets artful craftsmanship.

OTHER SUSTAINABLE FABRICS

While silk remains at the heart of our collections, we are thoughtfully expanding our material palette to include other natural and biodegradable fibers—such as cashmere, organic cotton, linen, and responsibly sourced viscose. Committed to sustainable practices, we consciously exclude polyester and synthetic materials, ensuring every product aligns with our philosophy of environmental stewardship from fiber to finish.

MUD SILK – PRESERVING A DYING HERITAGE

At Lost Pattern, we are honored to sustain Mud Silk, a vanishing intangible cultural heritage from Southern China. This 100% plant-based, chemical-free process—one of the most sustainable fabric traditions in the world—transforms mulberry silk through generations-old craftsmanship.

Artisans in Shunde dye the silk with Gambier plant juice, rich in natural tannins, then coat it in iron-rich river mud for 1–3 months. Sun-dried and oxidized through the ritual of three washes, nine boils, eighteen sun-drying cycles, each piece develops a unique, earthy depth and metallic sheen—imperfections that testify to its handmade authenticity.

As the saying goes: “No two pieces of Mud Silk are alike; its flaws are what make it real.” By preserving this heritage, we protect both an art form and the planet—one slow, sustainable length of silk at a time.

OUR COMMUNITY

NEW YORK

CREATIVE HUB

New York is where Lost Pattern’s vision takes shape—a city as dynamic and diverse as the designs we create. Here in our studio, we craft silk pieces meant to last, not land in landfills. Every scarf is designed for versatility, inviting you to rewear, restyle, and reimagine it season after season—a conscious alternative to fast fashion.

In New York, we don’t just make scarves. We cultivate connections. We’re a creative hub where artists, designers, and innovators converge. We actively seek out and nurture local talent, collaborate with boundary-pushing artists, and foster a community rooted in sustainability and self-expression. From workshops to cross-disciplinary partnerships, we’re building a space where ideas flourish—proving that fashion can be both enduring and transformative.

HANGZHOU

CRAFT HUB

In Hangzhou, the heart of China’s silk heritage, we proudly preserve the tradition of hand-rolled edges—a technique that reflects true artistry and craftsmanship. Every Lost Pattern scarf is hand- finished by local artisans, affectionately called our “aunties,” who work from the comfort of their own homes. This home-based model allows them to balance their craftsmanship with family responsibilities—cooking for loved ones, caring for grandchildren, and participating in daily village life.

We deeply respect the rhythms of their community. During spring tea-picking season, production may temporarily slow down as many of our aunties return to the fields to harvest tea—a cultural and economic tradition vital to their well-being. Rather than viewing this as an interruption, we proudly embrace it as part of our sustainable supply chain. We believe sustainability includes respecting people’s time, traditions, and livelihoods, ensuring our production process works with, not against, their way of life.

By giving our artisans flexibility and fair compensation, we create not only beautiful products but also a production model rooted in human dignity and cultural preservation. Every scarf carries their story, woven with care, community, and craft.

COLLABORATIONS – BUILDING CONNECTIONS

At Lost Pattern, we believe sustainability extends beyond materials—it lives in the human connections we foster. Through collaborations with artists, brands, and cultural institutions, we weave meaningful narratives into our designs while building bridges between communities, traditions, and generations.

Our partnerships—with the Frida Kahlo family, Sephora, the US Open, Formula One, Rosewood Hotels, and others—are more than creative exchanges; they’re acts of cultural sustainability. By amplifying diverse voices and honoring shared stories, we strengthen the bonds of friendship, dialogue, and mutual respect that make fashion a force for unity.

True sustainability must be inclusive. That’s why we collaborate with changemakers who break barriers—ensuring every piece we create celebrates the richness of human experience and empowers underrepresented voices.

Our recent collaboration with Service Academy Women (SAW) embodies this commitment. Designed with the service academy women community, our limited-edition scarf commemorates 50 years since women first entered U.S. service academies. Its symbols—swords, anchor chains, and pearls—honor the resilience of pioneers who redefined history.

Like every Lost Pattern partnership, this piece is a testament to how sustainability thrives when we create together—preserving heritage, inspiring progress, and connecting us all through the art we wear.