Adèle Logan Helmers
The creative director of BYADÈLE
As a no-nonsense creative, I believe that many of the solutions to the era of over-production and pollution have existed for generations in a variety of cultural contexts. To preserve the environment and the beautiful artform of slow production, we need to transform the global supply chain and empower artisans to create durable pieces that are made to last a lifetime. If we aren’t careful, unique textiles around the world will turn into archaeological relics. I am committed to preserving these artforms, because not only are they part of the past, they are essential to building a sustainable future. Through BYADÈLE, I focus on reviving these authentic production techniques and materials.
Often made by women, these craft traditions function as a form of cultural storytelling because what we wear is a reflection of our background and the different cultures that influence us. After spending time in the High Atlas Mountains, I was struck by the universality of the mother-daughter transfer of knowledge. As the sixth generation of “Adèles,” I share the name with my mother and my mother’s mother, going all the way back to 1856. A tribute to the matrilineal transmission of experiences that passes between generations of women, the brand is a nod to my grandmother, who is my taste-making muse because of her fashion sensibility, attention to detail, and collector’s eye for the unusual.
I grew up in South Carolina, in a city that made its imprint as a hub for textile manufacturing, and whose landscape is dotted with mills and factories, unintentional monuments to the past. I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, where I focused on delving into the world of textiles and their relationship to culture. I quickly recognized the issue of waste in textiles and the fashion industry as an environmental and humanitarian problem. Through my collection, I aim to demystify what goes into the garments we wear by highlighting how each product is made. When I’m not focusing on the BYADÈLE collection, I do extremely rewarding work for the United Nations’ Ethical Fashion Initiative (UNEFI). As a UNEFI consultant, I connect supply chains to distributors, identify natural dyes from locally sourced materials, and work on textile design and silk production, all with the goal of creating work opportunities for artisans in a larger global marketplace. This role reinforces my position as the creative director of BYADÈLE, because working with the United Nations has helped me build a network of talented and ethically-minded artists and producers.
The culture of BYADÈLE is an intentional self-reflection. The skirts flow and the dresses float, all odes to the delicate side of my artistic nature. However, the hard work and methodical due diligence that is put into each BYADÈLE piece and delivery demonstrate my sharp focus and limitless drive.
