1800 Gallons is a London-based sustainable fashion label redefining denim through a slow, circular approach to design. Founded in 2019 by womenswear designer Emily Tan, the brand works exclusively with repurposed and deadstock textiles, transforming vintage denim into timeless garments built to last and evolve with wear. Each piece is made to order and handcrafted locally, ensuring minimal waste, full traceability, and fair wages throughout the production process.
Designer Q&A — Emily Tan, Founder of 1800 Gallons
Q: What inspired you to start 1800 Gallons?
A: While working in the fashion industry, I felt conflicted by how much it glorified constant “newness” while ignoring its environmental and social impact. I wanted to challenge that mindset and create something more responsible, slower, and honest.
Q: What does the name “1800 Gallons” represent?
A: It takes roughly 1,800 gallons of water to grow the cotton for just one pair of jeans. The name is a reminder of the hidden cost of clothing and why extending the life of textiles is so important.
Q: Why focus on denim and upcycling?
A: Denim is incredibly durable and has so much life left in it, even after years of wear. By repurposing vintage jeans and deadstock fabrics, we can reduce waste while creating garments with character and history.
Q: Where and how are the garments made?
A: Everything is developed and produced in London, either by me or with trusted local makers who are paid a fair, living wage. Keeping production small means the supply chain is fully transparent.
Q: What does sustainability mean to you in practice?
A: Sustainability isn’t about perfection — it’s about responsibility. For 1800 Gallons, that means using existing materials, reducing water consumption, supporting skilled labour, and designing garments meant to be worn, repaired, and reworked over time.
Join us for a 10-minute VR journey through 1800 Gallons, featuring the collection, sketches, and the making process behind each piece.
Click the button below to explore.
You might be interested to know that once an order is placed, production begins specifically for that piece. Customers can personalise details such as fit, topstitch colour, or denim wash, ensuring each garment is made with intention rather than mass production.
If you’d like to explore in-store discussions or collaborations in Soho, feel free to reach out to us at info@avantelier.com
— we’d love to connect.
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