'When I finished my Masters & started my own sustainability businesses, I was told it was an uncool concept that would never catch on
So I set up the online magazine and then my brand as purely sustainable. Decades later the shift to has thankfully started happening globally, but I am still trying to make everything eco cooler & sexier'
Electra Gillies, Founder
FAIR & LIVING WAGE
1. Our artisans and suppliers are not only provided with a living wage, but we ensure that
they have a wage from us that is above the minimum to cover the local BPJS Medical
Insurance and their family and needs are met.
2. We source our shells directly from the nomadic sea gypsy tribes of Sulawesi, Indonesia
who bring them into Bali and they are paid directly through their small-scale trading
shops in Bali, Indonesia.
3. Each member of our artisanal community is known to Electra personally and as
individuals. We do not speed up production or expect overtime. Collections are made
on a rolling basis throughout the year to never overstretch our sourcing or production.
4. As most of our artisans are from the local Hindu religion or national Islamic religion of
Indonesia – we observe all religious and ceremonial holidays as time off and do not
expect any work to be conducted on these days or if any family matters or personal
matters arise.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
1. Our materials are sourced locally in Indonesia. Organic Bamboo cotton, cotton, rattan
and metal is produced within the country to minimise the carbon footprint.
2. Our cowrie shells are sourced from nomadic seafaring tribes who harvest them
sustainably from beaches and islands of the Indonesian Archipelago.
3. Recycled Spandex is sourced from Italy to ensure the finest quality and produced in Bali,
Indonesia using small scale producers and incorporating local shells and beading.
4. Our cowrie shells and clothing are CITES certified and carry paperwork authorized by
the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs & Fisheries with documentation for every
shipment leaving the country.
ARTISAN SKILLSETS & COMMUNITY
1. Our collections are completely handcrafted to create unique pieces and preserve
artisanal cottage industry in Indonesia.
2. At ELECTRA we incorporate traditional and modern techniques into each collection and
actively support traditional skills instead of outsourcing to large mass production
factories.
3. Utilizing existing artisanal cottage industry facilities and homeworkers that have been
sourced and are communicated with individually by Electra Gillies.
4. Many of our artisans are home workers who we actively support in order that they can
produce from home whilst also supporting their families.
5. Small scale production is undertaken within each facility, and we provide extra money if
equipment or tools need to be updated for our pieces.
6. We pay for all sampling and materials that may not be used in the finished collection.
