What We Stand For
our vision
To make transparency and sustainability a norm, for dialogue to be free, and ethicality and equality to be standard in the fashion industry.
our approach
Reminiscent of sun-drenched days and balmy nights, each collection is a dreamy escape to the perfect vacation. Inspired by culture, traditions, and most of all – family, each piece is equally versatile, luxurious and sustainable. Inch by inch, and seam by seam, we are pushing boundaries of what is possible to bring you beautiful pieces that are as sustainable as they are beautiful.
Beyond creating transeasonal pieces that are designed to withstand the test of time, we produce in small quantities to avoid waste and overproduction. Moreover, we’re committed to creating fabrics and textiles that leave little to no footprint. We hand make each piece consciously, without compromising style, comfort, people or the planet.
We celebrate the progress we have made, and are constantly evolving, growing, and adapting as we learn more about the effects we have on our planet. Together, we can create dramatic change and push boundaries for sustainability, circularity, inclusivity and transparency.
our fabric + materials
Since the inception of milo+nicki, 100% of our fabrics have been made from plant-based materials; this includes our printed fabrics, and our custom weave and textured fabrics to our inner lining. Every piece is designed with carefully selected materials that come from natural resources and can easily biodegrade with little to no impact on people, planet or animals.
For all textile wastage and excess fabric post production, we repurpose the fabric to create smaller product lines and accessories to avoid landfills and reduce waste by creating something unique and beautiful.
banana fabric
We are one of the first brands in the world to create capsules with the fiber, and our banana fabric is unique to milo+nicki as we design from the thread, to determining the weave, weight, stitch, color, and print or hand-tie design. Made using the stems and the stalk of the banana plant, banana fiber is extremely durable, biodegradable and naturally water and tear resistant. By using the entire banana plant we leave minimal waste which makes the collection virtually carbon neutral, while conserving energy and water usage in the process. We use plant-based dyes for our Bandhani, and low-impact non-toxic and AZO free dyes for our hand screen printing. The result is an extremely lightweight, breathable fabric comparable to cotton silk in feel.
linen
Linen is one of the most sustainable textiles in the world; it is made from flax plant fibers and is therefore completely biodegradable. Beyond being sustainable, linen is strong, lightweight and extremely absorbent. Cool and fresh in hot climates, linen dries faster than cotton. Generally, flax is grown without the need for herbicides and pesticides. There is very little waste in the farming of flax as other parts of the plant such as the seeds can be used for different products (for example, flax oil). The durability of linen makes it long lasting so you can cherish your pieces for years to come.
lining
Our lining is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton. The fabric is soft, durable, natural, breathable and biodegradable. Grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton uses significantly less water, relying predominantly on rainwater. Organic cotton reduces environmental footprint and promotes safe work and better livelihoods for farmers and their families. GOTS certified organic cotton is considered the leading global standard in sustainable processing for the textile industry.
our design
All pieces are designed in-house by Nicki Patel with inspiration drawn from her culture, traditions, roots and love for the 70’s era. Each design begins with hand sketches that are perfected in fit and construction overtime honoring the maker and wearer. From our hand drawn textile print designs to our hand tied Bandhani, each part of the process is handmade allowing every piece to be the purest expression of the brand’s distinct touch and feel. Looking into the past for inspiration and future for innovation and sustainability, milo+nicki is committed to consciously creating beautiful pieces that instill freedom, transcend seasons, and stand the test of time; allowing pieces to become treasure mementos for years to come.
We believe good design is honest, innovative, ethical, and sustainable. It is thoughtfully considered, never wavering from core values, and always staying true to our vision. Every milo+nicki piece is designed with the intention to transcend seasons by embracing less is more, and made to last. Nicki’s design principles are to push the boundaries by creating silhouettes that are convertible and interconnected in textiles, colors and silhouettes that ensure each collection connects to the prior, mixing and matching with pieces already in your wardrobe, and carrying you from one season to the next. Celebrating slow fashion, and intentional and conscious consumption.
From fiber to final fabric, quality, craftsmanship and durability are at the forefront of our process. We work with the highest quality fibers to create fabrics, and test construction techniques extensively to make sure we extend the life of each garment. Each piece is made to last with a little love and care.
our packaging
Our packaging is just as important to us as our fabric. We use compostable and biodegradable packaging throughout our entire supply chain. This includes 100% recycled, biodegradable, and organic clothing labels, hang tags and shipping mailers. Our garment totes are made using GOTS certified organic cotton, and our totes are meant to be reused for years to come.
Each care label, hang tag and thank you card is made of 100% post-consumer recycled fiber and/or paper, and are 100% biodegradable, chlorine free, soy and vegetable ink based. Our thank you cards are created by a partner that is committed to printing with a chem-free processor (which cuts paper waste by 75%), using only recycled packaging, and completely offset their energy usage to make their business carbon neutral. Our business cards are made of the finest recycled, FSC certified paper, and produced using wind power.
We believe all the little things matter, and pledge to say #notoplastic.
wear more, wash less
Taking good care of your milo+nicki pieces will extend their life, conserve natural resources, and minimize the change of your garment ending up in a landfill.
Our goal is to create with the intent to be a part of your wardrobe for years to come. To ensure their longevity, we encourage thoughtful practices when caring for your pieces. Taking care of your garments will extend their life and minimize your environmental footprint. We recommend a cool hand wash with mild natural soap followed by line drying or drying flat in the shade. Avoid machine washing, tumble drying, hot water and harsh chemical detergents. As a general rule, limit washing until completely necessary. For our plant-based dyes, specifically indigo, we highly recommend dry cleaning the life cycle of the garment, or at least 1-2 times prior to moving over the hand wash. This allows for the loose dye to set, and maintain a deep and rich blue hue for years to come.
repair & repurpose
There is nothing sweeter than a vintage m+n piece, so think twice before you let it go. If a button comes loose, or your dress shows signs of wear, we encourage you to repair it or repurpose it into something new. Tackle minor repairs yourself at home or source a seamstress. You can breathe new life into old pieces by getting creative with DIY - shortening the hem of your favorite dress will give it a new feel and turning an old floral blouse into a scarf gives it a new life.
if you love it, let it go
When you are ready to let go of your m+n garment, consider hosting a clothing swap party with friends and family, have a garage sale or donate the item to support those in need in your local community.
our manufacturing + ethics
Responsibly produced in NYC, and across the Atlantic in India, we’re committed to upholding the highest ethical standards throughout every touch point ensuring a nurturing, genuine, and long-term relationship with our suppliers, producers, and weavers. When it comes to the supply chain - integrity, transparency and honesty are our guiding principles.
Our pieces handmade in NYC are made by a small family owned factory where strict guidelines are followed to honor the maker, ensure fair wages, freedom of harassment and discrimination, and safe and healthy working conditions.
Our pieces handmade in India are made by our trusted partner MasterG. MasterG brings women from low income communities together to engage in the field of design and production. MasterG gives women the opportunity to challenge societal norms and earn a dignified livelihood. From making patterns, interpreting tech packs to stitch and packing – all activities are carried out by our skilled MasterG team.
All of our weavers and makers confirm authenticity, sustainability metrics, and fair trade measures. This ensures our staff receive fair and livable wages, safe and healthy working conditions, maternity and sick leave, reasonable hours of work including breaks, a workplace free of harassment abuse and discrimination, no forced labor, time-off to support religious and cultural practices as well as local and national holidays.
We pride ourselves on partnering with factories that treat their employees with dignity and respect. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards at every level in our supply chain.