EXPERT TRAVELER LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGN LINE

Karyn Pettigrew created ZoeGoes, a five-piece capsule collection of clothing, sparked from her experience as a traveler. Photo courtesy of Karyn Pettigrew/ZoeGoes
Karyn Pettigrew created ZoeGoes, a five-piece capsule collection of clothing, sparked from her experience as a traveler. Photo courtesy of Karyn Pettigrew/ZoeGoes

Expert traveler launches sustainable fashion design line

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Karyn Pettigrew created the line, ZoeGoes, a five-piece sustainable capsule collection after a travel experience that helped her see the beauty in packing light. The minimalist, simplistic concept of the collection allows for its wearers a carry-on only option, with pieces made from wrinkle-free fabrics.

Pettigrew said while she does not have a background in fashion, she did sew when she was younger. She said wanting to share her designs with people led her to find people in the industry who could help bring her vision to life. “I’ve always really enjoyed fashion. I would like to say I have an eye for the aesthetic,” she said. “I just had a concept, I had an idea.”

Pettigrew said it was about connecting with the right people. “When we step into something that’s really a heart’s desire and we’re open to receiving direction on those thing[s], interesting people get put into our pathway,” she said.

The pieces in the collection include a wide leg pant, a wrap top that can be worn versatilely, scarves that can be worn as tops, a skirt and a wrap sweater that can also be worn as a cardigan.

The sizes have names that include Grace (4-6), Love (8-10), Amazing (12-14) and Magic (16-18). With sustainability in mind, ZoeGoes is made-to-order. Prices range from $129 to $220.

Pettigrew said she chose the wrinkle-free fabrics because the line was originally conceived for people on the go, especially those who travel.

“When you’re travelling, especially because I prefer to travel with just one bag, the whole idea is to be able to carry it on and carry it off. And I want to be able to go in my bag, take my stuff out and wear it,” she said. “Sometimes you’re in places where you can’t iron your things. Sometimes you’re in places where the adapters don’t work.”

Pettigrew said she just wanted the collection to have ease, be comfortable, have functionality, while being fashionable. “When it’s wrinkle free, you can take it out of your suitcase and put it on and then you don’t have to worry about it. Or, if you’ve been in it all day, you don’t have to worry about it at the end of the day, looking crazy.”

Pettigrew said the wrinkle-free nature of the pieces allows for versatile wear. For example, the skirt or pants can be worn with a t-shirt, or the wrap blouse and dress it up with heels.

Pettigrew said she has several key audiences in mind: Road Warrior, who minimizes what they take with them; Modern Minimalist, who likes to keep it simple, but sophisticated; Busy Mom, who doesn’t have time to iron but doesn’t want to look like a frumpy mom; Sustainable-Conscious Person, who goes to work and hangs out with friends but does it with sustainability in mind; Bleasure, who travels a lot for business but can appreciate the efficiency of going to meetings and dinner with friends.

Pettigrew said the pieces are designed to be flexible with various body types, elasticized waist and full pockets on the pants and skirt.

“I see the pieces as moving when you walk in them. I designed the pieces so that multiple body types would feel comfortable and find them flattering,” she said. “I’ve had people put on the same pieces and be shocked at how flattering they are. And, how much fluidity there is in the sizing.”

Pettigrew also offers a weekly, free-of-charge workshop at 11 a.m. CST each Thursday. For more information about ZoeGoes, visit https://zoegoes.com. ZoeGoes is on Instagram at ZoeGoesOfficial.

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