Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Forbes Shafroth.
Hi Lily Forbes, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I come from a family of environmentalists and artists, which instilled in me both a sense of responsibility toward the natural world and a deep love of creative expression. I studied geography/sustainability and development theory/practice at UC Berkeley, where I began my research in Fairtrade production. Through my research I co-founded a brand centered on naturally-dyed, unisex outerwear sewn with a Fairtrade women’s production house in Varanasi, India. After university, I moved to Detroit to run a popup, showroom, and gallery event space. My fashion practice went through several incarnations and name changes as I dabbled with local production and learned a lot! Finally, in 2018 I founded LILY FORBES.
Its initial expression was a 2.0 version of my first brand–naturally dyed, loom-woven, unisex outerwear made with a Fairtrade women’s production house in Delhi, India. I started working with a small, family-run natural dye house and fourth-generation weavers in rural Uttar Pradesh, who make the most beautiful textiles. I then started incorporating other responsibly sourced materials–AZO-free Fairtrade silk, deadstock silk, and organic cotton. Alongside my international production, I also sewed small runs at my shared studio in Detroit with deadstock material. When the pandemic hit, I wasn’t able to travel and work with my team in India as I had before and pivoted to producing more of my line locally.
In 2021, I moved to Los Angeles, and my line grew enormously with all of the resources, talent, and fashion infrastructure of Southern California. My brand transformed as I created an entirely new body of work while still emphasizing timeless silhouettes, natural fibers, and transparent production practices.
Today my line is mostly comprised of deadstock silk and cotton and made in-house at my studio in Echo Park. Certain styles are still made with my team in Delhi, and I have also recently partnered with a Fairtrade knitting group in Peru. I sell online, by appointment at my studio, and in various popup events, and additionally stock with a few stores across the country.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been more of a wild ride! I have enjoyed the journey and learned so, so much, and am grateful for the peace that has settled in the past few years. A big obstacle to starting a business is the constant questioning of “Is this what I should be doing?” I have come to trust myself and my instincts so much more over the years. Another challenge is the patience required in the process…building something takes time and a lot of care. I have learned to surrender to the process more! The most obvious and constant challenge is with money. I am self-funded and it can be very stressful trying to keep the ball in the air.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a socially and environmentally conscious fashion designer. The LILY FORBES collection is modular, wears day to night, is focused on timeless silhouettes, and is comprised of high-quality textiles and techniques that become more beautiful with time. The garments are inspired by classic shapes that can be passed down from one generation to the next, worn in a variety of settings, and are luxurious yet durable. All LILY FORBES pieces are produced with environmental and social respect in Los Angeles, Detroit, India, and Peru.
I am most proud of the quality and intentionality with which each piece is produced. Sooo much love and care goes into everything, and I feel proud of that. My use and adoration of color often set me apart (I also love a monochromatic set).
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think starting my business was a big risk! Putting all of my savings into my company–another risk! However, I really believe in what I do and have come to really trust myself, so I don’t think of any personal investment as a risk anymore. I am a big believer in trusting the grand unfolding of life so that mentality diffuses the anxiety associated with ‘risk.’ Even if something doesn’t pan out the way I had imagined/hoped, I have undoubtedly learned something important in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: lilyforbes.co
- Instagram: @lilyforbesco
Image Credits
Image credit: Lily Shafroth (the first six images), Nora Schaefer (the one of me in the pink outfit), Eric Crocombe (the last image with the blue dress and the yellow pants underneath)
