Roman Originals

Introduction

Roman Originals is a British fashion brand that was founded in 1987 by the entrepreneurial duo of Greg and Patricia Zissman. With a store opening in Birmingham, England, the brand quickly garnered a reputation for offering fashionable, high-quality clothing at accessible prices. The founders believed in creating a brand that appeals to women of all ages, providing versatile pieces that can transition from day to night. Their focus on understanding customer needs and preferences plays a crucial role in the brand’s development and direction.

The philosophy behind Roman Originals hinges on the idea of embracing individuality and self-expression through fashion. The brand aims to create clothing that not only enhances the wearer's style but also boosts their confidence. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, Roman Originals strives to produce garments that marry comfort and elegance. This approach fosters a loyal customer base that appreciates the blend of classic and contemporary designs, making the brand a staple in many wardrobes.

What sets Roman Originals apart is its dedication to inclusivity and a diverse range of sizes and styles. The brand is known for its vibrant prints, flattering silhouettes, and timeless pieces that cater to a broad demographic. Emphasizing seasonal trends while retaining wardrobe staples, Roman Originals manages to strike a balance that resonates with many women. The combination of stylish designs and affordability establishes the brand as a go-to option for those looking to express their personal style without breaking the bank.

Signature Products

Roman Originals offers a variety of stylish products that define its essence and appeal to its diverse customer base. Each collection reflects the brand's commitment to quality and fashion-forward designs.

• Dresses : Known for their flattering fits and vibrant prints, dresses from Roman Originals cater to various occasions, from casual outings to formal events.
• Tops : Stylish and comfortable, the tops range from everyday wear to chic blouses, perfect for layering or standalone statements.
• Maxi Skirts : These flowing skirts provide both elegance and comfort, allowing for easy movement while looking effortlessly chic.
• Coats : The outerwear reflects contemporary styles, ensuring warmth without sacrificing on-trend appeal.
• Loungewear : Soft and cozy, the loungewear collection is crafted for comfort, perfect for relaxing at home or casual outings.

Materials and Ingredients Used by ROMAN ORIGINALS

• Cotton : Cotton is a natural fiber known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. ROMAN ORIGINALS uses cotton in various clothing items to provide comfort and ease of wear, making it ideal for everyday outfits and casual wear.
• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is durable, resistant to wrinkles, and quick-drying. ROMAN ORIGINALS incorporates polyester into their garments to enhance longevity and maintain a polished look, making it suitable for both casual and formal attire.
• Viscose : Viscose, often referred to as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber known for its silk-like feel and drape. ROMAN ORIGINALS utilizes viscose to create flowy and elegant garments that offer a luxurious appearance while remaining lightweight for comfort.
• Wool : Wool is a natural fiber that provides excellent insulation and warmth. ROMAN ORIGINALS employs wool in their winter collections to offer cozy clothing options, ideal for colder climates while adding texture to the designs.
• Linen : Linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric made from flax fibers. ROMAN ORIGINALS uses linen for summer attire due to its temperature-regulating properties, ensuring comfort in warmer weather and providing a relaxed, casual aesthetic.
• Polyamide : Polyamide, commonly known as nylon, is a strong and elastic synthetic fiber. ROMAN ORIGINALS incorporates polyamide in activewear and fitted styles for its stretchability and ability to retain shape, enhancing comfort and functionality.
• Elastane : Elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is a highly elastic synthetic fiber. ROMAN ORIGINALS integrates elastane into their garments to provide stretch and flexibility, ensuring a comfortable fit and ease of movement for the wearer.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From ROMAN ORIGINALS

Water Consumption:

Water consumption impacts various stages of material production. For example, cotton farming requires significant amounts of water—estimates suggest that it can take about 7,000 liters to produce one kilogram of cotton. This intense water usage can lead to depletion of local water sources, severe ecological changes, and may negatively impact local communities and their access to clean drinking water. Additionally, materials like modal and Tencel also involve water for their production processes, putting further strain on water resources.

Plastic Pollution:

Polyester and its derivatives, such as recycled polyester and acrylic, are sourced from petrochemicals. The manufacturing process not only emits greenhouse gases but also leads to substantial plastic waste. Additionally, when these synthetic materials are washed, they can shed microplastics into water systems, contributing to the global marine plastic pollution crisis that endangers marine life and ecosystems.

Chemical Processing:

Several materials, particularly viscose, modal, and Tencel, undergo chemical processing that can have detrimental effects on the environment if not managed carefully. The production of viscose has historically been linked to deforestation and water pollution due to toxic chemicals used in its processing. Similarly, while Tencel is produced in a closed loop system to minimize waste, concerns remain about sourcing wood materials sustainably and the overall impact of chemicals in processing.

Animal Welfare:

The production of wool and cashmere raises critical animal welfare concerns, including overgrazing and the treatment of animals in farming practices. The significant ecological footprint from sheep and cashmere goats can lead to land degradation and increased greenhouse gas emissions, especially when these animals are not managed sustainably. It's important for brands to consider animal welfare in their material sourcing practices.

Energy Consumption:

Materials like polyester, nylon (polyamide), and elastane are energy-intensive in both their production and processing phases, heavily relying on fossil fuels. This contributes to a higher carbon footprint associated with these materials compared to natural fibers. Moreover, the recycling processes for these synthetic materials often require substantial energy input as well.

Land Use and Deforestation:

The sourcing of materials like modal and bamboo has been linked to land conversion and deforestation, contributing to biodiversity loss and habitat destruction. Unsustainable harvesting practices can lead to the loss of critical ecosystems and the displacement of local communities reliant on those lands.

Labor Practices:

Labor practices in the production of materials like cotton and wool often come under scrutiny due to concerns regarding fair wages, working conditions, and child labor. These issues highlight the importance of ethical sourcing across the supply chain, not only in the cultivation of raw materials but also in their processing and transportation.

In summary, there are numerous sustainability and environmental issues associated with the various materials used in the production and packaging by ROMAN ORIGINALS. Recognizing these challenges is crucial for addressing them within the supply chain, promoting sustainability, and ensuring ethical practices in the textile industry.