Jardin des Costumes Launches Made-to-Order Ballet Rehearsal Skirts Made Entirely from Recycled Polyester

Sustainability has become a pressing issue, especially for niche industries and micro-enterprises.

Jardin des Costumes (Osaka City, Representative: Akiko Kimura), a company specializing in custom-made ballet costumes, will begin accepting online orders for its 'Rehearsal Skirt for the Earth's Future' on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

This product utilizes recycled polyester sourced from multiple manufacturers for all of its components, including the tulle, lace, and waist belt. It features practical specifications born from the representative's over 40 years of ballet experience. The project is deeply committed to ensuring sustainability for all involved parties, including material manufacturers and sewing factories. Through this product, the company aims to provide a comfortable and uplifting practice time while prompting dancers to think about the SDGs.

[Product Overview] Product Name: Rehearsal Skirt for the Earth's Future Sales Period: Initial application period is from August 29 (Tue) to October 2 (Mon), 2023. Shipping will begin sequentially from November 1 (Wed). Thereafter, application periods will be set quarterly for completely made-to-order production. Sales Location: Jardin des Costumes e-commerce site Price: 18,700 JPY (tax included) SKU: 4 colors x 3 sizes (S, M, L)

[Fitting Event] Prior to the start of web orders, a pre-order fitting event will be held in Osaka. Admission is free with no reservation required, and attendees will receive a 1,000 JPY discount off the retail price. Rin Okuno, Principal of the Romanian National Opera Bucharest Ballet, will participate as a guest. Date/Time: August 22 (Tue) 13:00 - 19:30 Location: Miracle Body (Lexington Square Kitahorie, 2-3-26 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)

[Development Background and Environmental Commitment] Because custom-made ballet costumes are one-of-a-kind, materials are purchased only in necessary quantities without bulk ordering. This rehearsal skirt adopts the same inventory-free, made-to-order method, ensuring production and sales align with the SDGs. After about a year of research, the company succeeded in gathering ideal materials, such as Uni Textile Co., Ltd.'s 'ECO Tulle,' which compromises neither on environmental consideration nor texture.

Furthermore, the manufacturing method is environmentally conscious. It employs a 'straight cut' technique that requires almost no patterns, ultimately eliminating fabric waste. This complex sewing process was made possible with the cooperation of These General Special Processing (Representative: Yoshiro Shinkawa) in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka.

[Strategy as a Small Business] In the past, a major ballet manufacturer sold recycled polyester skirts but quickly withdrew due to high costs. However, individual management allows for 'made-to-order' and 'small-lot production' without holding inventory, thanks to the cooperation of small-scale sewing factories. We are transitioning from an era of mass production and consumption to one of customization. Rather than pursuing massive profits, producers, manufacturers, retailers, and planners must unite to create a sustainable society.