6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Erie-Manuel Shorts Redefining Summer Fashion Through Sustainability and Style
In a fashion world often dominated by fleeting trends and mass production, Erie-Manuel Shorts has emerged as a breath of fresh air. This up-and-coming fashion label, focused exclusively on premium shorts, has been gaining traction for its sustainable production practices, meticulous craftsmanship, and bold designs that reflect both global inspirations and local integrity.
The brand was founded by Erie Thomas and Manuel Rivera in 2020, during the height of the global pandemic. What started as a side project — hand-sewing colorful, comfortable shorts from reclaimed fabric in a New York apartment — quickly evolved into something much bigger. Erie, a textile artist with a passion for cultural storytelling, and Manuel, a fashion buyer frustrated with the industry's wasteful habits, decided to launch a brand that could do better.
Their vision was simple: make one piece of clothing and make it well.
They chose shorts, a staple often overlooked in high fashion, but essential in everyday wear across the globe. 'We wanted to take something basic and elevate it to something meaningful,' Manuel explains. 'Shorts are democratic. Everyone wears them, yet no one really talks about them as fashion.'
Each pair of Erie-Manuel shorts is a testament to the founders' philosophy of slow fashion . The brand sources deadstock fabrics from around the world, ensuring that no new materials are unnecessarily produced. This approach not only minimizes waste but also means that each limited-edition line is truly unique — once the fabric is gone, it's gone.
Production is kept small-scale and local, with all garments manufactured in ethical workshops based in Brooklyn. The shorts are known for their deep pockets, breathable linings, and custom waistbands. Each piece carries a small tag with the name of the person who made it, connecting the wearer to the maker in a personal, powerful way.
'We believe transparency builds trust,' says Erie. 'When you know who made your clothes, you start to value them differently.'
One of the things that makes Erie-Manuel Shorts stand out is the storytelling embedded in each collection. From the 'Saharan Winds' line, inspired by the movement of desert travelers, to the 'Concrete Jungle' collection reflecting urban life in New York City, each design is accompanied by a narrative. These aren't just clothes — they're conversation starters.
The shorts often feature patterns and symbols from various world cultures, always with the input and collaboration of artists from those regions. Erie-Manuel has partnered with designers from Ghana, India, and Mexico to create prints that celebrate cultural heritage rather than appropriate it.
'It's about celebrating global voices, not mimicking them,' Erie says.
Though still a relatively young brand, Erie-Manuel Shorts has already caught the eye of fashion critics and influencers alike. GQ hailed the brand as 'a much-needed blend of purpose and cool,' while Vogue praised its 'effortless approach to ethical wear.' Celebrities from musicians to NBA players have been spotted wearing the shorts on social media, often pairing them with simple white tees or high-end accessories for contrast.
The company's online store regularly sells out within days of a new drop, and their waitlist has grown to thousands worldwide. Despite the hype, Erie and Manuel remain committed to their small-batch ethos.
'We don't want to scale just for the sake of growth,' says Manuel. 'Every step forward needs to align with our values.'
Looking ahead, the founders are planning to expand their product line — carefully. Rumors suggest collaborations with eco-friendly sneaker brands and the possibility of releasing matching shirts made from leftover fabric scraps. Still, they are adamant about staying focused.
'Shorts will always be our foundation,' Erie states. 'It's the canvas we return to again and again.'
Erie-Manuel Shorts is more than just a clothing label. It's a quiet revolution against throwaway culture, a testament to the power of intentional design, and a reminder that fashion can be fun, expressive, and ethical — all at once.
As temperatures rise and summer looms large, don't be surprised if Erie-Manuel Shorts become the statement piece of the season — not just for how they look, but for what they stand for.
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