New England made clothing echoes the region’s once-thriving textile industry. 1. Since graduating from MassArt in the 1980s, Sara Campbell has not only built a career as a fashion designer, but created her own line of clothing, manufactured in New England. Her commitment to keeping production local and giving back to the community is a primary […]
Photo Credit : Heath RobbinsNew England made clothing echoes the region’s once-thriving textile industry.1. Since graduating from MassArt in the 1980s, Sara Campbell has not only built a career as a fashion designer, but created her own line of clothing, manufactured in New England. Her commitment to keeping production local and giving back to the community is a primary mission, second only to the development of her sharp designs for classic-yet-modern dresses, such as this chevron print with skinny belt ($278), and sportswear. Sara Campbell, Boston, MA. 617-423-3134; saracampbell.com2. Frank Fredella is the second-generation owner of Sterlingwear, founded in 1965. As the sole manufacturer of U.S. Navy peacoats, the company employs up to 300 people at its East Boston facility. In addition to that classic design, they produce a fashionable line of high-quality wool jackets such as “Brittany,” shown here ($195). Sterlingwear, East Boston, MA. 617-567-6465; sterlingwear.com3. In 2010, Robert Kidder established the New England Shirt Company in a Fall River, Massachusetts, mill that had seen more than 75 years of production prior to its closing in 2009. Although the company manufactures garments for several elite brands, as well as under its own label, the firm’s newest line, William Gray, provides classic-yet-hip, well-tailored men’s shirts (from $125), which can be purchased directly from the Web site. New England Shirt Co., Fall River, MA. 508-672-2223; williamgray.com4. After selling his first company, Chaco Shoes, Mark Paigen started his menswear company, Osmium, in 2012. Looking for new ways to run a sustainable business—one with reasonable prices and local production—he embraced a new distribution model, selling his line of modern classics (think relaxed takes on flat-front pants, tweed jackets, and button-downs, from $55) directly to customers. Osmium, Stoneham, MA. 781-435-0662; osmium.com5. Ocean State designer Kiel James Patrick began with a line of preppy, handmade bracelets, but soon grew his product line to include belts, ties, and other accessories. Now he’s expanded his brand to include men’s and women’s shirts ($98) with a nautical style. Kiel James Patrick, Pawtucket, RI. 866-823-6767; kieljamespatrick.com
