Slow Fashion: Samantha Greene of Tiger and the Monkey On Why They Are Embracing Slow Fashion and Renewable Consumption
An Interview With Dina Aletras
…I want to die regretting what I did do, not what I didn’t do.” Jumping into the fashion world is quite a leap from my previous job as a CEO of a medical device company. I loved being part of developing therapies to manage/cure diseases but I felt it was time to make my lifelong passion my profession. One must at least attempt anything/everything that has the potential to light one’s fire. I do not regret this…
As ‘slow fashion’ grows in popularity, more fashion companies are jumping on the bandwagon. Renewable consumption has been gaining popularity for a while, as people recognize its importance, and many fashion companies want to be a part of this change. In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders in the fashion industry to discuss why they are embracing slow fashion and renewable consumption. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Samantha Greene. Inspired originally by a trip to North Africa 30 years ago, Samantha launched Tiger and the Monkey in 2024 after working, living and traveling the world for more than three decades. Samantha grew up raiding her parents and grandparents closets for clothes and fabrics to upcycle and has not stopped since. She embraces all things natural and endeavors to deliver premium design and quality while ensuring collaborating workers are paid a living wage in a safe working environment and that the earth and its inhabitants are equally respected.
Thank you for joining us! To start, can you share a bit about your early background and how it influenced your journey into slow fashion?
I never wanted to wear what everyone else had on so I raided both my parents and grandparents closets for cool finds very early on. My mother taught me how to sew so I would either re-work what already existed or if it was cool as is, it stayed as is. I always appreciated quality and individuality so I wasn’t a “mall girl.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in slow fashion, and can you share the story behind your decision?
I’ve always been someone who upcycles and recycles clothing and fabric. I’m not really into trends so fast fashion has never appealed to me. Frankly, it’s often poorly made with inferior quality textiles — I just don’t feel good in it — body or soul. I only buy things I love so why would I buy something that is going to fall apart in 6 months? People have always admired my style and my philosophy behind buying only what you love and that will last decades, so when I decided to start my own line, it definitely had to reflect that philosophy.
Who is your fashion hero or heroine, and why do they inspire you?
Dries Van Noten. His unexpected use of color and texture combined with modern elegant lines really separates him from the rest. I’m not certain you’d call the brand slow fashion but it certainly is brilliant.
What’s the most intriguing or memorable experience you’ve had since starting your career in slow fashion?
Attending the Ganesh Chaturthi festival as guests of some of our Indian collaborators. The sights, sounds, food and clothing are a true joy to behold and take part in.
As a successful leader in the industry, which three character traits have been key to your success? Can you provide a story or example for each?
Patience: I searched for two years to find the right textile and trim partners.We wanted partners that valued their employees, produced top-quality goods, were environmentally sensitive and were willing to produce in small quantities. Not a small task…..Authenticity: It’s hard to sell something you don’t wear yourself and that you don’t believe in. My first customers were people that stopped me and asked me where they could buy what I had on. Focus: My goal every day is to find a way to make Tiger and Monkey even better for its customers and the world.
How does your company embody and implement the principles of slow fashion, and what motivated you to adopt this approach?
We produce a limited number of styles, all made in small quantities. 75% of the fabrics we use are made from either environmentally sensitive machined products, for example, Ecovero(™) Viscose, or they are hand-loomed and largely organic fabrics created by hand and often without the use of electricity. It takes more human power and upfront commitment from manufacturers to produce these fine textiles and the people involved with the cutting and sewing of the fabric take great pains to lovingly honor the base textile. I was motivated to take this approach because I believe in quality, comfort, honoring the past by keeping ancient artistry alive and respecting the future by trying to reduce waste and providing real opportunity for women, artists and communities that will result in a brighter future for all.
What measures does your company take to ensure the sustainability and ethical integrity of your supply chain and production processes?
The fabric supplied by our partners in Italy and Brazil are certified Ecovero or produced with licenses by the Better Cotton Initiative. We have personally visited and worked with our manufacturing partners to confirm workers are provided with safe working conditions and are paid a living wage. The UNESCO award-winning cooperatives we work with in India are all working to provide women (urban and rural) and villagers with economic and social opportunities they would not have otherwise. At the same time, they are producing high-quality, handwoven textiles utilizing ancient dye and design techniques that are friendlier to the environment and to our customer’s skin. We minimize the use of plastic by packaging in cardboard and paper or with poly bags that are again, gentler to the environment. We do have to ship the raw textiles and garments, but take pains to minimize the size and number of shipments. We continue to look for ways to reduce the amount of transport required.
Can you tell us about the materials you use in your products and how you ensure they are sourced sustainably?
Certified Ecovero (™) viscose (reduced water impact, reduced CO2 emissions, made from wood, biodegradable in soil, fresh and salt water), Cotton fabric licensed by the Better Cotton Initiative — which was founded to support cotton farming communities socially, environmentally and economically.
Could you share some examples of how your company’s practices have benefited local communities or the environment?
We work with two award-winning collectives in India. The first is one whose mission is to provide urban women with opportunities for financial independence as well as build a network of artisans in rural villages to provide opportunities which would not otherwise exist in these areas. The second collective is focused on livelihood creation by training rural communities to produce world-class handmade textiles in addition to providing them with market channels to sell the products they have produced. By buying fabrics from these producers we are actively taking part in providing much-needed economic opportunity for marginalized persons and communities and furthering the mission of keeping traditional artistry alive while being environmentally sensitive.
What initiatives are you undertaking to educate consumers about the significance of slow fashion and sustainable consumption?
We have been publishing a blog on our website as well as in our social media channels and as we grow we will continue to drive home the message.
What are three essential things everyone should understand about slow fashion?
1. It is part of a holistic approach to reducing unnecessary waste in all its forms
2. It does not mean you have to wear your grandmother’s curtains
3. It means choosing quality over quantity
Thank you for all that insight. Now, let’s dive into the core of our interview: What are the “5 Key Elements to Leading a Successful Slow Fashion Brand”? Please provide a story or example for each.
1. This may sound obvious but make certain that all of your colleagues and partners understand what you are trying to do and why. Example: One of the vendors we were considering using sent us a shipment of samples each individually wrapped in plastic. Obviously someone missed the memo.
2. Have patience. Things may not happen as fast as you like, because you are producing something that is still out of the mainstream of what is being done. Example: It took us 18 months to find and train the right partners to handmake the upcycled fabric pompoms we use as trim on one of our styles. The style was almost scrapped and it is now one of our most popular.
3. In your pursuit of perfection, do not lose the forest through the trees. Example: Fabrics which are hand-dyed using vegetable dyes are subject to the whims of the air temperature and sun. If the color isn’t exactly the same in every piece, this is the magic of the natural world, not a mistake.
4. Understand that people will need to be educated on why your garments cost more money and why it is worth it. Spend the time to do this and the idea will grow. Examples: Even my mother, who was the queen of upcycling and no waste, did not understand why our garments cost what they do. She is not able to now, but she became very adept at explaining to anyone who would listen.
5. You will need to make some concessions, as this is the practical reality. Make sure they are ones you can live with. Example: we have global partners and this requires transportation which contributes to environmental degradation. Unfortunately, the skill sets required to produce most of what we do is not present locally. We had to make this concession.
Do you have a favorite quote that has influenced your life? Can you share a story that illustrates its relevance to you?
My favorite quote is my own — although I have since heard others use something similar: “I want to die regretting what I did do, not what I didn’t do.” Jumping into the fashion world is quite a leap from my previous job as a CEO of a medical device company. I loved being part of developing therapies to manage/cure diseases but I felt it was time to make my lifelong passion my profession. One must at least attempt anything/everything that has the potential to light one’s fire. I do not regret this.
With your considerable influence, if you could start a movement to make a significant positive impact, what would it be?
This is unrelated to fashion but it’s another one of my passions. It should be a requirement, just like school is, that everyone know how to swim. It saves lives and it provides recreational, sporting and social opportunities that are unavailable to those who can’t swim.
How can our readers stay updated with your work online?
Thank you for sharing these fantastic insights. We appreciate your time and wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.
Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.
Slow Fashion: Samantha Greene of Tiger and the Monkey On Why They Are Embracing Slow Fashion and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.