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"Entrepreneurship taught me to solve problems. Seeing fast fashion's harm inspired me to create sustainable alternatives, led to Lotta Ludwigson, where women can wear their values''
Charlotte Piller, co-founder of Lotta Ludwigson
Charlotte, the co-founder of Lotta Ludwingson, a sustainable fashion brand that designs, makes, and takes back high-quality, timeless and long-lasting clothes that foster a circular, regenerative, and ethical fashion system in a holistic way.
Charlotte shared all about her entrepreneurship journey, the inspiration behind the brand and also touches on the challenges of starting a business, personal growth, and the empowering impact of women's suits.
What inspired you to start Lotta Ludwigson, and how did your background influence your approach to fashion and entrepreneurship?
During my master’s studies in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Copenhagen, I learned that entrepreneurship is a tool for finding solutions to pressing problems. With this understanding, I realized I just needed to identify a problem to apply my entrepreneurial skills.
As I searched for issues to tackle, I quickly focused on the fashion and textile industry. This industry encompasses many of the global challenges we face today. Name an issue - fashion has it.
The more I researched, studied, and worked in the industry, the more shocking its practices became, drawing me deeper and deeper into understanding its complexities.
Observing the exploitative and polluting nature of fast fashion, I felt compelled to dedicate my professional life to foster change. This drive to find sustainable alternatives was further fueled by the sustainable lifestyle and mindset prevalent in Copenhagen. This combination of influences ultimately laid the groundwork for what, three years later, would become LOTTA LUDWIGSON.
Can you share a defining moment in your life that led you to focus on creating a circular, regenerative, and ethical fashion brand?
There were two pivotal moments:
After Copenhagen, I moved to Berlin and started working in the startup scene. Specifically, I worked at a corporate venture builder, developing tech startups and digital business models for large corporations in the mobility, insurance, and banking sectors. While I enjoyed the work and the team, I soon realized how unfulfilling it was to work in industries that didn't genuinely sparked fire in me.
I thought about how many people struggle to find their passion, yet I knew mine very well—I wanted to transform the fashion industry for the better. So, I asked myself, why wasn't I pursuing that goal? The rest is history.
The most defining moment came when I watched an interview with a UN representative dedicated to fighting child labor and unsafe working conditions. As she spoke passionately about her mission, I noticed she was wearing a pantsuit from a fast fashion brand. It struck me as paradoxical: how could she not embody the values she advocated for? The answer was simple: there wasn't a pantsuit available that was both stylish and sustainably made that she could have worn.
This realization clarified my mission: to create clothing that is both sustainable and fashionable, allowing women to wear their values and truly walk the talk, even in their professional lives.
How do you believe clothing, particularly suits for women, can serve as a tool for empowerment and self-expression?
Until a few decades ago, women were not allowed to wear pants or suits - those were reserved for men. Wearing a suit as a woman was an act of rebellion and, later, a symbol of empowerment. Today, women’s pantsuits are a wardrobe staple, but the feelings of empowerment, self-expression, and confidence remain.
One of my favorite moments is seeing women try on our suits. Often, they say beforehand, "Well, I'm not really the type of woman to wear a suit." But then they try it on, and the way they naturally lift their heads, straighten their shoulders and look at themselves in the mirror with that empowered, surprised look is absolutely priceless. Afterwards, they always say, "I never realized how transformative a suit can be.
How do you address the challenges of promoting a sustainable and ethical fashion brand in a predominantly fast-fashion market?
We embrace the philosophy of "slow luxury," ensuring that our approach stands in stark contrast to fast fashion. Doing things radically different sets us apart from the conventional linear business model, making any comparison to fast fashion irrelevant.
Here's what this means for us at Lotta Ludwigson:
- No Seasons, No Trends: We don’t follow the conventional fashion calendar. Our designs are timeless, transcending seasonal trends to promote longevity and lasting style.
- No Discounts: Our pricing reflects the true value of our craftsmanship and materials, ensuring fair wages and ethical practices without resorting to unsustainable discounts.
- No Overproduction: We produce mindfully, creating limited quantities to minimize waste and ensure each piece is crafted with care.
- No Polyester, only natural materials: We reject the use of synthetic materials. Instead, we only use the finest certified natural materials, ensuring quality, sustainability, and a luxurious feel.
- Timeless and Circular Design: Our designs are not only timeless but also incorporate circular design practices, allowing for recycling, repurposing and even biodegradation at the end of their life cycle.
- Made with Love in the EU: Our products are crafted in the EU, where we can closely monitor and maintain high standards of quality and ethics.
- Price and Supply Chain Transparency: We believe in full transparency, providing our customers with clear information about our pricing and supply chain to build trust and accountability.
By adhering to these principles, we create a brand that not only promotes sustainability and ethics but also redefines luxury fashion.
What advice would you give to aspiring female founders, who are just starting out there?
My advice for female founders who are just starting out is to build a network of like-minded individuals.
Surround yourself with people who want to see you grow, support your visions, and mention your name in rooms full of opportunities.
Find people you can learn from, who inspire you, and who will walk with you on this journey. Building a business is a rollercoaster ride, and you need people to share both the highs and the lows with.
Thank you Charlotte for the Interview and insights!