2023-09-24 17:29:27
Published on September 24, 2023 at 7:29 p.m. Modified on September 24, 2023 at 7:31 p.m.
A dozen sewing machines sing in chorus like cicadas. Virgin materials in rolls or cut into the shape of sweaters or t-shirts litter the tables. The workshop of the young brand Revario, in Marly, in an innovation district near Fribourg, occupies an area barely larger than a 3-room apartment. However, the small company now produces nearly 10,000 pieces of sports clothing per year. A symbolic threshold, which marks the transition to a new stage of its growth. “For the moment, we still cut all our models by hand. But given the influx of orders, an automatic cutting machine becomes a reasonable investment,” rejoices Michael Ingram.
Two years ago, in the spring of 2021, this mechanical engineer from EPFL began a professional reconversion by launching his first collection of technical clothing for ultra-trail enthusiasts concerned regarding the environment, like him. The bet seemed like a summit to climb: 100% local production and only with recycled materials. The road ahead proved to be steep and rocky: first, combining full-time work and initiation into the profession of fashion designer, then learning on the job the hazards of entrepreneurship. Accustomed to long mountain races, Michael Ingram resisted. In the fall of 2023, the once three-person company has nine employees, keeps the promise of local and recycled and is now faced with another challenge: meeting growing demand without betraying its convictions.
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