Ksu Fitz x Branded: The Art of Second Chances
How Branded is Fighting Fast Fashion
In the ever-changing fashion world, sustainability and individuality have become central to the industry’s future. One local business embodying these values is Branded, a fashion destination that provides a second life to pre-loved garments. Through their commitment to sustainability, Branded has created a lasting impact on the fashion scene in the Kent State area. In collaboration with ksu fitzz, Branded is making waves in sustainable fashion and beyond.
Founded by Lance and Dorothy Calvert, and Steve and Meredith Reed, Branded began its journey with a focus on turning clothing waste into wearable art. Since opening its first location in Butler in 2019, Branded has grown into a community-driven hub that champions sustainability. Kelsi Biondo, the Operations Manager, oversees all three locations, ensuring that Branded’s vision is reflected in every aspect of the brand, from store operations to its online presence.
Sustainability at the Core
At the heart of Branded’s mission is sustainability. “Our recycling facility is the hub of everything we do,” Kelsi explains. “Without it, we wouldn't be able to source for the stores or do anything.” With a strong focus on reducing waste and giving garments a second life, Branded sources of clothing through local donations, charity bins, and textile recycling programs. Recently, they launched Full Circle Textile Recycling, which has helped expand their efforts. By partnering with local charities and collecting excess clothing, Branded ensures that nothing goes to waste, with even home goods being traded for clothes. Unlike larger corporations like Goodwill, which often sell or dispose of excess donations, Branded ensures every item is either reused, repurposed, or finds a new home. This commitment to sustainability is at the core of Branded’s operations, emphasizing that every piece of clothing has the potential to be reused, repurposed, or find a new home.
The Fight Against High Consumerism
In today’s fast fashion landscape, many consumers prioritize quantity over quality, but Branded is challenging that norm. “Fast fashion is made so cheaply and quickly, and it's bad for the environment,” Kelsi shares. At Branded, the focus is on offering quality items that last. “Some of the pieces in our store have been around for 20 years or more,” Kelsi adds. Instead of purchasing several cheap items that wear out quickly, customers are encouraged to invest in durable pieces that will stand the test of time, both in terms of style and quality.
This approach speaks to a broader movement within the fashion industry—one that values mindfulness and sustainability over disposable trends.
Branded x Ksu Fitzz: A Collaborative Future
The partnership between ksu fitzz and Branded represents a shared vision of community, creativity, and sustainability. Together, We aim to inspire students, alumni, and local fashion enthusiasts to rethink how they approach fashion, advocating for a more sustainable and thoughtful approach to shopping.
Branded's dedication to rethinking fashion waste and ksu fitzz’s promotion of personal style have come together to create a stronger, more sustainable fashion culture on campus. Through this collaboration, students can engage with both sustainable fashion and the concept of second chances—both for the clothes and the people who wear them. We recently got a behind-the-scenes look at Branded’s operations, thanks to Kelsi Biondo, the amazing Operations Manager. Kelsi showed us around their store, and we were blown away by their commitment to sustainability, from unique finds to their eco-conscious approach to fashion.
In case you missed it, we filmed an MTV Cribs-style tour with Kelsi that takes you through the store and highlights some of their incredible pieces. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this! Watch the full video below to see Kelsi walk us through the space and share how Branded is making sustainable fashion accessible and stylish.
Watch the full video here:
Branded at the Boho Masquerade Fashion Show: April 12th, 2024
Branded will be at the Boho Masquerade Fashion Show, hosted by KSU Fitz, on April 12th, 2024, at 6 PM. They'll be giving out exclusive coupons, so be sure to stop by and grab yours! It’s an exciting opportunity to learn more about their sustainable fashion efforts and score some great deals. Stay tuned for more updates!
Visit Branded: Locations in Kent and Butler, PA
Kent Location
100 East Erie Street, Suite #122
Kent, OH 44240
Mon-Sat: Noon - 8:00 PM
Sunday: Noon - 6:00 PM
Butler Location
126 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Mon - Sat: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Stop by either location to experience Branded's commitment to sustainability and discover one-of-a-kind fashion finds!
Stay connected with us on social media! Follow @ksu_fitzz for all the latest updates on campus fashion, sustainability, and our exciting collaborations. Don’t forget to check out @brandedinkent for a closer look at their sustainable fashion pieces and exclusive offers. Join the movement and be part of the fashion revolution!