Andrea Barrett

The daughter of a particularly ingenious industrial engineer, Andrea Barrett learned early on how to spot the marks of quality craftsmanship. As a teenager, she was a clotheshorse with a thriftstore budget. “I remember lucking into vintage Chanel blazers, items from Neimans and Saks. I noticed that the best lines were not only gorgeous, but built to last, “ Andrea recalls. “I’ve had some of my favorite pieces for almost twenty years.”

This recognition of quality manufacturing practices blends seamlessly with her respect for the work of people like nature writer Rachel Carson, architect William McDonough and environmental analyst Lester R. Brown, who Andrea regards as visionaries whose words and ideas must be heeded if we are to forge a sustainable path in a world of dwindling resources. “It’s the mass-produced junk that clutters our landfills and robs our future,” says Barrett. “Mindfully-built products can last a lifetime, and through upcycling, several lifetimes.”

As partner to Kate Morison at Arboretum, Andrea is excited about the opportunity to actively participate in moving the fashion industry toward a more ethically-minded future. Chief among the clothing designers who inspire her daily and who pushed the industry, each in their own uniqe way, to greater heights are Helmut Lang, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Miucci Prada and Todd Oldham. “They each blow me away for different reasons,” notes Andrea. “Now I get to directly support new talent like Rogan Gregory (Edun, Loomstate), Larry Olmstead (Entermodal) and ninA vAlenti (Nature vs. Future); people who are taking the industry to the next level.”

Through Arboretum Andrea hopes to share her insight and continue her quest for knowledge while simultaneously promoting the positive aspects of high fashion. “This may sound crazy, but I hope to one day sit down at a table with Helmut Lang and William McDonough and hash out an ethical guideline for the fashion industry.”