Reviving Fabrics {HarperSage}

Meghan Herman of HarperSage

Words Codi Chen | Photos Eric Morales

While designing apparel for major brands like Carolina Herrera and Anthropologie prior to opening HarperSage, Meghan Herman consistently received feedback that she needed to “femme” up her designs. As an avid soccer player and fashion enthusiast, she hated that women were consistently put into one box rather than celebrated for the multifaceted beings they are. This passion for an inclusive mindset and creating sustainable options for women has been the driving force behind her incredible brand.

When starting her clothing line, Meghan was certain about several things. First, she wanted to combat the ever-growing piles of textile waste in the fashion industry. HarperSage sources mainly “deadstock” fabrics, which are leftovers from larger brands’ canceled orders or excess production often destined for landfills. “Brands will throw away huge piles of stock if the color isn’t just right, or the weave isn’t to their liking. I personally go and hand-source these fabrics to design into them, giving them new life,” Meghan explains. By producing their line in small batches, HarperSage avoids excess inventory while also adding to the uniqueness of each piece.

“While I was visiting factories for previous jobs, I saw some things on the shop floor that disturbed me. I couldn’t sleep after that. Once I started HarperSage, I knew we had to be specific about who we partnered with,”

Second, it was essential that HarperSage support women and women-owned businesses worldwide. She partners exclusively with Sedex certified woman-owned factories, emphasizing ethical practices and sustainability. “While I was visiting factories for previous jobs, I saw some things on the shop floor that disturbed me. I couldn’t sleep after that. Once I started HarperSage, I knew we had to be specific about who we partnered with,” Meghan admits. 

In addition to the business’s sustainable practices, Meghan is committed to combating all forms of human trafficking. Once a year, HarperSage collaborates with nonprofits like Freedom Network USA, designing a specialized product to raise awareness in an important and engaging way. “We hire a survivor as a consultant to help us understand what they need,” Meghan explains. She elaborates that in a previous year, they designed a dyed silk pillowcase with an embroidered quote when their consultant pointed out the depressing, sterile sheets that are standard at many shelters. When one of the pillowcases was purchased from the store, another was donated to a local shelter. This upcoming holiday season will showcase the results of this year’s creative collaboration with their stand-in-consultant.

For Meghan, people are her passion, and that’s evident throughout the entire HarperSage brand. She advises, “Go into your community and see what needs to be done, even on a micro-level. That’s how change starts.”

Harper vs. Sage
Each piece at HarperSage aligns with one of their signature personas: the soft and romantic “Harper” or the strong and adventurous “Sage.” These designs are crafted to be mixed, matched, and styled to suit your lifestyle.

Quality Over Quantity
HarperSage champions the ethos of quality over quantity with their small batch production approach. This method allows the brand to be more environmentally responsible by reducing the risk of overproduction and excess inventory while ensuring every garment is unique.

Contact:
1714 S Congress, Ste. B
harpersage.com
@shopharpersage