wagamama has today announced it is joining forces with PANGAIA, the trailblazing materials science company, to launch a slow fashion uniform collaboration titled: wagamama, powered by PANGAIA.
As part of wagamama’s dedication to innovative brand partnerships, its decision to collaborate with PANGAIA aims to set a new industry standard that merges cutting-edge design with environmental consciousness. Committed to more sustainable practices, the new uniforms will help reduce the brand’s ecological footprint, while simultaneously ensuring its employees can wear uniforms that embody both style and sustainability.
Sustainable practices have always been a priority for wagamama, having previously promised a 50 percent plant based menu and more sustainable packaging solutions, this new collaboration also involves a unique initiative that repurposes the old uniform. All team members have been encouraged to return their wagamama t-shirts where they will then undergo a transformation. To help promote a circular economy, the old t-shirts will be repurposed into a limited-edition collection of hoodies, available to both wagamama team members and customers in 2024.
PANGAIA, known for its ongoing innovation and advanced technology, has captured the attention of a generation that values both style and environmental sustainability. Its ability to combine the latest trends in youth and street fashion with consciousness, has positioned the brand at the forefront of a broader cultural shift towards a more sustainable future.
The new uniform, which includes both short and long sleeve variations, are made using organic cotton. These fibres are grown without pesticides, and are treated with PPRMINT™, a plant-based peppermint oil that neutralises and prevents the growth or odour-causing bacteria and subsequentially, needs less frequent washing.
At the heart of this collaboration are the wagamama team members, who take centre stage as the models for the innovative new uniform. After a series of nationwide casting calls across its 164 restaurants, 30 wagamama team members have donned the redesigned garments in a photoshoot shot by Kaj Jefferies and Louis Bamford to exhibit the brand’s fresh new look.
wagamama will also be hosting a series of repair workshops in partnership with Greater Goods. Based in London, Greater Goods focuses on sustainable projects and collaborations which upcycle reclaimed, damaged or unwanted products by using environmentally sustainable materials. Taking place on the 5th of September at wagamama Camden, these workshops will be a bookable experience for guests to turn the old wagamama uniforms into an upcycled item such as a scrunchie or a tote bag, showcasing the importance of reusing and recycling. To extend its customer repair workshops across the UK, wagamama will also be partnering with up-cycling experts Stain Shade, which will teach people how to tie-dye used clothing.
Kay Bartlett, Chief Marketing Officer at wagamama commented on the collaboration, “We are really excited to announce our groundbreaking partnership with PANGAIA to create our sustainable slow fashion uniform line. At wagamama, we believe in the philosophy of kaizen, making small choices every day for big change. As two like-minded brands, this partnership captures our commitment to positive eating and positive living to ensure a more sustainable future.” She continues, “Our team members are the heart and soul of wagamama, so it’s only fitting that they were chosen to model these stylish and sustainable new uniforms during the shoot to celebrate this collaboration.”
“We are thrilled to join forces with wagamama, powering their journey towards sustainability and circularity. Our collaboration not only highlights the potential for a circular ecosystem across all sectors, but also sets a precedent for other brands to join the movement as we co-design an earth-positive future—together”, says Eva Kruse, Chief Global Engagement Officer at PANGAIA.
