About
VERITY & DAUGHTERS mixes vintage-inspired workwear with quirky period costume details, using modern fabrics and tailoring.
Jean Liu discovered her love for vintage American workwear while designing for heritage brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Converse—all the while developing a passion for costume dramas. From Poldark to Far from the Madding Crowd to The Imitation Game, she’s brought them together through updated tailoring and fabrication. The design is at once feminine and utilitarian, vintage and contemporary. Everything in the line pairs superbly with your existing wardrobe.
Contact: info@verityanddaughters.com
On Made in China & Sustainability
Dear friends,
Many of you have asked about my collection being produced in China and are disappointed that they are not made in the US. Here’s my back story:
I tried to produce in NJ a few years ago, and the results were disastrous. There were constant management changes, run-arounds and radio silences. The NJ factory did not do anything as promised and took a chunk out of my own investment, as well as time. I wish I can produce locally; I really did give it a try.
Fortunately, through previous work connections, I have found two factories in China who are very kind to take me on as a small brand with minuscule quantities.
One is a small, independent factory owned by a friend’s uncle. Traditionally the factory makes uniforms, but Uncle Pun makes an exception to produce jumpsuits for me. We were often on the phone to discuss the design process, and he talks about taking care of his aging workers and finding replacement. He recently retired and passed the torch to his brother but still takes time to work with me, when in reality he doesn’t need my business at all. He’s an uncle in every sense and takes really good care of everyone.
The other factory that I worked with makes high-end clothing for boutique brands. Every time I visit the factory, the environment was bright and spacious, workers busy but not hurried. Of course it could be all for show—not unlike cleaning up my house before guests arrive—but when I inquired about their working practice, my agent was indignant that I even asked the question.
Environmentally, China has been enforcing stricter laws on water waste and pollution. I inquired a few times about garment dyed programs, and was told that most small factories couldn’t accommodate that due to tight regulations. That, and plus the fact that I don’t have enough units to do that kind of treatment anyways. Lol.
All that is to say, is that even though my clothes are produced in China, they are made with heart and of good relationships. And even though my clothes are not cheap considering they’re made in China, it is because I paid a higher premium for small batch and for better wages.
I don’t have everything figured out—fabric sourcing and transparency is still a big puzzle at the supplier level. I haven’t made progress on that but it’s on the list. Reducing plastic waste and unnecessary marketing tools such as hang tags, postcards and paper is also on my mind too--that is why all my products are shipped without them.
Whew, a lot to unpack here and a lot to work on for me! I’m grateful that you’re all asking these questions. I hope this gives a bit of context when looking through my collection.
With gratitude,
Jean