Amsterdam-based Undercharments makes sustainable underwear. In addition to being breathable and durable, their lingerie is made from sustainable coffee and bamboo fabrics. In this interview, we talk with Claudia Ahlers, founder of Undercharments.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Claudia Ahlers. Most of my family are creative artists. They work with their hands but my creativity settles in my head. I need others to let my ideas come alive. My passion is to look for outstanding and highly creative persons like Gabriela Hearst. And if I see craftsmanship or high standards in a product, my heart will bounce quicker. I love to see the talent of others and I have great respect for them. And seeing that creativity also makes my head spin around with lots more creativity for myself.
What is the story behind Undercharments?
As we can play with more creativity, my belief is that we also can play more with underwear. Playing with fabrics, prints, and more. In my opinion in the lingerie market, most of the brands look the same. Lace lingerie or just basics. With Undercharments we offer a new kind of lingerie. We do play with prints and the use of coffee fabric distinguishes us from other brands. Besides that Undercharments also offer women an alternative to choose for sustainable lingerie.
Can you tell us a bit about coffee fabric?
Coffee fabric is made from Spent Coffee Ground. After drinking Coffee, the leftovers are wet, and waste Coffee Ground. Instead of dumping this into general waste, it is recycled into sustainable bioproduct, our Coffee yarn. And with this Coffee Yarn, we make charming, sustainable underwear.
What does local craftsmanship mean to you?
We all have more talents than we know. People who are showing their craftsmanship and therefore their talent have taken the step to come forward, to show what they are capable of but also be brave to be vulnerable. I highly respect that!
Best book you’ve ever read?
The best book I have ever read is Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind. It is a story about a Perfume maker who is shunned and rejected by society in spite of his incredible talent. What no one knows is that his own sense of smell is supernaturally acute — and that he is willing to go to any lengths necessary to create the perfect fragrance.
What’s your favorite place of all the places you’ve traveled?
Jordania, and being at the dead sea. Or in other words, the salt lake. It was one of the world’s first health resorts, and it had been the supplier of a wide variety of products.
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