Interview with Andrea Moore – Pioneering Gender-Neutral Fashion with Sustainability at the Forefront
Today, sustainability and inclusivity increasingly dictate consumer preferences, and Andrea Moore has established herself as a formidable force. As the founder of MOORE, her brand has gained recognition for its commitment to gender-neutral designs and innovative fabrications, creating a distinct signature aesthetic that resonates with a diverse clientele.
Andrea’s passion for fashion is deeply rooted; she has been sewing since childhood and pursued formal education in Fashion Design. Her career trajectory took her across the United States, where she honed her craft working with various established brands. This extensive experience laid the groundwork for her own entrepreneurial venture.
Since its inception in 2013, MOORE has prioritized sustainable practices by utilizing vegan fabrics and supporting local production. This dedication is coupled with a commitment to meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece embodies quality without compromising ethical standards. Andrea’s launch of MOORE Custom Goods in Portland in 2014 marked a significant evolution for the brand, transforming retail into an immersive experience. The space was not just a store, but a live workshop where customers could witness the garment-making process, a concept that was well ahead of its time and garnered acclaim from publications like the Huffington Post, which referred to it as the “open-kitchen concept for retail.”
In 2019, navigating the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, Andrea relocated her operations to New York, operating from a home workshop while raising her three young children. The culmination of her vision came to fruition in March 2024 with the opening of The Makers NY by MOORE Custom Goods in Larchmont, NY. This new venue not only continues the transparency in design and production that she pioneered in Portland but also allows her to showcase the artistic talents of her family, featuring works by her mother, Claudia Moore Field, a renowned copper sculpture and wire artist, and sister, Lindsey Jones, a jewelry designer.
The Makers NY now serves as a vibrant hub for collaboration, where established brands and emerging artists intersect. Partnering with names like Nike, Adidas, and Rolling Stone, along with features in eminent fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, Andrea’s endeavors embody the essence of modern design and creativity. Her recent showcases at New York Fashion Week further solidify her position within the fashion industry, highlighting a collection that speaks to both the aesthetic sensibilities and ethical values of contemporary consumers.
Let’s discover Andrea’s vision for MOORE, and the integral role that sustainability and inclusivity play in shaping the future of fashion. The intersection of artistry, family, and innovation that she represents offers a promising glimpse into the future of the industry.
Creating a fashion line involves a blend of creativity and technical skill. Can you walk us through your typical day at The Makers NY by MOORE, balancing the roles of creative director and business operations?
I fill multiple roles—creative director, operations lead, business strategist. Mornings start with emails, production scheduling, and time with my children. Afternoons shift to creative: mood‑boarding, cutting fabrics, fitting sessions. Evenings often involve packing orders, homeowner conversations, or a quick design sketch before bedtime.
Client feedback seems vital in any fashion business. How do you gather and incorporate this feedback into your designs, and can you share a specific instance where customer insight significantly changed your approach?
We actively seek customer input—via one‑on‑one fittings or in‑store chats. Once a client requested gender‑neutral sizing for kids—sparked by twins—and we adapted our youth pieces accordingly. Feedback like this shapes real product evolution.
The emphasis on craftsmanship is core to your brand. How do you ensure high-quality production while maintaining a commitment to sustainability, and what specific standards do you follow when selecting production partners?
We only work with U.S.‑based producers. Our standards: materials must be vegan, traceable, ethically produced. Factories must allow visits, show clean labor practices. Quality is paramount—every stitch, hem, seam finished to last.
The narrative behind your designs often carries deep personal significance. Can you share the story behind one of your favorite pieces and what it represents within your collection?
When developing a new collection, what stages do you go through from brainstorming to execution, and what inspires you during this process to maintain fresh ideas?
First: material exploration—touching deadstock swatches, feeling textures. Then concept quarter: making mood boards informed by travel, art, family life. Next: prototyping—samples in studio, fit sessions. Finally: refinement—adjusting based on tactile feel and customer insights, before production.
How do you balance innovation with staying true to your brand’s roots, and are there trends or cultural movements you find particularly inspiring?
Photography credits: @fannycortade @totalement.mode @isamarchabot
It’s clear that the creative journey of Andrea Moore is a profound research into identity, culture, and the stories that connect us all. Her commitment to overcome challenges, whether through innovative designs or sustainable practices, exemplifies the very essence of modern fashion: a dialogue that respects tradition while boldly stepping into the future.
This interview not only sheds light Andrea Moore’s inspirations and methodologies, but also serves as a reminder of the power of design to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. The passion and dedication evident in their work inspire us to consider the stories behind the garments we wear, encouraging greater mindfulness in our own consumption choices. We can all contribute to a more thoughtful and inclusive fashion landscape.
Official website – MOORE: https://wearmoore.com
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