Design Thinking: Nona Source

(Image courtesy of LVMH.)

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is “Design Thinking.” Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations applied Design Thinking and spoke to LVMH subsidiary Nona Source to learn more about the company.

(Image courtesy of Nona Source.)

1. What makes Nona Source different from other resale platforms?

Nona Source has a niche focus: our deadstocks exclusively come from LVMH luxury maisons. Pricing is very competitive regarding the quality and the origin of fabrics. We prioritize authenticity and quality control (thorough verification processes for all items being sold). This is especially important in the luxury fashion market, where counterfeit items can be an issue. We strongly commit to sustainability by promoting the circular economy and reducing waste through resale existing inventory.

(Image courtesy of Nona Source.)

2. How does Nona Source incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

Nona Source was born from a desire to find a way to re-valorize end-of-line materials to their full potential - a double-aimed initiative since it allows brands to repurpose luxury Maisons’ deadstock fabrics and obtain premium leftover fabrics at very accessible prices. This desire results from the ambition to legitimate deadstock materials as a sustainable sourcing alternative, engaging a cultural transformation in the future of luxury.

(Image courtesy of Nona Source.)

Thanks to this responsible model, Nona Source proposes to designers a new creative opportunity: reversing the creation process by starting from the existing materials instead of creating on-demand fabrics. The platform is also a game changer, allowing the Creative Community to have one of the lowest environmental footprints.

(Image courtesy of Nona Source.)

3. How does Nona Source educate the public about fashion sustainability efforts?

We have built a strong community of committed designers, brands, and fashion & design schools, creating a sense of trust and engagement: they became the best ambassadors to promote a more sustainable fashion. Besides, communication on social media, conferences, and fashion events such as Premiere Vision Fair is key to normalizing the reuse of deadstocks and educating both brands and final consumers on what responsible sourcing is.

(Image courtesy of Nona Source.)

4. What is the future of the company?

Increasing the offer of high-end materials, such as yarns and leathers. We have also started partnering with innovative start-ups like Weturn. And more to come…

(Image courtesy of Nona Source.)