In late January we hosted some very special guests in some of our chalets in Verbier. Coming to stay with us to showcase their new Verbier Blue Collection and get some time in the snow were the brothers behind the Gandys ethical clothing brand and a host of instagram super stars with literally millions of followers between them.
Their trip has been covered in national news with articles in The Telegraph and all over social media. This trip wasn’t just about fashion and great times in the snow, Gandys does more than simply sell clothing, their mission is about making a difference and it makes us especially proud to have hosted them and supported their latest Verbier themed venture.
About Gandys – Don’t just exist, give back
British born but citizens of the world Rob & Paul are the brothers behind the Gandys brand. Their story begins in 2001 with a unique and exciting childhood spent travelling with their parents, exploring the world and volunteering together to make it better. In 2004 things changed forever when Rob, Paul & their younger siblings Rosie & Mattie lost their parents to the Tsunami that hit Sri Lanka and devastated much of Indonesia & Indian Ocean coastline.
In the aftermath of these events the family felt more than ever that they needed their lives to make a difference and as orphans themselves, where better to start than helping improve the lives of orphaned children around the world. The vehicle to achieve all this is the Gandys Foundation and the Gandys Clothing Brand.
It started in 2012 with flip-flops and today they make a range of sustainable clothing products from backpacks to knitwear.
Proceeds from sales of Gandys brand clothing supports the building and running of kids campuses in places like Sri Lanka, Malawi, Brazil and most recently Nepal. This is the meaning of the Gandys motto, Don’t just exist, give back. So when Gandys conceived of a new ‘Verbier Blue Collection’ and wanted to show it off and put it to the test in our beloved resort, we were honoured to be involved.
Gandys Verbier Blue Collection
Gandys means low-carbon, ethically made and sustainable products, their cotton is organic and their stuff is made to last. The Verbier Blue Collection brings those values to winter wear for both on and off the mountain.
Performance winter sports gear offers advanced breathable composite fabrics and the latest in synthetic body-hugging base layers, Gandys have left that to the likes of North Face, Mountain Equipment and the rest of the usual line-up of winter sports gear.
The Gandys Verbier Blue Collection uses more natural fabrics & traditional winter-proofing methods, for example, their jackets are waxed-cotton. Waterproof and durable they’ll handle the cold and the wet well whilst looking great in most conditions but these are not clothes for the worst the mountain can throw at you. The Verbier Blue Collection has a classic look, classic construction and is gentle on the planet and unlike so many sustainable alternatives, Gandys work hard to ensure their gear is as affordable as possible for their customers. They’re also committed to making it last. Gandys offer a repair service on many of their products so rather than throw something out, you can get a jacket re-waxed, stitching fixed or zips replaced for much less than the cost of a new item and for much less cost to the environment too.
The Verbier Blue Collection isn’t just for the Alps, it’s winter wear for all kinds of outdoor occasions. For good weather days, casual skiing or boarding, hanging out in the chalet or stomping around a ski resort like Verbier, the collection is great and has something for everyone. The laid back natural style, excellent prices and great quality make Gandys a real disruptor and one to watch in the world of winter clothing as well as a force for good in the world.
Instagram stars in Verbier
Showing their support for Gandys and committing to the ‘Don’t just exist’ ethos were a group of snow loving Instagram stars who put the latest Gandys gear to the test.
