Slow Fashion in Felton
Local Mother-Daughter Team Weaves Community
By Julie Horner
Call it “slow fashion.” A mindful fair trade movement that produces specific styles and timeless, handmade-to-order garments in joyful colors that are both flattering and easy to wear. Importing clothing, handbags, jewelry and home decor from Nepal & Thailand, Afrid Ghoffrani and her daughter Roxane Devos are celebrating 25 years curating the Zig Zag Asian Collection, running their family business conscientiously from a quiet warehouse location on Highway 9 in Felton.
You’ll find Zig Zag clothing and accessories at select local shops, though Afrid chooses not to operate a storefront specifically; instead she hosts popups at street fairs, farmers markets, and festivals like Redwood Mountain Faire. Active in trade shows across the United States, Zig Zag clothing enjoys a dedicated following and robust online presence connecting with retail and wholesale customers worldwide. One look at the catalog and the words “summer festivals” come to mind. “We really try to target quite an age group, from 20 to 70,” Afrid said. “Working as a mother-daughter team, we bring both our ideas together when we design and develop our clothing offerings.”
Pulling from cottage industry overseas, Afrid has built long-term relationships with the people who make the clothing. She knows where they source their fabrics, and finds synergy in their practices. Popup shops are trending now, while retail storefronts are struggling, Roxane said. “People want to buy directly from the source and support local businesses, and we really want to try to be here for the community.”
Three times a year, Afrid and Roxane host a warehouse sale on-premises in Felton. The next is happening on Mother’s Day weekend, Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Zig Zag, 6500 Unit A, Highway 9, Felton. zigzagasiancollection.com
Featured photo at top: Afrid Ghoffrani and her daughter Roxane Devos at Zig Zag Asian Collection in Felton. (Photo by Julie Horner)
Julie Horner is Co-Founder and Editor for the San Lorenzo Valley Post. Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.
