#ModicSustainability – MOORE REINVENTING STREETWEAR

Andrea Moore Beaulieu, after over 20 years of industry experience, has established a distinct and modern street fashion community, more than a brand, MOORE. Based in New York, MOORE is celebrated for its fashion community and events related to sustainability, vibrant color palette, innovative and gender-neutral designs—elements that have become the hallmark of its aesthetic.

Andrea’s journey in fashion began in her childhood, where she discovered her passion for sewing. Her formal education in Fashion Design provided her with the foundational skills she later refined while working for various brands across the country. This comprehensive background enabled her to launch MOORE, a brand that prioritizes sustainability by utilizing vegan fabrics and committing to local production. Despite a focus on eco-friendliness, the brand remains dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring that quality is never compromised. Andrea expanded her vision with the opening of MOORE Custom Goods in Portland, Oregon. This brick-and-mortar location was not just a retail space; it served as an apparel production workshop where visitors could witness the creative process in action. The uniqueness of this approach earned accolades, and in 2017, the Huffington Post described the shop as “the open-kitchen concept for retail,” highlighting its innovative merging of shopping with transparency.

After relocating all operations back to New York, Andrea managed her home workshop while raising three young children for five years. This balancing act demonstrated her resilience and commitment to her craft. March 2024 marked an exciting new chapter with the opening of The Makers NY by MOORE Custom Goods in Larchmont, NY. This new space stays true to her original vision, offering transparency in design and production while providing guests with an insider’s view into her creative process. In addition to showcasing her own work, The Makers NY also highlights the artistry of Andrea’s family members. Her mother, Claudia Moore Field, is a renowned copper sculpture and wire artist based in Asheville, NC, and her sister, Lindsey Jones, is a talented jewelry designer. Together, they enrich the community and foster a collaborative spirit among artisans.

Andrea’s collaborative spirit extends beyond her family. MOORE has forged partnerships with emerging and established brands, entrepreneurs, and musicians. This broad spectrum of collaborations not only elevates the MOORE brand but also showcases the versatility and creativity present in contemporary street fashion. With a strong commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community collaboration, Andrea Moore Beaulieu continues to redefine what street fashion can be through her brand, MOORE. As the brand evolves, it remains a testament to innovation, artistic expression, and the undeniable influence of a well-rounded designer.

Hello Andrea, your journey has seen several relocations and changes in operation, such as moving from Portland to New York. Can you discuss the strategic decisions behind these moves and how each location has contributed to your brand’s growth?

In 2014, Portland offered creative autonomy and partnership with regional makers. Moving to NY in 2019—while pregnant—was strategic: proximity to sourcing, fashion hubs, and global audiences, all while operating from our home workshop. In 2024, relocating to Larchmont via The Makers NY bridged city reach and community engagement.

Starting a business in the competitive fashion industry comes with its own set of challenges. Can you share significant obstacles you faced while establishing MOORE and how you overcame them, and were there any particular mentors or resources that helped you navigate these challenges?

Early challenges: balancing in‑house production costs, navigating sustainability logistics, and raising three kids. I sought support via mentors in Portland’s maker community, fashion-school professors, and later Larchmont business founders who shared insights on retail operations.

Fashion community and events can convey more than just your designs. What messages do you hope to communicate through these elements and how has the audience responded to your previous initiatives?

Fashion events are not just clothes—they’re statements: transparency, eco‑values, inclusivity. At any, I want guests to understand our process, see materials laid bare, and feel our message of unity across gender and culture. Past audiences have responded emotionally to the openness and authenticity.

Streetwear holds significant influence in challenging social norms. How do you see this potential for streetwear contributing to social change, and can you share instances where your designs or advocacy efforts have made a difference?

Streetwear has always challenged norms—MOORE adds a sustainable and inclusive layer. By offering items that transcend gender and support planet-friendly values, it becomes slowly subversive—a gentle challenge to fast‑fashion consumption. We’ve seen customers thank us for providing clothing that aligns with identity and ethics.

The open kitchen concept at The Makers NY fosters transparency in your design process. How do you believe this cultivates trust and connection with your customers, and do you have any memorable interactions that highlight this relationship?

Our retail studio vibes as an open‑kitchen: no barriers, no filter. Customers literally touch fabrics, see sewing machines at work, ask questions. We forge trust through visibility. A memorable moment: a teenage customer stayed for an entire jacket’s construction, later returning to say it made them feel part of the brand.

Your sister’s involvement as a jewelry designer adds an interesting dynamic to your work. How has this collaboration enriched your brand, and can you provide an example of a joint project that stands out?

My sister Lindsey creates jewelry displayed at The Makers NY. Once, we launched a capsule of mixed‑material neckpieces that paired her metalwork with our fabrics—sold in tandem during a weekend pop‑up. Her delicate wire forms and our knit patinas felt truly synergistic.

Supporting emerging designers and artists is essential to community engagement. What specific initiatives or programs do you undertake in this area, and what impact have you observed from these efforts?

We host a quarterly “Maker Showcase” in Larchmont—spotlighting emerging textile artists, illustrators, and designers. We give them floor space, audience, and a tiny stipend. The ripple effect: three presenters from last year now regularly collaborate or sell in our retail space.

What advice would you offer to aspiring fashion designers looking to create community-oriented brands, and how important do you think it is to blend commercial success with familial and community impact?

Build community, not just product. Connect with people: mentors, collaborators, customers. Blend commerce with intention—sell well, but sell meaningfully. Ground your ambition in service—to families, to craft, to the planet. – Andrea Moore