Our approach focuses on creating timeless, durable products rather than following fleeting seasonal trends. We intentionally avoid working with seasonal collections, as this approach aligns with our belief in sustainability. By designing timeless pieces that transcend trends, we reduce unnecessary waste and promote thoughtful consumption. If you purchase a Marylène Madou item, you are cherishing it for a long time. Maybe keeping it for a daughter, a friend, or putting it on the secondhand market after a while. 

We prioritize the well-being of our workers and the health of our planet. How do we do this? By emphasizing local production, using natural fibers whenever possible, and ensuring the highest standards of working conditions in our production facilities. For us, ethical practices are a non-negotiable priority. 

All of our prints are hand-painted and digitally processed in-house by Marylène. Every textile design we use, is based upon the ever-expanding archive of Marylène’s original paintings and digital illustrations. 

We take pride in crafting our own exclusive printed fabrics, rather than relying on pre-existing materials. This commitment ensures that every Marylène Madou piece is truly unique, embodying originality and creativity. Our primary focus lies in collaborating with digital printers within Europe, who utilize eco-friendly inks. Digital printing not only reduces water pollution in the fashion industry but also allows for smaller production runs, minimizing waste and completely eliminating the risk of overproduction. Furthermore, we work with our manufacturing partners to recycle 100% of the minimal textile waste generated during production.

We have a minimum of textile waste from sampling products, but once every two years, we create an up-cycled collection with these left-overs, completely eliminating the need of burning practices that are unfortunately common in the fashion industry. 

Our sourcing predominantly spans Italy, the UK, and the Benelux region, which provide the high-quality materials and exceptional finishing that define our accessories. For our ready-to-wear collections, we collaborate with a local atelier in Belgium. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to supporting local craftsmanship while fostering a deep connection between design and production. For our interior fabrics, we work with the best luxury printers in Europe. You may have noticed some of these are made from man-made fibers and some of natural fibers. This is a considerate choice: in the interior design industry, we need fabrics that can endure high friction, and if we opt for soft linens for a hotel seating, it’s much less durable since we will have to reprint this many times. On top of that, all of our interior fabrics are 100% recyclable, and where possible we already opt for the recycled option available. 

While 80% of our products are made in Europe, a small portion—only 20%—is produced overseas. This decision is made with great care and only when we can ensure that the resulting products uphold our commitment to durability and longevity. Our aim is to create pieces that are not just beautiful but also made to last, reflecting our ethos of quality and responsibility. These overseas factories are regulated as much as our European factories, and often produce for many luxury brands allover the world. Nevertheless, if there’s a manufacturer nearby, we will opt for the most local option. Unfortunately, this is not possible for every single product.

Every choice we make—from sourcing and manufacturing to design and collaboration—is grounded in our commitment to safe and fair working conditions, as well as a dedication to exceptional craftsmanship. We maintain close relationships with our manufacturers, visiting them regularly to ensure their practices align with our values. Marylène herself works directly with the talented seamstresses in Belgium, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every piece we create.

If you have questions about any of these practices, do not hesitate to contact us.