Eye On Style: Assemble
by Suzanne Daub
At a time when sustainability is more than just a buzzword, there’s a shop on Nantucket leading the charge in redefining how we think about fashion. This innovative clothing store at 18 Federal Street called assemble isn’t just selling apparel: it’s championing a revolutionary approach to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency through a robust circular economy model. With its B Corp certification and a diverse roster of 40 global brands and small makers, assemble is setting a new standard for what it means to be both stylish and environmentally conscious.
What sets assemble apart is its carefully curated selection of products for women, men, and children. All clothing in assemble— whether it be elegant shirts for men, colorful dresses for women, or adorable outfits for youngsters—is handmade from organic materials. Even the apothecary items they carry are natural.
Carolyn Butler and Rich Amsinger, the husband-and-wife team who founded and co-own assemble, decided to expand their digital sales to include their first brick-and-mortar store on Nantucket. “We chose Nantucket Island for its unique community and commitment to environmental sustainability, which aligns well with our mission to empower conscious consumption and support regenerative natural systems. Nantucket’s appreciation for quality and ethical practices makes it an ideal location for us to connect with like-minded customers.”
They gather brands and independent designers together to provide an assortment of natural, ethically produced, regenerative products from 40 different brands, each known for their dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability. These are not mass-produced products, but items by small makers from around the world who offer handcrafted clothing, accessories, apothecary items, and more. Assemble partners with brands that hold certifications like organic, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and OEKO-Tex (all textile materials are free from toxic chemicals and dyes). Each product is chosen to ensure it meets assemble’s high standards for environmental and social responsibility.
Every item in assemble’s inventory is chosen for its ability to fit within the store’s circular economy framework and the company’s B Corp certification. This means that whether it’s a beautifully crafted handbag, stunning blockprint or embroidered clothing, an organic skincare product, or 100% soy candles made by hand using custom scents, customers can be assured that their purchases are aligned with principles of durability and minimal environmental impact. Unlike traditional linear systems, where products are made, used, and then thrown away, the circular approach seeks to keep resources in use for as long as possible.
The company’s commitment to this model means that customers can shop with the knowledge that their purchases are part of a larger effort to reduce waste and conserve resources.
As a Certified B Corporation, assemble is proud to “meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency,” Butler explained. “Through our give-back program, every purchase comes with a lifetime return policy, allowing customers to return pre-loved items to us. We compost or recycle these items to prevent them from ending up in landfills. In return, customers receive a give-back credit that can be used towards the next purchase.”
Assemble is at the forefront of a crucial shift in the fashion industry, demonstrating that style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. By embracing a circular economy model, working with small, global artisans, and achieving B Corp certification, assemble is not just changing the way we shop but how we think about our impact on the world. As consumers become increasingly aware of the need for more sustainable practices, assemble stands as a beacon of innovation and integrity, proving that a better future is not only possible but actively being created today.
assemble
Open at 18 Federal Street from Daffodil Weekend to Christmas Stroll
Open year-round at shopassembleco.com
Use shopping code SUMMER for a discount on select items purchased online.
