IWD Special: The Moms Powering Retykle 

Armelle Liverton, Director of Retykle UAE, is one of the incredible moms behind Retykle's mission to bring sustainable fashion to families worldwide. With eight years of experience at Retykle, from Hong Kong to Dubai, she’s now helping expand the brand’s circular fashion solution in the Middle East. As a mom of two girls, Armelle’s journey is a true reflection of the passion and energy that mothers like her bring to Retykle every day. In this special International Women’s Day feature, Armelle shares how she’s balancing motherhood with her work to make fashion more sustainable and empowering the next generation along the way.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at Retykle?

A: I’ve worked in fashion for over 20 years, mainly in buying and merchandising, and moved to Singapore in 2014. After working with e-commerce brands, I started my own kidswear company with sustainability at its heart. That experience opened my eyes to how much waste the fashion industry creates, especially with kids' clothes, since they outgrow them so quickly. Now, at Retykle, I help families buy and sell high-quality pre-loved kidswear, making it easy to shop more sustainably while also saving money.

Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A: It’s a day to celebrate how far we’ve come while recognizing that there’s still work to do. It’s also a reminder to support and uplift other women—whether that’s in the workplace, at home, or in our communities.

Q: In what ways do you feel like you’re making an impact—not just as a professional, but as a woman and a mom?

A: At work, I get to help families shop in a way that’s better for their wallets and the planet. As a mom, I try to teach my kids the value of reusing, making thoughtful choices, and understanding that small actions—like passing down clothes instead of throwing them away—can make a big difference. I hope that by juggling work and motherhood, I show my kids that you can follow your passion and create change at the same time.

Q: How do you think women, or mothers, play a role in driving sustainability?

A: Moms are already sustainability champions without even realizing it! We’re constantly making decisions about what to buy, what to keep, and what to pass on—whether it’s clothes, toys, or even food. Many of us naturally look for ways to waste less and get the most out of what we have. If we lean into that and make more conscious choices, like choosing secondhand or supporting sustainable brands, we can create a huge impact.

Q: If you had to describe women’s strength in one sentence, what would you say?

A: Women are the ultimate multitaskers—strong, resourceful, and capable of leading, nurturing, and changing the world all at once.

Q: What’s your hope for the next generation of women and moms in business?

A: I hope they feel supported enough to chase their dreams—without feeling like they have to choose between career and family. I’d love to see more women starting businesses, leading teams, and shaping industries in ways that reflect their values. And I hope workplaces continue to evolve so that balancing work and family becomes easier for everyone.

Q: Favourite brands to recommend for sustainable children’s clothing?

A: Here are some of my go-to sustainable brands. If you're looking for fun, sustainable, and stylish options, here are some great brands:

• Stella McCartney Kids – Playful designs with bold colors and prints, all made with sustainability in mind.
• Mini Rodini – Quirky, fun prints with a strong ethical and eco-friendly focus.
• Patagonia – The gold standard for durable, sustainable outdoor wear.
• Sea Apple – A homegrown Singaporean brand with modern, organic cotton pieces that kids actually love to wear.
• Maison Q – Another Singapore brand. Reversible kidswear with fun, bold prints—basically two outfits in one!
• Bochechas – A premium sustainable children and family wear brand based in Singapore, focusing on eco-friendly materials
• Château de Sable – Singapore born, Classic, French-inspired kidswear with a chic yet playful aesthetic.
• Le Petit Society – Offers stylish and comfortable clothing for children, blending Asian and Western influences.