Melony Huber: Crafting Connection and Ethical Luxury

In the second instalment of our four-part interview series with Melony Huber, founder and design director of La Peony, we explore the heartbeat of her brand: the artisans. Huber opens up about her collaboration with Mexican craftswomen, the importance of ethical luxury, and how storytelling transforms garments into more than just fashion. Through these relationships, she blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating pieces that carry history, soul, and a sense of purpose.

Take us back to when you first met the community of Mexican artisans — what drew you to their work and their story? 

When I first learned about the artisan communities in Oaxaca, I was captivated by the depth of artistry and meaning behind their work.  Even though I haven’t met them in person, I collaborate closely with our representative in Mexico, who visits and works directly with these talented individuals. Through her eyes and stories, I’ve come to deeply admire their craftsmanship, dedication, and the generational knowledge they carry.  What drew me in most was the alignment between their values and ours, a shared belief in creating beauty that honors tradition, empowers women and sustains culture.  I knew I wanted to merge such a beautiful craft into contemporary designs for women.

How do those relationships influence the designs and spirit of La Peony today? 

Those connections are the heartbeat of LPC.  When I design a new style, I like to imagine where I can blend their craft into our signature looks.  But it isn’t their craft alone that I value.  Our representative, Cristina Gomez Macfarland, not only helps coordinate projects but also provides education and training for the artisans, funded by LPC, as part of our social good initiatives.  Their artistry and attention to detail inspire the textures, trims, and hand finishes in our collections.  Each piece reflects that collaboration - a blend of modern elegance and ancestral craft that keeps the human story alive within luxury.  These partnerships remind me that ethical design is not about compromise.  It’s about connection, finding harmony between innovation and heritage.

What does “ethical luxury” mean to you beyond the marketing phrase? 

To me, “ethical luxury” means integrity at every level – from how materials are sourced to how people are treated.  It’s not performative, it’s purposeful.  We invest in fair pay, ongoing training, and long-term relationships rather than one-time transactions.  Ethical luxury isn’t just about sustainability.  It’s about respect.  Respect for people, their skills, and the planet that provides our materials.

Many brands talk about sustainability, but few live it — what does it look like behind the scenes for you? 

For us, sustainability begins with thoughtful design and small-scale production.  We produce timeless styles that do not have to be retired on timelines and seasonality.  Furthermore, we are proud to use a supply chain that is equally dedicated to our values.  We work with partners that use eco-friendly dyes, natural fibers and planet-friendly packaging.  We ensure that our Los Angeles-based suppliers as well as Mexican artisans have safe, healthy working conditions and the support they need.  Behind the scenes, it’s less about perfection and more about accountability.  We are constantly asking ourselves how we can do better for both people and the planet.  To prove our commitment to sustainability, transparency and social good, we are in the midst of applying for The Butterfly Mark, a certification given after rigorous verification by Positive Luxury.

How do you balance modern design with preserving traditional craft techniques? 

At LPC, we see design with a conversation and collaboration between innovation and heritage.  Each piece begins with a modern silhouette - something timeless, flattering, and versatile.  Then we layer in artisanal elements that give it heart.  Whether it’s a handwoven trim or a delicate embroidered detail, we never replicate; we collaborate.  These techniques are celebrated, not reinterpreted, and they lend each garment a soul that machines do not replicate.

Has collaborating with artisans changed the way you view fashion’s global impact? 

Absolutely!  Working through our Mexican liaison and seeing how fair wages, education, and ongoing training impact these women’s lives has completely reshaped my understanding of what true success in fashion looks like.  Fashion has the power to either exploit or empower and at LPC, we choose empowerment.  Knowing that our designs help sustain cultural craftsmanship and provide real economic opportunities, in Mexico and in the US, gives deeper purpose to everything we create.

What role do you think storytelling plays in connecting consumers to the people who make their clothes? 

Storytelling is the bridge that brings humanity back into fashion.  When a woman wears LPC, I want her to feel connected to the story and to know that the trim on her piece came from a skilled artisan whose work sustains her family and community.  These stories turn garments into meaningful keepsakes. They transform a purchase into participation in something bigger - a conscious choice to support craftsmanship, culture, and care.  I also want to highlight the importance of every garment we create, whether it features artisanal trim or not.  Each piece represents our commitment to ethical production and our partnership with skilled makers in both Mexico and Los Angeles.  Every garment we produce, and every woman who chooses to wear it, helps sustain this ecosystem of artistry and opportunity.  It’s a shared story of purpose, pride, and progress.

When you imagine the future of La Peony, what does fair-trade success look like on a larger scale? 

Fair-trade success, for me, is when ethical production becomes the expectation, not the exception, in luxury fashion.  I envision LPC continuing to grow in a way that expands opportunity, strengthens partnerships, and sets a standard for transparency and shared prosperity.  On a larger scale, success means that every artisan, every partner, and every woman who wears LPC feels part of the same story:  one of beauty, dignity and purpose!

For Huber, ethical luxury isn’t just a tagline — it’s a philosophy that shapes every stitch, partnership, and decision at La Peony. By connecting contemporary design with centuries-old craftsmanship, she has built a brand that empowers artisans, honours tradition, and inspires consumers to participate in a story of beauty and integrity. This insight into collaboration and social responsibility highlights not only the artistry behind the pieces but also the transformative power fashion can have when guided by purpose.