The History of TIBAN GANG

An Eco-Friendly and Supportive Textile Brand

When working with wood, you work with fibers. Cotton, also a fiber, comes from a plant whose trunk is wood. All of this brings us back to the earth. Respecting the earth that shelters us, feeds us, and clothes us is essential.

An Ethical and Respectful Vision

Humans fundamentally know how to do things correctly for the good of Everyone (with a capital "E" to include the entire planet), but often, they go in the opposite direction. As an artist and human being, I have a unique expression to share. A T-shirt brand is the best communication platform to bring people together.

When creating Tiban Gang, I questioned the ambivalence between my commitment to reducing consumption and creating a clothing brand, in an industry known for its pollution. This is where respect comes into the equation.

Why Gang?

The term "gang" often has negative connotations, but we redefine it. A gang is, above all, a community of people sharing common values and interests, creating a bond of solidarity in an environment that stigmatizes and treats them as outcasts. We believe in a gang that can be an association of benefactors, valuing respect, solidarity, tolerance, and exchange. To that, we add equity, kindness, culture, and social justice.

The Universality of the Tiban

For those who associate gangs with a territory, our territory is our planet. The Tiban, a low seat with a simple design and complex durability, is universal. Everywhere on the planet, throughout time and ages, it symbolizes our need for solidarity, communication, and the necessity to sit down close to our one and only territory: the Earth.

Combining Respect and Textile

Our approach begins with respect. Rather than asking how to make textiles in a respectful way, we ask: how to respect while making textiles? This perspective limits possibilities but elevates constraints. Fortunately, solutions exist.

The Philosophy of TIBAN GANG

At "TIBAN GANG," we believe that fashion should not only reflect exceptional style but also embody a responsibility towards the planet and its inhabitants. Our philosophy is based on four essential pillars: uncompromising creativity, deep sustainability, total transparency, and the belief that every choice counts.

Uncompromising Creativity

Every "TIBAN GANG" T-shirt is a work of art in itself. We believe in the power of individual expression and creativity, creating pieces that transcend fleeting trends to become timeless statements of style.

Commitment to Sustainability

At the heart of our commitment to sustainability is our meticulous choice to use exclusively premium quality organic cotton T-shirts. This choice is guided by our responsibility to the environment, farmers, and our customers. Here’s how we minimize our environmental impact:

• Eco-friendly raw materials: Use of recycled materials, respectful of workers and the earth.
• Eco-friendly printing techniques: Water-based ink printing.
• On-demand production: Only producing ordered T-shirts, reducing waste.
• Sustainable packaging: Plastic-free, made from recycled or recyclable materials.

• Organic cotton: Opting for organic cotton reduces the environmental impact of our T-shirt production. By eliminating the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, we preserve biodiversity, support sustainable farming practices, and offer safer products.

• Premium quality: Choosing premium quality means our T-shirts are not only environmentally durable but also long-lasting. The cotton’s quality results in soft, comfortable, and durable garments, ensuring long-term satisfaction for our customers.

• Our online store is hosted by Tpop, a company using Scaleway, a responsible energy provider with an adiabatic cooling system. Every choice counts in reducing our carbon footprint.

Total Transparency

We believe in total transparency throughout our manufacturing process, from our product choices to our various suppliers. That’s why we chose to work with "Tpop," the most environmentally respectful POD platform, from their web hosting to their plastic-free delivery packaging, as well as their textile and ink choices.

https://www.tpop.com/our-real-environmental-commitments/

We have adopted a unique pricing policy for all our collections, regardless of T-shirt size or shipping location worldwide. This strategic choice is driven by our commitment to offering a simple and transparent shopping experience to all our customers, with no surprises at checkout.

Cost Transparency: Single Price and Shipping Included

For each T-shirt sold at €40 (e.g., OWIJINAL and FOUNDATION collections), we ensure a clear and balanced distribution of production and shipping costs:

• Production cost: Between €16.40 and €19,50, representing 41% to 48% of the sale price. This ensures that our T-shirts are made with high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship
• Shipping cost: Between €4.74 and €13.80 , or 11.85% to 34.5% of the sale price. No matter where you are in the world, we are committed to delivering your T-shirt in the best timeframes, absorbing the shipping cost variations.

Profits

Thanks to this policy, we can generate a profit ranging from €7,30 to €14.65 per T-shirt, depending on specific production and shipping costs. Note that we must deduct from this profit all the charges related to our activity (bank transaction fees, design creation, website management and communication, taxes, electricity, etc.).

Benefits for Our Customers

1. Simplicity and Transparency: A single price, with no hidden fees or surcharges based on T-shirt size or customer location.
2. Global Access: Whether you're in New York, Pointe-à-Pitre, Tokyo, or elsewhere, the price remains the same, making our products accessible to a diverse international clientele.
3. Quality and Reliability: By maintaining production costs between 41% and 48% of the sale price, we guarantee high-quality T-shirts. Additionally, by absorbing shipping cost variations, we ensure reliable delivery worldwide.

Our single-price policy is much more than a pricing strategy. It’s a commitment to our customers, offering them a hassle-free shopping experience, equitable access to our high-quality products, and the assurance that no matter where they are, they will receive the same excellent service. We believe that this approach builds customer trust and demonstrates our dedication to transparency and fairness in all our operations.

Every Choice Counts

The fourth pillar lies in the belief that every individual choice, however small, shapes the collective destiny. Each person is the architect of their own reality, and the aggregation of our decisions creates the fabric of our shared existence. In the complex web of life, every act, however modest, contributes to building our common future. "TIBAN GANG" celebrates personal responsibility and the power of individual influence, emphasizing that each person holds significant power in the dynamic weaving of our shared existence.

"TIBAN GANG" is more than just a brand, it’s a movement. By purchasing our products, you support a respectful and sustainable lifestyle.

Explore our collection of eco-friendly T-shirts on our online store

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The History of the Tiban on Earth

The small benches, or "Tiban" in Creole, can have varied cultural significance throughout history and across different cultures. However, it is important to note that the meaning and use of these benches may differ significantly from one region to another. Here’s a general perspective:

Asia

The use of small benches in Asia dates back to antiquity, playing a role in homes, temples, and ritual ceremonies. Local variations emerged in China, India, and Japan, each with its own distinct aesthetic. Despite colonial influences, the small bench preserved its traditional characteristics. Throughout the 20th century, it remained a common element in Asian households. Today, the small bench continues to be an essential piece, blending tradition and modernity in contemporary craftsmanship and design, a testament to its persistent role within Asian culture.

Middle East

The use of the small bench in the Middle East goes back to ancient civilizations (the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Persians), becoming an integral element of daily life, from palaces to ordinary homes. Under Islamic influence, small benches evolved while retaining their practical use. Over time, they found their place in modern life while remaining witnesses to the region's rich cultural heritage. Today, small benches continue to be used in various contexts, representing both traditional craftsmanship and functionality in daily life in the Middle East.

Africa

The use of small benches in Africa dates back to ancient civilizations, integrated into the daily life of communities. Despite colonial influences, small benches have been preserved in many regions, becoming important pieces of African furniture. Used in homes, communal spaces, and sometimes as forms of artistic expression, small benches remain rooted in African culture. Today, they continue to evolve, reflecting the diversity and resilience of African traditions in the face of cultural and social changes.

Europe

The small bench has a long history in France and Europe. During the Middle Ages, it was a modest seat in homes, gaining importance during the Renaissance in royal courts. Over the centuries, it evolved in style and design while remaining a practical element in homes and informal spaces. Today, the small bench remains a versatile piece of furniture, ranging from traditional designs to contemporary interpretations, symbolizing its adaptability through the ages and its persistent role in daily life.

America

The use of small benches in North, Central, and South America dates back to indigenous cultures, where it was a simple and practical seat. With European colonization, it adapted and persisted in colonial homes, becoming an essential element of daily life. During the westward expansion, it remained a piece of furniture suited to frontier life. In the 20th century, the small bench evolved to fit into modern lifestyles, finding its place in farms, porches, gardens, and patios. In Central and South America, it is tied to local artisanal traditions, used in various communal and festive contexts. Today, the small bench continues to embody cultural diversity and adaptability throughout the history of these regions.

Caribbean / Guadeloupe

The use of the small bench in Guadeloupe, called tiban, rooted in the Caribbean’s cultural heritage, dates back to indigenous times and has been shaped by European, African, and Amerindian influences. Used since the era of slavery, the small bench became an essential element in Guadeloupean homes, fostering family gatherings and moments of conviviality. Locally made with traditional materials, the small bench symbolizes local craftsmanship and remains a living testament to cultural identity, adapted to contemporary changes while retaining its central role in daily life.

In summary

As you can see, Tibans have a rich and varied history across the world, demonstrating their adaptability to different cultures and eras. They were used in ancient civilizations, whether in Asia, Africa, Europe, or America, serving as modest seats in homes, ritual ceremonies, and communal spaces. As societies evolved, small benches survived cultural influences, becoming essential elements in homes, palaces, gardens, and festive events. From traditional craftsmanship to contemporary designs, they represent both simplicity and cultural diversity. In Guadeloupe, for example, they are embedded in cultural heritage, promoting family gatherings. In Europe, especially in France, they have evolved from the Middle Ages to the present day, retaining their practical role while reflecting stylistic trends and social changes. Thus, small benches transcend borders, symbolizing daily life and the richness of traditions across centuries.

"Like the small bench in daily life, often modest but always present, each of us can be the source of simple moments that add invaluable richness to our shared history"