After decades in mass fashion, Sanjay Agarwal founded EVERLAYER to explore a slower, more deliberate way of creating. Rooted in the Canadian prairies and crafted in Europe, the brand redefines luxury through natural materials, timeless design, and a philosophy of mindful living.
There is a certain clarity that comes after years of working at speed. For Sanjay Agarwal, that clarity emerged after nearly thirty years in the fast-paced world of mass fashion, where products are produced quickly, consumed even faster, and rarely remembered. In the aftermath of that experience, and in the quiet reset that followed the global pandemic, he found himself seeking something different. Not just a new venture, but a new rhythm. A new way of creating. A new way of living.
From that shift in perspective, EVERLAYER was born.
The brand offers something quieter, something slower, something more lasting. With a focus on fine natural fibres and timeless design, EVERLAYER invites us to reconsider the objects we live with and the stories they hold.
The name itself holds weight. It speaks to the way we build our surroundings and our sense of home, one thoughtful layer at a time. Texture, material, purpose, these are the quiet elements that define the brand’s DNA.
While the brand was conceived in Canada, its production takes place in Europe, where the traditions of textile craftsmanship are not only preserved but deeply revered. At its core, the brand is guided by material awareness and a commitment to mindful deceleration. Principles that not only shape the creative process but also extend into every decision, from packaging to production cycles.
In our interview, Sanjay Agarwal shares the journey that led him to this pivotal shift. He opens up about the meaning behind the name, the complexities of creating with integrity, and the importance of building a brand that values stillness, precision, and quiet beauty. More than a founder’s story, this is a reflection on what it means to create with care in a world that rarely pauses.
What personal journey led you to founding EVERLAYER? Was there a pivotal moment that inspired your shift toward conscious home textiles?
For nearly three decades, my career revolved around mass-merchandise fashion; fast, disposable, and endlessly changing. Post Covid , and in the final innings of that journey, I felt an urgent need to create differently: fewer pieces, greater permanence. Everlayer was born from that shift. It was a conscious move from volume to value, from speed to stillness, crafting home textiles that honor timeless design and quiet luxury.
What does “EVERLAYER” mean to you beyond the name? Is there a deeper metaphor or philosophy behind it?
“Everlayer” speaks to the art of layering. Texture, material, and intention. It reflects the way we build meaning through what we surround ourselves with, and how beauty often lies in subtle depth. The name captures our philosophy of enduring design and material awareness.
EVERLAYER was born in the Canadian prairies, yet your fabrics are sourced from Europe, particularly Portugal and Italy. What inspired you to choose these regions for production?
Canada shaped Everlayer’s aesthetic as calm, elemental, and pure.But the depth of textile craftsmanship we sought simply doesn’t exist here. To create at the level we envisioned, we had to go where the skills are alive. Portugal and Italy offered that mastery, places where weaving is heritage and not trend. It allowed our ideas to be executed with the precision and quality they deserve
What specifically drew you to these countries, and how do you collaborate with the artisans there to bring your vision to life?
For us, sourcing is about excellence. To achieve that consistently, you must work with the best. Portugal stands apart for its rare combination of heritage, technical skill, and disciplined production standards. Our mills there deliver craftsmanship with modern precision – exactly what’s required to bring Everlayer’s ideas, like the Janus Reverso, to life beautifully and on time. The Janus Reverso towel, for instance, took months of sampling to achieve a true two-sided identity : plush yet sculptural and sensuous. That kind of precision is only possible through mutual respect between the brand and maker.
Could you walk us through the creation of a new collection ? from initial concept to final product?
The idea of reversibility has existed in fashion for centuries; we simply wondered if it could live beautifully in a towel. The Janus Reverso was born from that question and our belief that less can truly be more. As homes grow smaller and design expectations higher, we wanted one towel that offers two aesthetics. Perfecting its three-layer weave took months of calibration where every yarn balanced for form, function, and feel.
In general, do you believe the home textiles industry is progressing fast enough when it comes to sustainability and ethical practices?
There are really two worlds in home textiles: one driven by affordability and convenience, built on cheap synthetics, and the other, much smaller, defined by material awareness and enduring quality. Everlayer belongs to that smaller world. We believe what you bring into your home matters. The industry is learning that longevity is the most elegant form of sustainability and that’s the conversation we aim to lead.
EVERLAYER emphasizes “material awareness” and “mindful deceleration.” How do these philosophies guide your decision-making as a founder, and how are they expressed in the day-to-day rhythm of the brand?
Material awareness is the discipline of noticing. Understanding where things come from and how they feel. For us, it means knowing every fiber’s story, be it cotton, wool, hemp, or linen. These ideas shape everything from our design cadence to our packaging decisions. We resist overproduction and invite our community to live with objects that age beautifully. The result is a rhythm of making that feels calm, deliberate, and honest, values we believe the modern home deeply needs.
Looking toward the future, how do you envision EVERLAYER evolving? Are there new materials, categories, or philosophies you’re eager to explore as the brand grows?
We’re very new — and our first goal is simply to make a success of what we’ve created. Everlayer’s philosophy is to find joy in design. We take quiet cues from nature, from its balance, its gentleness, and continue exploring innovations in all natural fibres and textiles.