Former Investment Banker Sustainable Fashion Brand
Can sustainable and luxury fashion really go hand in hand?
When we think of the term 'sustainable fashion', words like cruelty-free, ethical, organic, and recycled bound to mind. The give-and-take 'luxury' however isn't an idiom nosotros tend to acquaintance with the phrase 'sustainable fashion'. Thankfully, spurred on by consumer demand and in function the pandemic, this is all set to modify.
In fact, a whole host of luxe sustainable fashion brands are sashaying their mode down Paris Fashion Weeks (albeit virtual) runways, making themselves known as champions for our planet'southward dwindling resources, opting instead to use sustainable threads and manufacturing processes that accept less of an touch on on the earth and the people in it.
This guide features everything you demand to know about sustainable luxury fashion today, equally well as the low-downward on the latest luxury lines to embrace ethical fashion and the new eco-luxe labels who have seized sustainability from the first.
Even though Paris Mode Week has been a quieter, more virtual, affair this year, the sustainable bulletin has been at its heart. Photo past Dimitri Kuliuk from Pexels
Can High-end Mode truly be sustainable?
There are many ways in which the mode industry impacts the environment. From fabric sourcing to manufacturing, to distributing, sales, and dealing with returns. Sustainable mode brands must ensure their pattern journeying is one that avoids exploiting the planet and the people in information technology.
Despite what many call up, with the correct motivation from designers, sustainability and high-end tin go hand in hand. Top luxe brands, including the famed Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood, are just a handful of the high-fashion houses producing ethical clothing ranges today – creating trends that not only complement our wardrobes, just our planet likewise - focusing on embracing quality working standards, organic materials or the latest sustainable fibre inventions.
This isn't purely downwardly to a luxury brands' good nature, of course. A greater percent of high-stop shoppers are beginning to inquire questions about the sustainability and ethics behind their favourite labels. If they are paying a premium, they want to know brands are as well paying the appropriate premium to the people and planet they profit from.
A greater number of shoppers are starting to ask questions about sustainability and ethics when shopping. Photograph by Heidi Fin on Unsplash
Joining the dots between luxury and sustainability
If, similar many, y'all're declining to join the dots between a loftier-end brand and it'south sustainability credentials, y'all're non alone. Research shows that more and more of us are willing to pay a premium for sustainable article of clothing , merely many of us don't know what the word sustainability at present entails.
There is so much dissonance in the industry at present, such as fake sustainability claims and contradictory data on a brands eco-credentials that information technology tin be overwhelming . Many consumers who try to practise their inquiry finish up with analysis paralysis. Even Stella McCartney said recently in her latest Spring presentation that she 'Barely knows what sustainability means anymore'. And so it's not just consumers that are getting confused!
"I barely know what sustainability means anymore" - Stella McCartney
However, whether you lot're a luxury shopper embarking on a greener journeying, or a seasoned sustainability pro entering the luxury market, we can all do our part to ensure this segment of the fashion industry leads the way in the fashion revolution.
Be it learning more nearly the latest initiatives or lobbying our favourite eco-luxe designers to embrace their 'green game' in the almost effective manner. As consumers, we hold the power.
Consumers hold the power to influence the fashion industry through their purchases. Photo by kyonntra on Getty Images Signature (Canva)
Sustainability Problems Facing Luxury Brands Today
Loftier-cease way brands are at present, more than ever, facing a plethora of challenges. External stakeholders in the industry have expanded their attention from fast mode to include designer brands. Challenging them to address sustainability issues through experience, innovation and collaboration.
Considering of this, more than and more of the big-name make designers are getting on the sustainability railroad train , fashioning garments that promise to outlast the fast-style pieces in our current wardrobes. The acme improvements in luxury sustainable fashion brands is either through an affiliation of innovative textile inventions, progressive production techniques or taking it back to the roots of traditional slow way production.
However, ensuring the wellbeing of customers, employees, and supply chain communities isn't an piece of cake feat, especially amidst a pandemic. The pressures to seem like a sustainable make tin lead to claims that are not 100 percent honest.
With high-end fashion comes power and money, and some brands will utilise their aplenty resources on campaigns to make them appear philanthropic and eco-friendly, while often cut corners. This is when knowing what to wait for is primal to a sustainable investment.
Greenwashing
Put simply, greenwashing is a method used past many luxe brands to convey misleading information about how their products are manufactured and distributed. In a nutshell, companies using this method are making y'all believe that they are doing more to safeguard our planet than they are.
With a huge amount of greenwashing going on, information technology tin can be most impossible to know which upstanding clothing brands are 100 percent 'ethical', and which high-quality labels are putting what they preach into exercise.
From wearable that features eye-catching labels to clever diction that suggests the threads you are about to purchase are ethically sourced - words similar clean, earth-loving, quality, happy, and green are existence used to trick consumers into thinking they're doing their bit for the planet.
Misconceptions of luxury vs sustainable fashion
When it comes to high-end vesture, many shoppers are nether the misconception that the higher the price, the more ethical the attire. This is far from the truth. In almost cases, y'all are paying for the label and not the quality or quantity of the fabric.
Other factors used by powerful labels to delude buyers into thinking they are sustainable is the introduction of small sustainable ranges to make them look like they are doing their scrap for the environment.
Similarly, using recycled bags or packaging is a great sustainable incentive, but of little use, if the garments beingness housed in this packaging are made from a poly fibre or other non-degradable fabric.
Many ethically-created sustainable luxury fashion brands believe one of the biggest issues preventing their growth is this sustainable smoke-screen that large powerful labels create. This leads to a lack of understanding among consumers or an unwillingness to pay more than for sustainable brands if a high-street make is selling at a lower price and also (wrongfully) claiming sustainability credentials.
Even so, even though the majority of eco-labels' price margins are slightly college, these products are likely to last a lot longer, significant you'll spend less in the long run on replacement garments.
Before we go into our listing, information technology'south of import to remember that the near sustainable option is to not buy anything at all! If you are in need of a new purchase nonetheless, here is some advice on keeping your carbon footprint down when buying fashion.
How do I reduce my carbon footprint through buying fashion?
And then, what can nosotros practice to lower our carbon footprint? Fifty-fifty if y'all're already shopping for ethical and sustainable labels, at that place are several other things you tin exercise to lower your footprint.
These include:
- Supporting 'round' or zero-waste labels
- Investing in labels who support social and environmental organisations
- Opt for in-store choice-upwards options if locally based and opt-out of speedy shipping
- Prolong your favourite purchases past following aftercare guides, hand washing dress and using eco-detergents
- Option clothing created from high-quality materials like organic cotton or community silk, which cause less damage to the planet
- Attempt to reduce your clothing consumption in general past making your dress last longer through repair and/or upcycling
So now to the list! I more than quick point, if you find the majority of luxury brands on this list a little over your cost limit, don't worry, be sure to cheque out our article on how to store ethically on a budget .
Tiptop Luxury Sustainable Fashion Brands
From low luxe to high-end, many companies are doing their fleck for the surround, incorporating innovation into their manufacturing and distribution methods to encompass brand sustainability in the fashion industry.
Thanks to these sustainable luxury mode brands, who have taken it upon themselves to tackle flaws within the manufacture's manufacturing methods, it'due south easier than ever to keep sustainability firmly on our radars and invest in designer, conscious attire. Change starts at the summit, and these guys are definitely at the superlative of their games!
Too equally manufacturing clothing and products that are kind to the environment and sustainably sourced, a number of these green brands too support environmental organisations and fair trade working conditions.
By investing in these eco-luxe labels, you too are doing your bit to support the surround, ensuring we're on the right rail to embracing a more sustainable manner industry in the future.
i. Stella McCartney
Eco-Luxury Values | Ecosystem protection, social responsibleness, measuring impact, cutting-edge sustainable technologies
Sustainable Materials | Re-engineered cashmere & silk, fibres from forests, recycled nylon & polyester, vegetarian leather, organic cotton.
When it comes to sustainability, this is a designer label that won't compromise on quality, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies to create an on-trend make that is as fashionable as it is sustainable.
In 2014, Stella McCartney launched Clevercare, an easy-to-understand, five-pace labelling method, helping to educate consumers on wear intendance and how to prolong the life of their favourite pieces. The result? A lot less waste, and probably the reason many fashionistas own at to the lowest degree one vintage Stella McCartney item.
To ensure the brand is ever ahead of the game, regular audits are conducted to measure environmental impact.
In improver, the McCartney characterization is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which ensures the careful selection of ethical-renowned suppliers, equally well as collaborations with several environmental conservation organisations and NGOs, including Parley for the Oceans and Wildlife Works.
two. The Social Outfit
Eco-Luxury Values | Social responsibility, community engagement, waste reduction
Sustainable Materials | Repurposed and reused fabrics, donated deadstock
Australian-based brand, The Social Outfit , are a social enterprise and charity with an amazing mission. The label provides employment and preparation to refugees and migrant communities in all aspects of the style world, from clothing production to marketing. In many cases, working at The Social Outfit will be their first paid chore and the commencement footstep of integrating into the Aussie way of life.
They also have their sustainability seriously. With a focus on waste matter reduction, they have saved tonnes of waste from landfill, through their goal to repurpose and reuse fabrics destined for the skip. So far they have partnered with over 28 Australian brands in this mission, including Alice McCall and Bec & Span!
iii. Vivienne Westwood
Eco-Luxury Values | Environmental and human rights campaigns, cutting-edge sustainable technologies
Sustainable Materials | Silk, organic cotton fiber, hemp, coir, tencel
Practising exactly what she preaches, Vivienne Westwood'south legendary label is setting an example to fashionistas across the globe by slowly transforming her brand into a sustainable masterpiece. How? Through adopting recycled and eco-friendly fabrics and using the label's phonation to educate people on Human Rights and Climate Change.
Her latest initiative is one that embraces mod-mean solar day sustainability, using collaborations and catwalk events equally platforms to create awareness, encouraging ethical style fans to protect Mother Globe. The campaign focuses on iii areas; Quality V Quantity, Gaia and Arts & Culture.
iv. Eileen Fisher
Eco-Luxury Values | Transparent supply chain, non-hazardous dyes, workers rights, sustainable fibres
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, Recycled fibers, responsible wool, lyocell
Eileen Fisher has been creating elegant and ethical womenswear since 1984. She designs luxury sustainable pieces with a focus on minimalism and inclusivity, that flies in the face of constantly changing fashion trends.
Ever leading from the forepart, her visitor started their get-go recycling program back in 2009, taking back old purchases to repair, make clean and sell at discounted prices. Now a Certified B Corp corporation, the brand has a stiff focus on supporting women, the fair treatment of workers and creating a circular style economic system that reuses and replenishes the resources involved.
five. Rare & Fair
Eco-Luxury Values | Sustainable natural fibres, social responsibility, community engagement, transparent supply chain
Sustainable Materials | Natural cotton wool, organic cotton, community silk, handwoven fabrics
This bazaar slow fashion brand focuses on the promotion of handmade clothes and accessories, created by artisans using sustainable, raw materials. Their aim? To embrace the upstanding treatment of workers, use planet-friendly materials and reduce waste.
Their hand-loomed, natural vesture and products come straight from the easily of the artisans, then directly to you. Opting for this method allows Rare & Fair to fully dorsum artisan communities and handloom weavers.
The styles, despite embracing traditional methods, avowal modern designs, assuasive customers to wait and experience great, knowing that they've done their bit towards supporting these ancient production techniques.
6. Reformation
Eco-Luxury Values | Local production, carbon neutral, waste matter reduction
Sustainable Materials | Repurposed vesture, upcycled fabrics and salvaged deadstock
LA based gimmicky way label, Reformation, was doing sustainable earlier sustainable was...well, fashionable! All of their product stages, from design to shipping and everything in betwixt, takes place at their innovative eco-facility in downtown Los Angeles.
Each drove is made using salvaged deadstock, offcuts, upcycled fabrics, repurposed vintage clothing or new sustainable materials. Their gorgeous new leisurewear, Ref Active, is produced using recycled plastic bottles.
Notice out more about all of Reformation innovations and materials they use here.
vii. Dai
Eco-Luxury Values | B-corp certified, Living wage guarantee, waste reduction
Sustainable Materials | Eco-certified textiles, recycled fabrics
It'due south always been a problem finding sustainable office wear, specially that also ticks the comfort box besides. Dai's creator, ex investment banker Joanna Dai, was so unimpressed with her workwear that she decided to create her own. Setting out on collections that delivered performance, versatility and function but which she was equally comfortable to wear every bit her yoga pants!
The brand is as well large on the sustainability front. 88% of their textiles are eco-certified and their Eco Luxe Essentials range is made from trees certified sustainably managed forests, meaning biodegradable and compostable. On top of that, they pay all of their staff above the London Living Wage.
8. Acne Studios
Eco-Luxury Values | Sustainability targets and reporting, External monitoring of labour conditions
Sustainable Materials | Recycled and repurposed fabrics, organic silk, organic linen, lyocell
Historic for their contemporary, uber-cool manner, Acne Studios increased their drove in 2020 with the improver of a sustainable line titled 'Repurposed'. Using a series of discarded offcuts and recycled fabrics, which otherwise would accept gone to waste matter, the Swedish brand has created a multifariousness of capsule lines, which accept since been launched quarterly.
Acne Studios have been a fellow member of the Off-white Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2008, who supports the make to monitor and improve labour atmospheric condition, including an external and independent 'Make Operation Check'. This ways the make is open to their faults and constantly trying to improve year on year, all of which can exist plant in their annual sustainability written report.
nine. Re/Done
Eco-Luxury Values | recycling and repurposing, heritage marketplace, free repairs, waste reduction
Sustainable Materials | Recycled and repurposed demin, cotton and upcycled mixed fabrics
Re/Done , another guilt-free, sustainable brand, offers on-trend pieces fabricated from recycled materials. They first hit the scene in 2014, and have been renowned for upscaling worn Levis into bespoke, gimmicky styles e'er since.
The eco-conscious make is extremely focused when it comes to adopting the latest tech to create the all-time sustainable fashion results. Since its launch, their offering has grown in a large style. On top of their historic jeans, they now pattern high-quality t-shirt styles, sweats and dresses, as well every bit a select few suits.
Often seen hanging off celebs, this cult sustainable brand is a must buy if you're looking for a guilt-complimentary, chilled vibe with affordable price points.
10. Maggie Marilyn
Eco-Luxury Values | Sustainability strategy, locally produced, transparent supply chain, circular product
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton wool, ethical silks, FSC viscose
Maggie Marilyn is a New Zealand based designer who creates glamorous luxury designs using organic cottons and ethically produced silks. All manufacturing is washed in her home country of New Zealand. She is on a mission to transform the style industry to one that is "transparent, circular, regenerative and inclusive".
What we love about this brand is that they don't only talk the talk. They produce their own sustainability strategy in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals every bit well as a suppliers code of acquit. This isn't a box ticking exercise for the make, with regular updates on the performance of their strategies and new targets gear up annually.
Hopefully you've managed to find your next perfect ethically-fabricated luxury item inside this listing. It would exist great to hear from you what is your favourite eco-luxe label or the latest sustainable initiatives from your favourite brand. Comment below!
Author
Maxime Ducker - Founder and Chief Editor, Our Good Brands
Bio
Maxime Ducker is the founder and chief editor of OurGoodBrands, an eco-amusement hub for consumers and brands to make better decisions. The platform features social + eco enterprises that are bringing sustainability, eco-friendly and ethical practices to the forefront. In this digital magazine, you will find useful eco-guides, some of the tiptop podcasters, curated books, documentaries, and ted talks.Maxime also runs her bear upon bureau fourpinneapples.com supporting social enterprises with their marketing.
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