As consumers, we are all becoming more conscious about the fashion product we’re purchasing and the environmental impact this might have. Designers realize this too and therefore are trying to incorporate sustainability into their brands.
Designers try to lessen their impact on the environment by doing the following:
- Reducing the waste per clothing item
- Using materials that are recyclable or biodegradable
- Using organic materials
- Going fur-free
- Using eco-friendly dyes
Let’s take a look at designers who’ve already hopped on the sustainability trend!
1. Stella McCartney
You will find Stella McCartney at the top of every list about sustainable fashion. She is one of the pioneers in sustainable and eco-friendly fashion ever since she started in 2001.
Amongst organic cotton, Stella also uses recycled nylon and polyester in her products. The brand is fur-free, uses vegetarian leather, and only uses wool from animal welfare farms. Besides, Stella McCartney calculates their impact on the environment in order to see which parts of their brand they should improve or change.
Social sustainability and responsibility is also an import factor for Stella McCartney. This is why they advocate for vulnerable groups, and the supply chain is based on fair wages.
During the fashion week in spring 2020 around 75 percent of the materials used were eco-friendly according to Stella McCartney. Above you can see three outfits from this collection.
During the pandemic Stella didn’t sit still, instead, she returned with the 2021 collection focussed on using stored fabrics in order to prevent them from ending up as landfill. This collection was also focused on sustainability, and it shows that fashion can be cruelty-free and still look good!
If you want to read more about Stella McCartney’s sustainability click here.
2. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is known for their simple minimalistic clothes. The brand is mainly focused on circularity.
They collect the items when they are no longer wanted by the owner, and then resell those that are still in perfect conditions. With the ones that are damaged, they find another way to reuse them so that no item ever ends up in landfill.
For their clothes, Eileen Fisher uses organic cotton, responsible wool, and recycled fiber such as cashmere, polyester, and nylon.
Besides being an advocate for sustainability Eileen Fisher is also an advocate for women’s rights and supports artists through the Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute.
For more information on Eileen Fisher click here.
3. RUA CARLOTA
RUA CARLOTA is founded by Charlotte Rose Kirkham. Charlotte sees herself as an artist rather than a designer. However, when I found this brand via Instagram I absolutely fell in love with the clothes so I want to include her in this list.
Source: Rua Carlota
The brand only uses already used or deadstock materials in order to challenge the waste culture. Because of the different materials, she uses each time it is impossible to create two of the same pieces making every item of her unique.
It is an incredible initiative to show that waste has the potential to become something beautiful.
If you want to see more of RUA CARLOTA click here.
4. Mara Hoffman
Mara Hoffman launched her label in 2000. She is known for the use of vibrant colors in her designs. In 2015 she began incorporating sustainability in her clothing and has since tried to create clothes in the most sustainable way possible.
Source: Mara Hoffman
All the materials used for the clothing of Mara Hoffman are either natural, recycled, or organic fibers. The brand does not use any fur, leather, wool, or feathers.
In 2018, Mara Hoffman began using hemp in their clothes. Hemp is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics, since it requires relatively little water, grows quickly, and is resistant to pests.
The brand prioritizes fair treatment of all workers and artists of the brand and tries to use as little energy and water as possible.
Mara Hoffman has partnerships with many organizations including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in order to achieve their sustainability goals.
If you want to see more of Mara Hoffman click here.
5. Gabriela Hearst
The last designer on the list is Uruguayan Gabriela Hearst. This designer created her first collection in New York City in 2004. In 2015 she launched her first women’s wear collection focussed on sustainability.
The same year she also started a partnership with Manos Del Uruguay. This is an initiative to empower rural women in Uruguay by giving them the necessary tools to organize the entire supply chain.
Source: Gabriela Hearst
Around 30 percent of the materials Gabriela Hearst uses is deadstock. The brand also uses only certified organic materials and leftover cashmere and silk from previous collections.
The packing for their clothing is made completely compostable in order to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment.
In 2018, Gabriela Hearst opened a store in New York City with a completely conscientious approach. Using no chemicals, natural reclaimed oak wood, with reduced electrical consumption through occupancy sensors. 90 percent of the waste created was recycled.
Next to this Gabriela Hearst created a completely carbon neutral fashion show in 2019. Gabriella Hearst is an amazing designer who combines innovation with sustainability. Which is why she is perfect to end this post with!
If you want to read more about Gabriela Hearst click here.
