Sustainability is not a word synonymous with high fashion. However, for some labels, the definition of luxury also equals consciousness, meaning consumers wishing to support ethical practices are not relegated to wearing hemp sacks. Although these brands may not shout about their care for environmental issues, thankfully, they are making sustainability sexy.
Louis Vuitton AW17 Collection
1. Louis Vuitton
The French house has more to offer than the latest overhyped streetwear collab. Did you know that Louis Vuitton designed the Gaia Monogram Cerise handbags by using only vegetable-tanned leather? As an LHVM label, Louis Vuitton is committed to the conglomerate idea of sustainability. According to Rankabrand.com, LV received a D score report, meaning it sticks to the code of conduct as well as recycling within their packing system. (In comparison, Stella McCartney only received a C ranking.) Additionally, Louis Vuitton also partnered with UNICEF in 2016 to support children in need.
Balenciaga AW17 Collection
2. Balenciaga
After 80 years in the business, high fashion house Balenciaga should be acknowledged for more than copying IKEA’s FRAKTA bag. Balenciaga plays an important role in the global sustainable fashion movement, claiming to be “committed to releasing collections that reflect its engagement for a better world and a sustainable future.” In other words, that means they offer products that have no damage on the environment, preserve natural resources, and a respect of animal welfare. Another reason to fuel everyone’s Demna obsession.
Alyx AW17 Collection
3. Alyx
Alyx was founded in 2015 by multi-talented creative director, Matthew M. Williams. Inspired by LA’s skater culture, this designer is driven by the question of sustainability. Working largely with sustainable fabrics and supply chains, Alyx has been featured on ecological retailer www.lc-nn.com. In an interview for the website, Williams explained:
“…as a conscious human being, it’s hard to ignore that there’s loads of shit being made, and people that are just being mindless consumers. I don’t want to be a brand that’s into that.”
EDUN Pre-Fall 2017 Collection
4. EDUN
Founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson, wife of U2 frontman BONO, EDUN is a NY-based ready-to-wear label rooted in promoting production and trade across Africa. In 2009 EDUN, which written backwards spells “nude”, became part of the LVMH group. The idea behind EDUN is to bring a positive change in Africa through a fair trade based relationship rather than by direct aid.
Gucci AW17
5. Gucci
Gucci has already made waves in 2017 with their urban ready-to-wear collection including must-have T-shirts and tennis socks. Even more, the brand also works hard to stay green, with the Italian fashion house releasing the world’s first handbag collection made from sustainable Amazonian leather back in 2013.
In 2004, Gucci was one of the first companies in the fashion industry to commit towards Corporate Social Responsibility. Additionally, Gucci has contributed over $10 million to UNICEF during an eight-year partnership production cycle.
Faustine Steinmetz AW17 Collection
6. Faustine Steinmetz
A designer with her heart in the right place, Faustine Steinmetz acknowledges the impossibility of 100 percent sustainability. Even so, she’s still dedicated towards acting responsibly. One of the brand’s previous denim collections used recycled denim, and all the water used in re-pulping those old Diesel and G-Star pairs was recycled as well.
Filippa K AW17 Collection
7. Filippa K
This Scandinavian brand is genius in developing groundbreaking initiatives. Their “Front Runners” collection is based on a range of sustainable pieces in terms of sourcing material, production and recycling.
Even more interesting is that Filippa K is the first fashion house to allow customers to lease their fashion pieces for 4 days at a time for 20% of the retail price with all cleaning included. This service can be found in any of the brand’s flagship stores throughout Europe.