With each year it is becoming more and more crucial that brands and consumers are more mindful when it comes to sustainably so that we can better look after our planet. The fashion industry alone is thought to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, according to the United Nations, generating 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. To put it into perspective, that’s more than the aviation and shipping industries combined!
We’re all aware of fast fashion brands and how damaging they are to the environment, but are luxury fashion houses much better? Unfortunately, for the most part, the answer is no. You may think that a higher price point and association with opulence guarantees sustainable materials and good working conditions, but sadly this is not always the case.
Greenwashing is also a huge issue in the fashion industry. Some brands mislead consumers by promoting themselves as environmentally friendly without genuinely implementing sustainable practices. For instance, a brand might launch a small “sustainable” collection made from recycled materials while continuing to produce the majority of their products using unethical or environmentally damaging processes. This can make it increasingly difficult to know which luxury brands are sustainable and which are not.
On a positive note, many luxury fashion brands are taking huge steps into becoming more sustainable. After all. sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a necessity to stay relevant in a world increasingly aware of environmental crises. More than 160 brands, including Burberry, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and the Armani group, have signed up to non-profit The Fashion Pact. This pact pledges to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, have 50% renewables in their own operations by 2025, and 100% by 2030 – with around a third of members already achieving the target in 2020.
Sustainable Luxury Fashion Brands
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is arguably the most influential voice when it comes to sustainable and ethical fashion. It is the only major luxury fashion brand to have had sustainability at the forefront of its ethos since day one – making the designer a true trailblazer.
McCartney’s collections are known for their innovative use of eco-friendly materials. From using recycled nylon and polyester to experimenting with organic cotton and sustainable viscose. The brand also ensures transparency throughout its supply chain and continually advocates for animal welfare. Stella McCartney was the only brand from the fashion industry to attend COP26 in Glasgow, Stella was also at COP28, where she strongly advocated for policy and regulatory change to incentivise the decarbonisation of the fashion industry, human and animal welfare.
Gabriela Hearst
American designer Gabriela Hearst has been a champion for sustainable practices in the luxury fashion industry since her name-sake label launched in 2015. Not only are her collections ethically designed, but Gabriela’s first flagship store was built without the use of synthetics or chemicals. Infact 90 percent of the material waste generated during the construction process was recycled. By 2019, the brand had achieved the goal of becoming plastic-free in both its front- and back-of-house operations
In terms of design and construction each of the label’s garments is made with conscientious materials, including organic silk, cashmere, linen, and wool from Hearst’s Uruguayan ranch.
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood is not only legendary for her instantly recognisable punk aesthetic, but also for her loyal dedication to improving the world. The designer was never afraid to make a political statement and that extended to environmental issues. Her catwalk shows in particular regularly addressed her stance on climate change, from the Climate Revolution banner displayed at the end of her SS13 show to activist tee’s presented during her AW19 collection.
The British label continues to stay true to its de factor manifesto – ‘buy less, choose well, make it last.’ Its most recent ready-to-wear collections have been made from over 90% lower-impact materials, such as organic cotton, ethically produced wool, and recycled metals. The house continues to experiment with material innovations and research the most sustainable methods of production possible, particularly around real leather substitutes.
Featured Image: @stellamccartney on Instagram