Is it possible for luxury fashion and sustainability to coexist?
Sensitive terms like cruelty-free, ethical, organic, and recycled come to mind when we hear the phrase “sustainable fashion.” However, we don’t usually equate the term “Eco-Friendly High-End Clothing Companies” with the word “luxury.” Fortunately, this is about to change thanks in part to the epidemic and increased consumer demand.
As a matter of fact, a plethora of high-end sustainable fashion labels are strutting their stuff down the virtual catwalks of Paris Fashion Week, establishing themselves as advocates for the planet’s diminishing resources by choosing to employ sustainable materials and production techniques that lessen their impact on the environment and humanity.
Everything you need to know about ethical fashion and the newest eco-luxe brands that have embraced sustainability from the outset is included in this book, along with exclusive information on the premium lines that are leading the way in sustainable fashion.
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Is upscale fashion really Eco-Friendly High-End Clothing Companies?
The fashion sector has a wide range of environmental effects. sourcing the fabric, producing it, shipping it, making sales, and handling returns. It is essential for sustainable fashion manufacturers to make sure that their design process refrains from abusing the environment and its inhabitants.
Contrary to popular belief, high-end design and sustainability may coexist if designers have the proper drive. High-end labels producing ethical clothing lines these days include the renowned Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. These labels set trends that not only enhance our wardrobes but also benefit the environment by emphasizing the use of organic materials, high-quality working conditions, andStella McCartneyncements in sustainable fiber technology.
Of course, this has much to do with more than just the kindness of premium businVivienne Westwoodnumber of luxury consumers are starting to inquire about the ethics and sustainability of the brands they love. If consumers are paying more, they want to know that companies are doing the same for the people and the environment from which they benefit.
Connecting the links between sustainability and luxury
You’re not alone if, like many others, you can’t seem to connect the links between a luxury brand and its environmental credentials. Studies indicate that an increasing number of us are prepared to spend a higher price for environmentally friendly apparel; nevertheless, many of us are unaware of the current definition of sustainability.
It might be daunting to hear all of the noise in the business these days, with inconsistent information about a brand’s eco-credentials and misleading sustainability promises. When they attempt to do research, many customers experience analysis paralysis. In her most recent Spring show, Stella McCartney even admitted that she “barely knows what sustainability means anymore.” Thus, confusion isn’t simply affecting customers!
Stella McCartney once said, “I barely know what sustainability means anymore.”
But regardless of whether you’re a luxury consumer starting a more environmentally conscious lifestyle or an experienced sustainability expert breaking into the luxury market, we can all contribute to making sure this sector of the fashion business sets the standard for the fashion revolution.
Whether it’s keeping up with the most recent campaigns or encouraging our favorite eco-luxe designers to up their “green game” in the most efficient way. We, as customers, are in charge.
Issues with Sustainability That Luxury Brands Face Today
More than ever, luxury fashion firms are up against a number of obstacles. External players in the market have shifted their focus from quick clothes to designer labels. putting them to the test by having students use their knowledge, creativity, and teamwork to solve sustainability concerns.
As a result, an increasing number of well-known brand designers are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon and creating clothes that are meant to last longer than the fast-fashion items we now own. The most notable advancements in luxury sustainable fashion firms come from combining cutting-edge textile breakthroughs with avant-garde manufacturing methods, or from returning to the origins of traditional slow fashion production.
But protecting the health of clients, staff members, and supply chain communities is a difficult task, particularly in the middle of a pandemic. There may be pressure to present a sustainable brand, which may result in statements that are not entirely truthful.
Power and money go hand in hand with high-end fashion, and some businesses will utilize their considerable resources on campaigns to seem eco-friendly and charitable, but frequently at the expense of quality. This is the point when making a sustainable investment requires understanding what to look for.
Greenspeak
Simply put, many luxury businesses utilize a tactic known as “greenwashing” to provide false information regarding the production and distribution processes of their goods. To put it simply, businesses who use this tactic trick you into thinking they are doing more than they really are in terms of protecting the environment.
There is a lot of greenwashing going on, so it may be difficult to tell which premium labels are really doing what they preach and which ethical clothing manufacturers are really “ethical.”
Words such as clean, earth-loving, quality, happy, and green are being used to deceive customers into believing they are contributing to environmental efforts. This is evident in everything from apparel with eye-catching labels to creative language suggesting the threads you are about to purchase are ethically produced.
Myths about sustainable versus expensive clothes
Many consumers mistakenly believe that when it comes to high-end apparel, the more expensive the item, the more morally sound it is. This is not at all how it is. Most of the time, the label is what you pay for rather than the fabric’s amount or quality.
The creation of modest sustainable ranges to make them seem like they are contributing to the environment is another tactic employed by big brands to trick consumers into believing they are sustainable.
Similarly, if the clothing being stored in the packaging is composed of poly fiber or another non-biodegradable substance, adopting recycled bags or packaging is a fantastic environmental incentive but of limited benefit.
Large, strong labels produce a sustainable smoke-screen that many ethically-created sustainable luxury fashion firms think is one of the main obstacles to their success. Customers become misinformed or reluctant to pay more for sustainable businesses as a result, especially if a high-street competitor is offering a cheaper price while simultaneously falsely claiming to be sustainable.
Though the price margins of most eco-labels are a little higher, these goods are probably going to last a lot longer, so you’ll wind up saving money over time on replacement clothing.
Prior to delving into our inventory, keep in mind that the most environmentally friendly course of action is to make no purchases at all! If you do need to buy anything new, however, here are some tips for reducing your fashion-related carbon impact.
How can I purchase clothes and lessen my carbon footprint?
What steps can we take then to reduce our carbon footprint? There are a few more things you can do to lessen your impact, even if you already purchase for sustainable and ethical brands.
Among them are:
- Endorsing “zero-waste” or “circular” labels
- Purchasing brands that provide support to environmental and social groups
- If you live nearby, choose in-store pickup instead of expedited shipment.
- Preserve your favorite items by hand washing clothing, using eco-detergents, and according to aftercare instructions.
- Choose clothes made from premium materials that are less harmful to the environment, such as communal silk or organic cotton.
- Make an effort to limit the amount of clothing you buy overall by repairing and/or upcycling your clothing to extend its lifespan.
Let’s go to the list now! One more quick note: don’t worry if the bulk of the premium companies on this list are a bit too expensive for you; make sure to read our post on ethical budget shopping.
Leading Luxury Eco-Friendly Clothing Labels
In order to support brand sustainability in the fashion industry, many businesses—from low-end to high-end—are taking environmental responsibility seriously and introducing innovation into their production and distribution processes.
It’s now simpler than ever to keep sustainability firmly on our radars and invest in stylish, ethical clothing because of these sustainable luxury fashion firms, which have made it their mission to address problems in the industry’s production techniques. These men are unquestionably at the top of their game, and change always begins at the top!
Several of these eco-friendly firms support fair trade working conditions and environmental organizations in addition to producing eco-friendly apparel and items that are supplied responsibly.
You can contribute to environmental conservation by purchasing these eco-luxe brands, which will help us move toward a more sustainable fashion sector in the future.
1. Stella McCartney
Eco-Luxury Values: cutting-edge sustainable technology, social responsibility, assessing effect, and protecting ecosystems
Sustainable Materials: repurposed silk and cashmere, forestry fibers, recycled polyester and nylon, vegan leather, and organic cotton.
This is a designer company that will never skimp on quality when it comes to sustainability. They continuously push the envelope and use cutting-edge technology to develop a cutting-edge, fashionable, and environmentally friendly brand.
In order to assist customers learn how to take better care of their clothes and extend the life of their favorite items, Stella McCartney introduced Clevercare in 2014. It is a simple, five-step labeling process. What was the outcome? Much less waste, which is presumably why so many stylish people have at least one vintage Stella McCartney piece.
Regular audits are carried out to monitor the environmental effect in order to make sure the brand is constantly ahead of the game.
Additionally, the McCartney brand works with several environmental conservation organizations and non-governmental organizations, such as Parley for the Oceans and Wildlife Works, and is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which guarantees the careful selection of ethically reputable suppliers.
2. The Social Group
Eco-Luxury Values: Waste minimization, community involvement, and social responsibility
Sustainable Materials: Donated deadstock, repurposed and reused textiles
The Social Outfit is an Australian business that combines charity and social entrepreneurship with an incredible aim. The brand gives refugee and immigrant populations jobs and training in every facet of the fashion industry, from marketing to apparel manufacture. Working at The Social Outfit will often be their first paid employment and their first step towards becoming fully Australian.
They also give careful consideration to sustainability. By concentrating on waste reduction and repurposing textiles that would otherwise end up in the trash, they have prevented tons of rubbish from ending up in landfills. In this endeavor, they have collaborated with more than 28 Australian companies so far, including Alice McCall and Bec & Bridge!
3. Vivienne Westwood
Eco-Luxury Values: Human rights, environmental, and cutting-edge sustainable technology
Sustainable Materials: Hemp, coir, tencel, silk, and organic cotton
Adhering to her own advice, Vivienne Westwood’s renowned brand is becoming a sustainable masterpiece, so serving as a model for fashionistas worldwide. How? by using eco-friendly and recyclable materials and utilizing the brand’s influence to raise awareness of human rights issues and climate change.
Her most recent project, which includes contemporary sustainability, uses catwalk events and partnerships as platforms to raise awareness and inspire followers of ethical fashion to save the environment. Three themes are highlighted throughout the campaign: Gaia, Arts & Culture, and Quality vs. Quantity.
4. Fisher Eileen
Eco-Luxury Values: Workers’ rights, non-hazardous colors, transparent supply chains, and sustainable fibers
Sustainable Materials: Lyocell, recycled fibers, organic cotton, and ethical wool
Since 1984, Eileen Fisher has been making sophisticated, morally-driven clothing for women. She creates luxurious, eco-friendly clothing that defies cyclical fashion fads by emphasizing inclusion and simplicity.
Her firm, which has always been at the forefront, launched its first recycling program in 2009, collecting used goods to repair, clean, and resell at a reduced cost. As a Certified B Corp, the company is now committed to empowering women, treating employees fairly, and developing a circular economy for fashion that refills and reuses its resources.
5. Fair and Seldom Found
Sustainable natural fibers, social responsibility, community involvement, and an open supply chain are examples of eco-luxury values.
Sustainable Materials: Community silk, organic cotton, natural cotton, and handwoven textiles
This upscale slow fashion label is all about promoting handcrafted clothing and accessories manufactured by designers using sustainable raw materials. Their objective? should adopt the moral treatment of employees, use eco-friendly products, and cut down on waste.
Their natural, hand-loomed apparel and accessories are sent right to you from the artists themselves. By choosing this approach, Rare & Fair is able to completely support handloom weavers and artisan communities.
Although the fashions embrace historic processes, they have current patterns that make clients feel good about themselves and look fantastic, knowing that they have contributed to the preservation of these antiquated manufacturing practices.
6. Reorganization
Eco-Luxury Values: Reduced waste, carbon neutrality, and local manufacturing
Sustainable Materials: Upcycled textiles, deadstock salvage, and repurposed apparel
Reformation, a modern clothing brand with its headquarters in Los Angeles, was undertaking sustainable design long before it was, well, trendy! From design to shipment and all points in between, its cutting-edge eco-facility located in downtown Los Angeles handles every aspect of manufacturing.
Repurposed antique garments, recycled textiles, offcuts, recovered deadstock, and fresh sustainable materials are used to create each collection. Ref Active, a stunning new line of leisurewear, is made from recycled plastic bottles.
Learn more about the materials and inventions used by the Reformation here.
7. Dai
Eco-Luxury Values: Waste reduction, living wage guarantee, B-corp certification
Sustainable Materials: Recycled and eco-certified textiles
Finding eco-friendly business attire has never been easy, particularly when it also fits well. Former investment banker Joanna Dai, the designer of Dai, was so dissatisfied with her workwear that she took the decision to make her own. launching lines that were as comfortable to wear as her yoga pants while yet delivering performance, adaptability, and utility!
The company has a strong commitment to sustainability. Their Eco Luxe Essentials collection is created from trees from sustainably managed forests, making it biodegradable and compostable. Eighty-eight percent of their fabrics are eco-certified. They also pay all of their employees more than the London Living Wage. 
8. ACNe Studios
Eco-luxury values: sustainability goals and reporting, labor conditions monitored externally
Sustainable Materials: Organic silk, organic linen, lyocell, and reused and recycled textiles
Acne Studios, praised for its ultra-cool, modern aesthetic, expanded their assortment in 2020 by introducing a sustainable range called “Repurposed.” The Swedish company has developed a range of capsule collections that are now released on a quarterly basis, using a number of discarded offcuts and recycled textiles that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Since 2008, Acne Studios has been a part of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), which helps the company keep an eye on and improve working conditions via initiatives including an impartial, outside “Brand Performance Check.” This indicates that the company is transparent about its shortcomings and works hard to do better every year; evidence of this may be seen in its annual sustainability report.
9. Re/Completed
Eco-Luxury Values: free repairs, heritage market, recycling and reusing, and waste minimization
Recycled and recycled denim, cotton, and upcycled mixed textiles are examples of sustainable materials.
Another guilt-free, eco-friendly business that sells fashionable items manufactured from repurposed materials is Re/Done. Since their debut in 2014, they have gained notoriety for reinventing worn-out Levis into custom, modern looks.
When it comes to using the newest technology to provide the greatest sustainable fashion outcomes, the environmentally aware firm is laser-focused. They have significantly expanded their services since debut. In addition to their well-known jeans, they now create dresses, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and a few suits.
This popular sustainable brand, which is often seen hanging out with celebrities, is a must-have if you’re searching for an easy, carefree atmosphere at an inexpensive price.
10. Marilyn Maggie
Eco-Luxury Values: Transparent supply chain, circular manufacturing, locally made goods, sustainability plan
Sustainable Materials: FSC viscose, ethical silks, and organic cotton
Maggie Marilyn is a designer from New Zealand who uses silks that are ethically sourced and organic cottons to create opulent, luxurious patterns. Her native New Zealand is the site of all manufacturing. Her objective is to bring about a “transparent, circular, regenerative, and inclusive” transformation of the fashion industry.
We like this company because they walk the walk as much as speak it. Together with a supplier code of conduct, they develop their own sustainability plan that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. For the brand, this isn’t just checking boxes; they establish new goals every year and provide frequent reports on how their initiatives are working.
Hopefully, this list has helped you locate the ideal ethically produced luxury item for you to buy next. We would love to know which eco-luxe label is your favorite or what the newest sustainable projects from your favorite company are. Post a comment below!
