SUSTAINABILITY IS THE NEW FRONTIER FOR LUXURY FASHION
As far as fashion trends go, sustainability is one with undeniable sticking power. Despite continuing political debate about the veracity of climate change, fashion
labels, grassroots activist groups and designers themselves are quietly enacting real change over their own domain.
In 2017, mass production is probably the easiest and cheapest it’s ever been, yet more consumers are voting with their buying power, steering away from fast fashion
and brands with shady reputations in favour of those taking a stand.
For as long as fashion has captured the hearts and minds of the masses, there have been labels more focused on sustainability than others; Stella McCartney, a
staunch vegan and animal advocate, utilises leather substitutes for her clothes and accessories. Kering, the French fashion group Stella McCartney belongs to, has positioned itself as a leader in
sustainability in the luxury sector.
Beyond these proponents of luxury goods, ‘ethical clothing’ has traditionally been synonymous with hemp, hessian and Nimbin, inspiring about the same level of
sartorial reverence as the good old potato sack.
These days, things are different. Consumers are actually seeking out ethical purchases, and designers are taking heed by producing sustainably-sourced clothing
people actually want to wear.