10 Luxury Brands That Have Committed to Sustainability
by HULA on Oct 13, 2020
On the 2020 Consignment Day (5 Oct - Yes! There's a day dedicated just to consignment), The RealReal announced their latest partnership with Gucci, adding another super-luxury brand under their belt as their sustainable partner after introducing Burberry as The RealReal's first-ever collaborator in the luxury sector. Although slow to embrace resale, more luxury brands have committed to the circular fashion economy than ever. Read on to see if your fave luxury brands made the sustainable fashion list!
Chanel
Last month, Chanel issued 600 million euro worth of bonds which are linked to environmental sustainability targets and if Chanel doesn't live up to its green goals (i.e. reducing their carbon emissions by 2030), Chanel will have to pay a premium when the bond matures. Some proceeds may be used for investments including in startups developing alternatives to plastics or leather.Burberry
After its stock burning scandal in 2018, Burberry made a pledge to stop burning unsold products two months later. Also in 2018, Burberry became a core partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Make Fashion Circular initiative along with Gap, H&M, HSBC, Nike and Stella McCartney. It also went fur-free not long after. In 2019, the brand made another headline by collaborating with The RealReal, where Burberry consignors on the consignment platform are offered an exclusive personal shopping experience at selected US stores.
Gabriela Hearst
Hearst's first womenswear collection was built with two core values -- Long Term and Sustainability. Most products are produced in small quantities and used deadstock fabricks. Hearst has also committed to reducing the amount of non-recycled plastic and replacing them with compostable packaging. In 2020, Hearst held a completely carbon neutral runway show and set a goal of eliminating the use of virgin materials by 2022.Gucci
One of Gucci's first attempts to sustainability was to create a 100% traceable handbag collection in partnership with sustainability advocate Livia Firth. Their later approaches include recyclable packaging with FSC certified paper, more environmentally friendly raw materials, and their 2012 biodegradable plastic sandals collection. They've also set goals to only work with "verified captive-breeding operations or from wild, sustainably managed populations," where suppliers employ accepted animal welfare practices and humane treatment in sourcing." In 2017, Gucci went fur-free. And in 2020, Gucci established a partnership with the consignment company, The RealReal. The partnership donates to One Tree Planted whenever an Gucci item is consigned at The RealReal.LVMH
In 2019, LVMH said it was on track to meet or exceed its 2020 goals to procure 30% of its energy from renewable sources and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25% across its own operations. It is also aiming to reduce the overall environmental impact of its packaging by 10%. It has also hit goals to improve its sourcing of precious stones, leather and animal furs.Mara Hoffman
The luxury designer aims to encourage mindful consumption by using an array of recycled fabrics made from waste and recycled plastic. Plant-based materials are sourced through Lenzing group -- a manufacturer that specialises in eco-responsible fabric production. Its packaging, shipping and branding, and internationally accepted environmental and human rights standards are upheld for responsible production.
Stella McCartney
No stranger to the circular fashion industry. Stella McCartney is one of the first designers to embrace sustainable and ethical productions during a time when such a move was considered largely controversial and unconventional. A true trailblazer in sustainable fashion, McCartney's contribution includes researching and developing more sustainable materials, developing innovative processes that are less exploitative of natural resources and connecting with withs, in collecting and analysing data to overthrow established misconceptions about sustainable fashion.Stine Goya
In 2020, the brand have made goals to become open and transparent about their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Each season, the brand challenge its design and production to seek out and integrate new processes to lessen its impact on the environment.Vivienne Westwood
Known to be a pioneer in sustainable fashion. Westwood kicked off a call-to-action campaign in collaboration with the Mayor of London and the British Fashion Council and several British companies like Belstaff and Marks & Spencer to urge other luxury labels to switch from fossil fuels to green energy.
