It is no secret that the fashion industry has a serious image problem. In everything from model diversity to animal rights, the fashion industry has a reputation for being on the wrong side of history and slow to adapt. However, there is one issue taking the industry by storm, impacting every level from fast fashion to haute couture: sustainability. Fashion is the second largest consumer of water and accounts for as much as 10 percent of global carbon emissions. Thanks to demands from strong-willed Millennial and Gen Z consumers, Spring 2020 collections finally showed the start of a commitment to eco-consciousness. Sustainability is multidimensional, and in a new age of awareness, some brands are beginning to emerge as pioneers.
 Source: Converse | We started to see a shift toward sustainability in fashion with the reuse of fabrics. As over $500 billion worth of clothes end up in landfills every year, some brands are finding ways to repurpose or “upcycle” textiles to minimize waste. In a partnership with European vintage giant Beyond Retro, Converse brings an unlikely companion to their famous Chuck Taylors. With Converse Renew Denim, old pairs of jeans are turned into uppers of sneakers, creating a sustainable, one-of-a-kind footwear experience for each customer. One pair of jeans can turn into at least one pair of sneakers, and not only is the fabric repurposed, but it also does not have to be broken down to be reused, lessening its footprint. While they cost $5 more than the classics, customers know that they are making an exclusive purchase they can feel good about. |
| While conversation continues to grow around fabrics, before this season, few people stopped to think about the environmental implications that come with producing a fashion show. Enter Gabriela Hearst: a New York designer who will forever be known as the first to present her collection with a carbon neutral show. Through initiatives like only using local models that would not have to fly in and lowering appliance use backstage, the designer did commit to a smaller footprint, but it is not currently possible to host a show that is completely carbon-free. That being said, her goal of neutrality was actualized through offsetting, or donating to other causes to reduce emissions around the world. For Hearst, this meant supporting the Hifadhi-Livelihoods Project in Kenya, providing families with modern cooktops to reduce the use of wood and the creation of fumes. As she brought her concept to life, Gabriela Hearst showed that any brand can make sustainability fit into their mission. |  Source: Vogue |
As more brands announce sustainability initiatives, critics are quick to question the impact one change will make. The truth here is that no one can save the planet overnight. Fans of fashion are allowed to be excited that their favorite brands are taking responsibility, but there is certainly a long way to go. The key here will be making sure the trend does not pass, and it does not look like Gen Z is ready to give up this fight.
Do you think this is enough to create a real shift in the fashion industry? Who do you see getting creative with sustainability? Share your thoughts below!
Do you think this is enough to create a real shift in the fashion industry? Who do you see getting creative with sustainability? Share your thoughts below!