Present And Future Of Responsible Fashion: Sustainability And Circularity
Fashion is one of the most prominent industries on our planet, but also one of the most environmentally and socially impactful. Mass production of garments, labor exploitation and excessive waste have generated a growing concern about the future of fashion. However, in the midst of this scenario, a movement has emerged that promotes responsible fashion, based on principles of sustainability and circularity. In this article, we will explore these concepts and how they are shaping the present and future of fashion, as well as our commitment as an environmental, social and economic team.
The current state of fashion and the need for responsible fashion
Fashion is a huge consumer of natural resources. According to data from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), fashion is responsible for approximately 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions. In addition, the mass production of garments and the rapid turnover of trends have led to a "throwaway" culture, better known as fast fashion, where garments are quickly discarded.
To counteract this problem, it is necessary to adopt a responsible approach to fashion. Sustainability and circularity are the fundamental pillars of this new paradigm in the fashion industry.
Sustainability in fashion
Sustainability in fashion involves taking into account the environmental, social and economic impact at all stages of the life cycle of a garment or accessory. This involves choosing conscious materials, reducing the consumption of natural resources, minimizing the carbon footprint and promoting fair labor conditions. In this context, designer TINNIT stands out for its commitment to sustainability in the jewelry industry. TINNIT works with ethically sourced and environmentally friendly handcrafted jewelry pieces. Each of its creations is handmade using carefully selected materials. In addition, TINNIT prides itself on using 100% solar energy throughout its manufacturing process, which helps to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Sea Findings Pearls Ear Cuff OOAK TINNIT
The use of conscious materials
One of the ways in which responsible fashion addresses sustainability is through the use of conscious materials. This involves looking for alternatives to conventional materials that are harmful to the environment. Instead, sustainable and environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp and recycled fibers are chosen.
Designer Anhet is an advocate of this philosophy and has created a lingerie dress made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. In particular, she has chosen to use Tencel, the most environmentally friendly cellulosic fiber available today. This fiber is produced exclusively from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). In addition, the fiber bears the Pan-European Forest Council (PEFC) quality seal, which guarantees its responsible and sustainable origin. With this conscious choice of materials, Anhet demonstrates its commitment to responsible fashion and its concern to minimize the environmental impact of its creations.
Handmade in local workshops
Another key aspect of responsible fashion is local production and support for artisanal workshops. Rather than resorting to mass production in distant factories, responsible fashion seeks to encourage production in local workshops, where fair working conditions and higher quality garments can be guaranteed. This also helps to reduce the carbon footprint by reducing transportation distances. At In Made Spain we work throughout the process with local Spanish workshops.
Limited collections
Instead of following the traditional model of launching new collections every few weeks, responsible fashion is committed to limited collections. This means producing fewer garments but of higher quality and durability. By reducing production and the demand for new garments on a constant basis, the environmental impact is reduced and a more conscious approach to consumption is encouraged. In addition, there is another form of production such as the On Demand model, i.e., once you buy your design, production begins. Our designers also work in this way in some designs, so we make sure that no unnecessary garments and accessories are made, being sustainable and ensuring that each garment receives the attention and care necessary to be of high quality.
Circularity in fashion
Circularity is another central aspect of responsible fashion. It refers to the idea of closing the life cycle of garments, preventing them from becoming waste and making the most of their materials and resources. For this purpose, 710 STUDIO is committed to sustainability and uses garments that feature the intelligent recycling system through ZYOSH QR codes. These invisible QR codes sewn into the garment become visible and readable by a smartphone when the garment reaches the recycling threshold. It is at this point that the fabric is no longer a contaminant and should therefore be recycled. To close the life cycle of the garment, and proceed to its collection for recycling, it is only necessary to transfer the order information, processing a request and accompanied by a prize. In this way, 710 STUDIO is committed to promoting the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Fernanda Bikini Top + Bea Panty 710 STUDIO
Turning waste into fashion
Responsible fashion also seeks to turn waste into fashion. This involves using recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or fishing nets recovered from the ocean, and transforming them into high-quality fabrics for the manufacture of garments. This initiative contributes to the reduction of plastic waste and promotes the circular economy by using resources that would otherwise end up in landfills or the oceans.
Recycling and use of leftover fabrics
One of the key practices in circular fashion is recycling. Instead of discarding garments and accessories that are no longer in use, reuse or transformation into new items is encouraged. Many designers and brands are adopting this strategy by collecting leftover fabrics from their own productions or from other high-quality fashion brands, such as LE-BOBÚ, and using them to create new designs. LE-BOBÚ is a prime example in this regard, as they are dedicated to recycling leftover fabrics, taking leftovers from other brands and turning those scraps into sustainable fashion. This initiative not only reduces the amount of waste generated in the fashion industry, but also gives materials a second life, giving them a new purpose and preventing waste.
The future of responsible fashion
The movement towards more responsible fashion is gaining momentum and is expected to continue to grow in the future. More and more designers, brands and consumers are recognizing the importance of making conscious and ethical choices in the fashion industry.
Technology is also playing a crucial role in responsible fashion. Innovation in sustainable materials, such as algae- or mushroom-based fabrics, and the development of more efficient and less polluting production processes are opening up new opportunities for more sustainable and circular fashion.
In addition, consumers are taking a more conscious approach to their fashion choices. More and more people are looking for brands that are transparent in their practices and that offer ethical and sustainable products. The power of the consumer to drive change is evident, and brands are responding to this growing demand by adopting more responsible practices.
Ultimately, responsible fashion, based on the principles of sustainability and circularity, is transforming the fashion industry. The adoption of conscious materials, local production, limited and on-demand collections, and recycling of leftover fabrics are some of the key practices that are driving the shift towards more ethical and sustainable fashion. As more industry players and consumers join this trend, the future of responsible fashion looks bright. Together, we can work toward fashion that is not only beautiful, but also respectful of our planet and our communities.
Sofia and Legally Sets LE·BOBÚ on cover
Text: Esme Olalla
