Now more than ever, sustainability is becoming a primary concern within the fashion and textile industry. Brands have been questioning the way they operate and many have turned towards new practices that reduce the impact they have on the planet. Paris Fashion Week gives us the opportunity to discover the UK designers’ latest take on sustainable fashion.

The reach of these environmental considerations extends beyond showrooms and catwalks. Earlier this year, the Competition and Market Authority (CMA), an organisation that oversees the functioning of the UK’s markets, launched an investigation into three well-established fashion brands over potential greenwashing. Check out the Green Claims Code to learn about how to communicate about fashion and sustainability.

It is another proof that sustainable practices and the way that brands implement them are at the forefront of today’s fashion landscape. Discover how UK brands showcasing at Paris Fashion Week are focusing on slower fashion. Their collections include recycled fabrics, new innovative materials, ethical sourcing and more, without ever compromising on style.

PRESERVING CRAFTSMANSHIP TECHNIQUES

Bridal Shoe & Jewellery Designer Freya Rose (@freyaroselondon)

An advocate for slow and mindful fashion, Freya Rose works with families, not factories. Each of her intricate handcrafted designs was made thanks to the talent of her team of traditionally trained craftsmen and women.

What’s new this year? Freya Rose launched “For Women in Bali”, an initiative that supports the education and training of young people. Ancestral craftsmanship techniques are taught to them, to help preserving and growing a dying art-form that Freya aims to use within her designs.

ESTABLISHING A CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

London-based contemporary brand Hemsley (@hemsleylondon)

Hemsley London does not believe in fast fashion. Instead, they aim to create clothing that has a longer life span and that can live through seasonal trends. Environmentally conscious, they reduce excess stock by working according to supply and demand. They have established a circular business model – which includes taking into account every stage of a product’s life.

Designed in London, their clothes are produced in local factories from Turkish, Polish and Bangladeshi backgrounds. During their 12 years in the industry, Hemsley London have established transparency in all of their supply chain and have built a close relationship with the people they collaborate with.

USING A CIRCULAR AND INFINITELY RECYCLABLE MATERIAL

Swimwear and clothing brand Evarae Swimwear (@evaraeofficial)

Evarae Swimwear values functionality as much as design. Their creations are made in consideration with various body shapes and sizes to fit women of different ages. Made in Rimini, Italy, their swimwear is produced in a small family run atelier that has over 20 years of experience.

Evarae cuts down waste and minimises their environmental impact by running small productions and using natural fibres and sustainable alternatives for their clothing. Most of their swimwear is made from regenerated nylon, a special material named Econyl that is infinitely recyclable.

HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT ON PEOPLE AND THE PLANET

Made in England womenswear brand Edeline Lee (@edelinelee)

Edeline Lee has been committed to using sustainability and social responsibility best practices. Their work as a business involves minimising their environmental footprint and promoting positive social practices. Their efforts were rewarded in 2021 by Good on You, who named them one of the four most sustainable brands that year at London Fashion Week.

On top of being a minority female-owned business, Edeline Lee’s team includes a diverse group of employees who mostly live locally to their workplace. By regularly reviewing the quality of their work environment, they can ensure that their team work in good conditions and is paid a fair living wage.

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