Ethical Fashion, Digital Art: Stella McCartney's Sustainability Agenda and Sorayama's Vision

Stella McCartney stands as a trailblazer of sustainability in the world of luxury fashion. Brand known for its environmental friendly practices has made significant marks in revolutionizing industry's approach to responsible production. From pioneering the use of innovative, planet-friendly materials to implementing cutting-edge technologies for supply chain transparency, Stella McCartney sets a high standard for ethical and eco-conscious fashion.

Lets take a look at Stella McCartney's sustainability timeline.

2001 

• No leather, fur, skins, feathers or animal glues

2003

• Started powering all UK locations with renewable energy from Ecotricity.  

2008

• Began using organic cotton. 

 2010 

• Completely PVC-free. 

• First carbon offset as a brand  

2011  

• Supported artisans in Kenya with a Fairtrade accessories collection in partnership with International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative .

2012 

Introduced bio-acetate in eyewear.

• Debuted APINAT™️, a biodegradable rubber, in footwear.

• Initiated the use of recycled polyester.

• Partnered with the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) for Clean by Design program.

• Banned plastic water bottles from all Stella offices.

• Joined the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).

• Ensured FSC-certified wood in stores and offices, and FSC-certified or recycled paper packaging

2013 

• Went angora-free.

• Introduced Eco Alter-Nappa, a vegan alternative to animal leather.

• Completed the first Environmental Profit & Loss account.

• Switched to recycled polyester lining for Falabella bags

2014 

• Utilized bio-based TPU for shoe soles.

• Added recycled polyester microfiber for bags.

• Became the first fashion brand to join the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network.

• Partnered with environmental NGO, Canopy.

• Launched the Clevercare initiative.

• Initiated a multi-brand collaborative effort to promote worker rights in artisanal supply chains

2015 

• Launched Fur Free Fur.

• Introduced recycled cashmere to ready-to-wear collections.

2016 

• Replaced all virgin cashmere with recycled cashmere.

• Transitioned to forest-friendly viscose in ready-to-wear.

• Published the first-ever Environmental Profit & Loss report.

• Launched Falabella GO collection made from recycled nylon.

• Initiated productivity and wage analysis pilot for worker wages.

2017 

• Incorporated lower-impact metals and certified wool yarns.

• Developed the first prototype garment with Bolt Threads’ vegan Microsilk™.

• Achieved Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Gold-Level© certification for knitwear wool yarn.

• Began partnership with ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

• Launched resale initiative in the US with The RealReal.

• Debuted the first garment made with Microsilk™.

• Co-hosted the launch of Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s ‘A New Textile Economy’ report.

• Started using low-impact metals on iconic handbag chains.

• Launched a supplier improvement program in China.

2018 

• Banned the use of virgin mohair.

• Launched Loop sneaker designed for disassembly.

• Released first-ever vegan Stan Smith trainers with adidas.

• Created first handbag made from Bolt Threads’ Mylo™.

• Committed to Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s UK Plastic Pact.

• Opened Old Bond Street flagship store with sustainability focus.

• Initiated multi-brand industry collaboration in Italy for social sustainability.

2019 

• adidas by Stella McCartney developed garments with EVRNU®’s NuCycl yarn.

• Started using SOKTAS regenerative cotton in ready-to-wear.

2020 

• Endorsed the ILO’s COVID-19 Call to Action in the garment industry.

2021 

• Released Air Slide made from recycled industrial materials.

• Launched world’s first garments made from Mylo™.

• Only fashion brand to attend COP26 with the Future of Fashion exhibition.

2022

• Released the world’s first-ever commercially available Mylo™.

• Launched a new vegan alternative to animal leather using grape waste. 

• Voiced our support for New York’s Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act. 

• Submitted our Science Based Targets for approval. 

2023 

• Launched our first-ever close-the-loop garment, a parka made from ECONYL® which can be returned and regenerated into new yarn at end of life.

Innovations

 Vegea

It is a revolutionary vegan alternative to traditional animal leather, derived from grapes. This innovative material is sourced from the agricultural by-products of wineries in Northern Italy. Renowned for its softness and versatility, Vegea boasts a wide range of technical and aesthetic properties, including thickness, finishing, and texture.

Spider Silk

In partnership with Innovator Bolt threads, Stella McCartney is working on creation of sustainable silk.

Mylo

In partnership with Innovator Bolt threads, Stella McCartney created Mylo bag which is 85% mycelium from fungi and 15% lyocell.

Collab with digital

Stella McCartney has collaborated with Hajime Sorayama on a limited-edition unisex capsule for Spring Summer 2024, combining their shared themes of desire, design, and technology. The Stella McCartney + Sorayama collection showcases the Japanese artist's iconic works, including his provocative robots, silver strawberries, and Platinum Dream slogans, featured across various pieces in McCartney's renowned wardrobe. Notably, all ready-to-wear items are made from 100% conscious materials, accompanied by vegan handbags, footwear, and accessories.

Reference

Sustainable Clothing | Ethical Fashion | Stella McCartney UK

Top 11 Sustainable Clothing Brands to Watch Out For in 2024 (cleanhub.com)

Green Glamour: Luxury Fashion Icons Driving Environmental Change

Luxury fashion and sustainability may look like two parallel things, but industry is undergoing a revolutionary shift towards more environmentally conscious practices.

A New Paradigm for Luxury:

Traditionally, luxury fashion has been identified with lavishness and excess, but attitudes are changing. With time , environmental and social impact of luxury purchases has started to cause concern among luxury consumers. A 2022 survey by Deloitte found that 57% of luxury consumers consider sustainability factors when buying designer items. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted luxury brands . Let's take a closer look at how ten of these brands are driving change in the fashion industry.

Stella McCartney: Pioneering Ethical and Sustainable Fashion

Stella McCartney stands out as a changemaker in ethical and sustainable fashion. Since its establishment in 2001, the brand has always prioritized sustainability. Stella Mccartney was the first brand to eliminate the use of fur, animal leather and skins. Company aims to be net zero carbob emissions by 2040 and has reduced operational emissions by 76%, increased its sites running on renewable energy to 68%. In 2017, Stella McCartney has been working with Bolt Threads and launched world's first luxury bag made of Mycelium.

Vivienne Westwood: A Punk Icon's Environmental Advocacy

Vivienne Westwood, label has continued to stick with its saying "buy less, choose well, make it last" . Label aims to switch to 100% renewable energy in 2024.

The brand's sustainability strategy emphasizes responsible sourcing of materials, regenerative agriculture, and animal welfare.

Gucci: Setting the Standard for Sustainable Luxury

Under the umbrella of Kering, Gucci has established itself as a sustainable luxury fashion brand. Since 2018 and 2021, Gucci is carbon neutral in its own operations and entire supply chain respectively. Gucci continues to increase recycled raw material and organic fibres in its collection and guarantees 95% of its raw materials traceable.

Chanel: A Legacy of Elegance and Environmental Stewardship

Chanel's commitment to sustainability is evident in its 10-year climate action plan, Chanel Mission 1.5. The brand is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting vulnerable communities in its supply chain. Through strategic investments in renewable energy and partnerships with environmental organizations, Chanel is paving the way for a more sustainable future in luxury fashion.

Louis Vuitton: Balancing Tradition with Environmental Innovation

Louis Vuitton's heritage of luxury craftsmanship is complemented by its commitment to environmental sustainability. Biodiversity, climate, creative circularity and traceability are four pillars LV's environmental Plan. Label plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 55% by 2030.Louis Vuitton plans to source 100% raw materials responsibly by 2025, and is on track to achieve this with 78% of materials sourced either certified or recycled under the strictest of environmental standards.

Concluding, while the fashion industry faces significant environmental challenges, luxury brands are leading the way in sustainability with their innovative strategies and commitments to environmental responsibility.

References

Top 10: Sustainability Strategies of the World's Leading Luxury Fashion Labels | Sustainability Magazine

Why bespoke dressmaking is back - BBC Culture

Overcoming Setbacks: Lewis Heath's Journey to Triumph in the Fashion Industry

Lewis Heath talking about his journey in the fashion industry was both inspiring and eye opening. All the challenges, determination and persistence resonated with me deeply.

One thing that hooked with me was his perseverance. He talked about struggling to find job initially and when he decided to move back to London from Amsterdam. This uncertain nature of industry is something that concerns me . I connected his story with Angela and Katie, as they faced same issue. But in the end it was their dedication that kept them through the tough time and finally achieve what he wanted to know.

Also, his journey showed importance of adaptability. Fashion industry is know for rapid change and evolving trends, scenarios in workspace can change very quickly so ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances is important.  Another important aspect that he communicated was networking and  power of professional relationships. Lewis highlighted role networking played in opening doors to new opportunities. This highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful connections and utilising them to advance one’s career.

Lewis’s journey highlights importance of continuous learning. Acquiring new skills and embracing innovation is what that can help staying ahead in fashion industry.

Overall, his journey serves as inspiration and motivation for anyone who is trying to build a successful career. His journey reminds me that success is not always linear and setbacks are opportunities for growth.