High fashion designers throughout the years have never really been eco-conscious, as it’s all been about creating the next fashion trend rather than becoming more sustainable. However, there have been some shifts in recent years that have resulted in more high-end brands deciding to reduce their carbon footprint. This can be done in multiple ways during different parts of the clothing’s lifecycle, including the production and selling processes.
UK designers have been at the forefront of this, as they’ve embraced the commitment to creating clothing that is ethical yet stylish. Their approaches have streamlined the production stages while keeping it eco-friendly. They are striving to be eco-conscious during the whole lifecycle of the clothing, which will minimise waste and improve the longevity of the clothing.
This guide will explore how high fashion has been transformed to become more eco-conscious and sustainable. Continue reading to find out more.
Eco-Conscious High Fashion
Next-Generation Fabrics
The high-end fashion industry in the UK is embracing next-generation fabrics, moving beyond traditional eco-friendly options. This includes innovative materials like Piñatex (pineapple leaf leather) and Mycelium (mushroom leather), alongside established sustainable textiles such as Tencel/Lyocell (wood pulp-derived) and Econyl (recycled ocean waste).
Recycled polyester also gives new life to plastic waste, as it can be used for certain pieces of clothing. These can be complemented with plant-based dyes, moving away from harmful chemicals that are used by fast fashion brands.
Upcycling and Deadstock
Upcycling and deadstock utilisation are key to sustainable high-end fashion in the UK. Upcycling transforms discarded materials from old clothes or other household items into unique pieces, which minimizes waste and allows you to channel your inner creativity.
Using deadstock fabric also significantly reduces the need for new manufacturing, saving vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. Both practices champion a circular economy, minimising environmental impact and maximising resource efficiency in fashion.
Circular Business Models
Design for longevity has become a focus for high fashion, as they turn their attention to creating timeless garments that encourage consumers to keep items longer. Reducing waste in production through zero-waste design techniques also minimises textile off-cuts during manufacturing.
This commitment is only furthered by a growing emphasis on local production and reshoring within the UK, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting ethical labor. Initiatives like the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN) are actively driving this transition towards a circular fashion ecosystem in the UK.
Supply Chain Transparency
Ethics and transparency are becoming crucial for all types of clothing brands. Designers are becoming dedicated to working with experts to accurately confirm the origins of materials. Well-known Gen-Z luxury brands like Burberry and Prada have implemented programs to give customers easily accessible information about a product’s origin, sustainability credentials, and recycling guidelines.
Technologies like Digital Product Passports further enhance this by providing consumers with direct access to a product’s entire journey, solidifying transparency as a non-negotiable aspect of responsible and successful fashion.
Technological Integration
Technological integration is revolutionising sustainable fashion styles, offering powerful tools to reduce waste and enhance efficiency. AI and 3D design are particularly impactful, enabling designers to create virtual prototypes, optimise material usage, and accurately forecast demand. This minimises overproduction and supports on-demand, custom manufacturing.
This drastically cuts down on material waste and energy consumption associated with traditional sample production. The move towards using more automation in the UK aims to improve efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and facilitate the reshoring of production to the country.
Leading UK Designers and Brands
Some brands in the UK are leading the way when it comes to becoming more eco-conscious, which will hopefully rub off on others. Some of these include:
- Stella McCartney: Known for her unwavering commitment to cruelty-free fashion and support for recycled materials, such as cashmere, organic cotton, and reclaimed nylon.
- Christopher Raeburn (RÆBURN): Focuses on reduce, reuse, and recycle, which ensures ethical labour and the use of sustainable materials.
- E.L.V. Denim: Specialises in designs made from 100% upcycled materials, preventing landfill usage.
- Mulberry: Embraced sustainability through transparency and responsible sourcing across its supply chain in the UK.
- Mother of Pearl: Reworked its entire supply chain to introduce natural fibers, transparent manufacturing. They also have a socially responsible supplier approach.
- Baukjen: A B-Corp certified brand that uses a high percentage of natural fibers that biodegrade faster and minimise environmental impact.
- Herd and Sheep Inc.: Focusing on sustainable and carbon-negative knitwear using British wool that has been ethically sourced.
Conclusion
UK designers have been able to shift their production practices to become more ethical, as more brands start their sustainable journey of reducing their carbon footprint. We’ve seen brands like Mulberry and RÆBURN use ethical labour and transparency to become well-respected brands in the eco-community. Those with British Citizenship have continued this with many new start-up businesses also using sustainable practices to align with this high-fashion shift.
