It’s about time fashion gets its act together… That’s why we put ours together.
FASHIONPHILE is one of the 11 founding members of The American Circular Textiles (ACT) policy group, along with other fellow resale industry leaders including Rent the Runway, The RealReal, and thredUp. Together, this group aims to help develop and shape better textile policies.
Why? Because the fashion industry isn’t as sustainable as it should be. By acting on this worldwide issue, we’re proving that ultra-luxury really is a never-ending sustainable cycle. We’re committed to advancing sustainable textile policies across the US. ACT is spearheaded by the Circular Services Group (CSG), which aims to support textile recycling and recovery.
To spread awareness, ACT will host meetings, learning sessions, and workshops centered on creating a dialogue around scaling reuse, following its 2022 objective of aligning on and publishing a position paper by the end of the year.
As more questions arise around current practices in the industry, more brands are stepping forward and taking the initiative to establish a more sustainable and responsible system. Along the way, we’re seeing ultra-luxury brands from Stella McCartney to Balenciaga take steps to ensure company goals align with their sustainable values. In buying pre-owned, together we’re reusing pieces designed to last lifetimes.
Read on to learn more about the sustainable acts behind some of the brands we carry at FASHIONPHILE and how their efforts are paving the way for a more sustainable future for the industry at large.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney’s Good On You rating is one of the strongest due to its circularity initiatives in its supply chains. As a global fashion brand with a range of categories that include handbags, shoes, sportswear, lingerie, womenswear, and plus size, Stella McCartney strives to create desirable products with the least impact on the environment.
As an industry leader in creating the most cutting-edge materials and animal alternatives (including the famous Shaggy Deer faux leather, as well as the latest innovation in mushroom leather), Stella McCartney continues to push towards circularity and is fully transparent in their progress. They’ve been working with mycelium startup Bolt Threads since 2017. Its first ever luxury bag made from Mylo will be available to shop very soon.
Balenciaga
According to its Good On You rating, Balenciaga has good policies in place to help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chains. As a global fashion company certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard, Balenciaga is taking much-needed eco-friendly steps to reduce its production impact on the planet.
These initiatives include implementing recycled materials, preventing deforestation of ancient and endangered forests through a policy set in place and approved by CanopyStyle, and reducing the use of hazardous chemicals from the leather tanning process. They are committed to reaching 100% alignment with Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company, and its Standards for Raw Materials and Manufacturing Processes by 2025.
The Le Cagole bag, for example, is tanned using metal-free methods which is more environmentally friendly, resulting in less water, air, and soil pollutants.
Bottega Veneta
The sustainable initiatives behind Bottega Veneta are no doubt leading the standard for ethical responsibility and innovation. Their goals are to minimize carbon emissions, embrace a culture of sustainability in the workforce, and preserve their heritage of innovation and craftsmanship through products that are made to last across generations. As a brand within the Kering group as well, it aims to stay in line with Kering’s philosophy.
90% of Bottega Veneta leather scraps are recycled, and 100% of their leather used is traceable leather. Their ‘Kraft’ handbag collection is made from 100% recycled paper. And as part of the brand’s sustainability push, you can now buy old-season Bottega Veneta bags. Each month, the brand will drop archival designs from its own inventory. And of course, you can find an ever-changing selection of 100% authentic pre-owned Bottega Veneta bags at FASHIONPHILE.
Prada
Prada is committed to building awareness around their recycled nylon. The introduction of their Re-nylon range inspires advancements in material production that drives positive change and promotes scientific evolution in the textile space. In working to mitigate impact on climate change and embrace circular thinking through the Fashion Pact, Prada has a sustainability strategy that will strengthen and inspire change in the luxury market. They are one of the many brands that have announced a fur-free policy.
John Hardy
John Hardy was founded in 1975 with a dedication to handcrafted jewelry and the brand is committed to sustainable business practices. Their strong Good On You rating is evident with their use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials. All products are produced by hand to reduce climate impact, and the amount of wastewater produced.
The pieces themselves are inspired by Bali and its rich jewelry-making traditions. The brand is a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council and through every step of their business, John Hardy ensures that their stones, diamonds, and metals are conflict-free and ethically produced. And through every purchase from their Bamboo Collection, new bamboo seedlings are planted to help cultivate and preserve Bali’s natural beauty.
