Jack Cudmore

4 Pillar’s – Planet

The fashion industry is a constantly changing and ever dynamic global force. As consumers want more, brands begin to step up production and manufacture more products at previously unprecedented levels. Trends and microtrends that have become more popular over the years from sub-cultures that have filtered out into mainstream fashion. These factors, whilst good for business, has caused unparalleled damage to the planet at local and global levels. 

A Circular economy is described as a ‘model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leasing, reusing repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible.’ (European Parliament, 2023). The process of a circular economy can be seen as immensely beneficial within the long run, encouraging recycling of materials, especially from unwearable garments, alongside upcycling of once believed unusable materials which are key factors in maximising resource efficiency whilst reducing overall carbon footprint. A circular economy can extend the life cycle of creating a focus on longer lasting and more durable products. This focus of higher quality over higher quantity can result in less of a turnover of products within the fashion industry, with less frequent purchases and less strain on the global environment.

Sustainability is defined by the United Nations as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. (United Nations, 2023). It has become a growing priority within the fashion industry, with brands finding ways in which they can become increasingly more conscious about their public perception about green practises. However, sustainability is not just about environmental factors. It can also encapsulate social factors as well, including ethical labour and acquisition of materials through high profile schemes such as Fairtrade. The popularity and use of these initiatives are a clear indication of the industries shift towards a more positive outlook on sustainability.

The United Nations are at the forefront of global leadership regarding the planet and people and have developed 17 different goals that cover different areas of concern. In relation to the fashion industry, goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production holds a specific significance in the future of the fashion industry. It is estimated that two tonnes of clothing are bought in the UK each minute, more than any other country in Europe (Algamal, Armanos, 2019), which helps put into perspective the consumerism that is present throughout society. The impact of these goals could be that the waste created by advanced economies can be decreased, with an emphasis placed on reusing and recycling for the betterment of the global community.

Reference List:

Algamal, A. (2019). New Shocking Facts about the Impact of Fast Fashion on Our Climate. [online] Oxfam GB. Available at: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/oxfam-blog/new-shocking-facts-about-the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-our-climate/ [Accessed 7 Oct. 2023].

European Parliament (2023). Circular economy: definition, Importance and Benefits | News | European Parliament. [online] www.europarl.europa.eu. Available at: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/economy/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits.

United Nations (2023). Sustainability. United Nations. [online] Available at: https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/sustainability [Accessed 7 Oct. 2023].

Jil Sander

Founded in 1968 in Hamburg, Germany, Jil Sander is the eponymous fashion label of designer Heidemarie Jiline Sander. A German fashion label, that combines the stereotypical German need for efficiency, minimalism, and innovation, with a consumer’s desire for function and form to create an idea of being fashionable. Famed for her minimalism, the brand commands a mood of utilitarianism for everyday life, providing practical and timeless classics built to last long beyond the everchanging cycles of fashion and trends. Focusing on fabric design and quality over extravagant and out-there fashion design, the brand commands the aesthetic of its founder, believing in simplicity over most things.

 Currently creatively led by husband-and-wife duo Luke and Lucie Meier, the brand has pivoted towards an aesthetic form of nostalgia whilst simultaneously looking towards the future, namely in terms of sustainability and what the future has to offer. Launching the subline Jil Sander+ in Fall/Winter 2019, it is designed to be a collection ‘for life outside of the city’. Citing a move away from the city and into nature as the source of their inspiration, Jil Sander+ is designed to complement the brands main collections and asks to be worn within activities within the natural world. Going to the beach, a hike through the forest to climb up a mountain or a simple walk through the countryside, it is designed to be practical but sensitive with an ability to come out the other side of adverse weather conditions unscathed whilst also remaining comfortable.  Manufactured with simple but organic fabrics, Jil Sander+ has developed collaborations and partnerships in which Luke and Lucie developed specialised relationships with partners made within the fashion industry with the purpose of pushing and expanding the way in which the brand and its products are perceived, whilst also developing an expertise in sustainability. 

Alongside this newfound purpose, Jil Sander also developed its first denim line in 2019 alongside the Plus subline. Using Japanese production methods along with locally sourced materials, it has showcased the brands ethos towards higher qualities and the ability of staying true to its original ideas of long and everlasting craftsmanship in a timeless silhouette designed for any one occasion. 

The epitome of minimalist sophistication and elegance, Jil Sander is and still continues to be a leader within the field of comfortability and practicality in the luxury world with designs that feel honest and true.