James Masterson

The planet pillar explores the idea of sustainability in the fashion industry and discusses how both consumers and brands can work towards being more sustainable, specifically focusing on minimalizing waste and recycling to ensure that the industry tackles the current climate crisis. To put this into perspective, up to 100 billion garments are constructed each year and 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills. Industry needs to take necessary steps towards ensuring that the harm caused to the planet is limited.  

Sustainability in relation to fashion refers to the ethical consumption of products, meaning the clothing is designed and manufactured in a way that is environmentally friendly and considerate of the climate. The fashion industry is the second largest contributor to the world’s pollution, with the fashion industry taking up 20% of the world’s annual water usage (Shaikh, M.A., 2009) Fast fashion is a leading factor and brands need to take necessary action towards being more sustainable by using recycled materials. During the end-of-life period, we should be thinking about how to utilise material recovery processes to maximise the potential of materials that we already own (Gwilt, 2020). 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goal, known as SDG are the 17 Goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 in order to protect the planet. The Sustainable Development Goal of Responsible Consumption aims to limit the waste of materials in the fashion industry. This SDG is visible in the second-hand market, apps like Vinted and Depop have built a brand on reselling pre-loved clothing and ensuring that these materials are given new life, and nothing goes to waste. However, with the 100 billion garments made each year only 1% of them is recycled.  

Circular economy refers to use of resources in a way that is not harming the planet, specifically reusing and recycling with the end goal being to ensure zero waste throughout the use of these materials. In Europe, 30% of clothing bought by consumers has only been used once (Palacios-Mateo, C., Van der Meer, Y. and Seide, G., 2021) To be more sustainable, after using these materials, they should be put back into the cycle and recycled to be used in other ways to ensure that these assets can be given new life, and we minimize waste.  

References 

Gwilt, A. (2020). Practical Guide To Sustainable Fashion. S.L.: Ava Academia. 

Palacios-Mateo, C., Van der Meer, Y. and Seide, G., 2021. Analysis of the polyester clothing value chain to identify key intervention points for sustainability. Environmental Sciences Europe, 33(1), p.2 
 
Muhammad Ayaz Shaikh (2009). Water conservation in textile industry. Pakistan Textile Journal, 58(11). 

VERSACE

Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, Versace is one of the world’s most prominent fashion houses. Established in Milan, the brand is acclaimed for being a symbol of Italian luxury, Versace are known for producing various fashion and lifestyle products including haute couture, prèt-à-porter, accessories and fragrances which all feature the brand’s iconic Medusa logo. With more than 130 Versace boutiques around the world, there is no doubt that the brand has built a legacy over the last 4 decades. Versace is adored by many, having its designs showcased on red carpets by many famous faces over the years, such as icons like Micheal Jackson and Princess Diana.

Versace is known for its very recognisable style, the designs are powerful, seductive and designed to perfectly flatter the female figure. The fashion house is known to push boundaries of clothing using heavy metal detailing and bright colours to create sexy and luxurious pieces. The Versace aesthetic is known for bold colours, daring cuts and focuses heavily on sex appeal.

As of recent years, Versace has shown a more conscious effort to encompass sustainability in their brand, making it a crucial part of their marketing stratergy. The brand has said that they are approaching sourcing in a more holistic way, making sure to do everything they can to keep their carbon footprint down and support biodiversity. Versace is taking the necessary steps towards being a more sustainable and eco friendly brand, one of the biggest actions they have taken being going completely fur free in 2019.

Versace’s recent collections have been new and refreshing yet sticking to the brand’s signature recognisable style. One of its biggest collections as of late being “La Vacanza” which debuted in Cannes and is co-designed by famous singer Dua Lipa, one of Versace’s most prominent muses.