There’s nothing like being your fabulous True Fashionista self, keeping your fashion-conscious standards in line with your commitment to protecting the environment. It’s also nice to know that many luxury fashion designers feel the same, many since the launch of their careers! You can support their efforts to dress the public fabulously and sustainably by shopping their lines at True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest consignment store. Then start the conversation. You never know who’s listening.
Here are a few designers out to change the world for the better, one thread at a time, while killing it on the runway.
CLOTHING WITH CONSCIENCE – STELLA MCCARTNEY
Ms. Daughter of Sir Paul is the first name that comes to mind when discussing sustainable fashion. As one of the pioneers of eco-friendly, cruelty-free, inclusive, and ethical fashion since the launch of her fashion house in 2001, McCartney is constantly exploring and experimenting with new sustainable materials and technology. She uses organic cotton, ethically sourced wool, regenerated cashmere, recycled textiles while eschewing fur and leather. Her stores use solar panels and LEDs for energy and recyclable materials for packaging.
Fashion education site Motif.org shares the four fundamental pillars of Stella’s sustainable fashion strategy:
- Respect for nature: The designer protects the planet by sourcing as many sustainable materials as possible such as cashmere, organic cotton,or fibers from the forest,i.e., viscose, which is traceable and sourced from renewable sources.
- Respect for people: From the farmers who grow the crops to the customer, Stella McCartney ensures a positive impact on all the people involved in the supply chain.
- Respect foranimals: As a vegetarian brand, Stella McCartney promotes cruelty-free methods and treats animals and their habitats with respect.
- Circularsolutions: The brand follows the principles of circular fashion by using regenerative and restorative production methods.
CLOTHING WITH CONSCIENCE – EILEEN FISHER
Eileen Fisher is passionate about disrupting the linear production model, preferring to work in a circular model using organic materials and natural dyes. She also recycles old textiles and garments that result in True Fashionista luxurious and sustainable clothing. Fisher has also gone one step ahead by creating a dedicated social consciousness department within her company that addresses human rights, sustainability, and more.
Fisher’s company has an ambitious vision outlined in 2020 that includes a set of public commitments such as a 100% sustainable business model, using 100% organic cotton and linen, and being carbon positive. They are on track to meet this target as they continue to set goals for improvement.
Updated for a post-pandemic world, the company’s vision “Horizon 2030” aims to:
- Expand on its circular fashion goals
- Increase use of natural fibers that increases biodiversity, and increase the use of recyclable fibers
- Take business practices to achieve fair wages, gender equity, and a culture of caring in the communities throughout our supply chain
- Devote efforts in climate correction, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions
CLOTHING WITH CONSCIENCE – MARA HOFFMAN
New York-based designer Mara Hoffman puts recycling first, creating women’s clothing made from pre-and post-consumer waste. The brand aims to encourage customers to re-evaluate the relationship they have with their clothing. As the best designer consignment store, True Fashionistas couldn’t agree more!
Hoffman uses an assortment of sustainable fabrics, including Repreve and Econyl, and fibrous plant-based materials such as organic linen and cotton to create their collections. Their Pre-fall 2021 collection is made from 100% organic cotton. Their swimsuits are a blend of recycled polyester with built-in UPF 50+ protection. The brand also uses compostable packaging and digital printing technology to reduce water use.
On the human side, Hoffman works on a transparent relationship with suppliers and factories that provide safe working conditions and fair wages, taking the effort to trace most of its supply chain and visit suppliers regularly.
In a daring move during the height of the pandemic, Hoffman’s team decided not to produce a Fall 2020 or 2021 collection, focusing instead on existing inventory.
CLOTHING WITH CONSCIENCE – MAGGIE MARILYN
A shining example of True Fashionista sustainability from New Zealand, all of Marilyn’s collections are created with sustainable materials that are ethically sourced. True Fashionista pieces are manufactured locally to reduce their carbon footprint. The brand maintains close contact with its suppliers, traces most of its supply chain, and ensures all employees receive a living wage. They have even gone the extra mile of using cassava root bags for all packaging.
Total credit goes to Maggie Marilyn for actively promoting a circular lifecycle for their clothes, thereby allowing fashion items to last forever. From the supply chain to the final product, every step of the process is monitored to ensure that they keep to ethical and sustainable standards.
After their use, the owner can take back and recycle those pieces into something new. Maggie herself has stated, “sustainability shouldn’t be a luxury but something everybody can buy.” Although her collections are haute couture, they start at a very reasonable price to give everyone a chance to experience her concept.
You, too, can enjoy all the righteous sustainability feels at True Fashionistas consignment store, Naples. Find authentic designer clothing at a fraction of the original price and consign your own. You’ll not only save tons but also help the planet as well. Shop our upgraded online store or browse the aisles in our expanded brick and mortar location. Winning!