Transforming Fashion: Embracing Made-to-Order Models for Sustainability
The fashion industry, once synonymous with creativity and expression, now grapples with its own demons: overproduction, environmental degradation, and ethical concerns. As awareness of the harsh realities of fast fashion spreads worldwide, an increasing number of voices are advocating for change. In this evolving landscape, the emergence of made-toorder business models offers a ray of hope—a chance to fundamentally transform the fashion industry. The Dark Side of Fashion Fashion’s current trajectory is not just concerning—it’s downright alarming. The relentless production of clothing by fast fashion large corporations, not only overwhelms landfills but also poses a significant threat to our oceans, our communities, and our collective conscience. The sheer volume of…
Penalties and advertising ban: France stops fast fashion companies
The French National Assembly has unanimously adopted the bill aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the textile industry, which will have to continue its legislative process in the Senate. Intended to curb “fast fashion”, the text provides: the ban on advertising for the sale of clothing at rock-bottom prices the decision to define fast fashion based on a set number of items placed on the market annually an enhanced environmental penalty to make fast fashion products less attractive Furthermore, companies that sell disposable fashion online will have to display messages near the price on their website that: raise awareness of the environmental impact of their products; encourage sobriety, reuse,…
After Mylo, the “leather” from mycelium, also Circulose, the textile fiber from recycled cotton, stops
Last year, the company Bolt Threads decided to put Mylo, an innovative “leather” from mycelium, on hold, despite the support of large brands such as Adidas, Kering and Stella McCartney. A couple of weeks ago, Renewcell, the renowned manufacturer of Circulose, had to file for bankruptcy despite significant support and partnerships gained in the industry. The pause of Bolt Threads and the failure of Renewcell, two major players in sustainable fashion, raise questions about the fashion industry’s effectiveness in supporting innovative solutions to reduce environmental impact. Renewcell Renewcell is a Swedish company known for its technology that recycles cotton T-shirts and jeans destined for landfill into a new material, Circulose,…
Mango and brands’ investment in clothing rental
In March 2023, the online press reported the investment of the fast fashion brand Mango in clothing rental. In fact, the large fashion company has started a pilot test called “Mango Renting” to enter the rental business, investing in the La Más Mona platform. With this initiative, the Spanish clothing giant offers customers the opportunity to borrow a limited selection of its garments: 40 items updated monthly, with prices ranging from 30 to 36 euros. You select the dress, choose the delivery date and schedule the collection within 4 days at the original delivery address or another chosen by the customer. Mango started this pilot test with the aim of…
Is pineapple leaf fabric sustainable?
Pinatex is an innovative fabric created as a sustainable alternative to both mass-produced leather and polluting synthetic materials. It is made from pineapple leaves by Ananas Anam, a UK-based B-corporation. For the SUMAS sustainable fashion management MBA, I prepared a detailed analysis to evaluate the biological and technical life cycle, to understand the advantages and disadvantages compared to the triple bottom line* model and the SDGs to which the material contributes. This article reports the theoretical contribution related to the analysis. Piñatex is composed of 70% pineapple leaves, 20% PLA (Polylactic acid), 5% Bio PU (Polyurethane) and 5% PU (Ananas Aman 2022). PLA (polylactic acid) is a plastic material of…
The essential: a key approach to sustainable fashion
For fashion to be truly sustainable, it is increasingly clear how necessary it is to limit the production and consumption of clothing to the essentials. A study by Zero Waste Europe (2023) explains the urgency of an approach of containment of the superfluous to deal with the risks faced by our planet. According to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the main cause of loss of biological diversity can be found in the use of the planet’s resources. For this reason, the framework sets the goal of equitably reducing the global consumption footprint, including halving food waste and significantly decreasing overconsumption and waste generation by 2030. Europe, bound by regulatory framework,…
Upcycled: Miu Miu limited edition to denim
In the panorama of companies taking initiatives in sustainable fashion, Miu Miu presented in a limited edition its fourth Upcycled collection for 2024. The Upcycled project, launched in 2020, focuses on vintage clothing to add more value to. The collection includes Denim, a range of essential jeans garments, characterized by floral embroidery inspired by the haute couture of the 1950s already introduced in the Spring Summer 2022 fashion show. Upcycled wants to establish a connection between past and present by celebrating the stories of those who wore garments, bags or accessories. The new collection features pre-2000 jeans sourced from global denim specialists, with a meticulous hand process to maximize fabric…
From observers to participants: Consumer involvement in sustainable fashion
Consumer demand plays a significant role in driving sustainable practices in fashion. We are not simple observers but we participate in the transformation of the sector. By understanding consumer preferences, values, and purchasing behaviors, fashion brands can tailor their strategies to meet the growing demand for ethical and eco-friendly products and influence purchasing choices. Making known the importance of sustainable fashion is crucial for driving behavior change. Brands should engage proactively, sharing information on the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry and providing guidance on how to make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, we expect them to inspire and empower consumers to support ethical and sustainable practices. Educating Consumers…
From behind the scenes of working in fast fashion to desire for a slower and more ethical fashion: Manuela talks about The Casual Twinkle
From traditional and fast fashion companies to her own platform that offers more sustainable clothing, Manuela Valta tells us about the behind the scenes of fast fashion companies, how to better choose clothing for our boys and girls and talks to us about the nature of mountains, distant travels and her experience as a single mother. Welcome to The Casual Twinkle’s world! Listen to the podcast on Speaker , Apple Podcasts or on Spotify: Hi Manuela, we’ve been chasing each other for years! “I don’t know how long we’ve been saying this, yes, it’s a pleasure to collaborate together. We really looked forward to each other, but above all we…
Eco, green, carbon neutral: the words banned by the EU to stop greenwashing
Last month the EU finalized a new law aimed at curbing greenwashing, which will ban the use of terms such as “carbon neutral” or “eco” in product claims unless they can be proven. In March this year, the European Union Commission presented a proposal for a directive to combat misleading advertising, which promotes products, services and corporate images as more environmentally friendly than they actually are. This practice misleads consumers and constitutes an obstacle to the real transition towards a sustainable economy. Parliament and the Council have now reached a provisional agreement on new rules banning misleading advertising and calling for better product information to be provided to consumers. The…
