The future of fashion is taking shape right before our eyes. Environmentally conscious collections are being released almost daily, with both emerging labels and established houses incorporating pre-owned textiles into their work. This article delves deeper into recyclable materials and their potential. What's more, upcycling stands out as one of the most promising and forward-looking trends for the coming year.
Major fashion houses are genuinely advancing by addressing environmental concerns through methods within their reach. Take Miuccia Prada, for instance, who introduced the Upcycled by Miu Miu line, crafted from repurposed vintage items. This collection features 80 one-of-a-kind dresses assembled from clothing dating back to the 1930s through the 1970s, sourced from shops and markets. The redesigned pieces reflect Miu Miu's aesthetic, enhanced with embroidery and decorative elements like ribbons, beads, and crystals.
Brands such as Balenciaga and Marni have also taken steps to reuse fabrics. This marks a significant shift for the industry, as previously only niche and young labels worked with pre-existing garments. The active involvement and support of luxury houses in such initiatives represent a true breakthrough and set a powerful example. Among the emerging names worth highlighting are Bode, Bethany Williams, and Ahluwalia, who may have inspired others. The pandemic, however, brought its own changes: due to the health crisis, many designers abandoned the usual practice of ordering new textiles, instead using leftover materials from prior collections. Jonathan Anderson, creative director at JW Anderson, followed this path. His Made in Britain capsule line, comprising six pieces, is both practical and charming.
Let's not overlook the impressive Veja brand. Their footwear is made from recycled plastic bottles, polyester, jute, and even corn waste. Every pair of Veja shoes is biodegradable, meaning each can be broken down and remade into something new. Other companies are also moving into eco-friendly footwear. For example, Re/Done, a sustainable brand that started by repurposing old denim, has launched a sneaker line using recycled leather and nylon (as a substitute for suede), along with rubber soles derived from industrial waste. Converse has joined the eco-label movement as well, creating models from recycled plastic bottles and incorporating vintage jeans into some Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70s designs.
Loewe unveiled an upcycling collection based on old military items, with part of the sales proceeds going to environmental initiatives. Beyond used clothing and fabrics, the collection incorporates recycled materials. Levi's, designer Christopher Reyburn for his label Raeburn, and even fashion giant Asos are also working with items from past collections. Amber Valletta and Karl Lagerfeld have promised to unveil an ultra-eco-friendly collection next year.
READ: WHY IS ECO-FRIENDLY REALLY JUST ANOTHER TRENDY AND NOT AT ALL ECO-FRIENDLY MARKETING MOVE?
Even runway shows have featured such largely exclusive creations. For instance, the aforementioned Bode presented its collection at Paris Fashion Week last year, and shortly after, the brand's founder received the prestigious LVMH Prize for Best Young Designer. Emily Adams Bode is truly one of the pioneers and leaders in this field, having developed a comprehensive strategy within this fashion sector. Bode products are sold across dozens of countries, and the brand has built a dedicated following.
To ramp up production, Emily Bode is constantly seeking new material sources: she visits flea markets and antique fairs. Still, brands specializing in upcycling face distinct hurdles: limited production runs can pose a challenge for those aiming to boost sales and scale up. Another difficulty noted by participants in this fashion movement is finding new pathways for growth. For a brand's launch, upcycling serves as excellent publicity and a market entry point, given that consumers currently love it. On the flip side, the question "What comes next?" remains unanswered. Apparently, we'll find out in the coming year.
Featured image credit: @bode Instagram
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