Can Luxury Fashion
Be Sustainable?
Through exquisite accessories and impeccably crafted garments, high fashion is an
investment in the way we show up every day. So where does eco-consciousness fit in?
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Can Luxury Fashion
Can Luxury Fashion Be Sustainable?
Through exquisite accessories and impeccably crafted garments, high fashion is an investment in the way we show up every day. So where does eco-consciousness fit in?
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
IT’S NO SECRET THAT FASHION has a penchant for waste. The business model functions on the premise of producing new styles every season, with each fresh crop of designs replacing the last and ushering in a new selection of purchase-ready pieces. It’s estimated that the clothing industry creates 92 million tons of textile waste each year, and it’s not hard to see why. We’re inundated with staggering product output, and as consumers, we’ve grown somewhat detached from the meaning of quality, made-to-last clothing. But luxury fashion, at its core, is rooted in that idea.
When you invest in a luxury item, the price tag is not just about status. You’re purchasing craftsmanship, longevity, and a material manifestation of your values. Luxury items, from vehicles to garments, are typically made to stay intact, only becoming more treasured with time. Just think of that vintage jacket or heirloom watch you hold dear. And with intricate manufacturing processes, designer pieces require highly skilled artisans, so employees tend to earn greater pay than workers for low-cost brands.
While luxury fashion is, by definition, unnecessary, sustainability in the space is not a new concept. Just look at Stella McCartney, who implemented environmentally minded practices long before it was cool. Upon launching in 2001, her eponymous label opposed the use of animal-derived materials—and the brand’s ethical efforts have only evolved over time. Then there’s Mara Hoffman, who in 2015 pivoted to a model of sustainability using plastic-free packaging and prioritizing recycled, organic materials.
IT’S NO SECRET THAT FASHION has a penchant for waste. The business model functions on the premise of producing new styles every season, with each fresh crop of designs replacing the last and ushering in a new selection of purchase-ready pieces. It’s estimated that the clothing industry creates 92 million tons of textile waste each year, and it’s not hard to see why. We’re inundated with staggering product output, and as consumers, we’ve grown somewhat detached from the meaning of quality, made-to-last clothing. But luxury fashion, at its core, is rooted in that idea.
When you invest in a luxury item, the price tag is not just about status. You’re purchasing craftsmanship, longevity, and a material manifestation of your values. Luxury items, from vehicles to garments, are typically made to stay intact, only becoming more treasured with time. Just think of that vintage jacket or heirloom watch you hold dear. And with intricate manufacturing processes, designer pieces require highly skilled artisans, so employees tend to earn greater pay than workers for low-cost brands.
While luxury fashion is, by definition, unnecessary, sustainability in the space is not a new concept. Just look at Stella McCartney, who implemented environmentally minded practices long before it was cool. Upon launching in 2001, her eponymous label opposed the use of animal-derived materials—and the brand’s ethical efforts have only evolved over time. Then there’s Mara Hoffman, who in 2015 pivoted to a model of sustainability using plastic-free packaging and prioritizing recycled, organic materials.
Volvo C40 Recharge:
A fully electric crossover with a range of up to 478 km*.
*Range up to 478 km on Single Motor model. Range is according to EPA driving cycles and real- world range may vary.
Volvo XC40 Recharge:
A compact SUV with a range of up to 472 km*.
*Range up to 472 km on Single Motor model. Range is according to EPA
driving cycles and real-world range may vary.
Volvo C40 Recharge: A fully electric crossover with a range of up to 478 km*.
*Range up to 478 km on Single Motor model.
Range is according to EPA driving cycles and
real-world range may vary.
Volvo XC40 Recharge: A compact SUV with a range of up to 472 km*.
*Range up to 472 km on Single Motor model.
Range is according to EPA driving cycles and
real-world range may vary.
Sustainability is about cherishing what you have, while recognizing that resources are finite and using them wisely. And alongside independent designers, fashion powerhouses are catching on to that. French luxury group LVMH, for example, launched Nona Source, a platform to sell the deadstock material of its houses. Legacy players like Prada, Alexander McQueen and Emporio Armani are experimenting with recycled materials. Plus, Vogue recently reported that some of the biggest steps in industry transparency and traceability are being made by luxury brands. After all, shopping sustainably is not only about honouring the environment—it’s about investing in what works best for you and keeping it for a long time. When you think about it, that model goes hand in hand with luxury. Both involve caring—not only about how you present yourself, but how your actions impact the world around you. Instead of grasping at whatever is cheapest and trendiest, it’s about selecting pieces with intention.
A starting point? Evaluate your favourite brands, either by checking their rating on Good On You—an organization that assesses the ethics and sustainability of brands—or by doing your own research. If you come up short, try pivoting your most regular purchases to a label that aligns with your values. Not to mention, pulling a Kate Middleton and re-wearing your most cherished pieces is possibly the best way to do refined, eco-conscious style.
Sustainability is about cherishing what you have, while recognizing that resources are finite and using them wisely. And alongside independent designers, fashion powerhouses are catching on to that. French luxury group LVMH, for example, launched Nona Source, a platform to sell the deadstock material of its houses. Legacy players like Prada, Alexander McQueen and Emporio Armani are experimenting with recycled materials. Plus, Vogue recently reported that some of the biggest steps in industry transparency and traceability are being made by luxury brands. After all, shopping sustainably is not only about honouring the environment—it’s about investing in what works best for you and keeping it for a long time. When you think about it, that model goes hand in hand with luxury. Both involve caring—not only about how you present yourself, but how your actions impact the world around you. Instead of grasping at whatever is cheapest and trendiest, it’s about selecting pieces with intention.
A starting point? Evaluate your favourite brands, either by checking their rating on Good On You—an organization that assesses the ethics and sustainability of brands—or by doing your own research. If you come up short, try pivoting your most regular purchases to a label that aligns with your values. Not to mention, pulling a Kate Middleton and re-wearing your most cherished pieces is possibly the best way to do refined, eco-conscious style.
The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge can be charged up to
80 per cent in as few as 28 minutes*.
*Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor, 185kW (248 hp), Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor, 185kW (248 hp). The actual charging times depend on various factors, such as the outside temperature, the current battery temperature, the charging device and other external factors as well as the condition of the batteries and vehicle. Vehicle certification pending.
The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge can
be charged up to 80 per cent in as few as
28 minutes*
*Volvo C40 Recharge Single Motor, 185kW (248 hp), Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor, 185kW (248 hp). The actual charging times depend on various factors, such as the outside temperature, the current battery temperature, the charging device and other external factors as well as the condition of the batteries and vehicle. Vehicle certification pending.
As the industry makes progress, some go-to retail platforms make it easy to find sustainable luxury. Net-a-Porter offers a curation of pieces ranging from clothing and jewellery to homeware, selected based on a set of thoughtful criteria. Farfetch has a site section dedicated to pre-owned fashion, like Hermès bags and Chanel cardigans, to encourage circularity. Another indication of sustainability is when a company is B Corp–certified, a marker of sound social responsibility, including treatment of workers and environmental impact.
It’s easy to argue that luxury and sustainability can’t coexist. The latter is seen as a contemporary topic, while the former is a centuries-old concept that embodies exclusivity. But in 2023, these mentalities are coming together like never before. This year’s defining pop culture trend, quiet luxury, is about curating a capsule uniform that radiates ease and comfort. Sustainability remains a major talking point in the luxury automotive industry, with electric vehicles becoming the new frontier of upscale cars. It only makes sense that, more and more, high-end clothing brands are leaning into sustainability mindsets too.
Ultimately, it’s not a question of whether luxury and sustainability can coincide. They already do. It’s about actively finding new ways, through day-to-day decisions, to meld these mindful philosophies together; to invest in building something—a wardrobe and a world—that lasts.
As the industry makes progress, some go-to retail platforms make it easy to find sustainable luxury. Net-a-Porter offers a curation of pieces ranging from clothing and jewellery to homeware, selected based on a set of thoughtful criteria. Farfetch has a site section dedicated to pre-owned fashion, like Hermès bags and Chanel cardigans, to encourage circularity. Another indication of sustainability is when a company is B Corp–certified, a marker of sound social responsibility, including treatment of workers and environmental impact.
It’s easy to argue that luxury and sustainability can’t coexist. The latter is seen as a contemporary topic, while the former is a centuries-old concept that embodies exclusivity. But in 2023, these mentalities are coming together like never before. This year’s defining pop culture trend, quiet luxury, is about curating a capsule uniform that radiates ease and comfort. Sustainability remains a major talking point in the luxury automotive industry, with electric vehicles becoming the new frontier of upscale cars. It only makes sense that, more and more, high-end clothing brands are leaning into sustainability mindsets too.
Ultimately, it’s not a question of whether luxury and sustainability can coincide. They already do. It’s about actively finding new ways, through day-to-day decisions, to meld these mindful philosophies together; to invest in building something—a wardrobe and a world—that lasts.
Driving Towards Sustainability
Driving Towards Sustainability
Volvo Cars’ C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, like you, are both stylish and environmentally conscious. Featuring contemporary Scandinavian design elements, these fully electric vehicles are the physical embodiment of responsible luxury, with elegant and eco-friendly features including leather-free interiors and the use of partially recycled materials. Both vehicles also feature an expansive panoramic roof* that blocks out UV rays and reduces glare for a comfortable drive.
*Optional feature.
Volvo Cars’ C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, like you, are both stylish and environmentally conscious. Featuring contemporary Scandinavian design elements, these fully electric vehicles are the physical embodiment of responsible luxury, with elegant and eco-friendly features including leather-free interiors and the use of partially recycled materials. Both vehicles also feature an expansive panoramic roof* that blocks out UV rays and reduces glare for a comfortable drive.
* Optional feature
The C40 Recharge is a Scandinavian sanctuary complete with backlit panelling that emits a soft glow and available partially recycled carpets. The design elements of the C40 were inspired by Swedish fjords, and the suedelike seats are not only leather-free but also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Leather-free interior: All XC40 Recharge interiors are created without the use of leather.
Sustainable materials: The XC40 Recharge is available with partially recycled upholsteries and carpets for a more sustainable choice as well as visually harmonizing interior design features.
Sustainable materials: The XC40 Recharge is available with partially recycled upholsteries and carpets for a more sustainable choice as well as visually harmonizing interior design features.
The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge feature Google built in* so you can access Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play right in your car for a helpful, personalized and seamless driving experience. Plus, both cars come with all data included through a complimentary four-year subscription to the Digital Services Package**.
*Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
**After this period ends, new terms and fees will apply if you choose to renew.
Equal to the C40 in its aspirational aesthetics, the XC40 Recharge champions smart use of space, illustrated by the storage-boosting “frunk” and the glove box with a retractable hanger for your bag. Both vehicles are powerhouses of safety features and contemporary technology for a comfortable drive with Google built-in**, and available features such as advanced air purifiers and 360-degree parking cameras. Ultimately, they’re a refined result of materials and technology driving in harmony toward the future.
**Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
Leather-free interior: All XC40 Recharge interiors are created without the use of leather.
Sustainable materials: The XC40 Recharge is available with partially recycled upholsteries and carpets for a more sustainable choice as well as visually harmonizing interior design features.
The C40 Recharge is a Scandinavian sanctuary complete with backlit panelling that emits a soft glow and available partially recycled carpets. The design elements of the C40 were inspired by Swedish fjords, and the suedelike seats are not only leather-free but also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
The C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge feature Google built in* so you can access Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play right in your car for a helpful, personalized and seamless driving experience. Plus, both cars come with all data included through a complimentary four-year subscription to the Digital Services Package**.
*Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
**After this period ends, new terms and fees will apply if you choose to renew.
Equal to the C40 in its aspirational aesthetics, the XC40 Recharge champions smart use of space, illustrated by the storage-boosting “frunk” and the glove box with a retractable hanger for your bag. Both vehicles are powerhouses of safety features and contemporary technology for a comfortable drive with Google built-in**, and available features such as advanced air purifiers and 360-degree parking cameras. Ultimately, they’re a refined result of materials and technology driving in harmony toward the future.
**Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.