As fashion is taking steps towards a more sustainable future, luxury legacy brands are starting to lag behind. Many have famously had sustainable missteps.
However, while the luxury industry does still have some work to do to embrace a clean, green tomorrow, there are brands out there that are adopting a more sustainable outlook. So for the lovers of luxury and the haute couture connoisseurs, we’re taking a look at some of the most sustainable luxury brands in the market.
When thinking about the problems with the fashion industry, many of us imagine the un-environmentally friendly practices of fast fashion brands. However, at the other end of the price scale, luxury fashion has not remained free from scandal. From stories of the burning of unsold stock to allegations of rampant greenwashing, it is no wonder that many consumers are left asking the question are luxury brands ethical?
The truth is there are luxury fashion brands that are winning the sustainability game. There are brands taking their first steps on a sustainable journey, and equally, there are brands willing to watch the world burn for a quick buck.
So how do you identify luxury brands that are taking sustainability seriously?
How to identify the most sustainable luxury brands
When trying to identify if a luxury brand truly is ethical and sustainable, there are a few key things to look out for.
1. Materials
The core foundation of sustainable clothing are the materials that clothes are made from. Sustainable brands use materials that have a lighter impact on the planet. This includes natural, organic, certified and recycled materials. Eco-friendly labels also stay away from the virgin synthetics that plague the fashion industry.
When checking the materials of a sustainable fashion brand look out for things like:
- GOTS certified cotton
- GRS certified fabrics
- Innovative fabrics such as pineapple leathers and fabrics made from recycled fishing nets
- RWS certified wool
2. People and supply chains
Ethical brands are about more than sustainable materials, they are also about treating workers fairly and taking responsibility for their supply chains.
Ethical luxury brands don’t use sweatshops or child labour and they have strict policies to ensure human rights and workplace rights are enforced across every area of the supply chain. This includes practices such as paying a living wage and supporting gender equality.
Look for brands that are members of a fair trade organisation, or where they or their suppliers are compliant with/certified by WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), SEDEX, SA8000, Fair Wear or the Ethical Trading Initiative. If you’re confused about all of these certifications, you’re not alone; sign up to our newsletter and get your free copy of our anti-greenwashing certifications guide.
3. Animals
Fashion has a history of animal exploitation and mistreatment. Ethical fashion organisations must be active in changing this narrative.
The surest way of ensuring that no animal exploitation occurred in the creation of a garment is to look for vegan certification. However, robust animal rights policies are also a good start for brands that use animal products, along with certifications like the Responsible Wool Standard.
4. Sustainable initiatives
The most sustainable luxury fashion brands are the ones that also implement comprehensive sustainable initiatives. This can include policies to reduce waste, such as reusing deadstock, or initiatives such as limited product runs to create a more sustainable fashion business model.
The easy way
If you don’t want to do the research yourself, there is a shortcut to finding sustainable luxury brands. Using trusted sites and apps (such as those listed below) is a great way to find sustainable brands and brand ratings.
Some great sites to check out include:
– Good On You
– Remake
– EcoCult
Be sure to check out our article on sustainable fashion brand rating directories for more information.
Luxury fashion brands for the conscious consumer
So, here is our handy list of the most sustainable luxury fashion brands around today.
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Price Guide (average prices):
£: Products under £500
££: Products for between £500-£1,000
£££: Products from £1,000-£5,000
££££: Brand has products for over £5,000
1. Caravana
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Mexico, Turkey
Range: Clothing and accessories
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Handmade manufacturing process, limited production runs, non-toxic dyes
Embracing a free-spirited attitude, Caravana clothes are exquisitely made by expert artisans.
The brand incorporates earthy colour palettes and flowing designs inspired by the cultures, traditions, and craftsmanship of the areas in which they are made.
The handmade element of Caravana’s production is an integral component of their slow fashion approach, as is its practice of limited production runs. It is great to see the brand incorporate non-toxic dyes but it would be even better if it used more sustainable materials in its ranges.
2. Vestiaire Collective
Based: France Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Pre-loved clothing, bags, footwear and accessories
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Pre-loved platform
A destination for pre-loved luxury styles, Vestiaire Collective hosts second-hand designs from the likes of Burberry, Ganni and Alexander McQueen. The platform has a range of men’s and women’s styles, as well as accessories and footwear.
Aside from providing a way for consumers to score a great deal on luxury products, Vestiaire Collective prolongs the life of quality garments. It helps to keep clothing out of landfill and encourages a mindset of sustainability.
CHECK OUT VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE
3. Mayamiko
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, accessories and homewares
Price: £
Sustainability creds: GOTS certified materials, supply chain using renewable energy, use of low impact dyes, limited production runs, supply chain guaranteed by WFTO Guarantee System
Using stunning fabric designs from Asia, Africa and Italy, Mayamiko’s designs are vibrant, eye-catching and made from quality textiles. The brand has both men’s and women’s styles, as well as accessories and homewares.
Mayamiko incorporates sustainable materials and implements limited product runs to limit its environmental impact. Taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability, it also uses non-toxic dyes.
4. BEEN
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Luxury bags and purses
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Recycled packaging, eco-friendly materials, local manufacturing, use of recycled materials, Bluesign, GRS, GOTS
Having been featured in the likes of Vogue and Forbes, BEEN creates bags and purses that bring an element of luxury. The label’s bags are chic and sophisticated, embracing block colours and classic designs.
BEEN uses materials destined for landfill (such as leather offcuts and plastic bottles) to create its bags. This approach is a more conscious and less wasteful way to make luxury products. Even the brand’s packaging is recycled.
5. Fanfare
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Range: Womens’ clothing and accessories
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Supports a circular fashion system, use of recycled and sustainable materials, use of sustainable packaging, GOTS certified materials
Adopting a slow fashion approach, Fanfare makes quality clothing from recycled materials, built to transcend seasonal tastes. Featuring relaxed designs, these are casuals to elevate every laid back look.
Fanfare supports a circular fashion system, partnering with recycling plants and charities to make this possible. The brand also shares information on the impact of its sustainable practices with consumers.
6. The Social Outfit
Based: Australia Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Australia
Range: Womens’ clothing and accessories
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Facilities certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, supports refugees and those with migrant backgrounds, use of sustainable and upcycled materials, local manufacturing
The Social Outfit is a luxury fashion label with purpose. The Australian brand helps support refugee and new migrant women to find employment in Australia. The label helps to provide employment, upskilling opportunities and English language classes.
The brand also uses primarily end-of-roll and remnant fabrics, diverting quality textiles from landfill. Styles from this sustainable fashion brand are vibrant, colourful and on-trend.
7. Eileen Fisher
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Range:Women’s clothing styles
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Use of organic materials, targets to lower greenhouse gas emissions in its supply chain, Bluesign, B Corp certified, Responsible Wool Standard, initiatives to improve and ensure payment of wages in supply chain
Eileen Fisher offers an uncomplicated approach to luxury sustainable fashion. The brand creates paired back styles that let the quality of the design and products shine through.
Eileen Fisher uses high quality sustainable materials and is working towards targets to reduce emissions in its supply chain. The brand also holds the coveted B Corp certification.
8. Opera Campi
Based: Italy Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Italy
Range: Clothing and accessories
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Local manufacturing, use of sustainable materials, on-demand production, sustainable packaging
Opera Campi is the maker of quality clothing that champions a sophisticated and elegant style. These designs are simple in their approach with a classic colour palette to create a timeless appeal.
The brand is taking a transparent approach to sustainability. It outlines the carbon emissions associated with its products and the steps it is taking to reduce its impact. This includes concepts such as on-demand production to reduce wastage.
9. Maggie Marilyn
Based: New Zealand Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK, China, Australia, NZ, Pakistan
Range: Men’s and women’s clothing and homewares
Price: £
Sustainability creds: ZQ Merino Label certified wool, compostable packaging, Bluesign, GOTS, GRS, use of sustainable materials, B Corp certified
Maggie Marilyn creates styles with an element of sweetness and relaxed simplicity. The New Zealand based brand makes everything from sleepwear to outerwear, based on a foundation of ethical principles.
Maggie Marilyn has shown a commitment to putting in the work to create a sustainable business. This work has been recognised with its B Corp certification. The brand uses compostable packaging and eco-friendly materials.
10. Arnsdorf
Based: Australia Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Womens’ clothing and accessories
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Local manufacturing, limited production runs, use of sustainable materials, Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory, GOTS, B Corp certified
Australian label Arsdorf makes clothing that is sleek and edgy while still maintaining an elegant undertone. The brand’s stylish range champions neutral and monochromatic tones paired with bold, tailored designs.
Arnsdorf seeks to use materials that make a positive impact on people and the planet. The brand uses strategies such as limited product runs and has achieved the commendable B-Corp certified status.
11. Reformation
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwid
Made in: Brazil, China, USA, Turkey, Pakistan, Mexico
Range: Clothing and footwear
Price: £
Sustainability creds: Bluesign, Global Recycled Standard, GOTS, CanopyStyle approved policies, use of sustainable materials, Climate Neutral
Reformation takes a conscious and considered approach to fashion. It uses sustainable materials and supports transparency by publishing its supplier lists on its webpage. The brand is certified Climate Neutral, with the goal to be Climate Positive by 2025.
Reformation creates clothes with a timeless quality. The brand’s designs have a modern feel, while still incorporating classic undertones to ensure they stay on trend for many seasons to come.
12. The RealReal
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Preloved clothing, bags, footwear and accessories
Price: £-££££
Sustainability creds: Resale platform, sustainability calculator
The largest online platform for the resale of authenticated luxury items, The RealReal offers a way for luxury clothing to get a second life. Top brands such as Gucci, Kenzo, and Prada can all be found in the platform’s extensive stock list.
By its very foundation as a resale platform, The RealReal supports a sustainable circular economy. The brand also has launched the TRR Sustainability Calculator that helps consumers to understand how much water and energy is saved through buying secondhand.
13. Olistic the Label
Based: France Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Europe
Range: Women’s clothing styles
Price: £-££
Sustainability creds: Local manufacturing, compostable packaging, limited production runs, use of natural materials
Olistic combines high fashion designs with an element of rustic charm to create garments that are fashionable, sweet and timeless in their style. The brand uses earthy tones and sustainable materials throughout its ranges.
Rejecting overconsumption principles, Olistic has taken steps to reduce waste through limiting and managing production levels. It manufactures in Europe to reduce emissions and uses compostable packaging to reduce waste.
14. Teatum Jones
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Range: Clothing and accessories
Price: £-££
Sustainability creds: International Woolmark Prize winners, ZQ Merino Label wool, use of recycled materials, use of sustainable materials.
With a passion for creating exquisite textiles layered with emotional narrative, the team behind Teatum Jones craft fashion that tells stories. Garments from Teatum Jones have an edgy tone, featuring trendy geometric designs and striking colour palettes.
In 2016, the brand won the International Woolmark Prize. It has a strict ‘no fur’ policy and uses deadstock fabrics in its linings. While the brand does still use polyesters, it is in the process of replacing these fabrics with Tencel in its collections.
15. Vivienne Westwood
Sustainability creds: Use of some sustainable and recycled materials, recycled packaging, policies to minimise textile waste
Vivienne Westwood’s iconic designs embrace an element of a rebellious spirit. The luxury brand creates styles that incorporate bold patterns and eye-catching designs, making styles from this well-known name in couture instantly recognisable.
Vivienne Westwood uses some sustainable materials in its designs, including organic cotton. It adopts an overall attitude of sustainability and has made steps in this space. However, the brand needs to do more to ensure animal welfare across its supply chain.
16. Acne Studios
Based: Sweden Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, accessories, shoes, and bags
Price: £-££
Sustainability creds: Some sustainable and organic materials, part of the supply chain Fair Wear certified, recycles offcuts
Designs from this UK luxury brand have a quirky appeal. They offer something a little bit different from many of the brands in our list of most sustainable luxury brands. The label’s range of elevated casual styles are funky luxury looks that can be worn every day.
Acne Studios has started on its sustainability journey. It does need to do more to support fair practices across its entire supply chain and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. However, it has started to implement more sustainable materials and textile waste reduction policies.
17. Mara Hoffman
Based: USA Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: India, Peru, USA
Range: Clothing, bags, footwear and accessories
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Use of sustainable materials, compostable packaging, reuses offcuts, use of recycled materials, wool sources from non-mulesed sheep, use of GOTS certified fabric, Blue Business Council member, Climate Neutral
The maker of garments with lively patterns and sculpted designs, Mara Hoffman creates everything from evening dresses to swimwear. The brand incorporates quality fabrics into its designs, including GOTS-certified materials.
Mara Hoffman aims to design and create clothes that have a lighter impact on the world and help to grow awareness. The label is a member of the Blue Business Council and is certified as Climate Neutral.
18. Zazi
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: India, Uzbekistan, Ghana, Afghanistan, Brazil, Tajikistan
Range: Clothing, jewellery and accessories
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Uses recycled and sustainable materials, partnered with the Ethical Fashion Initiative
No detail is overlooked in designs from luxury brand Zazi. Made by hand, garments reflect the master craftsmanship of the artisans that made them. Many designs incorporate traditional elements expertly blended with retro and vintage vibes.
Zazi uses sustainable materials and responsible supply chains. The brand helps to provide employment to women from disadvantaged communities.
19. Edeline Lee
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: USA, Peru, China, Portugal, Italy, India
Range: Women’s clothing styles
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Supports philanthropic initiatives, recycled packaging, use of sustainable material, made-to-order products
Clothing from Edeline Lee is feminine in its tone, while still having a structural, striking element. Using primarily block colours, the label creates womenswear that is versatile, and trans-seasonal, with precision cuts and quality materials at the forefront of design.
Edeline Lee designs are handmade. In 2021, the brand was named by Good On You as among the top five most sustainable brands at London Fashion Week. The brand has also supported and worked with organisations such as Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Women for Women, and Crisis.
20. Stella McCartney
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Innovative, recycled and eco-friendly fabrics, GOTS, sustainable packaging, member of the Ethical Trading Initiative
One of the best known names in eco-friendly fashion, Stella McCartney is a worthy addition to our roundup of the most sustainable luxury brands. Stella McCartney clothes are chic and sophisticated, embracing a timeless modern style.
The brand uses organic, recycled and eco-friendly materials. It takes an innovative approach to fashion and sustainability, and also incorporates sustainable packaging.
21.Chloé
Based: France Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Women’s and children’s clothing and accessories
Price: ££
Sustainability creds: Use of Responsible Down Standard certified materials, use of some organic and sustainable materials
Clothing from fashion giant Chloe encompasses a free-spirited elegance that is always on trend without ever looking like it’s trying too hard. The brand’s chic range of styles are modern and fresh, with no detail overlooked.
Chloé has started to make some steps towards improving its sustainable practices, such as incorporating some sustainable materials. However, the brand does need to do more to support working rights and transparency across its supply chain. It also needs to implement more concrete sustainable policies.
22. Rianna and Nina
Based: Germany Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Germany
Range: Clothing, jewellery and accessories
Price: ££ – £££
Sustainability creds: Uses vintage materials, manufactures locally, uses sustainable and recycled materials
A label unafraid of a vibrant pattern or colourful hue, Rianna and Nina create luxury styles that bring an alluring pop of colour. The brand is a celebration of vintage fabrics and unique designs that are truly one of a kind.
Deserving of a place on our roundup of the most sustainable luxury brands, Rianna and Nina repurpose vintage fabrics to make their designs. Unused fabrics are then re-incorporated into ranges.
23. FH Christensen
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Range: Clothing and accessories
Price: ££-£££
Sustainability creds: Plastic-free manufacturing, local manufacturing
FH Christensen is the maker of clothes that are luxurious, feminine and elegant. Expertly designed, no detail is overlooked, resulting in garments that are elaborate and lavish works of art.
FH Christensen promotes a positive approach to sustainability. It is open about the environmental struggles the industry faces and has incorporated local manufacturing to mitigate its impact. It would, however, be great to see more measurable and concrete sustainable practices outlined on the label’s website.
24. Bottega Veneta
Based: Italy Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, shoes and accessories
Price: ££-£££
Sustainability creds: Use of some eco-friendly materials, use of some organic materials, on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, CanopyStyle approved policies
Styles from Italian brand Bottega Veneta are sure to turn heads. This luxury brand champions bold prints and bright colours, making quality pieces that stand out from the crowd.
The brand has some solid policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it does need to do more to ensure animal welfare and fair labour at every level of the supply chain.
25.Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)
Based: France Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, footwear and accessories
Price: ££-£££
Sustainability creds: CanopyStyle approved policies, use of some sustainable and organic materials, on target to reach greenhouse gas reduction goals, charitable initiative
Yves Saint Laurent is a legacy in the luxury fashion market. The label is recognised as a brand that creates classic French fashion styles that are still edgy enough to be eye-catching in the modern fashion scene.
The brand recognises that sustainability is about a journey of continual improvement. While it could include a higher percentage of sustainable fibres, it has begun to implement sustainable policies. YSL is also on track to meet its targets in regard to reducing the greenhouse gases it produces in its supply chain.
26. Burberry
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories
Price: ££-£££
Sustainability creds: Targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use of some eco-friendly materials, re-uses offcuts, initiatives to reduce water consumption in the supply chain, down certified by the Responsible Down Standard
Famous for its iconic trench coat, over the last century Burberry has established itself as a leader in luxury fashion. The brand’s instantly recognisable high-quality fashion pieces are staples in the high-end luxury market.
Burberry has made some good inroads to improving sustainability across its practices. It reuses some offcuts, and is on track to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets. However, the brand does need to provide more evidence of fair practices across its supply chain.
27. Lost in Paris
Based: Australia Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Australia
Range: Luxury bridal clothing
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: Local manufacturing, use of recycled materials, traced supply chain
Lost in Paris refashions and repurposes luxury antique lace and fabrics to make its elegant designs, many of which incorporate a boho vibe. Gowns are made at the label’s in-house atelier, and the company traces all of its supply chain.
Having achieved the coveted ‘great’ rating on Good On You, Lost in Paris takes a highly sustainable approach to production. Its sustainable outlook is demonstrated in its very concept of repurposing fabrics to make its new wedding garments.
28. RVDK
Based: Netherlands Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Luxury bags, belts, eyewear and custom clothing
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: Use of recycled and sustainable materials, local manufacturing
Built on the idea that modern wardrobes should consist of timeless, seasonless, statement pieces, couture brand RVDK, makes quality pieces that fit this brief. Made using high-end materials, the Dutch brand injects artistic flair, personality, and an ode to the past days of haute couture in every garment it creates.
RVDK uses sustainable materials and promotes the idea of quality over quantity. It aims to demonstrate that luxury fashion can be sustainable and uses both eco-friendly and recycled materials to limit its impact.
29. Gucci
Based: Italy Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, bags, footwear and accessories
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: On track to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, CanopyStyle approved policies, use of some recycled and eco-friendly materials
A giant in the fashion world, Gucci has established itself as a household name in sustainable fashion. The brand’s styles are luxurious, while still having an effortlessly modern vibe. Gucci creates styles for men, women, and children that are truly iconic.
Gucci has made some great strides on the sustainability front. While it could do more on the animal welfare front, it has got some good policies in place to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
30. Alexander McQueen
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Range: Clothing, bags, footwear and accessories
Price: £££
Sustainability creds: On track to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, CanopyStyle approved policies, use of some recycled and eco-friendly materials
With a bold yet elegant style, Alexander McQueen has earned its place as a major brand in the luxury fashion industry. The brand uses quality materials and a pared back colour palette to make striking designs.
Alexander McQueen has made some strong commitments to improve its sustainability initiatives. However, it needs to do more to use transparent and ethical supply chains.
31. Pomellato
Based: Italy Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: Italy
Range: Jewellery
Price: ££££
Sustainability creds: CanopyStyle approved policies, goals to reduce supply chain greenhouse gas emissions
Italian label Pomellato crafts high end jewellery styles adorned with the likes of mother of pearl, 18kt gold and shimmering diamonds. The only brand exclusively selling jewellery on our roundup of the most sustainable luxury brands, Pomellato has everything from rings to earrings and necklaces and bracelets on offer.
The label has made steps towards sustainability, such as initiatives to reduce emissions. However, it does still have some work to do, particularly regarding animal welfare. It would be great to see it ban the use of exotic animal skins in its collections.
The future of sustainable luxury brands
There is no doubt that the luxury sector still has some work to do to be fully sustainable. However, there are brands, such as those in our roundup of the most sustainable luxury brands, that are taking steps to improve sustainability. With brands that are working to lower their carbon footprint, ensure fair wages, and improve their overall environmental and social responsibility, change is starting.
Every luxury fashion brand that becomes a sustainable fashion brand, helps to create a kinder and greener future for the entire industry.
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