Sustainability Pulse #92
Sustainability Trends & News Worth Exploring — August 12 24, 2024
🌱 This week’s newsletter is packed with stories proving change is possible and happening right now. From Kurt Geiger’s push to connect young, diverse talents with the industry to SOJO’s exciting new partnership with M&S to make clothing repairs mainstream, there’s plenty to feel hopeful about.
Whether Cate Blanchett turns kitchen spoons into couture or major brands step up, these trends show that the fashion industry is evolving in exciting ways.
Let’s dig into the latest news.
Cate Blanchett Debuts Sustainable Fashion Made from Kitchen Spoons
In a remarkable display of innovation and sustainability, Cate Blanchett recently showcased a unique ensemble at the premiere of her latest film, "Borderlands ", signaling a shift towards more sustainable practices in the fashion industry. The event at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles saw Blanchett donning a custom-made top constructed entirely from 102 kitchen spoons. This striking piece was designed by Swedish designer Ellen Hodakova Larsson, known for her commitment to redefining fashion through upcycling.
Kurt Geiger expands Academy program to connect diverse young talents and the fashion industry
British footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger is breaking down barriers for Gen-Z minority students interested in working in the fashion industry. Based on insights from the company, this comes as the job market for younger employees is increasingly more opaque, with fewer internships and early-stage jobs available.
From Departamento to Toteme, new fashion boutiques compete with the finest design
Occupying large spaces, hidden away in the back of a coffee-shop or in unusual neighborhoods, the latest fashion boutiques compete with their fine concept designs. Among the dozens of stores that opened this summer, the new Departamento boutique is a must-see with its futuristic metallic universe. Farm Rio reenchants Melrose Avenue. Toteme confirms Swedish dominance north of Melrose Avenue, reuniting Acne Studios and Byredo. Deus ex Machina brings rock n' roll and good vibes to Silver Lake. Last but not least, Represent goes for a youthful design concept, while Ozma chooses Los Angeles' most eco-friendly landscape to showcase its sustainable fashion.
Crisis in Bangladesh boosts shares of Indian textile makers
Indian textile makers' shares surged on bets they stand to gain from a political turmoil in Bangladesh that threatens to disrupt supply chains.
Global apparel companies with exposure to key supplierBangladesh
The current political unrest in Bangladesh is expected to disrupt the country's clothing industry, potentially affecting global apparel retailers from H&M to Zara as they head into the key holiday season.
LVMH's Dior lagged on supply chain disclosure, made outdated ESG claim
LVMH's second-largest fashion brand , Dior , was behind on disclosures required by UK law about working conditions in its supply chain until last month. Reuters has found that Diortatements on its website about atification that it terminated more than a year ago made outdated s third-party cer.
Italian textile and apparel sector faces increased slowdown in first half of 2024
The economic downturn significantly affects Italy, a hub for many of the world's luxury manufacturers. The slowdown that began at the end of 2023 in the textile and apparel sector has continued and intensified. By mid-2024, 75% of companies saw their revenue decrease, with a quarter experiencing nearly 20% or more declines. The research office of Sistema Moda Italia, the employer's federation for the Italian fashion industry, paints this grim picture.
Italian prosecutors probing supply chain of around a dozen fashion brands, says source
A person with knowledge of the matter said prosecutors in Milan are investigating the supply chain of around a dozen more fashion brands after a unit of France's LVMH in Italy was placed under court administration in a worker exploitation probe.
Chanel's Resale Battles Raise Critical Questions for the Secondary Market
As Chanel and What Comes Around Goes Around ("WGACA") await a New York federal court's decision in Chanel'spost-trial push for equitable remedies, including an injunction to block the luxury good resale company from unlawfully using its trademarks and confusing
Under Armour taps Adidas vet for key post, acquires sustainable fashion brand
The athletic performance apparel and footwear company also is acquiring Unless Collective, a zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand co-founded and led by Eric Liedtke. The deal is expected to be completed later this week at which time Liedtke will join Under Armour as executive VP of brand strategy.
Meet the sustainable fashion pioneer channeling circularity
Gabriela Hearst champions low-impact textiles, sustainable production, and recycled packaging.
Collaborating on Responsible Apparel Without Compromise
Successfully moving fashion into a more responsible and sustainable industry requires apparel companies to work together and share their advancements in better garment making; however, many brands are tight-lipped regarding their best ecological and ethical practices.
Tackling Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: The Role of the Digital Product Passport
Fashion Brands Lagging in Fossil Fuel Reduction Efforts
A report from Fashion Revolution, What Fuels Fashion, reveals the fashion industry's persistent environmental impact. The industry remains a major polluter, using fossil fuels at every stage of production.
How to Go to Burning Man in an Extreme Climate and Feel Good About It
The worsening climate crisis and cultural changes may have you wondering if you should skip Burning Man. Veterans of the weeklong festival, which begins August 25, have some advice.
Industry Struggles: What Lessons can Luxury Brands Learn from Gucci and Ted Baker
The luxury industry faces unprecedented challenges, with brands like Gucci and Ted Baker illustrating issues such as market saturation and changing consumer preferences. This article proposes actionable steps for recovery, emphasizing innovation and the potential role of new EU legislation.
The Lingering Cost of Instant Fashion
Instant fashion has exploded in recent years, led by Shein whose sales have multiplied by more than 20 times since it entered the U.S. less than six years ago. As Shein explores an IPO, the author reviews the social phenomena that have contributed to instant fashion, the factors that allow it to succeed, and the dangers of the industry's model.
Nike: An Epic Saga of Value Destruction
A month ago. June 28, 2024. Nike Q2 24 financial results. 25bn of market cap lost in a day (70 in 9 months). 130 million shares exchanged in the stock market (13 times the avg number of daily transactions). The lowest share price since 2018, - 32% since the beginning of 2024.
It wasn't a Wall Street session. It was the judgment day for Nike.
SheerLuxe Faces Backlash For Introducing AI Fashion Editor As Woman Of Color
SheerLuxe, a UK lifestyle and fashion magazine, introduced "Reem Bot," an AI-powered fashion and lifestyle editor, leading to backlash over the portrayal of Reem as a person of color.
SOJO's New Partnership With Major UK Retailer M&S Makes Clothing Repairs Mainstream
SOJO, a Deliveroo-style clothing repair and alterations collection and delivery app, has announced a new partnership with a major UK retailer
The Black woman-owned platform will power Marks and Spencer's (M&S) new clothing repairs and alterations service.
Tesco launches digital passports for clothes ahead of EU sustainability crackdown
The move comes as Brussels works to improve supply chain transparency by launching new rules requiring businesses across the euro area to issue digital product passports (DPPs).
Virtual Try-Ons Will Change Fashion Jobs Forever
The rise of online shopping has led to a decrease of almost 600,000 retail jobs in the US between 2018 and 2022. However, e-commerce employment has increased by nearly 64% from 2007 to 2020. US e-commerce sales are expected to reach $1 trillion in 2023, with the sector's workforce forecasted to grow to 450,000 by 2026.
From Disposable to Circular: Redefining Sustainability in the Fashion Industry
Join Vinted’s CEO as we explore the transformative journey towards a circular fashion ecosystem.
Fashion expert issues PSA about deceptive elements hiding in Zara clothing: 'Have you ever fallen for this?'
The list of issues with fast fashion is lengthy.
How TikTok’s “underconsumption core” trend is challenging consumer culture
Driven by an erosion in purchasing power and a rise in environmental consciousness, Gen Z and younger Millennials are pushing back against the influencer culture of big-haul shopping
Anti-Fashion Fashion Show Critiques Consumer Culture
Festivities kick off tonight with an anti-fashion fashion show, presented by Josh Sin. It’s the visual artist’s launch of his new brand, “Satire.”
Depop removes selling fees in the United States, evolves fee structure
The change comes as the resale industry grows, helping an expanding audience of fashion lovers tap into the value of unused items sitting in their wardrobes. The average seller on Depop in the United States made over $450 in their first year selling on the platform*, contributing to the over $3.5 billion made by the global Depop community. Depop ranked as the 4th most popular online shopping site for U.S. upper-income teens in Spring 2024 - a consumer trend reflective of the growing Depop community, which has given a second life to over 80M items since the platform was founded.
The rise of the Gen-Z-loved Yuka app — and its growing cohort of critics
Launched in France in 2017, the Yuka app started as a tool for French shoppers to better understand the health impact of packaged food products while browsing the aisles of a grocery store.
‘They just stopped paying’: Saks Fifth Avenue owes hundreds of thousands of dollars to dozens of brands
According to several brands who work with the retailer, Saks Fifth Avenue is far behind on payment to many of its vendors despite the $2 billion merger deal it just signed with Neiman Marcus.
Did Kylie Jenner Rip off an Australian Designer’sCollection?
“We launched a collection so similar to the collection [Kylie] launched, but we launched ours, like, 3 or 4 years ago, and it’s been our signature range ever since.”
ThredUp Solves ‘Paradox Of Choice’ In Fashion Resale Using AI
Imagine you're a retail CEO, about to announce an AI shopping innovation you know will revolutionize your business. It'sset to attract new customers, boost sales, and outpace the competition—finally unlocking the potential of your 15-year-old company. But before you can celebrate, you must address disappointing quarterly results and admit to strategic missteps. That’s the challenge ThredUp CEO James Reinhart just faced.
Bloomingdale’s and Rebag collaborate on luxury resale
The department store’s e-commerce site offers a 2,500-piece collection of pre-owned handbags, watches, and fine jewelry, and in-store sales will follow.
Forced labor, US economy among top concerns for fashion execs this year: report
Despite concern over the economy, most respondents felt optimistic about their business outlook over the next five years.
Unspun raises $32M for 3D weaving machines
The company plans to expand its technology to localize manufacturing capabilities across North America and Europe.
Vera
I really hope you're enjoying The Sustainability Pulse, my weekly newsletter looking at sustainability in the fashion industry. If you find the tips and insights useful, please share these articles to help spread the word.