There are few brands that really nail sustainability, but some are making their efforts clear. However, in the search for environmentally conscious labels that also embody “trendy fashion”, the number dwindles significantly. Nevertheless, there are a few who manage to combine both sustainability and fashionable design in curated collections and limited-edition garments. FashionUnited presents some of these up-and-coming fashion brands, which are setting an example in the green sector with circular production methods and well thought-out ethical strategies.
Sonia Carrasco
Since launching her brand in 2019, Spanish designer Sonia Carrasco has always been very open about her production process and has regularly emphasized the importance of transparency in design. She owes her expertise in tailoring and craftsmanship to her stints with Alexander McQueen and Celine under Phoebe Philo. With her own label, Carrasco now relies on an advanced circular economy and works with a mixture of recycled, vegan and organic materials as well as leftovers, most of which are handpicked in Italy, Portugal and Spain. The values of the designer are also evident in the production. She works with Fundació Ared, a Spanish organization that helps women in prison find work.
Carrasco’s efforts to produce as little waste as possible during production are also evident in the brand’s latest fall collection. For the Sex and Crafts collection, Sonia Carrasco collaborated with luxury goods group LVMH to recycle fabrics from their brands. Both organic and recycled cotton were used. At the same time, the collection offered a new perspective on the “sexualization of women in fashion and art” by turning the notion of the male gaze on its head and redefining what it means to be a sexualized woman. However, the design played an equally important role. The designer used three different cutting techniques to create different styles.
points of sale
While Sonia Carrasco is available at various European and US retailers, the brand is primarily present in Asia. In Thailand, the brand is stocked by Exhibity Co in Bangkok, while in Vietnam it’s available from Labels. In Japan, Carrasco can be found in department stores such as Isetan, Pilgrim, Relume, Heliopole, Babylone and Visit For. In the western world, the brand is present in the London department store Selfridges, in the Munich department store Ansary and in the US department stores Modiste and Curve. Sonia Carrasco also runs her own e-commerce platform.
price point
Sonia Carrasco prices vary depending on the garment. While tops average £422, trousers and skirts are typically around £345. Jackets and blazers are in a higher price range, ranging from £692 to £1,357, while the dresses can be found online for around £850.
Maison Cleo
The French brand MaisonCléo was founded in 2017 by Marie Dewet as a prêt-à-porter label with the aim of counteracting the booming fast fashion industry. Five years later, Dewet has created a ‘handmade-to-order’ brand offering clothing made to order from leftover stock. Each garment is crafted in the brand’s atelier in northern France from surplus materials sourced from the leftovers of French couture houses and factories In a bid for full transparency, Dewet launched a new initiative for MaisonCléo last year, with the company now issuing garment receipts detailing the full cost of production, from fabrics used to marketing costs to Manufacturing process to ensure customers know what the brand’s profit margin is and the costs associated with buying ethically made clothing.
MaisonCléo presented the latest Fall/Winter 23 season at Paris Fashion Week. The collection’s 35 looks were inspired by the French idiom for love at first sight – “coup de foudre” – with pieces that evoke the spark between two people falling in love. Inspiration is found in the numerous hearts, both in belt buckles and in oversized embroidery. This season, the brand has also refreshed some of its signature garments, such as knitwear with updated cuts.
points of sale
MaisonCléo offers limited edition clothing through its own website. However, the brand occasionally works with retailers to launch exclusive collections that reflect the company’s environmentally conscious values. In the past, MaisonCléo has worked with Selfridges, Net-a-Porter and Opening Ceremony. In recent years, a partnership has been established with Printemps Haussman and Center Commercial for the current season’s collections.
price point
When establishing the brand, Dewet wanted to offer luxury items at affordable prices. This desire is reflected in MaisonCléo’s retail prices. While dresses range from £150 to £300 (around £170 to £340), tops and knitwear range from £150 to £250. Trousers, shorts and skirts are priced from £140 to £520. The jackets and coats are also affordable, with the lowest prices being around £160 and the highest being around £520.
Rabôt
Founded by designer Jacqueline Rabot, label Rabôt focuses primarily on the use of locally sourced vintage fabrics from leftover stocks, which run through each of their carefully curated collections. The Los Angeles-based brand was launched during the January 2020 pandemic, forcing Rabot to work remotely and outsource production to an in-town seamstress. Despite everything, the obstacles encountered early in her journey have led the designer to redouble her sustainable beliefs and ethical practices. She continues to offer ‘made-to-order’ collections, each produced in small manufacturing facilities.
Rabôt’s latest collection, the ‘Tie Dye’ capsule, consists of seven styles including tops, dresses, a one-piece suit and leggings. Each piece was designed and sewn in Los Angeles. Materials from the region are used – mostly polyester and spandex. Complementing the collection, the brand uses its platform to highlight Los Angeles-based female creatives, from directors to visual artists. They share detailed information about each project via social media and their own website. Each creative is featured in photoshoots in the brand’s latest collections.
points of sale
Rabôt currently has agreements with a number of multi-brand retailers in the US, including Fred Segal in California, Lisa Says Gah! and Isalis, as well as Assembly in New York and Felt in Illinois. In Europe, Vasquiat, a Spanish membership-based platform for pre-order collections, is the brand’s sole outlet.
price points
The current Rabôt collection is in a moderate price segment. The two tops in the collection are $185 and $215, and the one-piece is also $215. The leggings are a little cheaper at $160. The brand’s three dresses range from $250 to $395. In addition to clothing, Rabôt also stocks accessories, including silk scarves and sleep masks, ranging from $30 to $100.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.