written by Isla Herring for Special Project: Experiential Learning in Journalism
Italy is commonly recognized for its significance in the fashion industry and the latest trends, along with the country being the birthplace of many reputable brands. A copious amount of designer brands was created here such as Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Fendi, and more. Although we recognize these brands for their power in the fashion world, we do not often consider the impact that they make on the planet. Brands today are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and take preventative measures for the future.
Prada has been recognized in the past for its lack of protection of animal welfare by using materials derived from living beings, but recently they have been making strides towards sustainability by using recycled packaging and solar energy. They have also produced two new collections in which they use recycled nylon and recycled gold for their products instead of manufacturing more original materials. They are not only working to combat the backlash from their past methods of clothing production, but they are displaying effort to assist in improving our planet.
As of December of 2022, Miu Miu, which is owned by the Prada Group, has implemented several sustainable measures such as offsetting emissions, use of solar energy in their buildings, and recycled plastics for their packaging. They also offer an upcycled collection that includes low-impact materials that are not as harmful to the environment.
Owned by Capri Holdings, Versace, has been an Italian brand with long-standing recognition for its minimized negative impact on the planet. They have implemented numerous responsibly sourced and certified materials into their products throughout the years. They have also limited the use of animal-derived materials and banned furs from their products.
Ferragamo is another brand that has attempted to be conscious of their consumption of animal products. They have an official welfare policy that includes only sourcing wool from non-mulesed sheep as it is the most ethical process.
Gucci is not specifically labeled as a ‘sustainable brand,’ yet they have been making improvements to their company to be more eco-friendly. They have incorporated materials that are recycled into their products, along with changing their methods of fabric cutting to produce less waste. They are also reducing their emissions and minimizing harmful chemicals in their leather.
Additionally, certain brands have been credited for donating money to environmental conservation projects. Prada has collaborated with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission to support ocean conservation. Versace has also supported this cause by collaborating with organizations like the Green Carpet Fashion Awards. These awards celebrate leaders who are creating transformations to approach and achieve change on behalf of the planet. Fendi partners with various projects such as the World Wide Fund for Nature which supports local communities to conserve natural resources and put policies in place to protect natural habitats. Furthermore, Missoni has involved itself in philanthropic initiatives such as supporting environmental conservation projects. They also collaborated with OrphanAid Africa and have donated earnings made from their products to other charitable causes.
As a consumer, it is important to be aware of your involvement in the health of the planet. Being mindful of the brands you choose to support can cause change that makes vast differences to the environment. Also, holding companies accountable for their part in the earth’s deterioration can bring about alternate solutions. Designer companies have been able to get away with unethical practices in the past due to their high profit levels, but it is necessary that we credit their current efforts to polish up their methods and materials.