I want to share some exciting news: A month ago a joined the Ethical Brand Directory as Partner and Digital Strategist –you can read the whole post about it here–, and, as it was around the London Men's Fashion Week, I wanted to share my bit and opinion about the sustainability trends going on in the moment and aspiring to be the top this 2020.
I started the article –that you can check out clicking here– writing about the main trend of this year: UPCYCLING.
It’s clear that sustainability is on the rise now more than ever in the fashion industry, and men’s fashion week in London was no exception, showcasing a variety of new sustainable fashion designers. 2020 might soon be known as the international year of upcycling and repurposing in fashion. This action could drastically improve the impacts produced by the fashion industry and consumers.
In the post I mention the different designers that are killing it like Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Patrick McDowell, Bethany Williams, Ahluwalia Studio, E. Tautz, Vinti Andrews... All of them making the difference with their own PV and intake in sustainability. The collections showcase were made in several different ways.
From deconstructed and repurposed vintage pieces, to using dead stock from manufacturers, to repurposing vintage belts, gloves and other elements upcycled from the London Fire Brigade –and this is just an example–.
From left to right: Charles Jeffrey Loverboy (Source:@_charlesjeffrey), Bethany Williams (Source:@bethany_williams_london), Ahluwalia Studio (Source:@ahluwalia_studio).
But as I said in the Ethical Brand Directory blog post: "When we talk about sustainability, independently of the industry, we always need to look at the three spheres. These are environmental, social and economic. In terms of fashion, brands are creating awareness and supporting ways of dressing that were previously looked down upon by society. Key examples of this were men not being able to wear skirts and women not being allowed to wear trousers years ago. Brands are becoming socially sustainable, as they are trying to push and promote the liberty of people".
And this is another important thing. Sustainable fashion is also about society, and developing genderless garments and showcasing them is a way to show the world that no matter how you identify your own sexuality, fashion doesn't have a sex. Fashion is a universal and genderless way of expressing and sharing art, culture and respect.
From left to right: Art School (Source:@artschool_london), Bianca Saunders (Source:@biancasaunders_), Art School (Source:@artschool_london).
Gender fluidity in fashion has become more mainstream and normalized in a society that is still learning that fashion shouldn’t have any gender rules. This is because today’s generation is becoming more open minded.
Art School are champions of this with their non-binary brand that is described as queer luxury. Their brand is all about creating inclusivity. Bianca Saunders, a menswear designer born and based in london, also puts her own twist on men's fashion by creating a collection that subtly introduces feminine aspects and characteristics to her menswear.
From left to right: Lil Nas X (Source: @lilnasx), Steve LAcey (Source: @steve.lacy), Tayler the Creator (Source: @feliciathegoat).
And to see the acceptance, we just have to take a look to the Gala of the Grammy Awards of this year. Proof of that is the rapper Lil Nas X and Tayler the Creator – wearing Versace and Golf Le Fleur respectively; 21 Savage in Saint Laurent; Orville Peck in Dior and Steve Lacy by Comme Les Garçons.
I cannot wait to see what is coming up in the next events!
"Injustices are still happening when someone tries to express themselves in a non heteronormative way. By using responsible consumption and production methods, brands will be able to develop alliances and partnerships to help them achieve their sustainable goals."
Dan Pontarlier
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