As the world is becoming more environmentally conscious the fashion industry, as one of the most polluting industries, is doing so too.
Fashion brands have figured out how to re-build their concepts and design philosophy by including new techniques and materials. This is a win-win for industry and consumers with a positive impact on the environment, society and consumer culture.
Let’s find out what’s going on in Buenos Aires. Despite the social and economic vulnerability, Argentine designers, especially the small ones, have found a way of contributing to the cause and promoting a new, more responsible way to shop.
These small fashion brands are supported by and working with a couple of well-organized foundations that are doing a great job to promote environmentally-friendly fashion and raise awareness on this important topic. One of them is the Project “Back in Fashion” founded in 2017 by Fedra Mauri ( Fashion producer) and Rodrigo Santamarina (Publicist and producer). Their aim is to show the whole process behind environmental fashion, following standards set internationally. For them, the term sustainable is a core value, and not simply an add-on for marketing purposes. Fedra says:
“The fashion industry is complex. When you discover the difference between working for a mass label and a designer, there’s no going back. If you love what you do, there is nothing better than being able to transmit that love and tell the world about it. The designer is not just giving you a garment. It is a garment with its own story, a story of love and purpose; a garment that has been curated and is part of a curated process.”
The Fashion Revolution movement, founded by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro in the UK after the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which housed five garment factories and killed at least 1,132 people, is also active in Argentina and is represented by a volunteer team of Argentine designers. This global movement aims to unite people and organizations to work together towards radically changing the way our clothes are sourced, produced and consumed, so that our clothing is made in a safe, clean and fair way. They also believe that collaborating across the whole value chain — from farmer to consumer — is the only way to transform the industry.
As Jesica Pullo, FR volunteer in Argentina, says in a Clarin feature:
“We need to change our focus. We need to stop thinking that everything from outside of Argentina is better and that clothes are disposable. In Argentina today there are many very competitive entrepreneurs.”
Let’s take a look at some of the brands that are currently working to achieve the sustainable development goals in Buenos Aires.
Biótico: Artesanal & sustainable art couture. The stylish handbags and accessories of this brand conceived by designer Jessica Pullo are made out of recycled milk bags. Jessica also collaborates with ALPAD, an NGO that works with special needs adults and assists in the making of her collection.
Cascote: This brand practices upcycling by rescuing and re-imagining tiles salvaged from houses that are being done up. Cascote gives a new life to these old tiles transforming them into unique jewelry pieces, all crafted by hand.
Troja: Designer Katy Mychajtyszczuk works with 100% cotton fabrics in her elegant womenswear collections. She uses intricate ñanduti and crochet embroidery techniques for a very personalized style. Most of her pieces are made to order but she also has a small ready-to-wear collection.
Content not found: This contemporary bag brand use biodegradable materials, so their products turn into compost once they are discarded. They only work with high quality materials and pay close attention to the construction so that their timeless pieces remain durable and will last for many seasons to come.
Are you coming to Buenos Aires with an interest in the world of sustainable fashion? If so, Shop Hop BA would be delighted to take you behind the scenes of the city’s eco-friendly fashion scene. Schedule a bespoke shopping trip with us by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button below.