There is undoubtedly a perception of what luxury is. After all, we have been fed marketing slogans and imagery since childhood. We have been conditioned.
If we break it down, is 'luxury' really that complex? On the one hand, we have the stories of heritage and experience: finely crafted items, handmade, impeccably stitched, traditional methods of workmanship, and so it goes. On the other hand, we have the materials: high quality, premium quality, without compromise, no expense spared, top grain leather, Italian leather. And leather is still seen as the most premium option despite the mass market and pollution behind it.
Do you RT and share posts about saving the planet, recycling more and reducing the waste entering our oceans? Well, businesses are watching, listening and reacting.
Fashion brands are using more organic fibres, such as hemp and linen. Outdoor and swimwear brands use recycled plastic bottles and recycled nylon, and there are many more brands for both men and women making high-quality, sustainable footwear, bags and accessories.
"Sustainable fashion is a far cry from the hippy, tie dye reputation it had even a decade ago."
Some textile developers make materials from the waste of the orange, apple, wine and pineapple industries and innovations using cactus leaves and mushrooms. All in the pursuit of saving waste, stopping pollution and making materials that degrade better.
Future textiles include a material made from waste from the pineapple industry.
So why is sustainable fashion struggling to gain the respect it deserves?
A luxury non-leather bag is crafted in the same way as a luxury leather bag. Using the same tools and sometimes the same factories. The materials are premium quality and have similar (if not more) characteristics to leather. Almost all non-leather materials are waterproof, scratch-resistant, anti-mildew, and don't dry out.
The same can be said for sustainable textiles and linings. Organic and recycled material fibres are derived in very different ways, but once they are a thread, both are woven in a mill in the same way as non-sustainable threads to produce a fabric that is thick or delicate and luxurious.
So, if something is made with high-quality materials and is crafted in the same way, then surely it should be considered luxury too? What are you afraid of? stepping out of your comfort zone? of daring to be different? or being challenged for your sustainability effort? Perhaps you think you won’t get the same level of gratification. Whatever the reason, when we each decide to buy a sustainable product, we should be proud of it. We should share the experience with our friends and consider what has been saved. Think about the environmental benefit and the fair, ethical value that you have given to the person who made your item.
Sustainable businesses are here. Look out for them. Promote them. Help them flourish because we must leave a healthy planet and a respectful human race for future generations.
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