By In the world of high fashion, the ultimate status symbol is no longer defined by flashy logos but by the provenance of the materials used in garments. Enter regenerative fashion – a concept gaining momentum as the epitome of luxury and sustainability.
Imagine Kendall Roy, the fictional heir of a media empire in HBO’s Succession, boasting about the cashmere in his sweater, harvested by indigenous herders in Mongolia. This fictional scenario mirrors a growing trend in the fashion industry: a shift towards quiet luxury, characterized by quality cloth and tailoring created with fibers sourced from landscapes protected by regenerative agriculture.
One such example is Nokomai Station in New Zealand, where merino wool is produced on a vast landscape managed according to regenerative principles. These principles focus on restoring biodiversity and building healthy soil, resulting in wool of exceptional quality while sequestering more carbon than it emits. Brands like Loro Piana and Zegna have recognized the value of protecting the origins of their raw materials, investing in regenerative initiatives to ensure sustainability.
However, sustainability comes at a price. While luxury brands like Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli lead the charge in using regenerative materials, lesser-known brands like Eileen Fisher and Mother of Pearl offer more accessible options. Yet, regenerative materials still come at a premium due to the expectations of everyone in the supply chain, from farmers to consumers.
Despite the cost, experts emphasize the urgency of adopting regenerative techniques as the climate crisis escalates. The fashion industry faces the challenge of reducing emissions and promoting sustainability, with regenerative fashion emerging as a viable solution.
In the face of climate instability, the importance of sustainable practices cannot be overstated. While the allure of luxury garments may be undeniable, the future of fashion lies in regenerative materials and practices that prioritize both the planet and its people. As Prof. Mark Howden aptly puts it, the availability of natural fibers, regenerative or otherwise, may soon become a luxury we can no longer afford to take for granted.
