GLAM / AMOUR

In the heart of Italy, where fashion reigns supreme and elegance is a way of life, a silent revolution is underway. In an industry known for opulence and extravagance, luxury fashion houses are redefining what it means to be truly luxurious. These eco-conscious brands are breaking barriers and setting new standards for sustainable fashion.

Join Glam/Amour as we delve into the world of eco-friendly fashion in Italy, featuring iconic names like Gucci and Prada, and discover the compelling journey towards a greener and more responsible future.

Gucci: Leading the Way Towards Sustainability

Our journey begins with one of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses, Gucci. In recent years, Gucci has become a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. The brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility can be traced back to their groundbreaking “Equilibrium” initiative, which outlines their sustainability strategy.

Under the visionary leadership of Creative Director Alessandro Michele and CEO Marco Bizzarri, Gucci has made substantial strides in reducing its environmental footprint. Their dedication to sustainability is not just a marketing gimmick, but a core part of the brand’s identity. Gucci’s 2022 sustainability report reveals an impressive 27% reduction in their overall environmental impact.

A new vision of the supply chain that starts with the land and a collaboration symbolic of the change that is under way in fashion: this is why The Climate Change Award was presented to Gucci at the 2022 CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards ceremony, which closed Milan Fashion Week SS2023.

Organized by Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), in partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) and with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Italian Trade and Investment Agency (Agenzia ICE) and the Municipality of Milan, the 2022 CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards recognised individuals and companies that, in the world of Italian and international fashion, stand out due to their commitment to sustainability: for their vision and innovation; promotion of the circular economy; commitment to craftsmanship; support of diversity, human rights and social justice; and fight against climate change.

Gucci’s transformation goes beyond the environmental aspect. The brand has also taken a stance against animal cruelty, announcing their commitment to be fur-free since 2018. Furthermore, they have embraced circularity by pioneering the concept of ‘dematerialization,’ focusing on extending the life of products and reducing waste.

But what makes Gucci’s sustainability journey even more remarkable is its dedication to transparency and continuous improvement. Their annual sustainability reports provide detailed insights into their progress, ensuring that they remain accountable to their customers and the planet.

Prada: Crafting a Greener Luxury Future

Prada, a name synonymous with timeless elegance, is also on a mission to reshape the future of luxury fashion with a commitment to sustainability. The brand is dedicated to creating high-end, environmentally conscious fashion pieces that can be cherished for generations.

Prada’s new CEO, Patrizio Bertelli, has set ambitious goals for the brand’s sustainability efforts. Under his leadership, Prada is working to reduce its carbon emissions and increase the use of sustainable materials. The brand is investing in innovative research and technology to create materials that are both luxurious and environmentally friendly.

The Prada Group states that sustainability is “deeply rooted in its values as well as in the company’s strategy,” with the business focusing on three key areas: people, planet and culture.

“The Group’s sustainability strategy hinges on the work we are carrying out with the Fashion Pact,” Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, shares.

“After years of investing in the construction, refurbishment and efficiency of the industrial facilities, as well as in photovoltaics and renewable energy, we have ambitiously reaffirmed our objectives and have started a process to measure our carbon footprint, necessary for determining ways to mitigate and reduce our environmental impact.”

Bertelli continues to explain that the group will explore materials deriving from alternative processes and sources. “The Prada Re-Nylon project is a prime example,” he says. “With its challenging goal to completely convert to re-generated nylon by the end of 2021, it has accelerated the paradigm shift needed for sustainable growth and that looks to the future with new solutions.” 

Click here – for Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 of the PRADA Re-Nylon Project

By the end of 2021, the brand successfully achieved 61% recycled content in plastic, amounting to 500 tonnes, marking a substantial increase from the 49% achieved in 2020. These endeavours signify Prada’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and promote circularity in its operations.

The efforts of these iconic Italian luxury brands are just the beginning of a sustainable fashion revolution. By embracing eco-friendliness, Gucci and Prada are sending a powerful message to the industry and the world – that luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. They are demonstrating that true elegance doesn’t come at the expense of the planet.

As consumers, we play a pivotal role in this transformation. Supporting brands committed to sustainability is a choice that empowers us to shape a more responsible fashion industry. These brands are not only creating beautiful garments; they are also weaving a story of social responsibility, transparency, and eco-consciousness.

The future of Italian luxury fashion is greener, more ethical, and exquisitely luxurious. Gucci, and Prada are paving the way for other fashion houses to follow suit, and together, they are rewriting the narrative of opulence in a way that doesn’t compromise the beauty of our planet.

So, the next time you choose to invest in a luxury fashion piece, consider not only the brand’s legacy but also its commitment to sustainability. After all, true luxury should not come at the Earth’s expense but should be a gift that keeps on giving, generation after generation.