As the world becomes increasingly concerned about the environment, the fashion industry, one of the most polluting industries, is doing the same.
Fashion brands have figured out how to reimagine their concepts and design philosophies by incorporating new technologies and materials. This has a positive impact on the environment, society and consumer culture, and is a win-win for both industry and consumers.
Let’s find out what’s happening in Buenos Aires. Despite social and economic vulnerability, Argentine designers, especially smaller ones, have found ways to contribute to the cause and encourage new, responsible ways of shopping.
These small fashion brands are collaborating and supported by two well-organized foundations that are doing great work to promote environmentally friendly fashion and raise awareness of this important topic. One of them is the project “Back in Fashion”, founded in 2017 by Phaedra Mauri (fashion producer) and Rodrigo Santamarina (publicist and producer). Their goal is to showcase the entire process behind eco-fashion according to internationally set standards. For them, the term sustainability is a core value, not just an add-on for marketing purposes. Phaedra says:
“The fashion industry is complex. Once you discover the difference between working for a famous brand and working among designers, there’s no going back. If you love what you do, there’s nothing better than being able to spread that love and let the world know. A designer doesn’t just give you clothes. It’s clothing that has its own story, a story of love and purpose. It’s curated and part of the curated process.”
The Fashion Revolution movement, founded by Britain’s Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro following 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. The goal of this global movement is to bring people and organizations together to fundamentally change the way clothing is supplied, produced and consumed, ensuring it is made in a safe, clean and fair way. They also believe that collaborating across the entire value chain, from farmer to consumer, is the only way to transform the industry.
Jesica Pullo, an FR volunteer from Argentina, says in a Clarin feature:
“We need to change our focus. We need to stop thinking that everything is better outside Argentina and that clothes are disposable. There are a lot of highly competitive entrepreneurs in Argentina today.”
Let’s take a look at some of the brands currently working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Buenos Aires.
Biotico: Artesanal and sustainable art couture. Conceptualized by designer Jessica Pullo, the brand’s sophisticated handbags and accessories are made from recycled milk bags. Jessica also works with ALPAD, an NGO that works with adults with special needs and supports the creation of collections.
