🌿 The Fashion Letter | #26 📩

1. From Molly Goddard To Cecilie Bahnsen, Why Made-To-Order Is All The Rage Right Now

With designers like Molly Goddard and Cecilie Bahnsen leading the way. It’s refreshing to see how these designers are embracing a more sustainable approach by creating pieces on demand rather than mass-producing collections. This not only reduces waste but also adds a special, personalized touch to each garment.

What stands out is how both Goddard and Bahnsen are balancing their signature style with a commitment to sustainability. By offering made-to-order options, they’re allowing customers to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that are tailored to their preferences. It’s a win-win for both the environment and fashion lovers who appreciate thoughtful, well-made clothing.

They talk also bout the implications of this trend, suggesting that made-to-order fashion could be a key part of the industry’s future. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, this personalized, sustainable model could offer a meaningful alternative to fast fashion. Click here for details.

2. Fashion-Tech unspun Raises $32 Million to Scale Zero-Waste, Emissions-Reducing Apparel Solution

Unspun, a company that's really making waves. They’ve just raised $32 million to expand their zero-waste, emissions-reducing apparel solution, and it’s clear that they’re onto something big. Unspun’s approach is all about custom-fit clothing made with 3D weaving technology, which not only minimizes waste but also offers a more personalized, perfect fit for every customer.

What’s particularly impressive is how Unspun is tackling some of the fashion industry’s biggest sustainability challenges head-on. By producing clothes on demand, they’re cutting down on the excessive waste and overproduction that’s so common in traditional fashion.

This funding will help Unspun scale up their operations, making their innovative solutions more widely available. It’s exciting to think about the potential for this technology to transform the way we think about and produce fashion, leading to a future where sustainability and style go hand in hand. Click here for details.

3. Pioneering the Future of Footwear: A New Initiative by Fashion for Good

An exciting new initiative aimed at revolutionizing the footwear industry. It’s clear that Fashion for Good is taking a bold step forward with this project, which brings together some of the biggest names in footwear to pioneer sustainable and innovative solutions.

One of the standout points is how this initiative focuses on creating shoes that are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly. The collaboration between brands, manufacturers, and innovators is aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of footwear production, which is often overlooked in the broader sustainability conversation.

What’s really impressive is the commitment to exploring new materials and technologies. They also mention how the initiative will experiment with bio-based materials, recycling, and even circular design principles, all with the goal of making footwear more sustainable from start to finish. Click here for details.

The Running Republic

Paolo Quagliotti's entire working life had revolved around major sports fashion brands, until the 2013 Bangladesh tragedy, in which more than 1,130 people died and more than 2,000 were injured when a textile factory collapsed.

“It made me rethink whether I really wanted to continue working in an industry with these practices”.

Quagliotti saw his willingness as a runner to use more sustainable technical fabrics as his starting point to launch himself into a better world.

“I knew there were many more conscientious people who, like me, were interested in using this type of product. For two years, with the help of the Reimagine Textile program, I dedicated myself to developing this fabric and a brand to market the garments made with it, now, 100% of our products are made with recycled materials” recalls the entrepreneur.

The Running Republic's first collection was released just before the covid pandemic. It was through a pre-sale on the Kickstarter platform, in which the founder managed to raise 25,000 euros, more than double the collection that had been set as a goal.

At that time, Francesc Alsina joined as founding partner. To this first injection of capital must be added 100,000 euros raised in a first round of investment by private investors and the business accelerator Fashion Technology Acceleration of Milan, where the entrepreneur is originally from. Later, in a second round, the startup managed to raise 300,000 euros in investment.

• Critical Role of Traceability: The playbook underscores the essential role of traceability in ensuring transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices throughout the fashion supply chain.

• Challenges of Implementation: It discusses the challenges brands face in implementing traceability, particularly in complex, multi-tiered supply chains where visibility is often limited.

• Technological Integration: The playbook emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced technologies like blockchain, IoT, and digital platforms to effectively track and manage supply chain data.

• Regulatory Compliance: The book highlights the increasing regulatory pressures on fashion brands to adopt traceability practices, driven by consumer demand for greater accountability.

• Business Advantages: It outlines the benefits for brands that successfully implement traceability, including enhanced brand reputation, better risk management, and increased consumer trust.

As the demand for eco-friendly athletic apparel reaches unprecedented levels, consumers are increasingly seeking ways to combine mindful shopping with their health and fitness pursuits.

The fitness industry is shifting towards sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of the environmental impact of choices, from diet to clothing.

Here’s the top 5 Eco-Stylist certified brands for sustainable workout clothes