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Chic and ethical: the best sustainable luxury fashion lines

Reformation
Reformation

Between grim scientific reports and an abundance of landfill fashion, trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle can seem like an overwhelming task. But progress can begin right in your closet.

An increasing number of designers are proving that style and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive, while also spearheading creative approaches to crafting ethical pieces, from using paillettes made from recycled bottle caps to forming partnerships with global artisans and suppliers.

Here are some designers that are helping to make fashion sustainable and ethical, as well as chic.

Zero + Maria Cornejo

(Zero + Maria Cornejo)
(Zero + Maria Cornejo)

The style: Cocoon silhouettes

Why it’s sustainable: Chilean-born designer Maria Cornejo has been committed to using eco-friendly dyes and textiles, such as recycled cashmere, since opening her first New York store in 1998. Her efforts were acknowledged this year when she received the Sustainability Award at the Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars. With designs that are aesthetically minimal with geometric twists, Cornejo is noted for her signature cocoon shapes that she incorporates into dresses, coats, and jumpsuits.

Jazmin Ero Dress in Eco Drape $1,295.00 at Zero + Maria Cornejo

Mother of Pearl

(Mother of Pearl)
(Mother of Pearl)

The style: Cool femininity.

Why it's sustainable: Creative director Amy Powney launched Mother of Pearl’s collection “No Frills” to make design-led pieces that leave a low carbon footprint. The fabrics are traced from “field to final,” including wool farms in Uruguay and organic cotton farms in Turkey, to ensure responsible use of water, natural fibers, and less pollution. The British brand hopes to use “No Frills” as an introduction to more transparent and sustainable practices - they've also just launched an evening wear line.

Vivian Dress $1,050 at Mother of Pearl

Eileen Fisher

The style: Cozy organic knits.

Why it's sustainable: Eileen Fisher is a leading figure in sustainable fashion who also acknowledges that there’s room for improvement. Her brand introduced the Vision 2020 campaign, pledging to make all cotton and linen 100% organic, along with using eco-friendly dyes, green facilities, and more fair trade improvements. The Peruvian sweaters are crafted around small workshops in Arequipa, which are committed to higher wages and supporting local communities.

Handknit Peruvian Alpaca Box-top, $418 at Eileen Fisher

Kitx

(KTIX)
(KTIX)

The style: Draped dresses.

Why it's sustainable: The Australian label, founded by Kit Willow, strives to be at the forefront of ethical fashion while committing to biodegradable and recycled fabrics that are traceable. Kitx also uses materials free of chemicals, such as organic silk and econyl - a material woven from discarded fishing nets, making it safe for both the environment and farm workers, and resulting in some gorgeous evening wear.

Muse Moment Drape Dress $393.85 at Kitx

Organic By John Patrick

(John Patrick)
(John Patrick)

The style: Essential slip dresses

Why it’s sustainable: For over a decade, Organic by John Patrick has been mastering timeless pieces that have eco-friendly origins. Ignoring fleeting runway trends, Patrick focuses on chic basics that are made from organic materials and produced using fair labor practices. The brand’s most recognizable and seasonless staple is the biodegradable slip dress that comes in an array of colors.

Bias Long Slip $189 at Organic by John Patrick

Reformation

(Reformation)
(Reformation)

The style: Flowy dresses and denim

Why it’s sustainable: Reformation is a cult-favorite for its repurposed vintage and in-house garments. Each online item is listed with a RefScale that shows how much water and carbon dioxide was saved in production due to investments in green building infrastructure. While Reformation is known for casual and special occasion dresses, the brand launched their sustainable denim collection in 2017 to great acclaim and have continued to release eco-conscious jeans in extended sizes.

Georgia Jumpsuit $178 at Reformation