Gone are the days when luxury fashion and environmental responsibility existed in separate universes. Today, a growing movement of established and emerging brands are redefining what it means to be luxurious. These labels prove that high quality materials, well crafted design, and a commitment to the planet can go hand-in-hand. From innovative materials and ethical sourcing to timeless design and mindful production practices, sustainable luxury fashion is all about conscious choices with a powerful impact. Here are our favorite sustainable luxury fashion brands to get you started:
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion since her brand’s launch in 2001. She seamlessly blends on-trend designs with eco-friendly and vegan materials like cruelty-free wool and recycled cashmere, crafting luxury pieces that are kind to both animals and the environment. A prime example that we love is her signature ‘Falabella bag’ made from vegetarian leather, and a ‘Mylo bag’ made entirely from mushroom leather. McCartney is an active member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and the brand also collaborates with environmental organizations like Parley for the Oceans, a non-profit whose mission is to protect the oceans. We’re obsessed with this sparkle top paired with these cut-out jeans and a Falabella bag.
View this post on Instagram
Get The Look IRL:
Gabriela Hearst
Uruguayan-American designer Gabriela Hearst has redefined sustainable luxury fashion. Since launching her label in 2015, Hearst has pushed boundaries, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. In 2017, she presented her first runway show using 30% deadstock fabrics, giving new life to existing materials. This dedication to reducing waste extends to her flagship store which was built with reclaimed oak and minimal synthetics. The brand has also achieved complete plastic-free operations by becoming the first to utilize biodegradable TIPA packaging that decomposes in a matter of months. And it doesn’t stop there… Hearst is the poster child of ethical sourcing and uses wool from her own Uruguayan ranch! With a commitment to zero-waste stores, plastic-free operations, mindfully sourced materials, and ethical practices, Hearst is fully embodying a new era in luxury fashion – one that prioritizes both style and the planet. Some of our favorite’s include this white and gold linen top paired with a classic silk pant, and sand coat.
View this post on Instagram
Get The Look IRL:
Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood wasn’t just a fashion firebrand who ignited the punk scene in the late 70s with ripped safety pins and rebellious silhouettes; she was a quiet revolutionary for the environment. Westwood’s signature DIY aesthetic, often characterized by reworked clothing and repurposed materials, wasn’t just a stylistic statement – it was a conscious choice promoting resourcefulness and less waste. Their motto “buy less, choose well, make it last” isn’t just a slogan – it’s a core value woven into the very fabric of the label. Recent collections feature over 90% lower-impact materials and they constantly research innovative, sustainable production methods. Additionally, they champion local artisanship, partnering with small producers globally to minimize waste and support traditional craft. Vivienne Westwood passed away in 2022, but her legacy lives on and she remains an icon of both punk rebellion and environmental responsibility, inspiring a generation to embrace fashion with a conscience. If you’re looking for an iconic outfit for your next girls day out, this knit top and mini skirt has stole our hearts and we can’t get over how perfect it would pair with these heels.
View this post on Instagram
Get The Look IRL:
Acne Studios
From its Stockholm roots, Acne Studios has become a leader in sustainable luxury. Their timeless, minimalist aesthetic and diverse clientele are just part of their success story. More importantly, Acne Studios has mastered large-scale sustainable clothing production. Longevity is at the heart of the Acne Studios philosophy. The brand is known for designing high-quality pieces that are built to last, reducing waste and minimizing carbon footprint. In 2020, they launched “Repurposed,” a line crafted from discarded off-cuts and recycled fabrics. Acne is our go-to when it comes to high quality capsule wardrobe items like these relaxed drawstring trousers, cropped top, and low top sneakers.
View this post on Instagram
Get The Look IRL:
Reformation
LA’s very own Reformation takes a refreshingly transparent approach to sustainable fashion. The California-based brand prioritizes recycled and eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and deadstock fabrics. Reformation is also a champion of ethical labor practices, ensuring fair treatment of workers throughout their supply chain. They design for longevity, creating timeless pieces that minimize waste and encourage conscious consumerism. This reduces the need for frequent clothing replacement, minimizing waste that ends up in landfills. Their focus on classic styles encourages conscious consumerism, ultimately promoting a “buy less, buy better” mentality. Some of our favorite pieces from their most recent collections are this silk dress and reversible purse paired with these platform sandals.
View this post on Instagram
Get The Look IRL:
Mara Hoffman
Forget just another fashion label, Mara Hoffman is the brainchild (and name!) of a design powerhouse. This Buffalo native took the New York scene by storm in the early 2000s with her signature style. Hoffman is all about sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled nylon. And it doesn’t stop there — fair wages and safe working conditions for the people who make her clothes are a top priority, too. This dedication to ethical practices recently landed her a major award: the CFDA’s 2023 Environmental Sustainability Award. This adorable sweetheart top and robe coat would go perfect with these straight leg khaki’s for a simple and chic look.
View this post on Instagram
Get The Look IRL:
To stay on top of sustainable fashion from start to end, check out our guide on how to successfully sell on Poshmark and help reduce waste by keeping clothing out of landfills and extending their life cycle.
