Ready to curate an eco-conscious wardrobe? The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for ethics with these sustainable fashion designers.
The myriad of sustainable clothing designers on the market make mindful shopping and alternatives to fast fashion easier than ever. And they’re churning out trendy, fashionable pieces all while doing good for the planet.
Right now, the entire fashion industry, which includes luxury brands, is facing a major environmental crisis. It’s driving greenhouse gas emissions, eating up resources, contributing to pollution, and piling up waste.
The truth is, producing and buying new clothes all the time has a major cost: the planet. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Many luxury designers and sustainability pioneers are helping to prove that fashion can be conscious and stylish and fun all at the same time. Here are seven of our favorites.
Is sustainable clothing really sustainable?
The fashion industry has a major greenwashing problem. Fashion brands are using misleading terms like “organic” and “recycled” to appease the growing demand among consumers for more eco-friendly products.
From touting recycling initiatives to launching ranges featuring upcycled materials, these marketing ploys are simply the fast fashion industry’s attempt at appearing more sustainable than it actually is.
Take, for example, H&M’s Loop campaign. Launched in 2020, the in-store recycling initiative encourages consumers to recycle their used clothing — turning old garments into new ones.
But, similar to British retailer Asos’ circular collection and leading athleisure brand Lululemon’s recent sustainable revamp, the recycling program doesn’t mitigate the environmental impact of the billions of garments it produces each year.
Sustainable fashion designers
There are still countless eco-friendly designers that actually go the distance. Check out the following designers. From luxury runway wear to alternatives to fast fashion, they’re all doing good for the planet — and your wardrobe.
Stella McCartney
When you think of sustainable luxury fashion, it’s likely that one of the first people who springs to mind is Stella McCartney. The designer founded her own brand back in 2001 and has always emphasized the importance of mindful, cruelty-free fashion. She has never used leather or fur in any of her designs and is consistently on the hunt for new, innovative eco-friendly fabrics.
Since its launch in 2001, this luxe fashion powerhouse’s commitment to creating ethical and sustainable pieces can be seen across all of its collections. From slides made from industrial waste to trousers made from viscose, a sustainable fabric derived from wood pulp, Stella McCartney uses a number of organic and recycled materials.
In 2021, McCartney’s brand launched the first-ever garments made with Mylo mushroom leather. At the time, the designer said the vegan material “embodied” her brand’s commitment to “innovate a kinder fashion industry.”
“People associate leather with luxury, but I wanted to approach things in a different way,” McCartney said in an interview with Nordstrom. “I always wanted to prove it was doable without sacrificing style or design. I think it’s one of the most game-changing things we’ve done in the fashion industry, and we are still the only luxury fashion house providing this type of product.”
Gabriela Hearst
“Upcycling” might be a (hopefully long-lasting) trend now, but it’s something that Gabriella Hearst has been doing for a few years now. In fact, in 2017, the Uruguayan designer presented her first-ever runway show, which was made with 30 percent deadstock. And two years later, in 2019, she put on the first-ever carbon-neutral runway show in New York’s Fashion Week.
Hearst — who became the creative director of luxury house Chloé in 2020 and stepped down last fall — has also made big commitments to phase out virgin materials at her eponymous brand. “I grew up on a farm,” she told CNN in 2021. “Everything gets used on a farm, so that’s where I learned utilitarian skills for sustainability.”
Jonathan Anderson
Jonathan Anderson, who’s now headed to Dior, served as creative director of Loewe since 2013, transforming the Spanish luxury house into a leader in both craftsmanship and sustainability. Anderson’s commitment to sustainability shines through Loewe’s collections, especially with initiatives like the “Loewe Craft Prize” that spotlight artisans using sustainable methods. Under his direction, the brand has integrated regenerative leather, traceable materials, and natural dyes into its collections, ensuring transparency and a lower environmental impact.
One standout project is Loewe’s collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza, which incorporates upcycled materials and contributes a portion of profits to environmental causes like ocean conservation. Anderson also prioritizes artisanal techniques, sourcing fabrics and materials through fair-trade practices that support local communities while reducing reliance on industrialized manufacturing processes.
Loewe has also taken steps to minimize waste through its repair services and emphasis on quality craftsmanship designed to stand the test of time. Anderson’s vision is a testament to how traditional luxury can coexist with a modern, environmentally conscious ethos, proving that high fashion can embrace responsibility without compromising on creativity. Will Anderson bring the same commitment to Dior? We can only hope.
Marine Serre
Marine Serre has earned her reputation as one of fashion’s most forward-thinking designers by pushing the boundaries of sustainability. Her collections are characterized by their heavy reliance on upcycling and deadstock materials. Serre incorporates repurposed household items, vintage garments, and industrial fabrics into her designs, turning waste into high fashion with a distinctive futuristic aesthetic.
Serre’s approach goes beyond materials. She uses zero-waste production methods and creates modular garments that can be worn in multiple ways, extending their lifecycle. Her signature crescent moon motif often appears on garments made from recycled or regenerated fabrics, ensuring her brand remains both innovative and eco-conscious.
Serre also challenges the fast-paced fashion calendar, focusing on smaller, thoughtfully designed collections rather than overwhelming seasonal drops. Through her groundbreaking work, she has established herself as a designer redefining what luxury means in the 21st century, placing sustainability at its core.
Mara Hoffman
When you’re wearing one of Mara Hoffman’s designs, you can be content with the knowledge that you’re supporting a designer who knows what it takes to be sustainable in fashion. From regenerated nylon to hemp and organic cotton, great care has been taken to ensure that all of the materials in Hoffman’s portfolio are as responsible as possible. And with her recent announcement that she’s ceased production, you’ll want to grab one of her pieces before they’re gone.
“We have been fighting for what feels like a long time to make this vision and model work in an industry that I believe deep down in its heart wants to heal and become better,” Hoffman wrote of her decision to shut down the label.
“But at the end of the day, its structure is archaic and was never built to prioritize Earth and its inhabitants. It’s no secret that its ‘success’ is still bound to harm, unchecked growth and extraction in so many ways. Although I am choosing to redirect my participation, I remain hopeful that there is potential for positive change. Knowing that there are so many incredible people working towards new systems, technology and legislation, we have a chance at this.”
Róisín Pierce
Róisín Pierce is an Irish designer whose work combines sustainability with intricate craftsmanship. Known for her zero-waste approach, Pierce uses traditional handcraft techniques, such as smocking and embroidery, to create garments entirely from deadstock and organic materials. Her collections, often inspired by Irish heritage and femininity, are made without cutting into fabric wastefully.
Pierce’s process involves reimagining the relationship between material and design. She works with sustainable mills and artisans to source her materials, ensuring ethical and local production wherever possible. By blending historical techniques with a modern aesthetic, her work highlights the potential of slow fashion in a fast-paced industry.
Since winning the prestigious Chanel Métiers d’Art Prize in 2019, Pierce has emerged as one of fashion’s most exciting talents. Her meticulous attention to detail and innovative zero-waste designs challenge the conventions of luxury, proving that sustainability and craftsmanship are not mutually exclusive.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a trailblazing designer who has built her eponymous brand on the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and timeless design. Since launching her label in 1984, Fisher has been a pioneer in advocating for a more conscious approach to fashion. Her minimalist aesthetic is reflected in clothing that prioritizes quality, durability, and versatility, encouraging consumers to move away from fast-fashion habits.
A core tenet of Fisher’s brand is her commitment to environmentally responsible materials. She incorporates organic cotton, organic linen, and recycled fibers into her collections, reducing reliance on resource-intensive conventional fabrics. In addition, the brand actively avoids harmful chemicals and dyes, ensuring its production processes are safe for both people and the planet. Fisher’s adoption of bluesign®-approved dyes underscores this commitment to reducing water pollution and chemical waste.
Eileen Fisher is also a leader in circular fashion initiatives. The brand’s innovative Renew program allows customers to return worn Eileen Fisher garments, which are either cleaned and resold or remade into entirely new pieces through the Waste No More program. This zero-waste approach prevents thousands of garments from ending up in landfills each year. Fisher has further committed to using regenerative practices, including the exploration of regenerative wool sourced from farms that prioritize soil health and biodiversity.
The company is equally dedicated to social responsibility. Fisher ensures fair wages and safe working conditions throughout her supply chain, partnering with factories that uphold rigorous ethical standards. She has also invested in programs aimed at supporting women and sustainable leadership, making her brand a model for how fashion can balance profitability with purpose.
Fisher’s leadership has made her a respected figure in sustainable fashion, influencing not only the industry but also the way consumers think about their wardrobes. Her efforts to champion longevity, transparency, and environmental stewardship continue to set an example for designers and brands worldwide.
Related on Ethos:
All products featured on Ethos have been independently selected by our editorial team.
When you buy something through our links, Ethos may earn an affiliate commission.
