Tag Archives: sustainable fashion

The ID Genève Circular 1 is a stunning timepiece redefining sustainable luxury

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The world of luxury watchmaking is evolving, and ID Genève is at the forefront with its Circular 1 Grenat Dial Nisiar Limited Edition watch. This timepiece tells a compelling story—a story of sustainability, innovation, and exquisite design. Backed by Hollywood icon and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio, ID Genève has crafted a watch that uniquely combines elegance with eco-consciousness.

Designer: ID Genève

At first glance, the Circular 1 Grenat Dial captivates with its vibrant red sunburst dial, inspired by the rich tones of fine wine. This striking dial is housed in a case crafted entirely from 100% recycled stainless steel, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability coexist beautifully. The 41mm case, polished to a high sheen, offers a substantial yet comfortable fit designed to suit any occasion, whether a casual outing or a formal event.

What sets this watch apart is its aesthetics and commitment to sustainability. The strap, made from Nisiar vegan leather, is derived from grape marc, a byproduct of winemaking. This innovative material composition consists of 75% natural components, offering a luxurious feel without the environmental impact of traditional leather. The deep brown color of the strap comes from tannins extracted from various grape varieties, adding a unique story to the wrist.

Underneath its sophisticated exterior, the Circular 1 Grenat Dial is powered by a refurbished ETA 2824 automatic movement. By choosing to use a movement sourced from unsold stock, ID Genève embraces a circular approach, reducing waste while maintaining precision and reliability. The movement features a 38-hour power reserve and includes hour, minute, second, and date functions, all elegantly displayed on the intricate dial.

Each Circular 1 Grenat Dial element is designed with intention and care, from the 50-meter water-resistant case to the recycled sapphire crystal that protects the dial. These features, combined with local sourcing and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, highlight ID Genève’s pioneering efforts in sustainable watchmaking.

The Circular 1 Grenat Dial watch is a symbol of change in an industry where fast fashion usually dominates. It defies conventional ideas of luxury by using more environmentally friendly materials and techniques. This watch isn’t just an accessory; it represents certain values and reflects a world that is progressing toward a more sustainable future.

For those seeking a timepiece that embodies style and substance, the ID Genève Circular 1 Grenat Dial Nisiar Limited Edition is an exceptional choice. It tells the time and the story of innovation, sustainability, and the future of luxury watchmaking.

Leonardo DiCaprio wearing the ID Genève Circular S Sun Dial

Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement in ID Genève spotlights the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility. His investment signifies a growing interest in sustainable luxury, appealing to a new generation of watch enthusiasts who prioritize ethical consumption. With a limited production run of just 40 pieces, this watch is as exclusive as it is innovative, priced at USD 4,789 (CHF 4,210).

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Vollebak’s newest hat can protect you from all elements forever

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One aspect of ethical fashion, aside from how clothes are made, is also the sustainability of the clothing item itself. This means that the item should be long lasting so you don’t need to constantly change or update the pieces, therefore making you consume less. Vollebak is one such brand that prides itself in long lasting and “future-proof” fashion, coming up with pieces that are not just sustainably made but can last you years or maybe even forever. Their newest item is called the Planet Earth Hat V2 and it is headwear for all seasons, literally.

Designer: Vollebak

The hat is aptly named as it is able to be one with the planet when it comes to sustainable clothing as well as protect you from all the harsh elements you may encounter when traveling or going on adventures. The design is based on the boonie hat that military personnel wear but it has been enhanced with materials that can fit you whether you’re going to the jungle, desert, mountain, beach, trail, or maybe even just walking around the city. It is water repellent, fire resistant, quick drying, and is able to give you UPF 30+ UV-A, and UV-B protection.

It is made from 47% Kanecaron, a Japanese modacrylic fiber that is able to withstand fire and is also self-extinguishing. It is then woven with ultra thin carbon fibre filaments so that it gets an advanced ripstop to make the hat stronger. It also comes with a sunshield to protect your neck but in case you don’t need it, you can remove it easily and then re-attach it when needed as it uses military grade Velcro. There are also 36 vents built in and a soft, breathable mesh inside the lining so you get at least a bit of cooling feeling when in hot and humid weather.

The Planet Earth hat is probably not something you’ll need for every day use, unless you trek through deserts and other places with extreme weather regularly. But it is something that you should definitely have, especially if you believe in Vollebak’s philosophy and you’ve also tried out some of their other pieces of futuristic and future-proof clothing like jackets, pants, belts, and other hats. If you want something that will last you maybe forever and you have almost $400 to spare, then you can check it out.

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Ori Seri bio textile material is almost ready for a sustainable economy

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The Ori Seri is tangible proof that innovation can help Mother Earth. Of course, sustainable fashion must be the goal of many brands and companies, but we acknowledge it’s not an easy feat.

Ori Seri is made from algae and silk protein. It’s a biodegradable textile that combines different materials to reduce waste. The designer knew science and technology would yield achievable solutions. Unfortunately, there aren’t many ideas yet in the fashion industry, but we’ve been learning about sustainability.

Designer: Scarlett Yang

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Ori Seri Scarlett Yang Design DIA AWARD 2021

We still have a long way to go before sustainable fashion becomes a standard, but we are grateful for efforts like this Ori Seri. Scarlett Yang is a creative technologist and materials designer who has always been interested in material tactility and virtual realities. Her idea focused on developing innovative ways that may benefit fashion, technology, and design. Her background in digital fabrication labs, bio laboratories, and even couture ateliers helped this project intending to minimize waste.

Ori Seri is a bio-textile that can be used for fashion. It is a glass-like garment made from silk cocoon biowaste- sericin and algae extract. The former is the waste produced in textile manufacturing. Yang’s efforts resulted in a unique material that can grow and change shape depending on the humidity and temperature. Moreover, it’s a bio-material which means it is biodegradable in water.

The design of the textile model is created using 3D technologies. Fashion can be fully circular someday if more products are made focusing on sustainability. The bio-textile Ori Seri can no longer be reused, but it will still have what they call “virtual existence.” It’s given a digital life, so it becomes more “accessible.”

The design process and methodology appear complicated, but it aims to work with nature. It incorporates bio-design as well as digital fabrication. These are then applied with traditional fashion craftsmanship that we hope can make it to the consumer market.

Ori Seri Scarlett Yang Design

Different award-giving bodies have recognized the project that resulted in an innovative material called the Ori Seri. It won the LVMH Maison/0 Green Trail and The Mills Sustainability Prize in 2020. It was also named a SHOWstudio Class of 2020 winner and the grand prize winner at the YouFab Global Creative Award 2021. It was even shortlisted for the Lexus Design Award. In addition, at last year’s Design Intelligence Award, it was given an Honorable Mention.

Yang’s bio-material has big potential on the runway and in the real world when used in everyday clothes. There are plenty of interesting ideas and projects like this that must be recognized and given a chance. Feel free to share if you have anything related. You will never know what your idea can do for the world. Click here to enroll for the 2022 Design Intelligence Awards FOR FREE!

Ori Seri Scarlett Yang Design Images copy

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CyanoFabbrica Sunglasses Frames are made out of bacteria

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CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica is showing the world bacteria is not totally useless. Of course, we know that already but some people think bacteria is bad. It’s not and you can actually use a bunch to make different objects.

Cinzia Ferrari has come up with a project that can help Mother Earth further with innovative sustainable design. CyanoFabbrica has resulted in a pair of futuristic sunglasses made of bacteria. The Italian biodesign researcher is invested in innovation practices against processes that are wasteful and transparency of design communications. The organic sunglasses frames designed by Cinzia Ferrari are ready to be used in time for summer.

Designer: Cinzia Ferrari

CyanoFabbrica United Kingdom Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frame

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

Sunglasses help protect the eyes against UV rays and a pair can be a fashion item for many people around the world. Sunglasses are considered both a fashion accessory and a piece of personal protective equipment. Most styles that come out in the market are made of plastic, but the Cinzia Ferrari-designed shades are different.

A process called cyanobacteria biomineralization has been used to create a unique material made from Photosynthetic. The latter are single-celled organisms that can be found in different habitats. They can be transformed into bricks that can then be made into other objects.

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

The sunglasses frames look like something from the ‘70s. One side, though, appears to be a wing, but the shape is actually inspired by patterns of the bacteria seen under the microscope. Every pair is unique as no two sunglasses will be the same. Check out the design of the base which is manufactured using biomineralized samples.

Cinzia Ferrari has noted the project offsets emissions because the bacteria continues to grow for photosynthesis to take place. The idea is that the object can be remanufactured to be totally sustainable. This means the sunglasses can easily be destroyed at the end of a life cycle. They can then be given a new lease on life once a substrate is ready.

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica delivers fabrication that can be promising for the future of different industries. We can see the potential in the fashion arena and possibly in everyday objects. The idea is that such a natural material is processed and used into beautiful items and then re-used to come up with new things after some time. The cycle will be sustainable and that will definitely be beneficial to the planet.

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

The Cyanobacteria biomineralized frames could be just an early entry, but we believe more similar objects can be made. Again, science plays a crucial role in identifying problems and providing solutions. The CyanoFabbrica is one innovative system that works, and we hope to see it implemented more in the near future.

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

CyanoFabbrica Cyanobacteria Biomineralized Frames

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Fish Leather from salmon skins is yet another sustainable innovation

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Felsie Fish Leather

They say the best leather are those from animals but you know, there are plenty of conversations about the topic. There is now a campaign to find more sustainable leather, and we have seen a few, like the leather made from grape skins and other fruit waste.

Sustainable fashion may be a challenge, but it can be done with efforts like this fish leather. This is the first time we’re hearing about this new kind of leather that can be used for different accessories. No, this isn’t exactly fishy, but Felsie knows what it is doing.

Designer: Antonia Gillett (Felsie)

Felsie Fish Leather

The fish leather tannery and studio use bark tanning on rescued fish skins. These are those about to be thrown into the trash can but are instead transformed into fish leather. The processed fish leather is then used to make different accessories like a wallet or a cardholder.

The Felsie Fish Leather is long-lasting and may even remind you of snakeskin leather at first glance. Many people are asking if it smells like fish. It doesn’t smell fishy but smells like any other genuine leather. The texture isn’t exactly smooth but will be over time as the patina is developed.

Felsie Fish Leather

When it comes to durability, fish leather is even stronger than cow leather. It’s thick because the fibers form a crosshatch pattern. It’s made from fish, but it’s not exactly waterproof. Felsie doesn’t want to use chemical coating, so it’s best if you maintain the dryness of the orange-brown leather.

Felsie uses salmon skins from the Dunkeld Smokehouse in Scotland. The leather starts with sustainably farmed Scottish fish sold as smoked salmon. The Salmon skins are then saved for tanning with willow bark using traditional and natural bark tanning methods. Even the process of sourcing the willow trees is sustainable. Tannins in the tree bark enter the skin and change the makeup of the fish skin.

Felsie Fish Leather

Felsie is all about sustainability. It was actually “built with the concept of a circular economy. “ Fish leather is a material like no other and we imagine more products will be available soon. Right now, we know there are wallets and card cases in the works. However, we want to see bags and luggage someday and more leather goods like shoes, belts, coin purses, bottle holders, laptop bags, and journals. The future of fish leather is bright, so it’s high time we support this sustainable effort.

Felsie Fish Leather

Felsie Fish Leather 6

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Meng Du x Oddbird Unwasted bag collection is made from grape skin leather

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Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Design Hero

Sustainable fashion is more than just a movement as we believe it is here to stay. It should be if we want a better future and planet for the next generation. We’re on the lookout for stylish footwear, clothing, and accessories so expect more eco-friendly and “green” products on the horizon.

There is a sudden increase in brands and designers starting campaigns for more sustainable products. Nike has its Move to Zero campaign. We also remember the Hana sneakers made from fruit waste like pineapple leaves, apple skin, grape skin, and seeds. A similar line of bags has recently been introduced and this time, the products are made from grapes. We know leather from fruits or vegetables is already possible. It’s much more sustainable compared to animal leather and is guilt-free.

Designer: Meng Du for Oddbird

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Design Where to Buy

Chinese designer Meng Du has teamed up with Oddbird to design leather bags. The leather is made from recycled grape skins, which means grape waste now serves a purpose. Winemaking dates back to some 4100 BCE, and it’s not yet a lost craft. However, winemakers still need to be pro-active in making sure the industry is future-proof. We’ll never know what will happen, but we can prepare to improve the wine’s lifecycle and production.

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Leather Design

Oddbird, a producer of quality wine in the Scandinavian region, knows there are obstacles in ensuring winemaking lasts. However, they can be overcome by partnering with companies and designers with the same goal in mind. Wine production waste is a reality, but good thing grape marc can now be transformed into leather. Instead of just throwing away grape skin, they can be used for next-generation leather.

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Leather Planet of the Grapes

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Leather Planet of the Grapes

More companies are looking for more innovative ways and sustainable methods when it comes to fashion, furniture, and accessories. This collaboration between Meng Du and Oddbird also brings Planet of the Grapes into the equation. The French leather maker has helped discover ways to produce vegan leather.

The leather bag collection is called Unwasted. The grape leather bag is a bottle holder that you can carry as a waist bag. It’s art with a purpose and is a perfect example of a zero-waste effort by Meng Du–a young Chinese designer from Parsons School of Design, New York, who is now gaining popularity for her sustainable designs. She has also come up with a virtual concept design adapted for the metaverse.

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Design 2

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Design

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Leather Material

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Leather Designer

The shape of the Merlot bag is like a squashed milk carton. The inspiration was a squashed carton the designer saw on the road. The other bag shaped like a can is called the Chardonnay. Meng Du called this project ‘Incognito’ because in her own words, “many things appear to be hidden in this project.” It looks like leather, but it’s really made from grape skin.

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Leather

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Design 2

Oddbird Meng Du Grape Skin Design Price

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Aether Diamonds and Fine Jewellery are sustainable and magically made out of air

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Aether Diamonds Made Out of Air

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—that’s something many people believe, but others think it’s no longer valid for most ladies these days. That’s because as the earth ages, we are learning to become more responsible in caring for the environment. There is a call to become more sustainable for a better future, and so everything should be green, eco-efficient, and environment-friendly as much as possible.

Sustainable fashion is advancing, including most handcrafted products manufactured using fair and ethical processes. It also includes items made with eco-friendly production and packaging and made from organic materials. In addition, sustainable footwear and apparel have entered the sphere of eco-warriors, and soon, we’ll get to know more about sustainable jewelry.

Designer: Aether

Aether Diamonds

Technically, real jewels come from nature, but there is a move to develop sustainable jewelry. This means they should be made from sustainable materials or be made using sustainable processes. For those who love luxurious items yet are trying to be more conscious of the environment, there is the ironic question of how to keep buying diamonds when mining for the precious element brings environmental devastation and can severely damage the land.

People have been wondering if there is a sustainable alternative when it comes to diamonds. We have the answer: Aether—a company committed to creating carbon-negative diamonds from the air in the world. Green diamond lovers will probably approve of this because it gives them two things: eco-efficiency and diamonds.

Aether Diamond Jewelry

Can one be environment-friendly and love luxury at the same time? Thanks to lab-grown diamonds that are already an excellent alternative to naturally-mined diamonds, we think it’s possible. Aether’s diamonds are made out of the air, believe it or not–and the company has proven that there is plenty of room to improve when it comes to science and technology.

Aether is bringing together science, craftsmanship, and design. No need to spend much on diamonds gained from unethical mining. This business has undoubtedly moved further in the last few decades, making Earth healthier for the next generation. The air used isn’t just the regular air we breathe—it’s the polluted air that abounds that are being transformed into gems.  And so they’re not exactly the kind of expensive diamonds that may cost millions but they are just as beautiful– something that can be the perfect alternative.

Aether Diamond Jewellery

Aether has begun shipping the first batch of orders of diamonds since 2021 after raising about $18 million in funding. By 2022, production is expected to ramp up and perhaps exceed the previous sales. Diamonds made from the air make for a sustainable fine jewelry collection. There is no more guilt when buying from Aether because it’s a synthetic diamond.

How is an Aether diamond made? It goes through four simple steps starting with CO2 capture through a unique technology then moving to hydrocarbon synthesis. Diamond is then “grown” in specialized chemical vapor deposition reactors. Once diamonds are developed, jewelry experts then do things like cut, polish, and set into beautiful jewelry pieces.

The startup is committing to continue to mix sustainability with design and aesthetics. Knowing how the company makes these diamonds, sans mining, child labor, and poor labor conditions make Aether an attractive company. We know it respects not only the environment but also humans. This is something we need this century during all the global challenges, climate change, and humanitarian efforts.

Aether CEO Ryan Shearman said: “Amid global climate change and all of the other challenges 2020 has brought with it, we believe there is currently a great opportunity for high-minded doers to step in and help shape the future. Now more than ever, forces for true and lasting change are coalescing to transform our world into one where massive positive advancements for humanity and the planet are truly possible.” Aether aims to bring change and commits to serve as a “beacon for integrity and transparency in the diamond industry, where so many others have fallen short on that promise to consumers.”

What Aether brings to the table are aplenty—no water is wasted, there is no dirty energy, and no part of earth is uprooted. Another benefit is cleaner air as the diamonds remove the carbon dioxide and clean up the atmosphere. The people behind Aether are said to “make decisions with the wellbeing of life on earth in mind.” The company does not support any depletion of the natural resources, displacement of indigenous people, unfair working conditions, or child labor.

Aether Diamond Jewellery Set

Aether Diamond Ring Set

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This Adidas x Prada sailing-inspired shoe pushes the boundaries of innovation and sustainability!

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I am not going to beat around the bush, this Adidas x Prada sailing shoe is a blueprint for a successful collaboration – a perfect balance between luxury and casual style! Designed for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, the A+P LUNA ROSSA 21 is a sustainable shoe that celebrates the sport of sailing while paying tribute to the new AC75 Luna Rossa boat and the iconic previous collaborations between the two brands.

The environmentally-conscious sneaker’s upper portion is made with 50% or more recycled and renewed technical materials thanks to the incorporation of Primegreen design which is a series of high-performance recycled materials complimented by a hydrophobic E-TPU outer shell to prevent water from penetrating the shoe. The innovative pair also has the Adidas trademark 360° ergonomic sockliner-free construction to reduce weight and maximizes flexibility. The details include the EVA tongue and suede interior saddle that showcase it’s sailing inspiration while a perforated BOOST midsole along with the wraparound outsole ensures complete freedom of movement and grip. The semi-transparent layer on the white colorway binds the shoe in water-resistant material with Prada’s famous red stripe on the heel with three subtle Adidas stripes on the side. An interesting detail were the laces – they are narrower at the bottom to help with speed lacing but wider at the top to help prevent tied knots from coming loose!

The A+P LUNA ROSSA 21 is minimal, sleek and performance-oriented, it is crafted to feel as comfortable as you would be barefoot while still being protective – it is a true blend of the brands’ technical prowess and design skills. The shoe drops on December 9 on Prada’s website, Adidas’ website, and Adidas flagship stores worldwide for $695 USD.

Designer: Adidas and Prada

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Vollebak’s 100% biodegradable plant+pomegranate hoodie can be composted in your backyard!

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Vollebak continues to push the limits every time on how innovative, functional, and sustainable their designs can be while I push the limits on why I need more hoodies in my closet. I didn’t choose the hoodie life but Vollebak did and they are making the most of it in their latest hoodie made from compostable plants and pomegranate!

Inspired by our ancestors who made their clothes using grass, tree bark, animal skins, and plants, etc. the Plant and Pomegranate hoodie feels, looks, and lasts as long as a normal hoodie but it is far from normal. Think of it as the Clark Kent of hoodies – it looks ordinary and then when you take a closer look, you realize its superpower which in this case is helping our environment. Vollebak has been a leader in making sustainable apparel that is also super innovative like its solar power jacket, the indestructible hoodie, and the biodegradable algae t-shirt which is the closest product to the Plant and Pomegranate hoodie. “The thing that makes it different is simply the way it starts and ends its life. Each hoodie is made from eucalyptus trees from sustainably managed forests before being submerged in a giant vat of pomegranate dye to give it its color. As it’s made entirely from plants, the hoodie is fully biodegradable and compostable,” explains the team.

Once you feel your hoodie has completed its circle of life (it could be 3 years or 30!) then all you have to do is put it out with the compost or bury it in your garden. Vollebak’s hoodie was given birth from elements grown in nature and ends it’s life there too, you can quote Rafiki in the funeral if you decide to hold one in case you are as extra as me. Don’t hold back tears, they might just water a new pomegranate plant in your garden! Ending fast fashion and adopting a sustainable clothing style might seem like a small step but it is still an important step to reduce waste generation and help our planet. Your closet and the climate will both thank you for making eco-conscious decisions – so, let the hoodie life choose you!

Designer: Vollebak

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Adidas and Allbirds team up to make environmentally friendly shoes

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Sneaker brands collaborate all the time, but they usually do so with companies outside of the footwear industry. Adidas’ latest joint effort, though, involves sustainable shoe maker Allbirds, and the two hope to create a high performance sneaker whil...