Article written by Studio BLUP ‘Futurewears’ writer Symeon Oshea
As part of its sustainability commitment, German sports and footwear giant Adidas has pledged to only use recycled polyester, in all products. This is part of an ongoing effort to make the business more environmentally friendly, with the goal for it to be fully implemented by 2024.
Adidas also rolled out the Stan Smith Mylo™ this year. A new concept where the shoe is completely produced from nature. Mycelium to be exact. Yes, you read that right. Mycelium is the root system of a mushroom, composed of a dense mass of fine, thread-like tissue, which allows for it to be used like fabric or leather. The collaboration between Adidas and biotechnology powerhouse, Bolt Threads, made it possible to ‘grow’ the new line of Stan Smith’s.
Los Angeles-based Ultracor, is revolutionising the eco-luxury activewear market. Launched by female entrepreneur, Asha Kai, her designs are made to order, in the U.S. and in-house, to ensure no overproduction.
Ultracor stands out in the crowd due to its major investment in a vertical fashion. With a waterless and no inventory or waste model, the brand can boast a reduction of its carbon footprint by 95%. Featuring patent-pending ‘Compression 360’ performance technology with ‘best-fit’ engineering to sculpt and support each body. Each couture-inspired piece is sustainably produced in a spectrum of saturated monochromes and alluring, timeless prints.
‘Vertical Fashion’ is when a designer or fashion label decides to go without middlemen or wholesalers. This maximises the quality of goods, as the consumer can provide direct feedback on the process. Vertical means controlling each step of the process; designing, producing and selling the goods independently.
In Louisville, USA, Kenmark Eyewear is becoming a leader in crafting and distributing original optical eyewear and sunglasses.
Paradigm, their independent collection, boasts a continued partnership with the National Forest Foundation. This includes a collaboration on the ’50 Million for Our Forests’ tree-planting campaign, aiming to plant 50 million trees across the country. For every dollar Paradigm receives, they will plant one tree. By participating, Paradigm hopes to help reduce our collective carbon footprint and protect the forests for future generations.
Soorty, Pakistan’s largest vertically integrated denim company, has launched the Soorty Organic Cotton Initiative (SOCI), a new drive towards creating an organic cotton revolution. For their latest project they’ve partnered with the pioneers of organic cotton farming in Pakistan: WWF-Pakistan, and the Department of Agriculture Extension, Provence of Balochistan, along with support and input from the Laudes Foundation. The SOCI aims to stimulate a more sustainable economy and provide a foundation for ethical work environments and conditions.
Yet another unique implementation of reducing the carbon footprint of the overall industry. Apparel and textiles amounts to a large part of the environmental issues we face. It’s a breath of fresh air to see new companies pop up taking initiative, and legacy brands starting to take responsibility for the part they’ve played in the situation we’ve currently in.
Article written by Symeon Oshea [@symeonoshea]
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