Argentina’s capital boasts an exciting fashion scene with international reach. We explore how these designers are revolutionizing both fashion’s face and ethics.
Buenos Aires offers excellent shopping, but you need to know where to look. Locals suggest booking a personal shopper so they can explore hidden artisan studios within aging lofts or residential apartments.
The Rise of Sustainable Fashion in Argentina
With global environmental awareness increasing, fashion as one of the most polluting industries is revisiting its production and consumption models. Many fashion brands have begun adopting techniques and materials which not only reduce environmental footprint, but also have positive influences on society and consumer culture.
Argentina has long been at the forefront of sustainable fashion design. Home to an abundance of ethical and eco brands such as Hecho por Nosotros - which holds consultative status with United Nations - as well as groups supporting local artisans with access to global markets, Argentina stands as an innovator of sustainable fashion design.
Pedro Covelo, 23, studied design at Saint Martins in London. He founded this brand with an eye toward creating clothes for men that combine design and comfort without becoming overtly eccentric; part of a new generation of fashion entrepreneurs that believe ‘Form Follows Function’.
Hecho por Nosotros is dedicated to educating consumers about sustainability in fashion. Their workshops teach consumers how to repair their own clothing and organize swap events where people bring in used garments that need repairs; all efforts that promote responsible and sustainable use of apparel while decreasing waste created by fast fashion industries like fast fashion. Studies reveal that 65% of fashion consumers care about environmental issues; however, only some prioritize sustainability when purchasing apparel.
Highlights from the Runway
As the global community becomes more environmentally aware, fashion industry is responding in kind. Fashion week organizers are making themselves heard with sustainability and ethics at the forefront. Argentinian designers are leading by example with innovative brands that break rigid structures while offering material innovations that revolutionise game play.
Danish Copenhagen Fashion Week, known as CPHFW, collaborates with climate protection provider Climaters to reduce and compensate CO2 emissions during their event. They do this for both fashion shows as well as off-site events like workshops. CPHFW also works towards becoming greener by using an e-fleet, less merchandise, eliminating elaborate stage sets, catering to vegetarians, providing water stations for refillable bottles and much more.
One of the highlights of CPHFW this year was an exciting fashion show by Argentine brand Gaucho, complete with drumming and lasso swinging to commemorate their Fall/Winter 2022 collection launch. Gaucho embraces modern bohemianism inspired by history, culture and design influences in their collection this season.
Spring or fall are ideal times to visit Buenos Aires when the temperature is mild and jacaranda trees blooming throughout the city. Tango lovers also flock to this vibrant city during Carnaval Porteno festivities in July; and during Tango Festival celebrations held each winter by United Packages.
Behind the Scenes
Fashion Week is an intense, vibrant experience with multiple moving parts. Designers, models and guests from around the globe gather at this annual event, including lecturers to lecturers to models to designers - creating an international platform for sustainable thinking and action reflected by its opening ceremony.
At the inauguration, Andrea Marchesi, Director of the School; Raffaella Perrone, Director of Design Area and Pablo Erroz, Creative Director for Men’s Fashion brand of his name as well as coordinator of Master’s Degree in Men’s Fashion gave speeches. They all stressed the need for holistic approaches to sustainability design that incorporate eco-friendly materials while taking environmental considerations into account throughout design processes.
Juliana Gracia Bello of Argentina won the Redress Award 2020 with her collection Herencia, exploring the theme “Earth as Home and Shelter.” It was inspired by modern interpretation of gaucho spirit - legendary Argentinian wanderers and adventurers known for embracing life fearlessly and confidently.
Designers of runway shows took great care to be environmentally responsible. By using a reusable e-fleet for merchandise sales and reducing stage sets and paper invitations as well as offering vegetarian gourmet cuisine for culinary offerings and using refillable bottle water stations for attendees, their carbon footprint was reduced as much as possible.
Meet the Designers
While Buenos Aires can hold its own against Paris and Tokyo when it comes to fashion capital status, its designers are truly setting an example in sustainable design. Some of our favorite eco-friendly labels to keep an eye out for include:
Biotico: Designer Jessica Pullo crafts stylish handbags and accessories using upcycled milk bags from ALPAD, a local nonprofit which assists special needs adults. Cascote: An artisanal and sustainable fashion brand practicing upcycling by repurposing old tiles salvaged from houses being renovated to craft bespoke jewelry pieces, handbags and other accessories.
Clan Issime’s founders draw their inspiration from Argentine culture and history with a modern edge, creating modern elegance with traditional leather and equestrian fabrics combined with exquisite craftsmanship for both men and women alike. Clan Issime offers everything from stylish leather jackets to refined ponchos as well as other covetable accessories in its collection of sleek yet trendy items for both genders.
Argentine designers are well known for their resourcefulness and adaptability, which makes them ideal leaders of sustainability efforts in fashion. By taking up this challenge they demonstrate to both their consumers and investors their dedication to a more ethical future.
The Environmental Footprint of Fashion
Fashion may not top many minds when considering environmental impact, but its environmental footprint should not be overlooked. Modern textiles rely on petrochemical products made by oil and gas companies that contribute greenhouse gases; wastewater from textile factories pollutes rivers and streams worldwide. Waste disposal from textile factories produces one garbage truck full of textiles every second - most of these cannot be recycled!
Designers have begun taking note and adopting more sustainable production practices, such as using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester that reduce environmental impacts while helping preserve natural resources. While their supply chains might remain unchanged, at least they can reduce their environmental footprint through adopting less harmful practices like this one. This helps cut landfill waste as well as conserve natural resources.
Many designers are also employing sustainable practices into their designs to reduce toxic chemical usage, such as 3D printing or recycling solutions; others repurposing clothing into new creations using it as the basis.
Governments and businesses alike are working towards shifting the fashion industry towards a circular economy, but consumers play an important role by purchasing only eco-friendly, ethical garments. Join Shop Hop BA for an eco-fashion tour in Buenos Aires!
The Future of Fashion
Fashion’s embrace of sustainable practices is an unabating trend, yet consumers demand more than simply reduced carbon emissions in supply chains; they expect their brands to provide holistic environmental impact solutions across their product offerings.
One trend gaining steam in fashion is circular economy - which refers to garments being designed, produced, worn multiple times before being recycled or transformed into new materials. This model works for both consumers and the environment by decreasing overconsumption while giving once discarded clothes new purpose in life.
Alternative fabrics can also help a fashion line to be more sustainable; Biotico utilizes recycled milk bags in their handbags and accessories while Cascote upcycles tiles that would otherwise be thrown out into stunning jewelry pieces.
Li Edelkoort, an influential fashion trend researcher, states that small brands that specialize in one product category and offer eco-friendly solutions may gain credibility by offering sustainable collections that reduce environmental impacts without compromising design or quality.
In Conclusion
The sustainable fashion industry is quickly gaining momentum, and Buenos Aires’ Sustainable Fashion Week is a testament to its growth and potential. With designers showcasing eco-friendly materials and innovative techniques, it’s clear that this industry is not just about reducing environmental impact, but also about promoting responsible and sustainable use of apparel and decreasing waste created by fast fashion industries. Argentina’s longstanding tradition of ethical and eco-friendly brands, such as Hecho por Nosotros, proves that there is a demand for sustainable fashion in the country. With more designers and consumers embracing sustainable practices, the industry is poised for continued growth and innovation.
As the fashion industry continues to move towards a more sustainable future, it’s important for consumers to play a role in promoting eco-friendly and ethical practices. By supporting sustainable brands and purchasing eco-friendly garments, consumers can help shift the industry towards a circular economy and reduce environmental impact. With fashion capitals like Buenos Aires leading the charge, there’s hope that the fashion industry can continue to innovate and evolve in a way that is both stylish and sustainable.