Walking Light: A Tale of Sustainable Fashion
There is an invisible thread that connects the slow pace of nature to the frenetic pace of our lives, it is called sustainability and today more than ever it crosses the world of fashion.
It's a matter of responsibility. And it is precisely by walking, step by step, that we can rediscover the value of more conscious choices.
Sustainable fashion started as a niche and after years it is rapidly transforming into a global movement. According to "The Business of Fashion Sustainability Index 2023" the pressure for more responsible models is growing at a global level: consumers, investors and governments are demanding concrete changes.
This is an approach that encompasses the entire life cycle of a garment or accessory, from production to the end of its use.
When we talk about shoes and accessories, the topic becomes even more interesting.
Footwear by its very nature requires resistant raw materials and complex production processes. Producing a sustainable shoe means choosing less impactful materials, reducing the use of water and energy, ensuring fair working conditions and thinking about recycling or biodegradability of the final product.
Among the materials the most virtuous we find:
- GOTS certified organic cotton, which drastically reduces the use of pesticides and water.
- Vegetable tanned leather
- ECONYL® regenerated nylon which is produced by recycling used fishing nets and other plastic waste.
- Tencel™ and Modal™ are natural fibres obtained from FSC certified forests with a closed-loop production process.
- Innovative materials such as Pinatex® (derived from pineapple fibres) and grape, apple or cactus leather.
The production too is at the center of attention. Today, the focus is increasingly on:
- The short supply chain is necessary to reduce the impact of transport.
- Made-to-order production helps to limit waste.
- The circular economy with projects that collect used shoes to regenerate or recycle them.
The concept of slow fashion invites us to rediscover the value of durability, craftsmanship, and repairability. A well-made shoe can accompany us for years, becoming part of our personal history rather than ending up prematurely in landfill. The most attentive companies today offer repair services, collection, or "buy back" programs.
Buying sustainably means refining your taste, choosing clothes and accessories that tell something more: respect for those who produced them, for the earth's resources and for future generations.
Opt for quality over quantity by investing in versatile, timeless pieces.
Five practical tips for more sustainable fashion:
- Learn about environmental and social certifications.
- Buy less, choose better.
- Prefer natural, recycled or regenerated materials.
- Support local craftsmanship and ethical production.
- Repair, recycle, donate: extend the life of your accessories.
Everyday choices, even those that seem small, make a difference. Learn about certifications, ask for transparency from producers, value handmade, repair instead of throwing away - These are actions that transform our way of experiencing fashion into a gesture of care towards the world.
Sustainability is an enrichment. It teaches us to slow down, to appreciate quality, to reconnect with nature and people. Wearing sustainable shoes and accessories is an act of love for ourselves, for those who come after us, for authentic beauty.
Ultimately, true elegance is walking lightly on the earth. Not leaving deep footprints but traces of beauty and respect. Because sustainable fashion is a new way of looking at ourselves and the future.