Navigating People, Planet & Profit in the Fashion Industry: A Journey with Arras

Navigating People, Planet & Profit in the Fashion Industry: A Journey with Arras

In recent years, the fashion industry has witnessed a growing movement towards sustainability, as consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint and ethical practices. As a small business, Arras is deeply committed to embracing this change and contributing positively to the industry. Today, we delve into the topical issue of sustainable fashion and how it shapes our brand’s ethos and practices.

The Importance of Sustainable & Ethical Fashion

Sustainable fashion is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. The environmental impact of the fashion industry is significant, from the excessive use of water in textile production to the pollution caused by synthetic fibres and the waste generated by fast fashion. At Arras, we believe that every garment we create should not only be beautiful and timeless but also kind to the planet.

Slow Fashion Philosophy:

What is the slow fashion philosophy? In contrast to the fast fashion model that churns out hundreds of styles in a matter of days, slow fashion advocates creating a limited number of collections every year in designs that are meant to last, both in terms of style and durability. Traditionally, fashion designers released new collections every 3-4 months, aligning with the natural seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. This approach allowed for thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, resulting in garments that could be worn for the entire season and cherished for years to come.

However, in the past 2 decades the fast fashion industry has shifted towards producing hundreds of new styles each week, in order to pursue the goal of more and more profit at the expense of people and the planet. This rapid production cycle encourages a throwaway culture, where clothes are worn only a few times before being discarded. 60% of the world fibre production is now polyester, which is cheaper to produce than natural fibres, allowing for higher profit margins and more affordable clothing. Additionally, it can be manipulated to mimic various textures and finishes, making it appealing for mass production. However, polyester is detrimental to the environment and to the wearer; they are bad for the skin, shed micro plastics during washing, polluting our water streams that eventually end back up in our bodies. Furthermore, polyester is not biodegradable, leading to long-term waste accumulation in landfills

At Arras, we advocate for a return to the principles of slow fashion. Our collections are carefully designed and released every few months, featuring versatile pieces that can be worn in a multitude of places, whether it's a casual outing, a formal event, or a relaxed day at home. By focusing on timeless designs and high-quality materials, we ensure that our garments remain stylish and durable, encouraging customers to buy pieces that will last several years rather than just a season.

By embracing slow fashion, we not only promote sustainability but also foster a deeper connection between the wearer and their wardrobe. This mindful approach to fashion helps reduce waste, supports ethical production practices, and encourages a more intentional, thoughtful way of dressing.

Our Approach to Sustainability

Thoughtful Sourcing:

We prioritise sourcing materials that are both high-quality and environmentally friendly. We favour natural fibres like cotton, linen, and silk, which are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives. (More on just how bad synthetics are in a future blog post). Our suppliers are carefully selected based on their commitment to sustainable practices and ethical labour standards.

Ethical Production:

Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for everyone involved in the production process is a cornerstone of our brand. We collaborate with artisans and small-scale manufacturers who share our values. This supports growth in our local communities and promotes our cultural and traditional heritage.

Minimal Waste:

Reducing waste is a key aspect of our sustainability efforts. Instead of stocking up on sizes for each style, we implement practices such as made-to-order production, which minimises excess inventory and waste.

Educating and Empowering Our Customers:

We believe that transparency and education are crucial in driving the sustainable fashion movement forward. Through our blog and social media channels, we share insights into our production processes, the origins of our materials, and tips on how to care for and extend the life of our garments. By empowering our customers with knowledge, we hope to inspire more conscious consumption choices.

Join Us on Our Journey

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable fashion, we invite you to join us on this journey. By choosing Arras, you are not only investing in cleaner fashion but also supporting a brand that is dedicated to making a positive impact. Together, we can help shape a future where fashion is both beautiful and sustainable.

 

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