SEASON IMPACT REPORT A/W 2023

Empathy and Mindfulness are close to our heart. When we embrace the life of fashion, we foster a sense of empathy towards the planet and its resources. We become more mindful of our choices and the consequences they bear, driving a cultural shift towards more responsible consumerism.

We welcome you to out Autumn Winter 2023 Season Impact Report. We are excited to share with you how we are making our fashion more environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Take a closer look at what we have achieved and what is in store for you!

MATERIALS

When selecting our materials, we place a strong emphasis on minimizing our ecological footprint and ensuring durability. That is why our design team continuously seeks out premium fabrics that not only meet our high-quality standards but are also produced in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Explore various perspectives on the materials used in our A/W 2023 styles here.

MATERIALS USED IN A/W 2023

* Data based on volumes used for shell and linings in A/W 2023 collection
**Other: Wool (recycled), Lamb Nappa, Elastane, Lycocell Tencel, Cotton

A/W23 - Certified in Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): A Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Wool.

In our A/W23 collection, we proudly announce, that we have been audited and certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (275969) by Ecovert Greenlife.
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a global standard and certification program designed to ensure the ethical and sustainable production of wool. It was developed by the Textile Exchange, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the textile industry. The RWS focuses on various aspects of wool production, from the welfare of sheep to the environmental and social practices of wool farmers and producers.
Here are key elements of the Responsible Wool Standard:

Animal Welfare:

The RWS places a strong emphasis on the humane treatment of sheep. It outlines specific requirements for the care, handling, and management of sheep, including access to clean water, shelter, and adequate nutrition. The standard prohibits the use of practices such as mulesing, which involves the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from a sheep's hindquarters.

Environmental Responsibility:

The RWS encourages sustainable land management and responsible wool production. It requires that wool producers adopt practices that minimize the negative environmental impact, such as the responsible use of land, water, and chemicals. Sustainable practices include responsible land use, reduced water consumption, and the management of chemicals and pesticides.

Social Responsibility:

The standard also addresses social aspects of wool production. It promotes fair labor practices and ensures that workers are treated ethically, paid fairly, and provided with safe working conditions. Producers must adhere to labor laws and respect the rights and well-being of their workers.

Traceability and Transparency:

The RWS includes traceability requirements, which means that every stage of the wool supply chain must be documented and audited to ensure that RWS-certified wool can be traced back to the source. This transparency helps consumers make informed choices about the wool products they purchase.

Certification and Auditing:

To achieve RWS certification, wool producers and the entire supply chain must undergo audits by accredited certifying bodies. These audits verify that the standard's requirements are met and that the wool is produced in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Continuous Improvement:

RWS encourages a culture of continuous improvement. Certified wool producers are expected to implement measures that enhance their animal welfare, environmental, and social practices over time. Regular audits and ongoing compliance are required to maintain certification.

Further information

MANTECO RECYCLED WOOL (M – WOOL)

Part of our Outerwear Collection have been produced in “M-Wool”, which is an exclusive” wool fabric collection by our long-term partner and friend Manteco, an esteemed Italian textile company with a rich heritage of quality and innovation. What sets M Wool apart is its commitment to sustainability and exceptional quality.
This wool is sourced from responsible and ethical producers, ensuring that the well-being of the sheep and the environment is a top priority. Manteco has a long-standing dedication to eco-friendly and socially responsible practices.

M Wool is known for its luxurious feel, warmth, and durability. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate both style and sustainability. When you choose M Wool by Manteco, you're selecting a fabric that not only looks and feels great but also aligns with your values for a more responsible and eco-conscious wardrobe.

BETTER VISCOSE

Our second most frequently used fiber is Viscose, which is primarily derived from valuable cellulose, which comes from wood. It's essential that the wood used in this process originates from well-managed forests. This is why we are committed to sourcing our viscose and acetate fibers exclusively from producers who have earned the coveted 'Green Shirt' rating.

These producers have undergone rigorous audits conducted by independent organizations and have received recognition from Canopy, a leading forest protection organization, for their leadership in responsibly sourcing forest materials.
The Canopy Initiative is an environmental organization that works to protect and conserve forests, especially those at risk of deforestation due to various industries, including fashion and textiles. It's a vital initiative for the fashion industry and for customers who care about the environmental impact of the products they purchase.

Share of lower impact materials

For A/W 2023, 79% of our styles are composed mostly (>50%) of A or B materials, whereas in S/S 2022, it was 78%. We achieved a 1% improvement compared to last season.

Our goal is to progressively increase the proportion of A and B materials from one season to the next, and our Preferred Material Framework serves as our guide in this endeavor.

* Data based on number of styles in the A/W 2023 collection that consist of min. >50% of a material in respective class.

Share of fiber types

In our A/W 2023 collection, only 17% of the fibers used were fossil-based synthetics like polyester, compared to 24% in the previous season. We used 7% fewer fossil-based fibers.

* Data based on volumes used for shell and linings in A/W 2023

Juxtaposed: Lower Impact version vs. conventional

SECOND CHANCE

We are dedicated to sustainability in every aspect of our business, and our Team Sample Sales are no exception. We are regularly organizing internal and external Sample Sales, so our colleagues, friends and family, but also our Community can buy development, PR and Marketing Samples for a lower price. Sample sales often feature past season or limited edition items.
By choosing these pieces, you are opting for slower, more timeless fashion rather than fast, trend-driven styles that can contribute to a culture of overconsumption and waste. Many items at Sample Sales are gently used or may have minor imperfections. By giving these pieces a second chance, we reduce waste and cut down on the disposal of good fashion items.

Shopping at our Sample Sales is not just about finding great deals; it's a conscious choice that aligns with our values for sustainability. It's a way to reduce waste, conserve resources, and make high-quality, sustainable fashion accessible to a broader audience. We believe in responsible fashion, and we invite you to join us on this journey of making fashion more sustainable.

INCLUSIVITY

We are excited to announce that we have extended our size range also in A/W 23 to accommodate even more body types, offering again sizes from 32 to 52 in select pieces of our collection.
While many upper premium brands tend to overlook this, we're proud to offer over 88% of our collection up to size 46, making inclusive fashion a cornerstone of our brand. Your perfect fit is our priority!

WHAT DOES INCLUSIVE SIZING MEANS TO US?

Inclusive sizing means that we have extended our size range to cater to a wider spectrum of body shapes and sizes. It's about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their size, can access stylish, comfortable, and high-quality clothing that makes them look and feel their best.

WHY CHOOSE OUR INCLUSIVE SIZING COLLECTION?

Fashion for All:
We believe that great fashion should be accessible to everyone. Our Inclusive Sizing Collection features the same on-trend styles and quality materials as our regular sizes, so you don't have to compromise on style.

Perfect Fit:
Our inclusive sizing options are thoughtfully designed to provide a perfect fit for all body types. We take into account the unique proportions of different sizes to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in our clothing.

Empowerment:
We believe that when you look and feel good in your clothes, it boosts your confidence. Our Inclusive Sizing Collection is all about empowerment and embracing your body with pride.

Community:
We're building a community that celebrates diversity and body positivity. When you choose our Inclusive Sizing Collection, you're becoming part of this movement that challenges outdated beauty standards.

FOOTPRINT

In the first half of 2023, the shipping of your orders, the use of our webshop, and our employees' business air travel generated a total of 35.11 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is 3.4 times the average per capita CO2 emissions in Germany (11.2 tonnes).*
Don't worry, though – we offset these emissions through our partnership with Klima-Kollekte. Our contributions support projects that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, contributing to the fight against climate change.

We look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable future with you. Thank you for being part of it!

*Source: German Environment Agency, 2021