Green is still in? Yes, you can dress up and still keep your eco credential

Put on a pair of sneakers made from cactus and you will definitely look on-point. Photo: Onitsuka Tiger

Sustainability is still very much a focus of brands. Time and again you will see the launch of ready-to-wear and accessories that push the idea of “green fashion”.

These products either incorporate more eco-friendly materials – like plant-based ones, or upcycled from waste. No matter what they are made from, the end result is still chic and stylish.

If collabs have become part and parcel of fashion, then partnering Mother Nature has continued to be the “in” thing.

Also, almost every week you will read about companies coming up with new sustainable materials for the production of clothes and other fashion accessories.

In the fashion industry, reducing your carbon footprint remains a big trend.

Here is a roundup of stylish “green” offerings from several brands.

Looking sharp

Onitsuka Tiger has a cactus-based sneaker collection. More than 20% of the Mexico 66 Cactful’s upper (all parts of the shoe above the sole) is made of the specially derived material.

Five custom colours are available to enhance the soft texture, which the brand claims is difficult to express in real leather. Not only that, the shoelaces contains a proportion of recycled materials too.

Protect the seas

The new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide is crafted from ocean-bound upcycled plastic. According to the description, it takes 17 plastic bottles to make one watch and its user-friendly packaging, which means 17 fewer bottles polluting the ocean.

This latest very edgy and urban model is released as a partnership with race team Mahindra Racing.

Reduce and reuse

Tumi’s Spring 2023 collection continues to merge world-class design with cutting-edge innovation. The beloved women’s Voyageur collection incorporates recycled materials into core designs. Available are backpacks, totes, crossbodies and hip bags.

According to the description on the brand’s websites, the sustainable range uses fabric made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and recycled nylon.

Reissuing a favourite

Kate Spade is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion the brand has updated its beloved Sam Icon bag using 100 percent recycled materials.

Featuring vibrant colours or playful patterns, the designs are made with a recycled nylon shell on the outside – a material termed as KSNYL – and polyester lining on the inside.

Partnership with Earth itself

To reduce its carbon footprint and further its environmental commitment, Levi’s has produced a plant-based denim.

Pieces in a new collection celebrating 150 years of the Levi’s 501 are 97% plant-based. The designs serve as a physical manifestation of the brand’s commitment to continue producing garments with an air of responsibility.