Five High-End Fashion Designers Smashing the Stigma of Working with Plastic

Plastic! That’s right, the worst name on the high street.

Ever since David Attenborough (Blue Planet & Planet Earth) launched the troublesome use of plastic into the stratosphere, plastic is bad news for business, meanwhile plastic recycling is simply seen as ‘getting rid’ of a nuisance.

However, what’s not known so well is that it’s possible to UPCYCLE plastic into high-end fashion – creating products that feel as good as they look.

Online store Sellers with a Story looks for unusual products with rare stories that bridge the gap between outstanding design and truly responsible ethics. Here’s five examples from their catalogue that are converted from unfashionable waste plastic into high-end, upcycled fashionable clothes that people really want to buy and wear.

Durable Athleisurewear

What if we turned plastic bottles into high-end yoga wear? Well, that’s being done as we speak!

Activities like yoga and mindfulness create increased awareness of ourselves and our surroundings, creating compassion for both others and the planet.

This leisurewear collection comes from a designer who uses REPREVE®, a performance fiber made from recycled materials including plastic bottles. There is complete transparency throughout the production process, and the fantastic recycled polyester fabric offers properties like wicking, adaptive warming, cooling and water repellency that are naturally perfect for athletic clothing.

You get a feel (no pun intended) for the high-quality fabric and design and the high-end yoga range rivals anything on the high street, allowing buyers to look, feel, and shop great. 11 billion bottles have already gone through this process (2018) and that number is still growing today.

Beautiful Swimwear

What about high-end swimwear? While the catwalks always boast attractive designs, this range still looks great but the sustainable materials that go into it make it even better.

For those versed in sustainable materials, the name ECONYL® will ring a bell. Again, to simplify the process (more info) the purpose is to source industrial plastics from landfill (and the oceans) to create a durable second use material.

The striking design of this collection is accompanied by the mission of female empowerment, so this is a swim range that can turn into gym wear for multipurpose use – a unique swim/gym crossover.

By aiming to reduce plastics (that would have inevitably landed in the food chain) the designer boasts 42% fewer emissions relative to other swimwear items on the high street.

The Pioneers

Many will already be familiar with this designer, but may not know their story or that their clothes are made from recycled polyester – which is partly sourced from used soda/pop bottles.

This is one of the pioneer brands turning unusable manufacturing waste products into a high end (and very popular) fashionable piece. Interestingly, with the resources they have behind them, they discovered the quality and durability performed better than (virgin) polyester.

The outstanding product range is even more appealing thanks to the designer’s honesty, staff culture and social initiatives. We wanted to highlight their honesty and efforts. In fact, since 1993 – a long time before “plastics” became a dirty word – they were successfully sourcing material from unwanted bottles. Recycling heroes.

Striking Fashion Designs

What about high-end fashion dresses? Specifically, those that compete with high fashion.

A perfectly admirable effort is to use recycled plastics (i.e. polyesters). And, we found a process that spends a significant chunk of time promoting plastic reduction (and second use). By incorporating recycled polyesters along with other suitable, durable fabrics (e.g. organic cotton) it is a hugely beneficial alternative to fast fashion!

The reason why this stood out is not just the stunning style, colour and quality. We looked deeper and discovered that the designer does not prioritise fashion “seasons”, but trending causes. The plastic from the ocean – and how we use it – became one of those initiatives. An entire range (akin to a seasonal range) brilliantly promotes the issues we face with plastics. Specifically, ocean plastic. And, reducing plastic and using it wisely is included in the print.

Unique Children’s Designs

What about our youngest and brightest? We were surprised by the impact on young babies.

Keeping with the theme of opting to use recycled plastics we found another entry that uses ECONYL®. As mentioned, this process looks to turn plastic waste from our oceans into incredible materials. One thing we wanted to add was the incredible innovation where it can boast 78% recycled polyamide. And, for those interested, this is a factor in the durability rivalling (virgin) fibre.

This is the epitome of how far the “second use” of plastic has come. Eclectic, soft, beautifully curated children’s wear was sitting and waiting for sustainable innovation – and other elements of their childrenswear collection are made from sustainable, ethical materials like organic cotton, perfect for children due to it’s softness, and visually appealing to parents.

Elliott Warren, CEO, said:

“We exist to support and highlight designers who are showcasing innovative design and ethical products products. We believe that change is gradual, but it is moving in the right direction. These companies prove that high end fashion and caring for our planet don’t have to be opposing objectives – you don’t have to sacrifice looking good to feel great!”

To learn more about these authentic, rare and high-end designers, visit the website www.sellerswithastory.com.