As part of Journey to Zero, Sponsored by Polestar, Skydiamond & Yves Delorme
As we become more mindful of our purchasing decisions and where we choose to spend our money, Future Icons honours the fashion brands that not only excel in design and craftsmanship but also lead with integrity and who prioritise ethical production, sustainable sourcing, and a transparent commitment to social responsibility.
From its inception, Bamford has been dedicated to a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating responsible practices into every aspect of its business. From using natural, organic fibres and low-impact dyes to supporting artisanal craftsmanship and ethical sourcing, Bamford is a true leader in responsible fashion.
What the judges said: ‘Their integrity, research and respect for the environment and their communities globally touches on all aspects of the brand. It is a British brand respected and loved across categories and ages; it is so much more than pure and traditional fashion.’
Aspiga has an unwavering commitment to ethical production, sustainable materials, and empowering local artisans in developing countries, all while creating beautiful designs that actively reduce environmental impact.
What the judges said: ‘A real example of a brand which has embedded sustainability throughout its business. I loved the fact that they are also open and honest about their challenges.’
This pioneering platform curates independent brands with strong ethical and sustainable values. It shows a real dedication to promoting smaller, independent businesses, as well as educating customers on the importance of slow fashion. These values set it apart as a leader in driving change within the industry.
What the judges said: ‘They should be applauded for the platform they have given emerging and small brands and designers since their inception.’
Reluxe founder Clare Richardson
Founded by one of the most respected and sought-after names in the fashion industry, Clare Richardson, Reluxe is a brilliantly curated platform that is helping to reposition pre-loved and high-end vintage as the most fashionable choice.
What the judges said: ‘A chic and easy-to-use premium preloved fashion platform making second-hand more desirable.’
(c) Fiiba
Fiiba identifies and scales unsung biotextiles for the fashion industry and beyond. The company achieves impressive C02 reductions by producing fabrics from agricultural waste, at price points that are genuinely viable for industry.
What the judges said: ‘Such a clear winner. This brand was founded with an intelligent, supremely well-researched knowledge of both the fashion industry and the climate crisis.’
PAPER London is a pioneering sustainable swimwear brand dedicated transforming the swimwear market by integrating circularity into every aspect of its business, from product design to end-of-life management.
What the judges said: ‘The technology used in the process of recycling and Lycra and Elastane is fully patented and unique as best-in-class.’
The Lenzing Group produces specialty fibres based on cellulose and recycled material. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments. Due to their special properties and botanical origin, the TÜV certified biodegradable and compostable Lenzing fibres are also highly suitable for everyday hygiene products.
What the judges said: ‘Just the most incredible entry – so innovative and such an incredible use of textiles in terms of being a solution, and then also a circular fashion product.’
HERD is a luxury fashion brand that started with wool. They buy fleeces from over 40 farmers, paying them a reliable, above-average income. The wool is then collected, graded, scoured, carded and spun by partners all based in Yorkshire within a 150-mile radius of the farms. They design circularity into each piece, working only with natural materials made without chemicals.
What the judges said: ‘The hyper-local supply chain mentality is the future of this industry and they should be celebrated for their real dedication to their supply chain.’
DEPLOY is a pioneering British sustainable fashion brand, founded on the core principles of 360 sustainability and from the outset has operated a zero-waste approach to design, sampling and production. In the fashion industry, circa 35 percent of waste is pre-consumer waste, so this approach has a measurable impact.
What the judges said: ‘Thoughtful zero waste design with sustainability built into its core.’
Patrick McDowell SS24, made with FIIBA (c) Lorenzo Berni
Fiiba’s innovation significantly reduces waste and emissions, supporting a zero-waste circular economy by providing organic fertilisers to farmers. Their decentralised model optimises the supply chain, reducing transportation costs by 90 percent. The use of solar dryers ensures consistent quality and reduces fiber waste by 25 percent. Unlike traditional cotton, which requires 3,700 liters of water per T-shirt, Fiiba’s process uses no water.
What the judges said: ‘This is a different concept to ‘traditional’ fashion brands and so it stands alone. It’s totally innovative and also represents a dewesternisation of the sustainability narrative.’
Elvis & Kresse doesn’t just design and sell, they also manufacture all their own products and also transform their primary raw materials from waste into usable textiles. At its core they do three things: rescue materials, transform them and then donate 50 percent of the profits to charity. In 2016 they conceived the idea of a farm, where they could generate more power than they use, clean more water than they use, and create the conditions for biodiversity.
What the judges said: ‘They go above and beyond not just through their environmental initiative, but how they have put the social mission at the heart of the business, impacting all aspects of what they do.’
Launched in 2017, NATIVA™ was born from the passion of Chargeurs Luxury Fiber’s’ and producers around the world for natural fibres of incomparable quality. A proud brand of Chargeurs Luxury Fibers, a division of French 150-year-old Chargeurs Group, NATIVA™ brings nature-focused solutions to brands, centred in traceable wool, cotton and cashmere backed by Blockchain technology.
What the judges said: ‘Natural fibres are an important part of the fashion supply chain and Nativa’s ethos is showing how it can be done blending traditional with tech.’
TUTU PIKIN is an accessible luxury, social impact brand that uses hand-painted and hand-dyed premium cotton fabric, crafted in Africa, by African Artisans, to produce classic, yet modern, heirloom quality products. Whilst the aim of the brand is to showcase the true beauty of African textiles and craftsmanship, they pride themselves on doing their part to help support the UK economy, as well as creating social impact in Africa.
What the judges said: ‘They uniquely show how sustainability action in Africa links to the long-term environmental challenges globally. It is rare to see an authentic African brand that has reached the masses.’
DEPLOY, a pioneering British womenswear brand as a blueprint for 360° sustainability, is one of the highest-scoring B-Corps across all sectors globally. Its charity and community initiative is a core element of its sustainability ethos, designed to positively impact the local people and communities they serve, to the wider corporate landscape and the planet.
What the judges said: ‘This brand has set out to prove that fashion can be different and is currently truly measuring against this and showing that there can be a different status quo.’
We are delighted to be partnering with POLESTAR, SKYDIAMOND and YVES DELORME for this year's Journey to Zero Future Icons Awards and Power People from Country & Town House.
