In partnership with Yoox, the U.K.’s Department for International Trade in Italy is launching a digital pop up gallery featuring British sustainable fashion brands. The U.K. Fashion for a Sustainable Future Gallery is a temporary project that will run on Yooxygen (the Yoox platform dedicated exclusively to sustainable products). Although the brands featured may vary in size, origin, age, and founders, they all share a commitment to sustainability and aiming at the next generation.
The gallery is part the Road to COP26 event series that will take place at U.K. House Villa Necchi Campiglio between September 29 and October 1. It is also included in All4Climate Italy 2021, which is promoted by the Italian Ministry for Ecological Transition. This initiative will show how an international luxury ecommerce platform and government can work together to reach young consumers around the world and have a positive effect on their purchasing behavior.
The UN sustainability criteria are used in the selection process. They include innovation, design, manufacturing, durability, repair, reuse, recycling, sustainable use of natural resources, minimizing emissions, creating regenerative ecosystems, sustainable supply chain, and creation sustainable and inclusive business models.
The eight British brands that are sustainable have been selected jointly by YOOX, Marina Iremonger (head of the creative, consumer, and retail teams of the Department for International Trade in Italy), Alighieri and Bottletop.
Jill Morris, British Ambassador to Italy, stated that the initiative provides young fashion consumers with examples of inclusive and sustainable labels. Behind these products are artisans from many countries, which demonstrates the importance of UK as a platform of international collaboration.
Manuela Strippoli (director of Yoox’s brand) stated that she was happy to work with the Department for International Trade at such an important event as the Pre-COP26. Yooxygen is the first online platform exclusively dedicated to responsible fashion. This has been our corporate mission since the beginning. We are embarking on a significant journey to deeper sustainability and are pleased to partner with an institution and brand that shares our values.
COP26, the United Nations conference on climate change, will be held in Glasgow in November 2021. The U.K. Presidency and Italy will partner to bring about COP26, which will bring together nearly every country in the world to raise global climate ambition.
Fashion is the largest consumer product responsible for 8 percent global carbon emissions annually. Textiles 2030 is a voluntary 10-year action plan that has been supported by the U.K. government and top U.K. fashion companies. It aims to address this critical global problem. It will reduce carbon emissions by 40%+ to meet the 1.5 degC global goal, cut water consumption by 30%, and create and deliver a circular fabric roadmap for the U.K.
Yoox Net-a-Porter Group’s 2030 “Infinity” sustainability strategy has 12 measurable commitments by 2030. These commitments are all linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With “Infinity”, the Group’s goal is to create a future in which loved products last and customers have the knowledge and options to make informed decisions. It also wants to extend the life of their garments and prepare the next generation for a more sustainable, circular, inclusive future where luxury and fashion can contribute to restoring balance on the planet.
