Eco-Friendly Couture: The Sustainable Fashion Revolution

Filipino eco-conscious brands on the rise

---- Shan Alejos, September 2023

It is no secret that the Fashion Industry has been criticized for its negative environmental impact, being
known to be the second biggest polluter behind the oil industry1,2; however, a promising shift seems to be
happening. The fashion industry continues to evolve in an increasingly conscious planet. For the eco-
conscious consumer, high-end fashion brands in the Philippines are taking couture to new heights with
their dedication to sustainable design methods.

A Greener Future for Fashion

Fashion, which was once synonym for luxury and overconsumption, is now moving towards
sustainability. New players in the Philippine fashion area are rising at the forefront of this change as they
audit their supply chain and manufacturing procedures. Instead of plainly putting profit first.
Another key pillar in sustainable fashion is ethical sourcing of fabrics. From locally sourced organic
cloths to repurposed fabrics3, these luxury labels have their eyes on sustainable materials that cause the
least amount of environmental damage. By focusing on more sustainably sourced fibers and fair
production practices, they’re making sure each stunning formal event fit or wardrobe update comes with a
smaller environmental impact.

Ethical Production Methods

Going beyond the usage of eco-materials, fair
production methods is the essence of eco-chic
fashion. Brands are investing in Fair Labor
practices to ensure artisans who produce their
products are paid living wages with a clean safety
environment. Innovative processes such as zero-
waste pattern making see these values carried
through to waste reduction during the
manufacturing phase. For example, Riotaso ,
being

Photo: Source: https://riotaso.com/

known for its eye-catching designs intricately of made fabric
scraps, also uses compostable mailers and recycles paper
notes for their products3.
Celebrating Local Artistry
Not only do they use sustainable fabrics and processes, but they’ve also showcased local talent by
infusing traditional Filipino techniques in weaving, embroidery, textiles and dyeing with their pieces.
With their products showcasing indigenous fabrics and crafts from the Philippines, they celebrate the
country’s cultural heritage. Brands like Anthill pursues its mission to keep our Philippine weaving
traditions alive and to provide sustainable livelihood for our partner communities 4.

The Rising Demand for Sustainable High Fashion.

Customers’ excitement about these pieces indicates that there is a growing appetite for green clothes 5.
Filipinos are also gradually turning into conscious consumers of apparels and more aware of what they
wear. The message is quite clear: sustainable fashion is cool, period.
Conclusion
Eco-couture is not just a passing trend anymore; it’s also becoming the stamp of high-end Philippine
fashion. To see companies, incorporate sustainability into their thought process — it’s proof that fashion
can indeed change the world. Eco-couture is the future for conscious consumers who want to wear
beautiful pieces with conscience and Philippines is leading the way. Therefore, if you care to speak your
style, try some sustainably luxury fashion that both glitters and protects the earth.
SOURCES
1. bbc.co.uk/newsround/54240291
2. https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/environment/2019/06/the-huge-toll-fast-fashion-the-
planet-and-why-the-answer-could-be-circular
3. https://riotaso.com/pages/riotaso-the-brand-v2
4. https://anthillmarkets.com/blogs/stories/weaving-towards-circularity
5. https://sustainability.ph/solutions/intelligence/the-state-of-sustainable-fashion-in-the-philippines