Make Fashion Circular

UPDATED AUGUST 2022

Keeping the Wheels of Circular Fashion Turning

As if you didn’t know it already, Papillonkia is 100% behind the circular economy.  In fact, the circular economy is fast becoming the biggest shift in fashion since the very first catwalks appeared in 1903, in New York!  According to Vogue, circular fashion could be worth $5 trillion and that makes us so excited because not only are we advocates of circular fashion, but we really do love the difference that it makes to the world.  It’s the entirely eco-friendly way of shopping and it’s only going to get bigger, especially as sustainability and caring for the planet is becoming more and more important to consumers.

What Is Circular Fashion?

If you’re new to the idea of circular fashion, it refers to keeping items and materials in use and circulating for longer, making existing products last.  So, rather than throwing out handbags, shoes, accessories and clothes, they’re either re-sold to be reused by someone else or for the material. Alternatively, they can be repaired, renovated, or upcycled. 

The idea is that it’s regenerative. Circular fashion includes items that are preloved or preowned and part of the resale economy.  While selling preloved fashion isn’t new (think eBay, local charity shops, car boot sales etc.), sustainability, climate change and environmentally friendly projects are finally at the forefront of mind across the globe, and so we expect to see great growth on how much is resold or hired . 

When it comes to luxury circular fashion, the significant sustainable angle is also supported by an economic benefit whereby many brands actually retain all if not most of their value. Some even gain more value over time, for example, coveted Hermes Birkin bags or limited luxury brand editions that sell for more than the original retail price. So, whilst the initial outlay of a bag may be high, one can often recover most if not all of the cost a few years later. 

Fast Fashion and Luxury Brands’ Involvement

More luxury brands and fast fashion brands are getting on-board with circular fashion.  French Connection recently announced its rental service and Selfridges has been offering their sustainable service for a while now.  H&M is partnered with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity that promotes moving toward a circular economy on a global level and Nike is committed to making their products last longer by improving materials and manufacturing processes.

It's really heart-warming to see eBay being embraced as a sponsor by Love Island, a show watched by millions and encouraging younger people to think sustainable!  Mulberry is offering a preloved service too, where the company refurbishes vintage bags and sell them on. Gucci’s Off the Grid initiative uses recycled, organic, bio-based and sustainable materials. 

However, there’s definitely more to do because there will always be waste but going forward into the future, brands will need to look closely at how they manufacture their goods and, like Nike, use better, more sustainable materials that last longer and decompose in a way that won’t harm the planet. We will discuss this more in future blogs and thought pieces. 

Papillonkia and Sustainability

At Papillonkia, over the last several years, we’ve become the go-to destination online for pre-loved, authentic luxury items.  We are proud to stock the most coveted luxury names and be part of the circular economy.  Our entire business model is built around the circular economy and sustainability.  We want all of our customers to enjoy peace of mind and feel confident that not only are they buying something sustainable and eco-friendly, but that they are also owning a guaranteed authentic, stylish designer item. 

Additionally, we are a brand ourselves that has been integral in helping to reduce the world’s waste generated by fashion every year (92 million tonnes in total) and we were one of the pioneers of the initiative. We are helping to reduce it by 4% and that number will rise.

So the next time you treat yourself to one of our luxury beauties, remember you can also sell or consign your own items and help the sustainable fashion movement to grow, consequently, making the world a better place for all of us and the generations to come.