28th February 2023 – (Hong Kong) As Asia’s first sustainable and ethical Latin American clothing and jewellery company, VIPOP is here to usher in a new generation of slow fashion. In their efforts to work with artisans that use green methods in the sourcing, producing and distribution of products as well as ensuring small batch production and stock, VIPOP is the industry leader in bringing Latin American sustainable fashion to the world.
Sustainable fashion: a trend or a real paradigm shift?
While the conversation around the need for sustainable fashion has been prevalent for a while, in the last decade it has become abundantly clear that fast fashion has a terrible impact not only on the environment, but also the entire ecosystems including the animals and individuals involved. It emits 4% of annual global emissions and produces 20% of global wastewater, Morgan Stanley reports. This puts a strong pressure on fashion retailers as well as consumers to try to reduce their carbon footprint.
However, on the other hand, with the rise of TikTok and Instagram fashion, trend cycles are getting shorter and everyone is clamouring for new clothes that are keeping up with their favourite celebrities or influencers. So how are consumers managing conflicting messaging?
One of the biggest new trends that has taken the internet by storm is thrifting – by buying second hand or pre-loved, consumers are being kind to both the planet and their wallet. It is estimated that the U.S. apparel and accessory re-sale market could grow more than 14% annually over the next four years, making it one of the fastest growing sub-segments.
Another trend that tackles the growing appetite for conscious consumerism with greater variety is clothing rental platforms, a market which is projected to reach $2 billion by 2025. What began as a way to spruce up your wardrobe for special occasions is now a way many people get clothes on a regular basis, to ensure they’re always dressed to the nines.
Yet a number of individuals have pursued sustainable fashion and ethical jewellery instead, carving their own personal style with a few select high quality pieces rather than buying into the ever-changing trends. With over 14% of all consumers across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US, being environmentally and socially conscious, it is inevitable that more and more people are going to be buying eco fashion and sustainable jewellery.
Vipop brings traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices to Asia-Pacific
The collections at VIPOP catering to these customers, who understand the importance of sustainable practices and appreciate high quality, and want pieces that are both trendy and timeless. So whether it is a swimsuit or a pair of earrings you know you are getting incredible quality, top-notch design AND sustainable and ethical sourcing.
They have products for women across a number of different categories including but not limited to eco-friendly clothing which has unique designer tops and bottoms, show stopping dresses and trendy co-ord sets. You can also shop their sustainable jewellery selection which has earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings.
It ranges from works that feature fabrics of Werregue, a craft technique hailing from the indigenous Wounaan community, to gold and silver jewellery handcrafted by artisans based on traditional designs but elevated into works of art.
VIPOP has stuck to their ethos of working with designers who are sustainably minded and provide work to local communities. You can find one individual crafting unique and innovative accessories 100% handmade in Colombia made of natural fibres and another imbuing the ancestral knowledge and the spiritual language of the Embera Chamí of Risaralda community, over a course of fifteen days, weaving the Czech bead into beautiful bags.
VIPOP also works with designers that are creating new product categories and sustainable materials in order to reduce their environmental footprint. For example, Armadillo, is a fair trade and ethical enterprise that creates beautiful handbags and accessories. They use a material called the cabuya plant, also known as fique, penco, or agave, but the specific variety of this plant is only found in Ecuador, to craft their products.
Moreover, they work directly with the weavers of the Kichwa community, supporting and uplifting them, while preserving a culture and crafting technique in danger of disappearing. Another brand making headway in creating new materials is Amaré is a vegan plant-based brand from Belgium, where all their products are made from cactus leather, a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly organic material.
While the fashion world is ever evolving, one thing remains the undeniable, the need for sustainable and ethical clothing to combat the global warming crisis and improve welfare across the world, and various brands such as VIPOP are ready to take up the challenge!