The designer María Lafuente opened the 76th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid at the headquarters of the Regional Archive of the Community of Madrid. Her collection “Sempiterno”, a name which makes reference to that “which lasts forever” has a meaning that she has applied globally to her designs, paying special attention to the quality of the materials, redesign and durability of items.
The designer once again opts for sustainability in her materials, choosing forest-based fabrics such as Tencel, which has a PEFC forest certification, for her garments. This certificate guarantees the sustainable management of forests, transparency, traceability, and respect for social and labour rights throughout the entire supply chain, from the forest to the final item.
To raise awareness of the importance of these types of material and encourage their use by brands and designers, PEFC, the association which promotes the sustainable management of forests, is undertaking the Fashions Change, Forests Stay campaign with María Lafuente as the first ambassador.
With this initiative, PEFC is advising companies, brands and designers on the development of responsible buying policies for these forest-based fabrics which have guarantees of sustainability. Viscose, cellulose, and modal are fabrics which come from forests. They consume a third of the energy and 60 times less water in their production than other fabrics. What’s more, these fabrics capture CO2 from the atmosphere during their useful life. Using materials which reduce environmental impact is key to rebuilding a fashion industry that is aligned with international sustainability goals.
Another of the options selected by the designer to extend the life of items is reuse by upcycling tailored garments donated by El Corte Inglés through its zero waste initiative. Through this, pieces from men’s suits take on new forms to extend their useful life and to avoid generating waste.
A more sustainable fashion is possible
Coinciding with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid and as part of the Fashions Change, Forests Stay campaign, PEFC has issued a message to the textile and fashion industry to encourage them to commit to the responsible sourcing of forest-based fabrics and to offer free advice.
Brands, retailers, fabric manufacturers and designers can take part in this initiative by sending an e-mail to: comunicacion@pefc.es
