British designer showcases sustainable practices at the Cop26 fashion show

A number of British fashion houses including Burberry, Stella McCartney and Mulberry have taken part in the fashion show at Cop26.

On Tuesday, 9 November, the UK government’s international marketing campaign, GREAT, hosted an event in partnership with the British Fashion Council that showcased how brands have adapted their work to improve sustainability and reduce their contribution to the climate crisis.

British designers taking part in the GREAT Fashion for Climate Action event include Burberry, Phoebe English, Stella McCartney, Priya Ahluwalia, Mother of Pearl and Mulberry.

World Bank estimation that the fashion industry is responsible for 10 percent of all annual global carbon emissions.

The runway gives every brand the opportunity to present how they are innovating to address the industry’s carbon footprint.

For example, Stella McCartney has committed not to use animal products in her clothing. The designer has made the bag using mushroom leather, and uses only synthetic fur in the product.

Priya Ahluwalia, a designer from London, recycles deadstock and vintage clothing for her collection.

Other brands, such as Mulberry and Burberry, have pledged to reduce their carbon emissions across their supply chains.

Burberry said it would aim to reduce emissions by 46 percent by 2030 and to net zero by 2040. Mulberry said it plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2035.

Pam Batty, vice president of corporate responsibility at Burberry, said she hopes the brand’s promise will inspire other businesses to take action.

Now, more than ever, faster and bolder action is needed to create a resilient zero-carbon future, he said.

It is imperative for the fashion industry to exert its influence by investing in more sustainable solutions.

Mother of Pearl, a sustainable women’s clothing brand that uses natural fibers such as organic cotton and wool in its clothing, says there needs to be a system-wide reset in the way clothes are made, sold and bought.

We need to re-value clothes as beautifully crafted items, not throw away things, says Amy Powey, the company’s creative director.

The system needs to slow down, we need to invest in brands with the right value and consider closed loop systems that encourage us to rent, repair, recycle and resell, replacing impulse buying and fast-fashion methodologies.

Speakers at the event included the Arizona Muse model, who wore the Mother of Pearl.

In June, Muse launched Dirt, a charity dedicated to soil regeneration to support biodynamic farming, a chemical-free farming method that promotes biodiversity.

From infinitely recyclable clothing to carbon-neutral companies, it is incredible to see this British fashion brand innovate and lead the industry towards a greener future, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

I know more businesses will be working hard to make fashion more sustainable in the years to come and I applaud the industry’s determination to play their part in this.