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Writer's pictureAmby Mathur

Sustainable Italian Fashion: Brands Leading the Green Revolution

Updated: Oct 17

Dear stylish souls,

As a fashion model with a university degree in sustainability, this is an article that I am thrilled to write today. When you think of Italian fashion, you might picture luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and that effortlessly chic vibe that only Italians seem to master. But there's a new trend sweeping the cobblestone streets from Milano to Napoli – one that’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Welcome to the green revolution of Italian fashion, where looking good and doing good go hand in hand.


Amby wears sustainable fashion in Italy
Amby in a silk blazer from Sartoria Nomade

The Rise of Sustainable Italian Fashion


Let’s face it: fast fashion is so last season. Today’s discerning fashionistas are looking for more than just a pretty outfit; they want to know that their clothes are made with care for both people and the planet. Enter sustainable Italian fashion brands, where tradition meets innovation, and style meets substance.


Italy, long known for its craftsmanship and quality, is now at the forefront of the eco-friendly fashion movement. From organic fabrics to ethical labor practices, these Italian ethical fashion brands are proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style.


Brands Leading the Charge


Let’s take a stroll through some of the most exciting sustainable luxury fashion brands coming out of Italy. These companies aren’t just talking the talk; they’re walking the eco-friendly walk.


Manteco sustainable Italian fashion line
Manteco's eco-friendly textiles

1. Manteco


Manteco is an Italian textile company with a rich history dating back to 1943. Known for its luxurious Italian fabrics, Manteco is leading the way in sustainable fashion by using recycled wool and developing innovative eco-friendly textiles. This is slow fashion at its finest – timeless pieces made to last. Explore Manteco here.



Stella McCartney sustainable Italian fashion outfit
A sustainable fit from Stella McCartney

2. Stella McCartney


Okay, technically Stella McCartney is British, but her brand’s commitment to sustainability has a strong presence in Italy. With a flagship store in Milan and a dedication to using organic cotton, recycled materials, and cruelty-free leather, Stella McCartney is a pioneer in eco-friendly Italian fashion. Check out her collection here.



Orange Fiber sustainable Italian Fashion
A citrusey eco-friendly fit from Orange Fiber

3. Orange Fiber


Ever thought of wearing an orange? No, not the color – the fruit! Orange Fiber is a pioneering eco-friendly fashion brand in Italy that creates sustainable fabrics from citrus juice by-products. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also produces a silky, luxurious fabric that’s perfect for high-end fashion. Discover Orange Fiber here.



Etro sustainable Italian fashion
A sustainable dress from Etro

4. Etro


A brand that beautifully combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability, Etro

is renowned for its vibrant prints and rich textiles. Their commitment to sustainable luxury fashion includes using organic and recycled materials, as well as reducing water consumption in their production processes. Find out more about Etro here.


Brunello Cucinelli sustainable Italian fashion
A slow fashion look by Brunello Cucinelli

5. Brunello Cucinelli


A high-end Italian fashion brand known for its luxurious, sustainable approach to clothing. The brand is dedicated to creating timeless, elegant pieces using natural materials like cashmere, wool, and linen. Their clothing is made Solomeo, Italy with a strong commitment to ethical production and social responsibility. Brunello Cucinelli's collections are characterized by their understated elegance and focus on quality over quantity, embodying the principles of Italian slow fashion. You can explore more about Brunello Cucinelli here.



Tiziaon Guardini sustainable Italian fashion
A playful, eco-friendly outfit by Tiziano Guardini


6. Tiziano Guardini


Tiziano Guardini, often dubbed the “Eco-Social Designer,” is a fashion innovator committed to blending high fashion with sustainability. His collections use materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and cruelty-free silk, all while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. Guardini’s work proves that eco-friendly fashion can be as glamorous as it is green. Explore his sustainable designs here.



Cangiari sustainable Italian fashion
High-end ethical fashion from Cangiari

7. Cangiari


Cangiari, meaning “to change” in the Calabrian dialect, is one of Italy’s first high-end ethical fashion brands. The company is rooted in the traditions of Calabria’s ancient hand-weaving techniques, and it places a strong emphasis on social responsibility. Cangiari’s collections are made from organic, hand-woven fabrics and are entirely produced in Italy, supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage. Learn more about Cangiari here.



Italian sustainable fashion Labo Art
A minimalist and natural look by Labo.Art

8. Labo.Art


Labo.Art is an Italian fashion brand known for its minimalist, architectural designs and its commitment to sustainability. The brand focuses on using natural and organic fabrics, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and timeless design over fast fashion trends. Labo.Art’s collections are produced locally in Italy, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint and supporting local artisans. Labo.Art embodies the principles of slow fashion by creating pieces that are meant to last, both in terms of durability and style, aligning with the values of sustainable and ethical fashion. You can explore more about Labo.Art here.



Save the duck sustainable cruelty-free fashion
Sustainable outerwear by Save the Duck

9. Save the Duck


Save The Duck is an Italian brand that has made a name for itself by producing 100% animal-free and sustainable outerwear. The brand is particularly known for its high-quality, stylish jackets and coats that are made using recycled and innovative materials. Save The Duck avoids using any animal products, making it a pioneer in cruelty-free fashion. Their garments are not only environmentally friendly but also designed for durability and performance, making them ideal for both urban and outdoor adventures. Save The Duck’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the ethos of eco-friendly Italian fashion. You can explore more about Save The Duck here.



Sartoria Nomade slow fashion Italy
Slow fashion silk blazers by Sartoria Nomade

10. Sartoria Nomade


Sartoria Nomade is a slow fashion brand based in Naples, Italy started by my friends and stylists Mirta Robiony and Flora Sazio. Their sustainable line features natural materials such as linens, cottons, and silks, and are known for eye-catching designs. Each outfit is made by hand in Italy and pre-ordered to avoid waste. They also work in collaboration with Palingen, a startup that helps provide new opportunities to women who have been incarcerated at the local prison. Learn more about Sartoria Nomade's slow fashion here.


Why Choose Sustainable Italian Fashion?


So, why should you care about sustainable fashion in Italy? For starters, it’s about making choices that are good for the planet and the people who live on it. Sustainable Italian fashion brands are committed to ethical production practices, meaning fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally friendly processes.


But let’s be real – it’s also about looking fabulous. Italian slow fashion is all about quality over quantity. These are pieces that are designed to last, both in terms of style and durability. When you invest in eco-friendly Italian fashion, you’re not just buying clothes; you’re buying into a movement that values craftsmanship, creativity, and consciousness.



Sustainable fashion Italy Sartoria Nomade
Sartoria Nomade's slow fashion collection


How to Incorporate Sustainable Italian Fashion into Your Wardrobe


Ready to make the switch to a more sustainable wardrobe? Start small by choosing a few key pieces from Italian ethical fashion brands. Whether it’s a beautifully tailored coat from Manteco or a pair of chic sneakers from VEJA, these items are sure to become staples in your closet.


And don’t forget about accessories! Sustainable Italian accessories like a scarf from Etro or a handbag made from Orange Fiber’s innovative fabrics can add a touch of green glamour to any outfit.



Italian fashion, handmade, ethical, sustainable
Amby in a handmade Italian dress


The Future of Fashion


The green fashion revolution in Italy is just getting started. As more and more brands embrace sustainability, the future of fashion is looking brighter – and greener – than ever. So next time you’re shopping for that perfect Italian look, consider choosing something that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your wardrobe.


In the end, sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend – it’s the new standard. Plus, when it comes to style, Italians have always set the bar high. Buon shopping- which of these sustainable brands are you most excited to try?


Un bacio,

Amby


P.S. Interested in Italian Street Style? Learn the secrets of effortless chic here.


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