Christopher Raeburn: "I am a designer first, making a considerate choice"

“I am a designer first, making a considerate choice - although not everything I do is recycled or sustainable” explained Christopher Raeburn to FashionUnited on his latest Spring/Summer ‘16 collection and ongoing collaboration with Avery Dennison RBIS, retail branding and solutions service. The award-winning London Fashion Week designer, best known his remade, deconstructed and reworked designs crafted from surplus fabrics and military garments, admits that he never really planned to focus on sustainability but it has always been a huge part of himself and his work.

Christopher Raeburn and Avery Dennison continue to push the boundaries of sustainability

For his ‘16 ‘SARAWAK’ collection, Raeburn moved away from his traditional military approach which focused on remade outerwear to created a softer, more simple collection. Inspired by jungle of Borneo and female explorers, the collection included a range of soft, crinkly silk dresses and skirts, which were made with silk from Vanners, a unique British silk mill. Other remade garments made from old parachutes saw Raeburn work together with Avery Dennison to create flock designs and studs, which were applied using heat to the garments.

Avery Dennison and Raeburn first started working together two years, after they were introduced via the British Fashion Council. At first Avery Dennison helped with the brand’s core branding and crafted recycled labels made from yarn, but since then the relationship has grown to become an ongoing collaboration. "For sure there are things we would have not be able to do without the support of Avery Dennison, as we do not have access to all the technological advancements they have,” said Raeburn.

“We’re developing completely new things we wouldn’t normally have done from high-definition woven labels to different heat press techniques to core branding solutions, looking at every stage of sustainability.” Avery Dennison now works closely alongside with Raeburn to develop each collection from mood board to design to showcase, exploring how sustainability influences the brand. “At the same time the collaboration also pushes us to try and outdo ourselves each season,” added the LFW designer.

Part of the reason Avery Dennison is keen to continue its collaboration with Raeburn is due to its 2025 sustainability goals, which include its aims to use its innovation capacity to help labels like Raeburn minimize its environmental impact. “As one of the world’s largest branding solutions partner, our role is to have a world-class, insights driven portfolio that will help drive the garment of the future,” commented Amy White, vice president of Global Branding Solutions for Avery Dennison.

But for Raeburn, the collaboration is more than just a way to help elevate his brand. "I graduated back in 2006 when there weren't any dedicated courses focusing on sustainability, although it has always been part of my collections," he explains. "But I think that everyone has an obligation to think about what they are consuming and why and my collection is one way of doing so."

"I am excited for the future. After working together for a while you really are able to develop an understanding and feel for each other and I hope this understanding we have continues."

Image Credit: Emmi Hyppa for CFE