Gucci unveils Gucci Equilibrium as it strengthens its sustainability strategy

Gucci has its finger right on the pulse of the fashion industry, as its latest initiative, Gucci Equilibrium, solidifies its position as a sustainable, responsible as well as highly-desirable luxury fashion house.

Today, on World Environment Day, the Italian fashion house launches its new online destination at Equilibrium.gucci.com, "designed to connect people, planet, and purpose," as ideas surrounding what it means to be luxury continue to evolve. The initiative is part of Gucci's mission to balance the creation of luxury fashion with a radical sustainability agenda, as its parent company Kering continues strives to offer the best products, made in the best way out of the best materials while taking the best care of the planet and its inhabitants.

Gucci launches Gucci Equilibrium, a new sustainable programme, and portal connecting people, planet and purpose

"Gucci is not a company where you must leave your values at the door, but one where they are enhanced, challenged and amplified," said Marco Bizzarri, Gucci President and CEO in a statement. "Gucci Equilibrium is about us spreading that energy and that positive intent to everyone who loves our brand." The new platform shares curated content which showcases the stories, ideas and the science behind Gucci's environment and social impact change, all while highlighting the luxury fashion house's perspective on some of the key issues within the industry.

The launch is part of Gucci's wider 10-year plan to embed a comprehensive sustainability strategy into its brand, one which will be governed by a Culture of Purpose. In turn, this Culture of Purpose dictates Gucci's operations on a daily basis, which are held in place by three pillars that include the environment, people and new models of sustainable innovation. Under the first pillar, Environment Gucci highlights its commitment to reduce its environmental impacts by setting targets to develop a new standard in luxury. For example, on the new platform readers can learn more about Gucci's aim to guarantee the traceability of 100 percent of its raw materials by 2025 - a tall order for any brand.

People, the second pillar, sees Gucci recognizing the value of its employees and working to enhance the lives of the individuals who make its products by supporting local communities. For example, Gucci is committed to fighting gender inequality through its Chimes for Change for Girls' and Women's Empowerment campaign. Gucci Equilibrium also shines a light on I was a Sari, a social enterprise which works with women from marginalised communities in Mumbai, teaching them new skills to bring in recurring income.

At the same time, Gucci also underlines its use of technical innovation to improve efficiency in its production and logistics under its third pillar, New Models. For example, its newly opened Gucci ArtLab, offers a start-up environment for innovation, craftsmanship and experimentation. "These are critical times when we can all play our part in helping to deliver on the UN Global Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement," added Bizzarri. "The only way to do that is by bringing people together, sharing ideas, innovation, and experiences. This is the objective we have set for Gucci Equilibrium."

Photos: Gucci