Soundbites from the Kering x Stella McCartney sustainability talk

London - Kering and London College of Fashion have made a five year commitment together to explore and expand the contribution that fashion can make to individual lives, communities and wider cultures through design-led educational and business practices for sustainability.

In association with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) this year’s Kering Talk was held with Stella McCartney, who addressed the issue of sustainability including deforestation and sourcing of viscose.

Below are some of her quotes from the discussion:

About the fashion industry being old-fashioned: "We as a brand take responsibility - technology and innovation inspires the House."

In the luxury world, sustainability is not the driver for many brands and designers. How companies manufacture and source their materials is a conversation all brands should be having.

McCartney states it is possible to have a business and be mindful. This is one of the reasons the company publishes its EPL, Environmental Profit and Loss figures. In terms of numbers, McCartney's womenswear is at 53 percent and its menswear launched at 45 percent sustainability.

"I just want to lessen the damage

"We invest a lot of time and money into fabric development. We mostly develop our own materials. I know that when making a Falabella beg, something is damaged. I just want to lessen the damage."

McCarney is at the forefront of supply chain innovation, using viscose from certified forests, vegetable-coated fake leather. Even alternative glues and sustainable wood when building stores.

"I don't have a job if people don't go and buy my products. Consumers have the power to make things change. I grew up in an organic farm in the countryside. I would never have started a job that would compromise the way I was brought up."

Image: Stella McCartney Facebook