Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world – second only to oil. In recent years, a steady consciousness has been growing, with talk brewing in the industry of change; talk of sustainable practices and methodologies.
Couturiers Viktor & Rolf – comprised of designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren – is one pioneering example of progressive change in the industry, with the Dutch duo implementing sustainable methods in their approach to innovative fashion by sewing fabrics from seasons past into new, forward-facing designs. Now, they’ve taken a brief detour from the avant-garde to design a one-off capsule collection with German e-tailer Zalando. Titled RE:CYCLE, the exclusive collaboration sees the two designers implement their conscious ideology to fashion new patchwork t-shirts – this time, from Zalando’s stockpiles. A natural evolution from their ideas of recycling, the new collection brings their sustainable practices to a wider audience.
“With our past haute couture collections, we have explored creative recycling methods: new, artistic ways to reuse elements from the past to create something new,” say the design duo on the collection. “With our upcoming collaboration with Zalando, we are excited to bring forth this spirit of sustainable fashion in a bold and accessible way by breathing new life into forgotten garments.”
Jolanda Smit, Director of Group Brand Relations Marketing at Zalando says, “By teaming up with Viktor&Rolf we are offering our consumers a conscious style. It is incredible to see how Viktor&Rolf transform old garments into something new and beautiful. It prolongs the life cycle of fashion. Their creations go beyond haute couture, which fits our purpose to reimagine fashion for the good of all.”
Furthermore, five young creatives have been asked to style the collaboration, and to bring their own unique vision of Zalando’s ethos to the fore. Check out a selection of images below.
The collection will be made available on Zalando from 1 February. Watch an exclusive campaign video via the player above.