When you hear the term sustainable fashion, what do you think of?
One brand comes to mind: Sézane.
In an era dominated by fast fashion, consumers are increasingly mindful of the ethical and environmental impacts associated with their clothing purchases. As a response to this growing concern, sustainable fashion brands have been emerging to offer a more responsible and eco-friendly alternative. Sézane is amongst those brands in the fashion industry.
By donating 100% of profits from a solidarity creation and 10% of day-to-day sales to nonprofits that help people access education, culture, and opportunities, the brand is making a difference in the world. As a result, they’ve already raised 5 million euros for this case, and they’re setting a new standard in ethical fashion.
Ten Years of Sustainable Fashion
French businesswoman Morgane Sézalory launched the brand in 2013 to develop a brand that embodied sustainability, quality, and elegance. Her goal was to prove that style may be smart and responsible at the same time.
Sézane is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to timeless design and a sustainable future. Α real game-changer in the growing trend of responsible and ethical fashion. It’s not just a successful brand, it’s a shining example of how fashion can actually make a difference.
Sézane isn’t just a fashion story, it’s also a story about commitment. It’s not just sustainable and elegant design that sets them apart; it’s a story of social responsibility. Through its solidarity program. DEMAIN is an endowment fund founded in 2018 with the mission of bringing education, culture, and equal opportunities to children all over the world. This is an example of how a fashion brand, not just in the world of fashion, but in making a difference in people’s lives.
Embracing Sustainability in Action
Why is Sézane the first brand that comes to mind when people hear about sustainable fashion? It’s likely because of the factors that have positioned the French label as a pioneer in eco-conscious fashion.
Through a focus on sustainable materials and ethical production practices, the brand has revolutionized the fashion industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to both social and environmental responsibility. An innovative strategy, which integrates several eco-friendly programs and encourages a responsible consumer culture, enables them to showcase fashion with a purpose.
They use eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing methods, and they’re big on transparency and being involved in the community.
Sézane has cultivated a brand that resonates with those who seek both style and sustainability. By putting responsible fashion at the heart of their business, they’ve been able to stand out from the crowd and become the go-to brand for all things eco-friendly and ethical.
But, how do they achieve this?
Commitment to Eco-Friendly Materials
They are redefining the concept of environmentally friendly materials in the fashion industry. In a pioneering step, the brand is consistently prioritizing the most environmentally friendly alternatives in its collections and is actively engaging in regenerative agriculture for each new line. This commitment to sustainable materials not only minimizes the environmental impact but also sets a benchmark for sustainable practices within the fashion industry, positioning Sézane as a leading example of responsible fashion choices.
With over 80% of its materials meeting eco-friendly criteria, the brand is setting a remarkable example in the fashion industry. Sézane reduces the environmental impact of traditional cotton cultivation by using over 90% organic cotton. Furthermore, they support ethical forest management practices by sourcing over 85% of the viscose used in their products from sustainably managed forests.
Sézane Garments Continue to Reduce their Carbon Footprint
Sézane‘s supply chain has a thorough emissions’ reduction plan. By using recycled cardboard that has been ethically procured to make parcels in France, they have decreased the amount of plastic used for packing. By switching to 100% recycled polyester polybags and reusable polybags in 2022, their environmental effect was further reduced. They have decreased greenhouse gas emissions by working with service providers, putting in place a Transport Management System (TMS), providing click-and-collect alternatives, and providing electric and natural gas last-mile deliveries in a variety of places.
Mapping Supply Chains Equals Sustainable Fashion
Sézane has a comprehensive approach to managing its supply chains to maintain the highest level of social and environmental responsibility. The company categorizes its production into four distinct categories, each of which plays a critical role in safeguarding responsible processes and ethical sourcing.
The brand places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, ensuring fair labor practices, and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture. By carefully mapping each stage of the supply chain, Sézane works towards transparency and accountability, meeting the demands of conscientious consumers who seek products aligned with their social and environmental values.
Increasing Certified Pieces Over the Past Years
At the start of 2020, only 10% of their pieces were certified, but by the end, it’s up to 75%. It’s a testament to Sézane’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of responsible fashion. They launched Responsible Mohair-certified items, and they’re aiming to launch their first Responsible Alpaca-certified products by 2024.
Compliance with a Code of Ethics
Every single one of Sézane’s ateliers undergoes rigorous auditing conducted by independent experts to guarantee unwavering adherence to their stringent code of ethics and the highest standards they have meticulously chosen.
These audits cover everything from BSCI and SMETA compliance to ICS and WCA compliance. They’re not only thorough but also independent, with the help of two members of the team. The goal is to make sure all the ateliers are following the law when it comes to working hours, pay, health and safety, and illegal, forced, or child labor. Plus, the results of these audits help them categorize their atelier into four different categories, which shows how well they’re doing.
Whenever we think of sustainable fashion, Sézane always comes to mind
Sézane has firmly established itself as a leader in the sustainable fashion sector through its unwavering dedication to limited-edition collections, repair, recycling, and a range of eco-friendly projects. This success serves as a powerful reminder that a more environmentally-friendly fashion landscape is not only achievable but also well within our grasp, particularly as consumers become increasingly aware of the moral and environmental implications of their fashion choices.
Sézane’s achievements stand as a testament to the potential of the fashion industry to seamlessly blend style and sustainability, offering a more ethical and responsible future for all. By blazing this trail, Sézane exemplifies that elegance and sustainability can harmoniously coexist in every garment.
In an industry that frequently prioritizes profit over ethical considerations, Sézane’s commitment to adhering to a strict Code of Ethics and their meticulous auditing of ateliers sets an exemplary precedent. Independent audits encompass a wide array of areas, including BSCI, SMETA, ICS, and WCA compliance.
These audits ensure that the legal working conditions are upheld, encompassing factors such as working hours, remuneration, health and safety, and the prevention of illegal, forced, or child labor.
By classifying their ateliers into four distinct categories, they can effectively demonstrate the extent to which they adhere to ethical and operational standards. This unwavering commitment to transparency not only distinguishes the brand but also underscores the profound impact that ethical fashion can have on people’s lives.
As Sézane continues to lead by example, the fashion industry has an opportunity to embrace a brighter, more sustainable future where elegance and sustainability harmoniously coexist.
Would you like to learn how to make your fashion brand more sustainable? Contact Euphemia Marketing CEO, Effie.
