Ahhh, 2020: A new year, a new decade. There’s something about a fresh start that leaves us feeling optimistic. And as we roll into the year of the rat, we caught wind of an exciting new beginning for one of our favourite sustainable fashion brands: The R Collective.
Now rewind quickly to early January, and you may have read our conscious scoop reporting the launch of Net-A-Porter’s new NET SUSTAIN collection. A pioneering edit of coveted sustainable fashion and beauty brands. And during a recent catch-up with Christina Dean, Founder & CEO of The R Collective, and Founder & Chair of Redress, the secret was out. The R Collective has been selected as a NET SUSTAIN pioneer and is now available globally online via Net-A-Porter. Here’s the lowdown on how The R Collective is taking its sustainable fashion message to the next level.
Sustainable fashion goes mainstream
“What a way to start the new year. We’re so excited to announce that The R Collective is now part of NET SUSTAIN, the pioneering platform from luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter. NET SUSTAIN showcases an enviable edit of the world’s best sustainable brands. So we feel especially honoured by the recognition and support for all our work towards minimising waste in the global fashion industry and championing circular design techniques. Each product selected by NET SUSTAIN meets at least one of their five key attributes, such as human, animal and environmental welfare, which align with internationally recognised best practices in the fashion and beauty industries.
NET SUSTAIN has selected several of our favourite modern and seasonless pieces, including clothes designed in collaboration with Redress Design Award alumni Wei Yu and Wen Pan as well as a selection of in-house designed garments.”
The upcycled Karl belted midi dress designed by Wei Yu, a contemporary womenswear designer currently based in the Netherlands is a chic staple perfect with knee-high boots or dressed down with a pair of sneakers. A storm flap on the back effortlessly references classic trench coat designs, and the organic cotton-blend guarantees comfort throughout the seasons. Wei Yu was a semi-finalist in 2017 and a finalist in the 2018 Redress Design Award, and his sustainable collections blend traditional handicrafts and modern design techniques.”
The NET SUSTAIN edit also includes a selection of pieces designed by Wen Pan, a participant of the Redress Design Award in 2015/16, and a womenswear designer currently based in London. Her design calling card is deconstructed pieces that celebrate Chinese aesthetics. The Bermondsey belted cropped houndstooth wool wide-leg pants offer a fresh take on tailoring and houndstooth ensures these pants are an instant classic. The Ely asymmetric cotton-blend dress can quickly go from day to night with a sweep of your hair up into a tight bun, and a bold lipstick look, while the frayed seams give an edge. The Aldgate belted crepe midi dress is a distinctive silhouette that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style, and paired with the Dalston Trench, a definite must-have wardrobe staple, ensures a wardrobe that oozes sustainable elegance.
As well as these covetable designs by Wei Yu and Wen Pan, NET SUSTAIN is now also home to a few of our timeless in-house pieces. The Victoria gathered jersey midi dress is exclusive to NET SUSTAIN’s edit and boasts a sensual thigh slit, is cut from uber comfortable jersey and can take you through the seasons by just changing your accessories. The Welland asymmetric draped taffeta midi skirt embraces an elegant draped silhouette and matches perfectly with a well-worn T-shirt or an oversized chunky knit.
We hope you’re as excited as we are to see some of our most favourite, hero pieces on this innovative platform and to share with the world our efforts to end waste in the fashion industry. With all that said, happy shopping for 2020 and the year of the rat!”