Zalando's Mission

Zalando are taking action towards a sustainable future; an issue at the forefront of our minds, where change is urgent. We all know when it comes to conscious fashion, a labyrinth of do’s and don’ts face us – alongside the issue of affordability. In our dreams, we could all splash out on custom pieces or high-fashion looks, but in reality… not as feasible. For sustainable fashion to be actualised, it is the respon–

sibility of larger fashion platforms to get the ball rolling, allowing everyone to participate in the fight against our barely-worn wardrobe war. One platform actualising this future is Zalando. With both their do.MORE commitment, and the “Small steps. Big impact” collection, better lasting and more sustainable fashion is upon us. Zalando knows the role it can (and therefore must) play. And for them, being “less bad” simply isn’t good enough.

To kick off Zalando’s future of fashion, the “Small Steps. Big Impact” has arrived.  A capsule collection where some of our favourite designers join in to pave the way to a sustainable future. Gone are the days this meant the granola-girl look, as these eight brands envision sustainability as the standard. Uniting with creative minds such as Henrik Vibskov, House of Dagmar and Mother of Pearl, we have 116 pieces to feast over. Each brand for this capsule collection was specifically chosen based upon their sustainable values. Uniting them with a brief: to design a collection with a common aesthetic using sustainably certified materials.

From duel-toned trenches to a classic denim moment, the collection thrives on earthy tones translated into modern silhouettes. Exemplifying the adaptability of clothes, each peace can be dressed-up, dressed-down and styled in a multitude of ways. For us, it’s all about the fit… and when the quality is up to par, so is the look. A collection has never been more unplaceable, and where this in the past may have been presumed a negative- we know we have a collection we can pull from our wardrobes all year round, paired with items every day. Made from organic wool and cotton, smooth lyocell, eco-friendly triacetate a soft feel is guaranteed. Alongside this, the clothing is all made up of recycled cotton, polyester and wool providing a breath of fresh air in garment manufacturing for the environment.

In discussing the collection, Lena-Sophie Roeper (Director of Buying Premium) asserted, “Sustainability has become one of the most important topics for Premium designers. We live in a world of ever-increasing social and environmental consciousness – it is of utmost importance that we provide our customers with these options without compromising on style, and quality”. Within this lies the overall goal in inspiring customers with options, igniting a conversation between brands, designers, retailers and consumers as we work together in uniting our vision of a brighter future.

Whether it be the shocking statistics or the ringing of wrongdoing, the realities of fast fashion present a novelty of dissonance.  It is within the industry that we see the most damage, pollution and waste. And in coming to a reckoning with these statistics, Zalando made a plan – their do.MORE initiative. Standing by their corporate responsibility, and knowing their place on the supply chain, a goal has been set: “lead by example in solving the most important challenges of our time: climate change, resource use and workers’ rights.” In making this all happen, Zalando has hit the grind beyond the “Small Steps. Big Impact” collection, planning to reduce their carbon emission in line with the 2025 Paris Agreement, creating minimized-waste packaging and eliminating single-use plastic as well as increasing their ethical standards all round. It may seem like a long way to go, but having already accomplished climate-neutral deliveries and returns, 90% renewable energy, and using 80% recycled plastic, their commitment to the cause is real.

Whether it be the shocking statistics or the ringing of wrongdoing, the realities of fast fashion present a novelty of dissonance.  It is within the industry that we see the most damage, pollution and waste. And in coming to a reckoning with these statistics, Zalando made a plan – their do.MORE initiative. Standing by their corporate responsibility, and knowing their place on the supply chain, a goal has been set: “lead by example [in] solving the most important challenges of our time: climate change, resource use and workers’ rights.” In making this all happen, Zalando has hit the grind beyond the “Small Steps. Big Impact” collection, planning to reduce their carbon emission in line with the 2025 Paris Agreement, creating minimized-waste packaging and eliminating single-use plastic as well as increasing their ethical standards all round. It may seem like a long way to go, but having already accomplished climate-neutral deliveries and returns, 90% renewable energy, and using 80% recycled plastic, their commitment to the cause is real.

Bringing the entire collection into fruition, Zalando GreenHouse is ready to present. This immersive tour is made from a 360-degree virtual exploration through the collection itself, creating a space to see the collection, learn the designer’s perspectives and shop your favourite pieces (as well as some solid eco-knowledge on the side). A showroom like no other, Zalando GreenHouse is the epitome of the Zalando point-of-view; an easy and sustainable solution to viewing the seasons finest. Within the digital showroom, a conversation is set in motion- one of a more sustainable future, as the paths we need to take to get there.

In an industry plagued with problems, seeing Europe’s biggest fashion platform take charge and lead the sustainability drives gives us hope for the future of fashion. We can all make a difference, big or small, so when it comes to our global responsibility, there’s an opportunity for all of us to make a difference!