Many of the exhibitors at trade shows Premium and Seek held from July 3 to 5 were clearly inspired by the green, ethical sentiment that is spreading throughout the fashion world. There seems to be a growing awareness in the industry of the urgent need to transform the traditional modes of doing business in textiles and fashion.

Filippa K has overhauled its approach from the bottom up, creating a virtuous circle from the fabrics it uses to the clothes’ treatment at the end of their useful life. The Swedish label has set itself the goal of becoming 100 per cent sustainable by 2030. In the meantime, it progresses gradually towards full sustainability by using recycled wool, polyester, zips and yarns, as well as vegetable ivory buttons.

North Sails too adopted a more sustainable approach, reducing its consumption of plastics and using more recycled fabrics. Its spring/summer 2019 collection features recycled plastic or cotton.

Danish label Selected launched its sustainability strategy a year ago. Nearly 60 per cent of its women’s wear collection, and 70 per cent of menswear, is made using sustainable materials.

Denim label Nudie Jeans utilises biological cotton only, and is transparent about its sourcing: its website indicates the provenance of the fabrics it uses, and where the various products are manufactured.