Four eco-friendly & Made in Italy brands to get to know

Following the scandal of the last few days, in which the Patagonia brand found itself at the centre of a media storm due to the investigation carried out by the 'Follow The Money' platform, the certainties of the millions of fans of the brand that has revolutionised environmental sustainability in slow fashion forever have collapsed. Indeed, journalist Yara van Heughten visited a factory in Sri Lanka and interviewed the exploited workers who make garments for various brands such as Levi's and GAP, only to discover that the same company also makes garments for the brand founded in the 1970s by Yvon Chouinard, from whom we expect a response.

Remember that Slow Fashion communicates a different approach to the consumer and to the company itself, which is about creating long-lasting garments with a transparent and sustainable supply chain in terms of raw materials and labour. It is a way of dressing that is much more than a style statement, but rather a social statement that shows that those who buy certain garments are interested in protecting the planet and improving the inhumane working conditions found in many countries.



Recent statistics have happily shown that Generation Z is so disturbed by the current situation that they choose to spend more than any other generation on sustainable products that are recognisable and unique, mainly because of their noble deeds. So this generation knows it has market power and does not give in in the fight against over-consumption, but slows down the inhumane pace. In fact, slow fashion - as the name suggests - has slower production processes with very low-waste textile designs so as not to pollute the environment.

In this summer of 2023, it is important to rely on brands that care about every little aspect and are committed to helping our planet breathe easier. All this, of course, without taking anything away from the timeless appeal of Made in Italy and its exceptional craftsmanship, which goes back in these brands through different meanings, shapes and intentions, but with a common goal.

Sustainable brands: Polarosa

Palorosa is a lifestyle brand founded in 2014 by Cecilia Pirani, an Italian architect with Guatemalan roots. The project reinterprets everyday objects with innovative shapes and colours, creating a range of tote bags and small accessories inspired by faraway places.

The result is a collection - perfect for summer - of baskets hand-woven in Guatemala, using recycled plastic and a unique colour palette. The approach is to preserve traditional craft processes and work with groups of artisans to keep existing local techniques alive. Palorosa's focus on artisanal techniques is based on the heritage of Italian design culture as well as its Latin American origins, all of which are far removed from the standardisation of industrial production processes. Materials are sourced locally and the brand is always on the lookout for new techniques and materials that are sustainable and respectful.

Today there is a studio in Guatemala City and a shop in Milan. Palorosa works with a team of creatives and weavers in Guatemala City and with several groups of artisans in the surrounding areas and in the highlands.

Sustainable brands and Made in Italy: Made in Prison

Made in Carcere is a Made in Italy brand that produces artefacts using only waste materials and fabrics from Italian companies that are particularly sensitive to social and environmental issues.

Every day it seeks to influence economic and civil society by promoting and spreading the 'regenerative economy' model. An ethical business model based on the principles of regeneration and awareness of marginalised people, environmental sustainability and social inclusion, bringing about systemic change throughout the territory.

The protagonists of their dream are women, men and minors who are in detention or whose personal freedom is restricted and who therefore live in a situation of hardship and marginality. The brand has just launched its summer collection, which consists of tote bags, flip-flops and a super bikini called 'Birikini' that offers 24 ways to wear summer with just one piece. The Birikini sees each piece as unique and consists of 8 different colours or patterns. It is perfect for those who want to be different every day and especially for those who never want to go unnoticed.

Sustainable and made in Italy brand: Mimì à la mer

The passion for the 60's and 70's and the elegance of that period is interpreted in a modern way by Milanese designer Michela Occhetto, evoking a retro style to create timeless garments. The project of Mimì à la mer is to create exclusive collections of the highest quality, designed and manufactured in Italy, maintaining limited editions to guarantee their exclusivity to those who choose them.

Particular attention is paid to the excellence of the materials, research focuses on the choice of colour palettes with a vintage flavour and the creation of fabric graphics designed exclusively for the brand.

A sustainable and Italian-made brand: Dalfilo

Why was Dalfilo founded? To help textile artisans get out of the post-Covidian stalemate. In March 2020, Italy comes to a standstill and Covid hits people first, then companies. While the entire hotel industry is in crisis, the textile artisans - the only ones who can satisfy the needs of Italy's top hotels - are quickly forgotten. But not by Matteo and Davide, two friends who are soon looking for a solution: "Why should only hotels have access to high-quality household linen?

Unlike traditional digitally printed beach towels, Dalfilo's striped towels are woven on a loom of white and coloured threads by the experienced and passionate hands of the carefully selected Italian artisans they rely on.