Newsletter No 1/17 January 2025
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How organic fashion can transform the industry and protect the planet
In an ideal world, every stitch of fabric and thread in our clothing would benefit both people and the planet. Textile production would nourish soil health, preserve biodiversity, protect water resources, and uplift communities. Instead, today’s fashion industry paints a starkly different picture—one of environmental degradation and social harm.
From synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels to unsustainable farming practices, the production of textiles continues to drive climate change and pollute ecosystems. Organic, regenerative, and recycled fibres—often heralded as “preferred fibres”—remain a small fraction of the market. The challenge of shifting this balance looms large.
“Organic agriculture is a production process that sustains the health of ecosystems, soils, and people.” according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
In a world awash with multiple “truths”, it is critical to have reliable sources of information and guidance. Launched in 2006, GOTS is a textile processing standard that ensures that the chain of custody of organically grown fibres remains organic and that the fibre is not contaminated by non-organic substances during processing. Since GOTS consists solely of mandatory environmental and social criteria, manufacturers, designers and consumers of clothing can be confident in a GOTS-certified organic product.
For the end product to carry a GOTS label, every processor in the product supply chain must be certified to maintain organic integrity and provide assurance to the end consumer of the true organic status of the product. Through this stringent certification process, it ensures that clothing and textiles, made from certified organically produced raw materials like organic cotton, silk, flax and wool, remain truly organic.
How GOTS can help producers, designers and makers
For producers of organic fabrics and clothing, GOTS has an extensive database where you can search for suppliers of GOTS-certified products from certified entities along the entire supply chain, using filters including location, fields of operation, and product categories. You will find suppliers of GOTS certified fibre, yarn, fabric, and accessories, as well as wet processors. You can also look up suppliers of GOTS approved chemical inputs (dyes, chemicals, inks, enzymes, dyeing / finishing auxiliaries) in the GOTS Approved Chemical List.
If you want to become GOTS certified, find details of the process here.
To the max (imalist)
By Jennifer Krug
If minimalism leaves you feeling a bit bare, don’t despair: it’s all about extravagance this season
Giorgio Armani Prive Image: Supplied
Oversized, layered, stacked or asymmetrical, the accessories seen gracing runways this season speak to a “more-is-more” approach that embraces individualism and updated classics. Chunky and asymmetrical styling at Gucci and Giorgio Armani adds an elegant yet eccentric touch to an otherwise simple outfit, whereas the bold chains and mixed proportions seen at Acne Studios, Roberto Cavalli, and Louis Vuitton make a bigger statement. Whether you keep it cool with long, layered chains or ramp up the drama with chunky jewels, it’s time to let the maximalist out.
Chloe Image: Supplied
Acne Studios Image:Supplied
Isak Andic, visionary founder of Mango, dies at 70
Isak Andic died at the age of 70.
Isak Andic, the founder and non-executive chairman of Mango, died on Saturday 14 December in an accident while exploring caves in Barcelona. He was 70.
Andic was a transformative figure in the global fashion industry, building Mango into a powerhouse of contemporary style. Known for his strategic insight and unrelenting drive, he turned a small shop in Barcelona into a global fashion empire with more than 2,200 stores in over 100 countries.
His death was confirmed by Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, who described Andic as “an example for all of us,” lauding his leadership and the values he instilled in the company.
“He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company. His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organisation.
“His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak and which we will fulfill, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.”
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Andic moved with his family to Barcelona, where he began his career in textiles. In 1984, he launched Mango with a vision of creating accessible fashion without sacrificing quality or design. The brand quickly became synonymous with fast fashion, offering on-trend styles that resonated with a broad audience. Bizcommunity
The Indians have been credited with originally spinning cotton, and it was so popular that the Romans used to export it from them.
The Tuxedo gets its name from the town named Tuxedo, situated in Orange County. This was the place where a tuxedo was first worn.
There is an Old Icelandic tale that claims the Yule Cat will eat you if you aren’t lucky enough to receive new clothes on Christmas Day.
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