Seaweed silk and apple leather: Hong Kong fashion brands writing sustainable fashion’s future

Nevidebla, launched in 2022, is a sustainable fashion brand that merges post-apocalyptic and military-inspired aesthetics. For its FW25 collection, Nevidebla partnered with Advance Denim, a manufacturer from mainland China, to use sustainable denim as an alternative to traditional denim.

Traditional denim production is often criticised for its excessive water use, chemical dyes and carbon emissions. Advance Denim, known for its commitment to sustainability, addresses these environmental concerns through innovative dyeing techniques that use natural dye, less water and energy.

By prioritising water conservation, reduced chemical usage and wastewater treatment, Nevidebla’s collaboration with Advance Denim is transforming classic denim into a sustainable form.

Established in 2018, Arto. is dedicated to creating women’s clothing that embodies high-density colours as its core design philosophy.

For its spring/summer 2021 collection, Arto. utilised recycled polyester, a next-generation material in apparel and textiles. In FW25, Arto. expanded its sustainable approach by introducing Algafila and Lotuxilk, two new forms of fabric.

Algafila, derived from seaweed, efficiently captures carbon dioxide, is lightweight and offers excellent insulation. Its eco-friendly production uses less water, and its subtle texture mimics traditional yarns.

Lotuxilk, sourced from lotus stems, provides a luxurious feel, durability and crease resistance. Unlike traditional silk, Lotuxilk production avoids harming silkworms and offers inherent antibacterial and UV-protective properties without industrial processing.

Arto. combining these innovative materials with impactful striped designs, creating a collection that is both ecologically responsible and visually striking.

Kibo is a sustainable footwear brand founded by Tatler's Gen.T honouree Natalie Chow in 2019. The brand is committed to creating comfortable and stylish footwear while minimising environmental impact.

In 2020, Kibo introduced the Apple Leather collection, featuring this next-generation material as its main component.

Apple Leather is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified biobased product made from apple waste generated by the juicing industry. This innovative material reduces reliance on animal leather and helps minimise waste in the food industry.

Its manufacturing process is solvent-free, utilising a high-pressure water jet system, which results in 20 times fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional cow leather production. Each pair of shoes incorporates up to 15 repurposed apples. Through the innovative use of leather alternatives, Kibo contributes to sustainability with eco-friendly sports shoes.

Launched in 2021, Róu So is dedicated to sustainability, specialising in creating comfortable and chic women’s clothing using surplus fabric, natural fibre fabrics and recycled materials.

In the same year, Róu So introduced a swimwear collection featuring Repreve, a next-generation nylon fibre made from recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer and post-industrial waste.

This innovative material serves as a sustainable alternative to virgin polyester, offering comparable performance while reducing reliance on petroleum-based resources. Repreve is known for its moisture-wicking properties and durability, making it an ideal choice for swimwear.

Read more: Beyond Ginger Flower and silk dreams: Inside Shanghai Tang’s evolving vision as a lifestyle brand

Since 2008, Bamboa has been offering stylish and sustainable clothing and homeware made from bamboo. The brand’s mission from the start was to find green alternatives in response to the environmental damage caused by conventional fibres.

Bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, grows quickly with minimal resources, making it ideal for sustainable production. In its founding year, Bamboa introduced a sleepwear line crafted from bamboo lyocell, a fabric made from bamboo pulp through a closed-loop system that minimises waste and chemical use. This process recovers and reuses most of the solvents and water involved.

Compared to traditional rayon, lyocell uses fewer harmful chemicals and is celebrated for its softness and breathability, enhancing comfort in sleepwear.

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