Travel & Shopping Tips: 6 Italian Designers Pioneering Ethical Fashion
1. Rifò
Instagram | @rifolab
Shipping | Worldwide
Sustainability Certifications | B Corporation
Rifò promotes circular fashion by using recycled fiber including wool, cotton, silk, and cashmere, opting for zero waste production and minimizing the leftovers using them for new collections and limited editions. This accrues to on average using 92% of fibers from recycled materials yearly. The brand also prohibits the use of harmful chemicals according to European REC in their products. To bring new life to your old garment, You can also recycle your old jeans or sweaters which they will collect and upcycle into new garments.
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2. Artknit Studios
Instagram | @artknit_studios
Shipping | Worldwide
Sustainability Certifications | B Corporation
Artknit Studios is a sustainable fashion brand from Biella, Italy, emphasizing craftsmanship and ethical production. They connect customers with Italian artisans to create high-quality, timeless knitwear using responsibly sourced, biodegradable materials. As a certified B Corporation, they prioritize environmental impact and transparency, offering a traceable supply chain. Their direct-to-consumer model ensures fair prices by eliminating intermediaries. Artknit Studios also provides personalized services, a repair program, and flexible payment options.
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3. Prota Fiori
Instagram | @protafiori
Shipping | Worldwide
Born in | Italy
Sustainability Certifications | B Corporation, UN Global Compact
Prota Fiori offers a fusion of Italian artistry and eco-conscious ethos: luxurious footwear crafted with the finest Italian techniques, all while championing sustainability. Their lineup reads like a manifesto for mindful manufacturing: upcycled apple and grape skins, chrome-free metal, and regenerated vegetable-tanned leather are just a few of the innovative materials they employ. Prota Fiori offers stylish, repairable, designed to last that are sourced entirely within Italy, supporting local artisans and traditions. It's a modern take on "Made in Italy" that's as stylish as it is sustainable.
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4. Piferi
Instagram | @piferi
Shipping | Worldwide
Born in | Italy
Pīferi products are entirely animal-free, using advanced fabrics for their shoes.Their shoes are handmade in Italy, supporting the local economy and traditional craftsmanship. They use sustainable materials such as BIOVEG-certified Bio Vegan Nappa and Vegan suede made from recycled PET. The insoles are made of pure cellulose, and the heels are crafted from Recycled ABS, a durable and recyclable plastic compound. Pīferi's soles are made of innovative materials like Thunit®, which is non-slip, durable, and water-resistant.
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5. IINDACO
Instagram | @iindacoofficial
Shipping | Worldwide
Born in | Italy
IINDACO demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical practices in material sourcing. They refrain from using fur or skins from endangered species or exotic animals, instead opting for hides sourced from animals raised for the food industry, which are then recycled by their tanneries. They prioritize suppliers with excellent traceability standards for materials like wools, hides, and silk, underscoring their dedication to animal welfare. All wool utilized by IINDACO is certified mulesing-free, and they actively endorse certifications such as RWS and RMS to ensure high standards of animal welfare and land management. Despite the challenges of achieving full traceability, IINDACO includes ethical clauses in their contracts and conducts thorough inspections to prevent instances of animal cruelty. While exploring alternative materials, they maintain a focus on quality and environmental sustainability, insisting that any new materials meet their rigorous criteria.
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6. Malone Souliers
Instagram | @malonesouliers
Shipping | Worldwide
Born in | Italy
Malone Souliers is a luxury brand known for its Italian craftsmanship and unique designs. Since 2014, they've been redefining classic styles with bold and brave silhouettes. Their signature shoe, Maureen, remains a coveted modern icon, embodying timeless elegance and versatility. As a certified member of the Leather Working Group, Malone Souliers is committed to sustainable practices and a zero-waste approach while working with small, family-run Italian factories. The brand gives leftover materias a second life wherever possible while producing high-quality stylish shoes.
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