From Chanel to Prada: How High Fashion Is Going Eco-Friendly
- Amy Spark
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
The landscape of luxury fashion is shifting—fast. Iconic brands like Chanel, Stella McCartney, Gucci, and now Prada are actively embracing circular fashion, proving that high-end style can also be planet-friendly. Here’s how these labels are pioneering sustainable innovation—and why it matters for your wardrobe and our world.
🌟 Chanel Unveils “Nevold”: A Recycling Powerhouse
In June 2025, Chanel introduced Nevold, a B2B recycling platform turning their own textile waste—like tweed scraps and leather offcuts—into new high-quality materials for future collections (). Nevold partners with suppliers and academic institutions like Cambridge to transform fashion waste into regenerated fabrics and shoe components, reinforcing Chanel’s commitment to circularity without compromising luxury.
🍃 Stella McCartney: Ethical Innovation in Motion
True to her eco-conscious roots, Stella McCartney continues to break sustainable ground. At Paris Fashion Week, 96% of her collection featured eco-fabrics—like ECONYL®, corn-derived materials, and ocean-recycled polyester. She also launched garments made from infinitely recyclable polyester (with QR-coded returns), and co-founded Collab SOS, a $200M fund to support biomaterial startups—reinforcing her impact both on and off the runway.
🐍 Gucci’s Green Evolution
Under Gucci Equilibrium, Gucci has committed to carbon neutrality, adopted recycled and organic fabrics for its Off The Grid range, and introduced circular design standards for durability and repairability . With 100% renewable energy at its heritage mills and packaging made from bio-resins, Gucci is integrating sustainability into every stitch .
✨ Prada: Re-Nylon & Circular Consortium
Luxury’s eco transition wouldn’t feel complete without Prada. Launching its Re‑Nylon initiative in 2021, Prada now crafts every nylon piece from regenerated plastics and ocean waste through ECONYL®—with proceeds supporting its Sea Beyond ocean literacy project in partnership with UNESCO . Prada has also joined the Re.Crea Consortium—a collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, Max Mara, Moncler, and more—to build end-of-life textile recycling systems . That’s circular fashion at scale.
💡 Why This Matters for All of Us
When luxury icons shift toward eco-friendly and circularity, they spark industry-wide change:
Material innovation gains funding and visibility: recycled leather, biotech fabrics, seaweed yarns .
Supply chain rethinking becomes mainstream: Chanel’s Nevold and Prada’s Re.Crea offer blueprints for others to follow.
Consumer expectations shift: when these labels lead, they ask us to value quality, safety, and sustainability in every garment.
🔄 Ready to Shop Circular Luxury?
You don’t need a full designer budget to embrace circular fashion. Check out our curated picks on ThredUP for luxury and everyday pieces:
🛍️ Explore our top 10 circular favorites from ThredUP here.
(As an affiliate, we may earn a commission—thank you for supporting slow fashion content.)
✅ How You Can Turn Pro-Circular
Look for materials like ECONYL®, organic cotton, or recycled wool.
Support brands with take-back, repair, or resale programs.
Consider reselling or thrifting luxury pieces to extend their life.
Favor quality over quantity — timeless staples > fast fashion hauls.
Always ask: Is it sustainably made? Opt for brands that are transparent about their materials, workers, and environmental practices.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Luxury isn’t about price—it’s about purpose. As Chanel, Stella McCartney, Gucci, and Prada lead the charge toward circularity, they’re proving that elegance can coexist with ethics. At FashionHumble, we’re here to make those values accessible—whether you’re splurging on a designer bag or sharing a stunning secondhand score.
🛍️ Ready to refresh your wardrobe with purpose? Explore more eco-friendly fashion edits and curated shopping lists at FashionHumble.com. Follow us on Instagram @fashionhumbleofficial for daily feeds and sustainable style inspo.🌱
