FAQ´s about Sustainability

Answered by the Designer of Lillies Studios

1. What is sustainable fashion?

At Lillies Studios, sustainable fashion means creating clothing from fabrics and materials that already exist, I only use fabrics and materials that are sourced locally in Barcelona, that I find and select myself, meaning all the fabrics I choose are chosen for their unique character and high quality.  We focus on using eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fabrics, reclaimed from markets and vintage stores, and design everything by-hand, in-house, to ensure minimal environmental impact. 

2. How does fast fashion impact the environment?

Fast fashion contributes significantly to environmental degradation. The industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing the combined emissions of international flights and maritime shipping. Additionally, it is the second-largest consumer of water, requiring about 700 gallons to produce one cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons for a pair of jeans. This excessive water usage strains our planet's limited resources. Furthermore, the dyeing and treatment of fabrics contribute to 20% of global industrial water pollution, often contaminating rivers and ecosystems. Many fast fashion garments are made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, which shed microplastics into our oceans, harming marine life and even entering our food chain. By choosing sustainable fashion, consumers can help mitigate these environmental impacts.

3. What materials are considered sustainable in fashion?

Sustainable materials include organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and recycled fibers. At Lillies Studios, we prioritize reworked fabrics, deadstock materials, and vintage textiles, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. By utilizing these materials, we reduce the demand for new resources and minimize our environmental footprint to almost zero.

4. How can I identify ethical fashion brands?

To really understand if a brand is sustainable, rather than using this as a marketing tool, take some time to research a brand and how they produce, look for companies that provide information on their sourcing, manufacturing, and labor practices. Certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and B Corp can also indicate a brand's commitment to ethical standards. Additionally, brands that prioritize handmade, artisan, and eco-friendly clothing often support slow fashion values.

5. Does buying second-hand clothing contribute to sustainability?

​Purchasing second-hand clothing significantly extends the lifespan of garments. Research indicates that wearing a garment for just nine months longer can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30%. Additionally, second-hand apparel purchases prevent the production of approximately one billion new items from fast fashion brands annually. By choosing preloved fashion, consumers actively contribute to waste reduction and promote a more sustainable fashion industry

6. What is slow fashion?

Slow fashion focuses on quality over quantity, emphasizing thoughtful consumption and sustainable production methods. It encourages consumers to invest in well-made, timeless pieces that transcend fleeting trends. This approach not only benefits the environment by reducing waste but also supports fair labor practices and ethical manufacturing.

7. How can I make my wardrobe more sustainable?

• Choose high-quality, durable garments: Choose your clothing well, buy less and invest in higher quality garments, everything you have ever worn will be sitting in a landfill right now.
• Opt for timeless styles over fleeting trends: Fast fashion brands build their business around fleeting trends, hoping to capitalise on whimsical brief periods of demand, knowing that in a few months the demand will end. Invest in clothing that you have a connection with and that means something to you. All of our garments are vintage and have a unique character and history, these are the kind of garments that will always resonate and inspire you.
• Repair and maintain clothing to extend its lifespan: Simple mending and proper care can significantly prolong a garment's usability, mending clothes is easy and takes little more that a needle and thread and a few youtube channels.
• Participate in clothing swaps or buy second-hand: If you are bored with clothes there are countless businesses, platforms and apps that make it easy to exchange clothing for very little cost.
• Support brands with sustainable and ethical practices: Until I started Lillies Studios I was fairly unaware of the power each of us has when it comes to reduce the reach of fast fashion. Purchasing from brands that genuinely aim to make a difference with the way they produce can make an enormous difference to the world we all live in.