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In 2021, the fashion industry was at the crossroads, prepared for change by the pandemic and an increased demand for ethical commercial practices. Startups and emerging brands were at the forefront, which prompted industry to rethink the way things are done.
This year, Vogue affairs Launched The Future Edit, a weekly newsletter profiling entrepreneurs and innovative startups to discover their disturbing strategies, the challenges they overcome and how they differentiate themselves in increasing markets. As always, technological innovation is in mind for industry, virtual reality and artificial intelligence to data analysis. However, innovation is not limited to technology: disturbing brands and startups prioritize people and the planet as they evolve. It marks a transition to responsible commercial strategies and a more direct property on sales, the supply chain and customer relations.
Build the circular fashion economy
Circular fashion was a key theme this year. So far, recycling material technology has been limited because mixed fibers and plastic -based materials such as polyester make reuse difficult. The EVRNU textile recycling startup evolves its technology to improve the quality of recycled fibers so that they can be reused again and again, lengthening the lifespan of recycled materials. It is a challenge that the CEO and co-founder of Evrnu, Stacy Flynn, says that it is ready.
“There is a lot of skepticism on what is possible. Many brands and investors tell us: “It’s just difficult, so I don’t think it will happen,” said Flynn Vogue affairs In October, when the company announced a new $ 15 million financing cycle. “We are only working on difficult things. We don’t do this because there is immediately a big gain. We do it because the problem is enormous, and we are particularly qualified to take it, and it is exciting. “”
Evolved by nature is another startup focused on improving the environmental impact of materials used in fashion and beauty industries. By replacing the harmful chemicals involved in the production of textiles, materials such as leather will become biodegradable and industry will become less dependent on fossil fuels. This fall, he raised $ 70 million from investors, which will expand production.