Prada, Capri, and Kering are extending a hand to the planet’s urgent need to initiate a paradigm shift. Climate change is not the only issue; social exclusion and diversity are also concepts that are being committed to.
The future of the fashion industry is directly linked to the future of agriculture. The companies responsible for driving this circle are increasingly aware of the importance of halting climate change and restoring an increasingly circular economy, thereby creating luxury that ensures social inclusion and is sustainable for society.
Prada: Inclusion of Disabled Individuals
Prada has various initiatives underway for the environment. An example is the re-nylon bags from the same brand, which use other virgin bags with that material to recycle and manufacture a new one. Another example is the rejection of fur with the slogan “fur-free” that they started in 2020, once again opting for sustainable luxury.
Logo of Prada’s “Fur Free” campaign.
But the issue that introduces Prada into the article is not this. Prada has joined an inclusion initiative for disabled individuals. It is the first luxury brand to join “The Valuable 500”, an initiative that aims to radically transform the system for the benefit of people with disabilities.
Lorenzo Botelli, CEO of the Prada group, declares that:
The different perspectives that come together in the alliance are a crucial starting point for building a global action plan that enriches us all.
This company is currently developing an action plan with different activities with a view and permanence towards the future. These initiatives will start by extending a hand to individuals affected by trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome).
Logo de The Valuable 500 de Prada Group.
Prada Group’s The Valuable 500 logo.
Capri Holdings, the global group of Versace, Michael Kors, and Jimmy Choo brands, works to promote diversity, equality, and social inclusion in fashion.
Image of Versace, part of Capri Holdings.
The Capri Foundation has pledged to allocate $20 million to support diversity, equity, and social inclusion in the fashion industry. One of the goals is to find young talents from institutes and fashion schools to help boost their careers, promoting sustainable and responsible luxury.
Left: Michael Kors. Right: Jimmy Choo.
Boosting a solution for each problematic pillar, Capri manages equity and social inclusion with these three major spheres: Capri Culture, Capri Talent, and Capri Community. The first initiative aims to ensure success for workers in the sector. The second initiative seeks a potential force that reflects and translates into diversity. The community seeks to promote equality not only with Capri workers and their companies but also intends to promote equity in the industry as a whole.
John D. Idol, Chairman and CEO of Capri Holdings, declares that the values of trends, creativity, and inclusion are part of the DNA of Versace, Michael Kors, and Jimmy Choo. Therefore, promoting them responsibly is the best action they can take.
Kering: Fonds Régénératif pour la Nature
The luxury group Kering, which includes brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQueen, stands out for being one of the pioneers in the luxury industry that has already in 2016 entered the Top 100 of pioneering sustainability companies with a plan for 2025 with measures such as reducing carbon by 50% or reducing environmental impact by 40%.
Cotton, wool, leather, or cashmere are raw materials that come from farms or fields, with agriculture being one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss and climate change. Therefore, the Kering group has started an initiative to provide funds for regenerative agriculture and will focus on the production of the mentioned raw materials.
Main image of Kering’s initiative, Fonds Régénératif pour la Nature.
To help farmers make the change, they will offer financial assistance to convert one million hectares into regenerative agriculture areas by 2025. You might be wondering what regenerative agriculture is. This promotes the breeding of various animal and plant species in the same environment, interacting symbiotically to ensure sustainable balance and soil regeneration. This combination of actions ensures the long-term viability of our planet, promoting the non-depletion of raw materials. In this way, we not only avoid harming our nature but also help it regenerate.
This transition to sustainable practices needs significant support, as without social and collective awareness, we will never achieve a total paradigm shift. In this way, we can improve raw materials to continue feeding, this time sustainably and favorably, the fashion industry.
