With the world grappling the climate crisis, global warming and the relentless churn of fast fashion, it seems like a fair question:

Do we really need another fashion label? 

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters on the planet. It is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. It is also a major consumer of water, with the production of a single cotton shirt requiring up to 2,700 litres—the amount a person drinks in two and a half years. And the problems don’t stop at production. Fast fashion has encouraged a culture of disposability with an estimated 85% of all textiles ending up in landfills each year.

Given this context, it is clear that the world doesn’t need one more fashion brand. What we need are brands that are part of the solution, not the problem. Brands that don’t just produce clothing but take responsibility for their entire lifecycle—from the raw materials to the end of its use. Brands that prioritise people and the planet as much as profit.

Attempting a blueprint for the future of fashion

The UNmoda initiative is a movement towards responsible, sustainable fashion. Here’s why we think it matters:

1. Circular Economy Model:

We are committed to the principles of a circular economy. This means designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. Our clothing isn’t just made to be worn, it is made to be worn responsibly. We prioritise durable, high-quality materials that last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. And when an item does reach the end of its life, we are rolling out recycling guidelines & initiatives to ensure it is repurposed rather than discarded.

2. Ethical Production:

We believe that fashion should never come at the cost of human dignity. UNmoda works exclusively with suppliers & manufacturers who adhere to the highest ethical standards. This means fair wages, safe working conditions and a commitment to the well-being of workers. Our Fair Trade certification is more than just a badge—it is a promise that every garment we produce has been made with respect for the people who made it.

3. Environmental Stewardship:

The materials we choose matter. From organic cotton to recycled polyester, we ensure that our fabrics have a minimal environmental footprint. Our production processes are designed to conserve water, reduce energy consumption and minimise waste. We are also proud to be a Carbon Neutral company, offsetting our emissions and investing in renewable energy projects that help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

4. Inclusivity and Integrity:

UNmoda is committed to creating a more inclusive fashion industry. Our ALL INCXLUSIVE collection celebrates diversity in all its forms, offering styles that cater to a wide range of body types, genders and identities. We believe that fashion should be a tool for self-expression, not a source of exclusion.

Standing with Pioneers: Brands Leading the Change

UNmoda is not alone in this mission. There are several other pioneering brands in the fashion industry that are making significant strides toward sustainability. Here are a few that continue to inspire us and help shape the path forward:

1. Patagonia

Patagonia is definitely the leader in sustainable fashion, known for its commitment to environmental activism. The brand uses recycled materials in its products and is transparent about its supply chain. Patagonia also encourages customers to repair and reuse their garments rather than buying new ones, embodying the principles of a circular economy.

2. Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney has been a leader in sustainable luxury fashion since the brand's inception. The label avoids using leather and fur, opting instead for innovative materials like vegan leather and regenerated cashmere. Stella McCartney is also involved in various environmental campaigns and works tirelessly to reduce its carbon footprint.

3. Everlane

Everlane is known for its "radical transparency," which means they openly share the true cost of each item they produce, from materials to labor to transportation. The brand is committed to using sustainable materials and ethical factories, ensuring that every part of their production process aligns with their values.

4. Reformation

Reformation focuses on sustainable practices and materials, with a strong emphasis on reducing waste and water use. The brand also tracks and shares the environmental impact of each garment, allowing customers to make informed choices. Their trendy, eco-friendly designs have made sustainable fashion relatively accessible to a wider audience.

5. Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher is a brand that champions simplicity, sustainability, and ethical production. The company is dedicated to reducing waste through its "Renew" program, where customers can bring back used garments to be resold, donated or turned into new products. The brand also focuses on using organic and recycled materials.

6. Veja

Veja is a footwear brand that emphasises transparency and social responsibility. They use organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon and recycled materials to create their sneakers. Veja is also committed to fair trade practices, ensuring that everyone involved in the production process is treated and compensated fairly.

These brands have set the stage for what sustainable fashion can look like, and UNmoda is proud to stand alongside them contributing our unique voice and vision to the movement. Our focus on progressive streetwear with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, authenticity and ethical production makes us a vital part of this evolving narrative.

It is not enough to simply produce sustainable clothing. We must also encourage a shift in consumer behaviour. We must talk about conscious consumption—buying less, choosing well and making it last. This mindset is sure going to challenge the fast fashion model that thrives on endless consumption and waste. But we believe that our customers will go with their purchases as investments in quality and sustainability, rather than fleeting trends.

So, do we really need another fashion label? 

The answer is yes—but only if that label is fundamentally different from what came before. A label that is creating a blueprint on how the industry must evolve to survive and thrive in a world that is demanding change. 

The world doesn’t need more fashion. It needs better fashion. And that is exactly what UNmoda is attempting to deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. Why does the world need another fashion label?

The world doesn't need more fashion. It needs better fashion. UNMODA aims to be part of the solution by creating sustainable, ethically-produced clothing that reduces environmental impact. We focus on durability, recycling and ethical production to ensure that our brand stands for more than just clothing—it is a commitment to a better future.

2. What makes UNMODA different from other fashion brands?

UNMODA is committed to the principles of a circular economy, ethical production and environmental stewardship. UNMODA ensures that every garment is produced with minimal environmental impact and with respect for the workers involved. Our focus on inclusivity and progressive streetwear further sets us apart.

3. How does UNMODA contribute to environmental sustainability?

UNMODA prioritises eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, reduces water usage in production, and minimises waste through recycling initiatives. As a Carbon Neutral company, we also offset our emissions and invest in renewable energy projects, ensuring our operations have a positive impact on the environment.

4. What is UNMODA’s approach to ethical production?

UNMODA only partners with suppliers who adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for workers. Our Fair Trade certification shows our commitment to ethical production, ensuring that every garment is made with dignity and care.

5. How does UNMODA support a circular economy?

UNMODA is deeply committed to the principles of a circular economy, which focuses on reducing waste, keeping materials in use and regenerating natural systems. We design our products to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, we take sustainability a step further by using waste fabric cuts from our factory. Instead of discarding these remnants, we recycle and repurpose them to produce new clothing, minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. We also working on providing recycling guidelines and activating initiatives to ensure that when an item reaches the end of its life, it can be repurposed rather than discarded.

6. What is UNMODA’s stance on inclusivity?

Inclusivity is at the core of UNMODA's values. Our ALL INCXLUSIVE collection is designed to cater to a wide range of body types, genders and identities. We believe that fashion should be accessible and expressive for everyone, not a source of exclusion.

7. How does UNMODA address the issue of fast fashion?

UNMODA challenges the fast fashion model by promoting conscious consumption—buying less, choosing well and making it last. We focus on quality over quantity, encouraging our customers to see their purchases as investments in sustainability rather than fleeting trends.

8. What are some other brands that inspire UNMODA's sustainable practices?

UNMODA is hugely inspired by brands like Patagonia which lead the way in sustainable and ethical fashion. These brands, like UNMODA, prioritise environmental responsibility and ethical production setting a standard for the future of the industry.

9. How does UNMODA ensure the longevity of its garments?

UNMODA uses durable, high-quality materials designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. We also provide care guidelines to help customers extend the life of their clothing and will soon be be offering recycling initiatives to repurpose garments when they reach the end of their useful life.

10. What steps does UNMODA take to reduce its carbon footprint?

UNMODA is a Carbon Neutral company, meaning we offset our emissions by investing in renewable energy projects. We also use sustainable materials and energy-efficient production processes to minimise our carbon footprint making us a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers.

11. Why is ethical fashion important in today's world?

Ethical fashion is crucial as it ensures that clothing is produced in a way that respects both people and the planet. UNMODA's commitment to ethical production means that every garment supports fair wages, safe working conditions and environmental sustainability, addressing the harm caused by traditional fast fashion.

12. What role does UNMODA play in the future of fashion?

UNMODA is an attempt on creating a blueprint for the future of fashion—one that prioritises sustainability, ethics and inclusivity. We believe that fashion can be a force for good, leading the industry towards a model that respects the planet and the people who inhabit it, ensuring a thriving future for all.