By Cristina Rivas - Translated by Laura Osuna
Responsible fashion is gaining strength in Latin America, with brands and designers betting on more ethical and conscious industry. According to World Resources Institute and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, over 80% of discarded textiles end up being incinerated, in landfills, or abandoned, contributing to a severe environmental crisis.
In this context, initiatives like Universo MOLA, a platform dedicated to sustainable fashion, highlight the work of brands that prioritize fair production and the use of eco-friendly materials.
From Chile Huaman Autor, founded by Priscilla Huaman and Diego Yáñez, promotes gender inclusion and uses organic raw materials under fair labor conditions. Their eclectic and timeless style challenges traditional standards, redefining the concept of ethical fashion in the region.
INTI dress, one-of-a-kind piece, handwoven with 68 hours of artisan work, dyed in Greda, 100% cotton
In Argentina, Dora Galiano is committed to modular, waste-free design. Her approach questions the fast- fashion system, offering versatile and durable clothes that break the fleeting of trends. Additionally, she rescues artisanal techniques like textile woodcut and the embroidery inspired by Buenos Aires "fileteado" style, adding identity to each piece. Her Upcycling line, based on the reuse of unused jeans, reinvents denim without resorting to polluting processes.
Denim + embroidery + upcycling
In Perú, Amarena stands out for preserving ancestral techniques and using natural fibers. Their commitment to creating one-of-a-kind pieces with carefully crafted finishes ensures that their designs go beyond seasons. They also collaborate with artisan communities, promoting the production of accessories and clothes based on fair trade values and respect for traditional trade.
Colaboration with Noe Bernacelli
From the Caribbean coast of Colombia, GUZO combines environmental sustainability, social impact, and cultural preservation.. Their approach in the slow fashion incorporates recycled materials, such as textiles made from PET bottles, and eco-print techniques. Socially, they promote equity with a team that is 80% women, including senior citizens and cancer survivors. Culturally, they honor Colombian artisan heritage by incorporating it into every design.
Clothes for both men and women
These and other emerging brands show that Latin American fashion is moving toward a more responsible future, where creativity, innovation, and social awareness are intertwined. With initiatives like Universo MOLA, the region is establishing itself as a leading force in the transformation of the textile industry, driving real change for both the planet and its communities.
Sources:
https://huamanautor.com/nosotros/
https://amarena.pe/historia-de-amarena/
https://www.instagram.com/dora__galiano/
https://guzoatelier.com/manifiesto-de-sostenibilidad/
