The secret has long been out: the fashion industry generates 4 percent of the world’s waste, or equivalent to 92 million tons of off-cuts from production, among others.
Thus, more and more companies are making a U-turn, heeding the call for sustainability. Here in the country, local brand Bayo and its sister organization Bayo Foundation encourage more Filipinos to make smart, sustainable fashion choices with its Journey to Zero campaign.
Bayo Foundation managing editor Louie Lagon said the Journey to Zero initiative was conceived by an overall self-awareness.
“We realized that we’ve been accumulating so much waste and contributing so much to the problem of pollution,” he said.
Along with this realization came the opportunity to spark change. “We also realized that we had a greater capability to be part of the solution. That’s when we really began to think about ways we can work to address these problems, and that’s where the Journey to Zero campaign began.”
Every step of the campaign is focused on achieving a sustainable approach to fashion, from spreading awareness on the growing need for sartorial consciousness, to designing zero-waste collections for the Filipina consumer.
Earlier this year, Bayo took a major step in this direction by launching a collection made completely of upcycled and hand-woven fabrics in collaboration with renowned fashion designer, Francis Libiran.
With the designer’s trained eye and understanding of Bayo’s aesthetics, each comfortable, sophisticated piece was created without generating waste, according to the brand.
Reduction of textile waste was considered as the eco-fashion aspect in this special line: fabric scraps were turned into reusable fabrics or items. These upcycled weaves were then converted into stylish pieces and wearable clothing.
“While bearing sustainable fashion in mind, the design inspiration of the collection revolves around the idea of introducing consumers to fashion that is not only for cultural purposes, but also for everyday living,” shared Libiran.
He added, “The collection plays with the combination of different colors and patterns that resemble Filipino textiles with modern silhouette which will fit every Filipino.”
Bayo Foundation, however, stressed that there is more to this sustainability initiative than providing consciously produced sartorial options. A sense of responsibility also falls on the shoulders of consumers, whom, the organization said, should continuously make smarter choices with their purchases.
As Lagon put it, “We also need customers and the market in general to accept these practices and ideas. For us to reach our goal of full sustainability means that this has to be a two-way commitment with our customers.”
Following the successful launch, the label announced it would be collaborating with more designers and local communities.
