Mercedes-Benz and Fashion Open Studio Create New Initiative To Drive Eco-Sustainability in Fashion

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Fashion Open Studio, the British non-profit organisation campaigning for a more sustainable luxury industry, in a step to support the next generation of design talent. For the 2020 Hyères Festival, Mercedes-Benz and Fashion Open Studio have jointly launched a digital mentorship programme for the competition's fashion finalists.

The partnership aims to help measure the environmental impact of the designers' fashion activities, explore new forms of mobility and climate compensating measures, and to prioritise opportunities for eco-sustainable designers and innovation.

Mercedes-Benz and Fashion Open Studio acknowledged Emma Bruschi as the designer who best incorporated responsible practices in her work, with Bruschi claiming the conversations around the competition helped her to develop the agricultural side of her job. Biotechnology is also something that Bruschi considers a new form of craftmanship. Irish photographer Daragh Soden captured the eclectic looks from the finalists in an ethereal editorial shoot.

Orsola de Castro, creative director of Fashion Open Studio, said, 'Most young designers want to embed ethics, sustainability and best practices into their creative processes, but are often confused as to how. A wise word of advice and encouragement can be all that is needed to unleash creativity for innovation.' Fashion Open Studio, a Fashion Revolution initiative, was created four years ago to support a generation of designers who are committed to conversations about supply chains, waste reduction and overproduction. Designers involved in the initiative aim to take a more respectful approach to the artisans, craftspeople and garment makers who make their clothes.