Term

Sustinable Fashion Implications

Artisanal/Handcrafted

Artisanal: Refers to products made with traditional craftsmanship techniques, often emphasizing quality, authenticity, and skill.

Handcrafted: Items created by hand rather than mass-produced, highlighting individuality and attention to detail.

Often masks small-batch production that's less energy efficient. Can involve traditional but highly polluting techniques. May use rare materials from unsustainable sources.

Bespoke/Made-to-Order

Bespoke: Custom-made products tailored to the exact specifications of an individual client, often used for clothing or accessories.

Made-to-Order: Products created after a customer places an order, reducing waste and offering a degree of personalization.

Can involve multiple shipping cycles for fittings, May result in material waste from individual production, Often uses virgin materials for perceived quality.

Exotic/Rare Materials

Exotic: Materials derived from unique sources, such as crocodile leather or python skin, often tied to luxury but raising ethical concerns.

Rare Materials: Hard-to-source or precious materials that enhance a product's exclusivity and perceived value.

Can involve endangered species or unsustainable harvesting, Often requires intensive processing methods, May involve unethical animal treatment (reptile skins, rare wools).

Hand-Finished/Hand-Embellished

Hand-Finished: Products completed with manual detailing or finishing touches to elevate their quality and uniqueness.

Hand-Embellished: Items adorned by hand with decorative elements like embroidery, sequins, or beadwork.

May use toxic dyes and finishes, Often involves non-recyclable mixed materials, Can include microplastic-shedding sequins or beads.

Haute Couture

Typically involves excess material waste from detailed construction. 

Custom-designed, hand-constructed fashion pieces created by exclusive ateliers, meeting stringent criteria set by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.

Uses resource-intensive materials for effect. Often requires multiple international shipping cycles for fittings.

Heritage/House Signature

Heritage: The historical and cultural legacy of a brand, emphasizing its longstanding traditions, craftsmanship, and reputation.

House Signature: Iconic designs, patterns, or techniques that distinguish a fashion house and are central to its identity.

Often relies on virgin materials over recycled ones, Traditional techniques may involve toxic processing, Can justify environmentally harmful practices as traditional craftsmanship.

Investment Piece

A high-quality, timeless item, often expensive, purchased for its long-term wearability and potential resale value.

Can justify use of environmentally costly materials.

Often uses intensive leather tanning processes. May require specialty cleaning with harmful chemicals.

Italian/French Leather

Italian Leather: Renowned for its superior quality, durability, and craftsmanship, often associated with luxury goods.

French Leather: Known for its refined texture and elegance, frequently used in high-end fashion and accessories.

Intensive water use in tanning, Often uses chromium and other toxic chemicals, Long-distance shipping to manufacturing locations.

Limited Edition/Exclusive

Limited Edition: A restricted number of products produced, creating a sense of rarity and collectibility.

Exclusive: Items available only through specific channels or in collaboration with select partners, enhancing desirability.

Creates artificial scarcity driving overconsumption, Often involves special packaging creating additional waste, May use rare or exotic materials from vulnerable sources.

Precious Metals/Stones

Precious Metals: High-value materials like gold, platinum, or silver, often used in luxury jewelry or accessories.

Precious Stones: Rare gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, symbolizing luxury and sophistication.

Mining causes severe environmental damage. Processing often involves toxic chemicals. High energy consumption in extraction and processing.