September 29, 2023
Our Sustainable Fabrics and Natural Fibers
Eco Friendly Garments for Conscious Fashion
Our Sustainable Production Model
One of the main pillars of DIARRABLU is a human-centered approach to sustainability focused on reducing waste. Growing up in Senegal, in a family of ceramics, leather and metal artisans, I always took pride in how resources are valued and used consciously. In this story with Vogue, I shared my cultural approach to sustainability as a way of life. Our made-to-order and artisan-centered production model allows us to be sustainable as we don't hold any inventory and only produce our clothes once an order is placed, thereby reducing waste by over 60% in an industry where one garbage truck of overproduced clothes goes to landfills every second.
Exploring Environmental Sustainability
Once I realized the impact of our sustainable production model, I decided it was time to explore an even more holistic approach taking into account not only processes, but also materials, as we were mostly using polyester. After years of research, I discovered new eco-friendly materials such as lyocell and cupro that have now become the foundation of our solid-colored permanent sustainable collection. I see these pieces as timeless DIARRABLU staples that can be paired with our prints for any season.
Cupro
Recycled Cotton Linter
Cupro is a sustainable fabric made of regenerated cellulose fibers from recycled cotton linter. Cupro breathes and regulates temperature like cotton, drapes elegantly, and feels like silk. Our cupro pieces comes in a beautiful coral color and is available in timeless styles such as the Mailys Dress, Maya Dress and Kinu Top. We will be bringing it in more colors in upcoming seasons.
Viscose
Regenerated Cellulose
Crafted from regenerated cellulose fibers, Viscose offers an unparalleled blend of sophistication and eco-consciousness. Sharing the breathable and temperature-regulating qualities of cotton, Viscose flows into graceful drapes reminiscent of silk.
Lyocell
Natural Cellulose from Wood pulp
Made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp, the lyocell is economical in its use of energy and natural resources and is fully biodegradable. This fabric is breathable and light, and our satin and crepe versions have a soft and silky feel on the skin.
Cotton
Natural Fibers
In our quest for breathable and natural fibers, we fell in love with this signature cotton hemstitch fabric that is now one of the staples in our collection. Pieces in this fabric have that timeless and effortless luxury feel we can't get tired of.
The Nuur bag
Not only do we care about the material of our clothes, but our recently launched NUUR Handbag has sustainability at its core. Made from ethically sourced Italian leather, these convertible bags are a dreamy blend of style and responsibility. The printed inner bag is made of an innovative material called seaquel, a unique yarn crafted from regenerated fabric made of recycled ocean plastic waste. We also chose a special bamboo handle to pay tribute to nature's magic. Handcrafted by talented artisans in Spain, NUUR comes in four stunning colors: Camel, Noir, Navy, and Orange.
What's Next
Having made sustainable fabrics a permanent, and growing part of our collection, I am very excited to explore more options and most importantly add printed versions. I have been sampling various prints in lyocell, tencel viscose and our signature hemstitch cotton and can't wait to share them with you. My goal is to increase our percentage of sustainable materials every season to gradually replace printed polyester as we approach sustainability from a growth mindsets, with better iterations to be made each time.