One of the largest cause of environmental destructions is humanity's overconsumption of goods, especially in the design and fashion industries. We tend to consume more than we need and as a result, brands produce non-stop in order to keep up with demand—a cause-and-effect situation where both parties are equally guilty. But—and it's a very big but—both the design and fashion industries have been attempting to close the loop with new efforts to target the way we consume.
Mr Porter has recently introduced the Craftsmanship Code, a curation of products by brands that have made contributions to the local communities around them as well as considerations towards environmental and social impacts through their design and business decisions.
The selected brands have met one or more of the project's guiding principles that include heritage craft, future craft, locally made, made to last longer, made from considered materials, and made with high standards of animal welfare. This also marks the starting point for Mr Porter's own label Mr P. in working towards being a fully sustainable brand by 2025.
The first capsule collection under the Craftsmanship Code project, called 'Small World', consists of 33 brands that align themselves with their origins of skilled heritage craftsmanship and their support for local craftsmen or the use of low environmental-impact materials.
'Small World' offers an alternative for those who are conscious about where their products come from, by purchasing from brands that put the people and environment first. It brought the local communities of India, Bali and Japan to Mexico, Tibet, Nigeria and many others together for a good cause. The capsule collection consists of a wide range of selections for design and fashion lovers—from ready-to-wear lines such as Auralee and Space Available as well as homeware brands such as Noma t.d., By Japan and many others.
Mr Porter has also added 16 new brands to its repertoire through 'Small World'. Brands such as Portuguese Flannel, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, Chamula and others, have been introduced under the Craftsmanship Code, on top of already-existing 17 brands.
All in all, the capsule places its focus on the material and immaterial values. Slow fashion, quality craftsmanship and transparency in production take precedence in the Craftsmanship Code rather than merely following the trend of 'the next big thing'.
The 'Small World' capsule collection is now available on Mr Porter.
