Luxury fashion’s value chain is equally intricate, but it pivots on craftsmanship and raw-material provenance rather than silicon and servers. From cashmere herds in Mongolia to tanneries in Italy and ateliers in Paris, the chain spans agricultural practices, animal welfare, artisanal workshops, and high-end retail. Stella McCartney, Hermès, Vivienne Westwood, and the LVMH group signal the industry’s tension between exclusivity and sustainability: they rely on rare, sometimes resource-intensive inputs, yet their brand equity increasingly depends on credible climate action and ethical sourcing.

Comprehensive life-cycle assessments, regenerative agriculture pilots, and circular business models such as up-cycling ateliers and resale platforms are redefining what “luxury” means. Brands that pair long-lasting design with transparent impact labelling lead the conversation; those clinging to opaque supply chains and exotic skins face mounting scrutiny from regulators and Gen-Z consumers alike. As with tech, the ability to trace emissions and biodiversity footprints through tiers of suppliers—and to innovate with bio-based or recycled alternatives—will separate tomorrow’s icons from yesterday’s maisons.

Stella McCartney

Sustainability is the new luxury

Criteria

Carbon Footprint: 4/5

Stella McCartney is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through responsible sourcing and production. The brand primarily uses renewable energy in its operations and has set a goal to become net-zero by 2040. Its use of plant-based and recycled materials significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional luxury fashion brands.

Ecological Impact: 5/5

The brand continuously conducts Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to measure its environmental impact. It has phased out virgin cashmere in favour of regenerated cashmere, which has 92% lower environmental impact. Stella McCartney’s 2025 goal is to ensure that all products use 100% recycled, organic, or bio-based materials while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.

Energy Consumption: 4/5

Stella McCartney integrates energy-efficient production techniques across its supply chain. The brand’s stores and offices operate on renewable energy, and its main factories prioritize low-impact dyeing, spinning, and finishing processes.

Freight Density: 3/5

The brand ensures full traceability of its supply chain, working closely with suppliers that align with its sustainability mission. Stella McCartney is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and engages in long-term partnerships to maintain ethical standards, but improvements in logistics could further reduce emissions.

Recycling Rates: 5/5

To minimize waste, the brand actively promotes circular fashion. Stella McCartney encourages customers to resell pre-loved items, extending product life cycles. The brand also develops closed-loop recycling programs for fabrics and materials, ensuring that fashion waste is minimized.

Saving Levels: 4/5

By prioritizing sustainable alternatives, Stella McCartney reduces water usage, carbon emissions, and resource consumption. The brand’s partnerships, such as its work with Parley for the Oceans to create clothing from ocean plastic, showcase its commitment to sustainability at every level.

Specific Product Monitoring: 5/5

99% of the brand’s cotton is organic, and its viscose is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Stella McCartney collaborates with research institutions to develop next-generation eco-friendly textiles, such as lab-grown leather and recycled nylon.

Supply Chain Weight: 4/5

The brand follows a zero-waste philosophy, ensuring that leftover fabrics are repurposed or recycled. By limiting fabric variations and optimizing production efficiency, Stella McCartney reduces material waste without compromising on design.

Sustainability Scorecards: 5/5

Stella McCartney is a pioneer in sustainable luxury, setting industry benchmarks in ethical sourcing, cruelty-free fashion, and environmental responsibility. The brand has received multiple awards, including the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark, recognizing its leadership in ->sustainable fashion.

Water Management: 4/5

Stella McCartney actively seeks solutions to reduce water consumption across its supply chain. The brand sources organic cotton, which uses significantly less water than conventional cotton, and invests in water-efficient dyeing and finishing processes.

Ratings

Stella McCartney leads in sustainable luxury, excelling in ecological impact, recycling, and responsible material sourcing, setting industry benchmarks for ethical fashion. Hermès scores high on craftsmanship and durability, supporting slow fashion, but lacks transparency and strong circular economy efforts.

Vivienne Westwood is a vocal advocate for sustainability, yet needs to improve transparency and consumer recycling initiatives.

LVMH has ambitious goals, including carbon reduction and renewable energy use, but its large-scale operations and reliance on resource-intensive materials make full sustainability challenging. While all brands are making progress, Stella McCartney remains the most forward-thinking in environmental responsibility.

  • Stella McCartney: 4.3/5
  • Hermès: 3.7/5
  • Vivienne Westwood: 3.7/5
  • LVMH: 3.4/5

ESCP Business School Team

Research developed by five curious international ESCP Business School students who have worked together to successfully complete their consulting project. They analysed four brands in four different categories -24 brands: electric cars EV, dairy products, computers, personal care, luxury apparel, fast fashion-, according to 10 environmental criteria.

Sources

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