GOOD SUIT: Ecoalf’s premium line Ecoalf 1.0 is teaming with Lapo Elkann on a capsule collection that marks the former’s foray in sartorialwear.
Known for his dandy style, Elkann lent his creative ethos to a range of genderless suits that combine elegance, sustainability and performance.
Crafted from the registered Econyl recycled nylon fabric, derived from discarded fishing nets, carpets and fabric scraps, the suits are made in Portugal, incidentally the home country of Elkann’s wife Joana Lemos Elkann, who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the tie-up.
Ecoalf said the low-impact suits release the least amount of micro plastics, in sync with Ecoalf’s all-sustainable pledge and ambition to help combat marine pollution. Additionally, the production of the collection saved about 243,000 liters of water and ensured a 58 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional suiting, the company said.
“With this limited-edition collection of suits, we wanted to bring elegance and style to the sustainability world, which isn’t sexy or dapper yet, to bring it to a market that is growing, but also key for our world and planet,” said Elkann, who has recently closed a deal to sell the Italia Independent eyewear brand to Modo Group, as reported. “Sustainability is fundamental for a better quality of life, but that should not mean [it is] boring,” he added.
The lightweight and performance suits are available in four colorways, including navy blue, turqouoise, coral red, and Klein blue, and feature pleated, carrot pants matched to single breasted, single-button blazers with wide lapels.
Lapo Elkann sporting the capsule collection he created for Ecoalf 1.0.
Courtesy of Ecoalf
“In 2009 we began with developing backpacks made with recycled materials and over the past 14 years we have expanded into other categories to offer a complete sustainable lifestyle,” said Javier Goyeneche, founder and president of Ecoalf. “To design our first collection of suits I couldn’t think of a better person than Lapo. His creativity, taste, and vision add an incredible value to create a purpose-driven suit that embodies his style while minimizing the environmental impact,” he said.
In addition to the environmentally responsible component, Ecoalf said 10 percent of proceeds from the sale of the collection will be donated to the Laps Foundation established by Elkann to support underprivileged children and young people with educational initiatives.
The collection, retailing at 397 euros for blazers and 147 euros for pants, will be available at Ecoalf’s Milan store from Monday and will bow on the brand’s e-commerce site a week later, on Sept. 25.
Source: WWD