In luxury fashion, brand sustainability has become a critical factor for consumers who become more and more conscious of what they are doing to the environment, and how responsible the social practices are, with every purchase they make. Yves Saint Laurent is one of those renowned luxury fashion houses that have made huge strides in their approach to sustainability, but is it enough to name them a truly sustainable choice?
YSL approaches sustainability with a plan that focuses on the protection of human rights, environmental preservation, and responsible practices in sourcing raw materials. The brand has set itself ambitious goals toward 2025: the traceability of key raw materials and the full compliance of raw materials and manufacturing processes with Kering’s standards.
An intense scrutiny of the supply of raw materials is a critical part of YSL’s sustainability efforts. The brand reported in 2022 that 85% of its cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard-certified and that a great deal of other materials, such as silk, wool, and viscose, are sourced sustainably. For leather goods, YSL has started using hides tanned without metals, reducing water and energy consumption and preventing water pollution at the tannery level.
YSL encourages all employees to undergo a course on the subject to foster a culture of sustainability. The same curriculum forms part of the Saint Laurent Couture Institute, educating high fashion students and employees about sustainability in fashion.
On the cosmetic front, YSL Beauty adheres to eco-design principles without compromising quality. The brand is committed to sourcing raw materials responsibly, optimizing packaging, and committing to zero deforestation⁵.
Some critics claim, however, that there is still a long way to go for luxury brands like YSL. Often, using sustainable materials is only a small proportion of the total, and the industry’s overall impact on the environment remains significant.
YSL commits itself to sustainability through its different initiatives and goals. However, if YSL is a completely sustainable choice, that would depend on its continuous, transparent achievement of the sustainability targets it has set for itself. Consumers who want sustainable luxury fashion should look out for YSL’s continued efforts and enhancements when it comes to sustainability practices.
In summary, YSL is moving towards sustainability, but the consumer must decide if the brand matches up with their set of standards in terms of sustainability.
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