Ever since we launched Promo for the Planet in April, my inbox has been inundated with notifications about the latest innovations in sustainable apparel – particularly brands that are experimenting with nontraditional textiles, like apple leather or cocoa beans. Sometimes, the creations are simply marketing stunts rather than a product that will eventually be available at retail – or in promo. But even then, it’s fascinating to see what companies come up with and how they might influence fashion at large.
These are just a few of the more interesting tidbits I’ve come across recently. Let’s judge them!
Just Call These Apple Leather Sneakers ‘Foodwear’
Italian footwear brand ADAR is using Kickstarter to fund the production of its vegan sustainable sneakers.
ADAR, a new Italian footwear brand founded by Luca Matteo Manuzzi and Willy Anne Wijnja, combines “ethical design with luxury quality to create new-era premium high-fashion sneakers.” The company took to Kickstarter to fund the production of the Waver, its vegan sustainable sneakers, and as of July 27 has already surpassed its goal.
The handmade unisex low-top sneakers are sourced and made in Italy at a family-owned manufacturer. They feature an outsole made from recycled rubber, an upper made from vegan apple leather and recycled polyester, an inner lining made from bamboo fibers and an insole made with apple leather on a soft cushion of recycled and biodegradable latex. A portion…
