Eileen Fisher is one of fashion’s stellar champions of  classic womenswear – and she’s making sustainability a priority. Words by Charlotte Pasha.

 

What is the Eileen Fisher aesthetic?

Simple, timeless design.

 

Where and how are the clothes made?

From the beginning, we have always taken pride in how our garments are produced; considering the process from the very first seed.

We make approximately 20 per cent of our products domestically.

In New York we partner with five factories.

We also manufacture clothes internationally, always choosing to partner with supply chains that are good for people and the environment.

 

What are some of your favourite pieces? 

We have so many great pieces made of Tencel®, a sustainable fabric that we’ve been using more and more each season.

 

Who are your clothes designed for?

Eileen Fisher clothes are made for any woman who wants to dress with ease and confidence.

I am always surprised at what pieces the younger generations are drawn too. It is fun to see how they style them.

 

Why is sustainability important to you?

Ever since I founded the company in 1984, I knew I wanted sustainability to be at the forefront.

I believe that business should be a force for good. That means ensuring our supply chains don’t harm people or the environment.

 

Who else do you admire in the industry for championing similar values?

Patagonia is a company I’ve always admired as a leader of sustainable and ethical fashion.

 

How do you incorporate sustainable living on a personal level and within the brand?

We have our takeback program that works to keep our clothes out of landfills. Our goal is to leave less fabric waste on the cutting room floor, use less water, and emit less carbon.

We invest in renewable energy and aim to cut our reliance on air shipping.

Personally, I try not to wash my clothes often and instead use a steamer to revive my garments.

 

 How do you think the industry is changing to be more sustainable?

Whether it’s creating clothing takeback programs to extend a garment’s lifecycle or choosing to use sustainable fabrics, I’ve seen so many businesses incorporate sustainable practices into their framework.

My hope is that everyone involved in this industry does their part to protect our planet.

 

Eileen Fisher is at 80 King’s Road

To read similar fashion stories, see the Lifestyle section of our website.

You may like to read about the fashion due who have dressed the Duchess of Sussex in Dressed for Success.

Or find out about how a personal shopper can keep you ahead of the fashion pack in Secret Weapon.

This article was originally published in Sloane magazine.