Materials
In selecting raw materials, r.l.e firmly upholds the priority of choosing natural and recycled fibres, such as cotton, silk, linen, alpaca, wool, mohair and more. When pursuing sustainability, r.l.e recognizes that we should not only use natural fibres but also create fashion pieces that last longer. Therefore, we contemplate using materials containing nylon or recycled nylon components for a few styles that come with raw edge designs, as incorporating nylon ensures the design's longevity. r.l.e will also continuously explore additional avenues for sustainability, actively seeking more fun and organic materials.
r.l.e Silk Labels for bags and accessories collection
r.l.e Labels made from Pre-Consumed Polyester
Sustainability
In our production chain, we recycle every cut piece of pattern paper and fabric and remake them into brand labels and shopping bags.
After the handmade paper dry, specific elements from different collections will be printed onto the paper by using screen printing. At the end, we stamp our logo onto the paper.
This process produces matchless labels, just like r.l.e's core concept: we are special.
r.l.e believes that sustainability is not just about wearing an organic t-shirt: it must be a way of life.
Remaking the waste paper
Qixin and her team gather all of the cut-out leftover fabrics, cut them into stripes and turn them into 3D Yarns; they then wove and crocheted them into accessories, shoes and clothes, to make sure that nothing at all went to waste.
r.l.e's core message throughout all of their collections remains the same, they look to advocate that sustainability should be a way of life and not just a phase or chore; sustainability is about giving our waste a second chance at life and creating a continuous lifecycle rather than appreciating it for one purpose and then disposing of it; much like that of a flower blooming and wilting throughout the seasons, nothing should ever be forgotten, everything deserves the chance to be beautiful again
Remake the cut piece fabric into 3D yarns and made them into accessories and creative projects
Shoes made from the cut piece fabric of Women's SS23 Collection
r.l.e trim choice: Sea shell buttons with r.l.e's logo
r.l.e tissue paper is printed with soy-based inks, on FSC-certified paper, and is Acid, sulphur, and lignin-free. It is 100% Compostable, Recyclable, and made from recycled materials.
Package
r.l.e feels that filling the sustainability with every corner is our responsibility. We collaborates with several different FSC certificated supplier for our package design and production, which are made from eco-friendly, compostable or recycled materials.
r.l.e mail bag is made of PLA+PBAT, which is 100% compostable. It can be composted within 180 days.
r.l.e package paper is handmade from production and design process waste in r.l.e's London studio.
r.l.e package ribbons are printed on cotton calicos.