Vicunha gets to the heart of things with Ani Wells
Brazilian denim mill Vicunha, currently celebrating 55 years of operations, has unveiled a six-piece concept collection inspired by “the local land and community”, designed in collaboration with sustainable fashion and communications consultant Ani Wells.
Featuring fibres such as hemp, Lenzing’s wood-based cellulosic Tencel and regenerative Brazilian cotton certified by the ABR (Responsible Brazilian Cotton) programme, the collection, called Coração Local, emphasises localised sourcing and manufacturing.
Its cotton yarns form part of a 100% closed-loop system, using either recycled or recovered fibres, yarns and cutting scraps, while Regenagri-approved, rain-fed cotton from Scheffer, based in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, notably contributes a healthy dose of regenerative natural fibres.
“Local, shorter supply chains and regenerative sourcing practices are critical for creating an industry that gives back after taking so much,” Ms Wells commented. "By sourcing materials locally and using materials produced through regenerative practices in our designs, we can encourage healthier soil, biodiversity increases and local community support. [This] collection showcases the beauty and responsibility that fashion can achieve.”
Vicunha added that traceable inputs, no-dye methods, carefully selected trims, such as fabric buttons and bartacks in place of rivets, plus dyeing and finishing systems capable of delivering water savings of “up to 95%” are but further examples of Coração Local’s focus on “the most environmentally conscious processes”.
A portion of the budget set aside for the capsule is due to be donated to Brazil’s Project Pescar, targeted at youth training and upskilling, of which Vicunha started up its own franchise for nearby communities in August 2004.
Almost 320 individuals have graduated from 19 waves of the Vicunha programme thus far, some of whom have been offered internship opportunities with the denim manufacturer on completion of their initial training.
Image: Vicunha/Simply Suzette.
