STARTUP LAB – Ep. 9: Rapanui Clothing
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Having won the RSPCA award for Innovation in Fashion, Rapanui (http://www.rapanuiclothing.com) is an eco-fashion label that is pushing the boundaries for casual wear which not only exudes style but also promises sustainability. With its eco-labeling and traceability functions; their garments are made as ethically as possible while the consumer knows where their products come from and how they are made: from the seed being sown, picked, spun, sewn and transported. Having submitted a proposal to the EU, Rapanui might change the face of fashion forever if eco-labeling becomes imperative for all suppliers. They have also been involved in designing some cutting edge clothing for the Met Office set to “combine the youthful edge of Rapanui with the heritage of the Met Office”. Urban Times spoke with the founders, brothers Rob and Mart Drake Knight, to find out more about the future of Rapanui, and how it originated.
Rapanui Team
What exactly is Rapanui?
At Rapanui we design and make casualwear in line with the latest trends, but from sustainable materials. We use ethically accredited factories powered by wind and solar energy – and by using cutting edge eco-textiles, create products that have a unique natural softness and feel when worn. The result is clothing that looks great and feels great too.
What is Rapanui’s ethos and what does it promise in terms of social or environmental good?
Whilst the organic, ethical and low carbon approach to our supply chain is unique, our real contribution to sustainability has come from the traceability of our products, our work towards improving traceability in our industry and the conversation this has sparked between shoppers, brands and manufacturers. Using our trace mapping tool, at Rapanui you can find out exactly where our products come from, how and where they are made: From the seed being sown, picked, spun, sewn and transported. It is traceability from seed to shop.
Rapanui has also developed a potentially industry-changing ecolabelling system to summarise the detailed and often confusing information on clothes packaging, and make it easy for consumers to shop quickly with a conscience. This ability to make a quick informed choice is something missing from, but entirely compatible with, the high street. This work has gained national recognition in the press and at awards ceremonies and has been taken on by high street brands looking to replicate our success. A draft proposal is set to be presented at a parliamentary commission later this year, with a view to be proposed as EU legislation.
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