Vicunha’s New Collection Spotlights Brazilian Regenerative Cotton
A new concept collection by Brazilian denim mill Vicunha showcases the creative possibilities of sourcing and producing locally.
Called Coração Local, the collection features regenerative and local sourcing practices that build healthier soil, increase biodiversity, and support local communities. The fabrics are made with traceable inputs including hemp, Tencel and regenerative cotton sourced from Brazilian farms.
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The collection is intended to encourage “fashion professionals to think beyond just wearing clothing, but also supporting the regeneration of land through the materials they are sourcing,” the mill stated.
Last month, Vicunha announced a partnership with Scheffer, the first Brazilian regenerative cotton company to receive the Regenagri certification. By incorporating Scheffer’s rain-fed, regenerative cotton into its denim production, Vicunha reduces the use of chemical products, promotes soil health and biodiversity, and reduces the water footprint associated with cotton production.
The collection also uses recycled cotton derived from fibers, yarns and cutting scraps that are put back into Vicunha’s onsite recycling unit. Dyeing and finishing processes that save up to 95 percent of resources are used throughout the collection as well as fabric buttons and bartacks instead of metal rivets.
Vicunha turned to Canada-based Ani Wells, a sustainable fashion consultant and director of Simply Suzette, to design the six-piece collection. Garments include a halter-neck dress and top, a midi circle skirt, a zip-up jacket, jeans with patch pockets and pull-on shirts.
“Local shorter supply chains and regenerative sourcing practices are critical for creating an industry that gives back after taking so much,” Wells said. “By sourcing materials locally and using materials produced through regenerative practices in our designs, we can encourage healthier soil, biodiversity increase, and local community support.”
A portion of the collection’s budget will be donated in honor of the collaboration to Project Pescar to support community development giving youth from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to receive job training and placement at Vicunha. Project Pescar launched in 2004 and has graduated 319 young people.
