LK Bennett has been a staple of British fashion since 1990, renowned for its commitment to timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. Recently, the brand has embarked on a journey towards sustainability, weaving ethical practices into its fabric while maintaining the style and quality it is known for. Lynette, Sustainability Lead at LK Bennett, sheds light on this transformative journey.
"As a brand that has always championed slow fashion designs, our focus on 'wear-forever' quality, craftsmanship, and style is at the heart of everything we do," Bradford explains. This enduring commitment to quality now extends to ensuring that the materials and methods used are ethical and sustainable. "Increasingly, we want to ensure that the LKB quality that is known and loved is achieved through ethical, sustainable, and responsible clothing practices to help protect our planet and its people."
Central to LK Bennett's sustainability strategy is the ethical sourcing of materials. The brand has long-established relationships with suppliers who share its values of quality, respect, and authenticity. Bradford elaborates, "Our seasonal supplier network reviews focus on strengthening partnerships, transparency, and continuous improvement." In 2020, LK Bennett incorporated LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers into its collections, adhering to global certified standards for recycled qualities, organic cotton, responsibly sourced wool, and Merino yarns. As a member of the Leather Working Group since 2021, the brand promotes responsible leather sourcing, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices.
LK Bennett’s vision of sustainability is deeply rooted in a sense of responsibility to the planet and future generations. "We recognise that we have a responsibility to our employees, customers, and suppliers to minimise our impact on the planet, not only for today but for tomorrow and beyond," Bradford notes. This vision is reflected in every piece the brand creates, designed to be loved and worn for years. The dedication to sourcing high-quality, innovative fabrics that are lower-impact, recyclable, and reusable is a testament to LK Bennett's long-term commitment to sustainability.
In line with promoting circular fashion, LK Bennett has introduced initiatives such as the rental service LK Borrowed and partnerships with Thrift+ and The Seam. "In July 2021, we launched our monthly rental subscription service, LK Borrowed," Bradford says. This service allows customers to enjoy a rotating wardrobe, promoting a planet-friendly approach to dressing. The partnership with Thrift+ launched in September 2022, enables customers to give their once-loved clothes a new lease of life. "Customers simply add a Thrift+ bag to their LKB order, fill it with unwanted clothes, and Thrift+ does the rest," she explains. Additionally, The Seam connects customers with local specialist makers for alterations, repairs, and restorations on pre-loved clothing and shoes, further extending the lifecycle of their garments.
Maintaining strong, ethical relationships with suppliers is crucial for LK Bennett. "Our Design, Buying, and Technical teams work closely with suppliers to build strong and trusting partnerships," Bradford states. Regular in-person and virtual meetings with senior team members ensure these relationships are nurtured. All suppliers receive LK Bennett's Terms and Conditions, outlining the conditions of engagement, including the code of conduct and business policies. "It is important for us to provide a forum for our employees and our suppliers to discuss where they find it difficult to implement Environmental Social and Governance improvement projects," Bradford adds. Key supplier partners, such as Calvelex in Portugal and Calzaturificio Marco in Italy, share LK Bennett's dedication to preserving local creativity and craftsmanship while promoting responsible consumption.
A significant milestone in LK Bennett's sustainability journey was receiving the Butterfly Mark certification from Positive Luxury in May 2023. "Being awarded the Butterfly Mark is recognition of our commitment to our customers, employees, and suppliers to drive meaningful change," Bradford proudly shares. This certification underscores the brand’s dedication to traceability, social and environmental compliance, and continuous improvement.
Product longevity is a core principle at LK Bennett. "Sustainable products are at the forefront of our design team’s work," Bradford explains. The brand uses fibres that minimise environmental impact, guided by global certified standards for Organic Cotton, Responsible Wool Standard, Man Made Cellulosic Fibres, Global Recycled Standard, and Leather. As a member of the Leather Working Group since 2021, LK Bennett promotes responsible leather sourcing, ensuring durability and timelessness in its designs.
Balancing tradition with innovation, LK Bennett ensures its classic styles align with sustainable practices. "The timeless nature of our styles goes hand in hand with sustainable practices," Bradford says. "A huge part of our ethos is to promote slow fashion, to love pieces season after season." This commitment is evident in the brand's continuous efforts to improve and expand its conscious offering while maintaining the beloved LKB qualities.
Employee involvement is crucial in achieving LK Bennett's sustainability goals. "We believe that a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion not only benefits our business but supports wellbeing," Bradford emphasizes. The brand promotes a working environment where individual differences are recognised and valued, free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation. LK Bennett also encourages employees and suppliers to look towards the wider community, promoting well-being through assistance programs and social communities.
Looking ahead, LK Bennett has set ambitious goals to further enhance its sustainability practices. "We continue to review and develop our sustainability strategy, establishing priorities and opportunities to understand our impact on the environment, people, and animals," Bradford shares. The brand has set a target to reduce absolute emissions by 37% by 2030, based on a baseline carbon assessment with Positive Luxury.
"Our aim is to reduce our environmental impact through sourcing materials with lower carbon footprints and elements of circularity," she adds. This dedication to high-quality, innovative materials is at the forefront of LK Bennett’s design strategy, increasing the offering of sustainable key materials each season.
LK Bennett's journey towards sustainability is a testament to its commitment to timeless fashion and ethical practices. "We love making people feel great when they wear our pieces, but we also want them to know that by choosing LK Bennett, they are investing in a brand that cares about the future by acting responsibly now and always," Bradford says. With a clear vision and dedicated efforts, LK Bennett is not only preserving the essence of timeless fashion but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
