Introducing Riona Treacy, the sustainable brand pioneering in vegan leather

Having worked previously at Alexander McQueen and Mary Katrantzou, Belfast native, Riona Treacy, is the womenswear designer making her mark with elegant ethical collections.

All of Treacy’s designs are handmade in London, dedicated to working closely with British and Irish manufacturing industries, her brand is the perfect go-to for the sustainably conscious, but also important in setting an example for other designers to follow. The fashion industry is facing tough times ahead, with it having a carbon footprint bigger than some airlines and shipping companies combined, the industry desperately needs to adapt or otherwise cease to exist.

Specialising in vegan leather, many of her pieces are minimalist leather jumpsuits and co-ord pieces, in understated neutral tones, they are beautifully mature yet undeniably current. Using alternative necklines and draping to explore different silhouettes, her clothes have a Rick Owens-esq effect: breathtaking.

Treacy also uses the ancient Japanese hand-dying technique of Shibori, the prints acquire such depth in colour, the garments resemble antique tapestries made with natural dyes, such as Asian and Turkish Ikats, rather than clothes.

You can purchase clothes from Riona Treacy here.