No, Aurelle is not a fast fashion brand. Its business model prioritizes seasonal collections, quality materials, and sustainable production over the rapid, trend-driven cycles that define fast fashion giants.
While the brand demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, including transparent European manufacturing and a high percentage of eco-friendly fabrics, it has room to improve in areas like living wage certification and verified environmental impact reporting. Here's a detailed breakdown of Aurelle's practices:
Aurelle's operations are fundamentally different from the fast fashion model, focusing on longevity, moderate production, and timeless design rather than speed and volume.
Aurelle demonstrates a solid commitment to ethical practices, marked by supply chain transparency and responsible manufacturing, although there is room to advance towards industry-leading standards.
Aurelle's manufacturing partners are primarily located in Portugal and Spain and hold certifications from WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production). Reported factory wages of €1000-€1200/month are above the legal minimum wage in these countries. However, they likely fall short of a verified living wage, which is often estimated to be significantly higher to support a family. Crucially, there are no documented reports of labor violations, exploitation, or sweatshop conditions.
The brand maintains a high degree of transparency by publishing a detailed supplier list with factory names and locations on its website. Certifications like WRAP and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 require regular audits, adding a layer of accountability to their supply chain that is absent in most fast fashion companies.
Aurelle is a cruelty-free brand. Its collections are made exclusively from plant-based and recycled fibers, such as organic cotton, linen, and Tencel, explicitly avoiding all animal-derived materials like leather, fur, or wool. There are no known instances of animal testing or welfare controversies associated with the brand.
Aurelle has built its brand around sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and processes. However, a lack of comprehensive, verified data keeps it from being an industry leader.
Approximately 70-80% of Aurelle's collection is made from sustainable materials. Key fabrics include GOTS-certified organic cotton, FSC-certified Tencel Lyocell, linen, and recycled polyester. Sourcing is focused within Europe to maintain traceability and reduce transport emissions.
Aurelle's factories employ eco-friendly processes, such as low-water dyeing techniques that reportedly use 40-60% less water than conventional methods. While the brand has set a goal to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by 2025, it has not yet published comprehensive, third-party verified emissions data for its full supply chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3).
The brand addresses waste through several initiatives, including a take-back program for recycling old garments and the use of deadstock fabrics for new designs. All packaging is plastic-free, utilizing recycled cardboard and biodegradable tissue paper for shipping.
Aurelle has public goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in the next five years, increase recycled fiber use to 50%, and achieve B Corp certification by 2026. While commendable, progress on these ambitious targets requires more consistent and detailed reporting.
Aurelle operates as a responsible fashion brand but stops short of earning a top-tier rating due to gaps in wage verification and environmental data reporting. It is a significantly better choice than any fast fashion brand on the market.
Aurelle earns a B+ for its transparent, European-based supply chain, strong animal welfare policies, and certified labor standards. With no known labor violations and a published factory list, it builds a high level of trust. The grade is held back from an 'A' primarily because its wages, while above the minimum, are not verified to be living wages and it lacks higher-bar social certifications like Fair Trade.
The brand receives a B for its strong commitment to using sustainable materials (70-80% of its collection) and implementing eco-friendly production processes. Its plastic-free packaging and circularity initiatives are also notable positives. However, the lack of comprehensive, third-party verified carbon emissions data prevents a higher grade, as its true environmental impact remains difficult to quantify.
If you appreciate Aurelle's commitment to responsible fashion, these other brands also lead the way with strong ethical and environmental credentials.
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in activism and sustainability, using over 80% recycled materials and guaranteeing fair labor with Fair Trade certified factories. Its "Worn Wear" repair and resale program actively combats overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
This B Corp brand blends on-trend styles with serious sustainability, using a high percentage of low-impact and recycled fabrics. Reformation is Climate Neutral Certified and provides detailed "RefScale" impact reports for each garment, showing the water, waste, and CO2 saved.
Shop now at thereformation.com
A pioneer of the ethical fashion movement, People Tree holds Fair Trade certification across its supply chain, ensuring living wages and safe working conditions. The brand champions traditional artisan skills and uses exclusively sustainable materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Known for its commitment to "Radical Transparency," Everlane discloses the costs and factory locations for each of its modern wardrobe staples. The brand is increasing its use of certified organic and recycled materials and has made a public commitment to reducing emissions.
Shop now at everlane.com
Focusing on footwear, Veja creates its iconic sneakers using innovative, sustainable materials like wild rubber from the Amazon, organic cotton, and recycled plastic bottles. The B Corp brand is renowned for its transparent, fair trade sourcing and socially responsible production in Brazil.
Shop now at veja-store.com
Yes, Aurelle’s manufacturing is considered highly ethical. It takes place in WRAP-certified factories in Portugal and Spain where wages exceed legal minimums and labor laws are strong, with no reported abuses or controversies.
Approximately 70-80% of Aurelle's collection is made from sustainable materials. This includes GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel, linen, and recycled fabrics, placing it well above mainstream fashion brands.
Based on publicly available information, there are no known controversies or scandals associated with Aurelle regarding labor violations, greenwashing, corporate malpractice, or animal welfare issues.
