Model and activist Arizona Muse is advocating for regenerative agriculture in the fashion industry through her nonprofit Dirt and a collaboration with Faherty.
Arizona Muse, a model and activist known for her commitment to sustainable fashion, is taking significant steps toward promoting regenerative agriculture within the industry. Through her nonprofit organization, Dirt, and a collaboration with the clothing brand Faherty, Muse is eager to raise awareness about the benefits of regenerative cotton, which enhances soil health as opposed to conventional cotton farming practices.
In a relaunch effort, Faherty is introducing a new version of its Sunwashed T, made from regenerative cotton sourced from Peru. Set to be available starting Friday, the T-shirt retails for $68 to $78, depending on the size, and can be purchased both in stores and online. The Sunwashed T integrates a lower-impact Ozone Wash process, which not only conserves soil health but also avoids the use of harmful chemicals. “I absolutely love knowing that my Faherty T is made from regeneratively grown cotton from Peru,” Muse stated in an interview with WWD. “That means the land where this cotton was cultivated is actually getting healthier season after season. Wearing something that tells a story of regeneration and positive impact is the best feeling.”
Muse has also produced a mini-documentary with Faherty that chronicles her visit to Peru, where she observed regenerative agricultural practices firsthand. She emphasizes the potential for transformative change in the fashion industry when agriculture principles are prioritized. “When it finally clicked — that fashion starts with agriculture — I saw how transformative this industry could be,” she expressed. “If we grow all our materials — cotton, silk, wool, leather, tree fibers — using regenerative methods that restore soil health, then fashion can truly become a climate solution.”
To help consumers navigate the sustainable landscape of fashion brands, Muse offers practical advice. She stresses the importance of transparency and education, encouraging shoppers to “read the label” of their garments to understand their contents and investigate the brand’s sourcing strategies. “Do they seem truly knowledgeable? Are you learning something from their sustainability page? Transparency and education are key indicators of a brand’s commitment,” she noted.
Despite progress, Muse recognizes the considerable challenges remaining within the industry, particularly with regard to dyeing processes. Many brands are still searching for sustainable alternatives to traditional dyes, which she identifies as a significant hurdle in achieving total sustainability. To address this issue, her organization has partnered with The Biodynamic Federation Demeter International to establish new dye standards for fashion brands and suppliers. She explains, “This guideline ensures that the cultivation of raw dye materials, their processing, and the final dye itself all contribute positively to the environment. Ideally, dyes should be biodegradable and compostable, acting as food for worms rather than toxic waste harming ecosystems.”
Faherty, co-founded by Alex Faherty, a New York-based lifestyle brand, has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to utilize 80 percent responsible materials by 2025 and achieve 100 percent by 2030. The label’s efforts to implement regenerative practices in their clothing lines highlight a broader movement within the fashion industry to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services
