Hungary: FANNA polewear, founded by Fanny Nagy, is revolutionising the fashion industry with its sustainable approach and community involvement. This rapidly growing brand has saved significant waste from landfills, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers and highlighting the shift towards ethical fashion choices.
FANNA polewear, a pioneering sustainable designer brand specialising in pole dancing and activewear, is making waves in the fashion industry with its commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. Established by Fanny Nagy in 2021, the brand has quickly attracted a following of over 40,000 members, emphasising a conscious lifestyle through fashion choices. According to the publication Marie Claire Hungary, FANNA has effectively saved 1,778 kilograms of waste from entering landfills by using sustainable materials, such as Econyl yarn, which repurposes fishing nets and carpet waste.
The fashion industry faces considerable scrutiny for its harmful environmental impact and unethical working conditions, attributed largely to the pervasive “fast fashion” model. This model results in the production of 80 to 100 billion garments each year, with more than 60% crafted from synthetic materials that often originate from fossil fuels. Fast fashion is responsible for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, a figure surpassing the emissions generated by international flights and maritime shipping combined.
However, a positive shift is occurring, particularly among younger demographics, where there is a growing awareness and support for sustainable brands. Recent trends indicate that 73% of millennials are willing to invest more in sustainable fashion, while Generation Alpha shows a preference for unique and personalised apparel, including upcycled items and vintage pieces. This changing consumer landscape appears to bode well for FANNA, reinforcing the notion that sustainable fashion is more than a fleeting trend.
FANNA’s dedication to sustainability is intrinsic to its brand identity, evidenced by the careful selection of eco-friendly materials sourced from Carvico, near Milan, Italy. These materials include ECONYL® and GOTS®-certified organic cottons, which play a pivotal role in reducing environmental pollution. The design and production processes are rooted in ethical practices, with garment creation taking place in Hungary to minimise ecological footprints. Fanny Nagy, continuing to design the collections, collaborates with local sewing workshops to ensure sustainable production practices.
Community support is a cornerstone of the FANNA brand, exemplified by the #FANNACommunity hashtag prevalent on social media and the organisation of events to promote sustainable fashion, including a community march last year—a first of its kind in Hungary.
Fanny Nagy’s journey to founding FANNA began in Veresegyház. After being turned away from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, she pursued self-education in industrial sewing and tailoring. Initially creating leather garments, bags, and shoes, she later turned her passion for pole dancing into a business venture that addresses the specific needs of pole dancers. The initial capital for her enterprise came from selling two leather jackets, which enabled her to launch her first collections and establish a webshop. Her strategic use of social media has contributed to her brand’s expansion, with her X-top becoming a best-seller, despite facing initial challenges during its design phase.
In addition to the polewear line, Nagy recently introduced her first pilates collection last summer, aiming to resonate with her Hungarian audience. This new collection centres around themes of female strength and calmness, presenting a colour palette that includes vibrant pinks alongside earthy shades like deep green and beige. As FANNA polewear continues to grow, its initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainability, community, and empowering individuals within the fashion industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
