Amidst the growing discussions surrounding sustainable fashion and the collective vision for a more environmentally conscious future, the emergence of “Another Tomorrow” in 2020 represents a pivotal response to the multifaceted dynamics shaping the ever-evolving fashion industry. Founder Vanessa Barboni Hallik embarked on this journey, fueled by a commitment to drive change and promote environmental protection, symbolising humanity’s vision of a brighter tomorrow.
“The story of Another Tomorrow is rooted in my childhood values in many ways,” says Vanessa at the start of her fashion journey, “I grew up immersed in academics, early access to emerging technology, and the creativity my mother brought as an artist. Always an optimist about the future I saw so many opportunities for solutions at the intersections of disciplines. It took me a preliminary fifteen-year career in finance however to find my way to fashion. I took a sabbatical from my job at one of the major investment banks thinking I was pursuing a transition into sustainable finance and instead became enthralled with the massive sustainability issues I came to learn about in fashion. I became more and more passionate about being part of the solution and saw the opportunity and imperative to bring a fresh vision to how fashion as both clothing and industry could evolve into something genuinely sustainable.” Vanessa’s realization of the immense potential and significance of sustainable fashion opened the door for her to embark on a transformative exploration of fashion.
“Another Tomorrow is the vision my team and I have developed alongside countless collaborators for how we believe fashion can operate in harmony with the planet while bringing joy and value to our community. Every decision we make at “Another Tomorrow” is rooted in our unwavering commitment to sustainability based on three pillars – human, animal, and environmental welfare. This is the only reason we exist and so it is our compass. Crucially – we do not believe that quality or design should be compromised to accomplish this – in fact, we see it as critically important that it is not so that we can prove incontrovertibly that sustainability and desirability can coexist if executed with care and craft.” Vanessa revealed the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and the use of ethically manufactured materials, emphasising the crucial role of cultivating a sustainable process.
“We custom create most of the textiles we use alongside our partners, whether that is our farm-to-fabric ultra-fine merino wool or next-generation bio-materials.” Vanessa is enamoured by the allure of biomaterials in the production process and has incorporated sustainable fabrics in the production process such as seaweed from Iceland. “We are working with a beautiful material developed by our partners at Pyratex that combines seaweed with cellulose – this creates an incredibly supple, soft, skin-nourishing material that we use in many of our t-shirts. The sourcing for our natural materials is rooted in regenerative, organic and ethical production – in many cases, we source exquisite, sustainable materials at the actual farm level and then develop them into fabrics – this is the case for almost all of our ultrafine merino wool for example. And much of farm-traceable organic cotton.” From start to finish, Vanessa believes that influence truly begins at the source, “in the same way that food does – and therefore our philosophy is rooted in connection to the source whenever possible.”
The brand is set to launch bio-based leather alternatives in the upcoming season and is more adamant than ever to continue its collaboration with trusted partners to customise sustainable materials. “When raw materials are grown regeneratively, the quality is often remarkable – it’s the fashion equivalent of eating a delicious piece of fruit that comes from a lush biodiverse landscape,” She remarks, “you feel that on your skin. The same is true for some of the newer generation materials, like SEACELL, where fabrics are being developed with the benefits to the skin and tactile sensation directly in mind.” Undeniably, sustainable designs provide an inherent connection between the wearer and the garment, offering a seamless experience that stems from the meticulous selection of materials sourced from diverse natural elements. From the texture of the material to the practice of biodiversity and the reduction of carbon emissions, the allure of sustainable materials is not only evident but also tangible in reality. Vanessa attests to this and confirms, “which can definitely be felt in fabric quality and its softness.”
When asked about the significance of fashion in her life, Vanessa responded, “Fashion I believe is one of the most uniquely human sources of personal expression.” She further expands and says “I view tailoring as the backbone of a wardrobe. The perfect jacket instantly elevates and depending on the proportions and fabrications a look can range from a supple, relaxed throw-over, to a more structured and edgy approach.” Behind her design philosophy, she deeply feels the empowering energy brought by the breakthrough from the new generation of materials and expresses “I have come to believe in energy. I am certain that energy and frequency hold deep meaning, and that materials and products created with love and intention carry that energy with them.” Vanessa shares the changes she hopes to see in the future of the fashion industry and shares, “A more committed and holistic approach to sustainability alongside greater transparency into what actions companies are actually taking. From a broader embrace of meaningful standards–such as becoming a B Corp–to really incorporating new business model, like circularity.” A brighter future is woven in the fabric of our collective imagination, where dreams and aspirations come to life. Yet, to turn this beautiful and vital vision into reality, it demands the united effort of each one of us, to fashion a world that mirrors our shared hopes and dreams.
Translated by Hala Kassem
Editor
Fung Hiu KwanCredit
Photo courtesy of Another Tomorrow
