Soleil Soleil: weaving sunshine and sustainability into global fashion

In Australia, the demand for sustainable fashion is growing rapidly, with over 50% of consumers stating that sustainable products should be easily accessible for purchase, according to Statista. Amid this growing consciousness, a new wave of ethical fashion labels is emerging, and Soleil Soleil shines brightly among them. This independent brand, born during the pandemic, has captured hearts with its vibrant, vintage-inspired designs and unwavering commitment to sustainable textile materials.

In this article, we'll delve into Soleil Soleil's inspiring journey, exploring their creative process, sustainable practices, and how they've leveraged DHL Express' logistics solutions to reach a global audience. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind their success and the growing importance of ethical fashion in today's world.

A shared passion blossoms into a sustainable fashion brand

At the heart of Soleil Soleil's story lies the friendship of Emma and Isabel, two individuals with an undeniable shared passion for vintage textiles and sustainable fashion. What started as a shared love for vibrant prints and unique fabrics soon blossomed into a full-fledged business venture, fueled by their desire to create beautiful, ethical clothing with minimal environmental impact.

Their journey, however, wasn't a straight path but rather a beautiful tapestry woven from unexpected opportunities and shared dreams. The COVID-19 restrictions, while challenging for many, provided the catalyst for Emma and Isabel's creative collaboration. 

With fewer hours spent in the office, they found time to nurture a passion project that married their shared love for prints and their growing concern for the environmental impact of the Australian fashion industry.

What started as a modest venture, crafting pareos and blankets from repurposed fabrics, quickly blossomed into something more. Soleil Soleil evolved into a full-fledged fashion label, offering a diverse range of ready-to-wear garments and accessories that echo their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

What does sustainable fashion look like at Soleil Soleil?

From the outset, Soleil Soleil has embraced a commitment to ethical production and sustainable practices. The brand champions transparency and accountability at every stage of the fashion logistics process, from sourcing materials to garment production. This dedication to minimising environmental impact is a core tenet of their brand philosophy and resonates with their growing customer base.

Soleil Soleil's designs are inspired by the vibrant energy of the Australian summer. Their ideal customer is playful, experimental, and unafraid of colour and print. They envision someone who loves the sun and embraces the outdoor lifestyle, which led them to expand their range to include caps and hats designed to be effortlessly “thrown on over swimwear.”

In line with their sustainable fashion ethos, the brand prioritises natural fibres, such as linen and organic cotton. They collaborate closely with responsible suppliers, ensuring fair labour practices and environmentally sound production methods. By combining conscious design with timeless style, Soleil Soleil creates pieces that are not only beautiful and functional but also durable and kind to the planet.

The evolving couture landscape: is sustainable fashion becoming a trend?

Soleil Soleil's success is intrinsically linked to its ability to adapt to an evolving fashion landscape in Australia. The brand has keenly observed a shift in consumer behaviour towards more conscious purchasing decisions and a preference for unique, ethical, personality-driven pieces that stand out from mass-produced fast fashion.

Responding to these trends, Soleil Soleil remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability while offering distinctive clothing designs that transcend fleeting fashion fads. Their collections exude a timeless quality, encouraging customers to invest in pieces that they'll cherish for years to come, rather than succumbing to the allure of disposable trends.

Sustainability at the core: can fashion be 100% sustainable?

While achieving complete sustainability in fashion remains an ongoing challenge, Soleil Soleil's dedication to minimising its environmental impact extends far beyond the bare minimum. The brand has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting responsible practices throughout its operations.

• Planting a tree for every order: For every order of clothing placed, Soleil Soleil plants a tree in partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation. This initiative helps offset carbon emissions and contributes to a healthier planet.
• Recycled and biodegradable packaging: The brand uses recycled and biodegradable materials for packaging and shipping, further reducing its environmental impact.
• Natural fibres from responsible suppliers: Soleil Soleil partners with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability, ensuring that their fabrics are sourced ethically and with minimal environmental impact.
• Sustainable shipping and green logistics: The brand has partnered with DHL GoGreen, DHL's carbon-neutral shipping option, to reduce the environmental footprint of its logistics operations.
• Charitable collaborations: Soleil Soleil actively engages in collaborations with charitable organisations, supporting causes that align with their values and giving back to the community.
• Transparency and education: The brand maintains transparency by sharing its sustainability journey with customers, educating them about the importance of conscious consumption and eco-friendly fashion choices.

DHL Express: empowering global expansion

As Soleil Soleil's brand recognition grew, so did the need to streamline its logistics operations. International shipping played a vital role in their success, enabling them to source unique vintage textiles from around the world and cater to a growing global customer base.

DHL Express became an invaluable partner in this journey, providing efficient and reliable international shipping solutions. From importing fabrics to exporting finished garments, DHL Express ensured seamless movement of goods across borders, fulfilling customer expectations for speedy delivery in the fast-paced world of e-commerce.

With a commitment to zero emissions by 2050, DHL’s GoGreen solutions allowed environment-first brands like Soleil Soleil to extend their sustainability ethos into their shipping and logistics, ensuring that their customers are also able to benefit from ethical practices in the fashion industry.

A Bright Future, Sustainably Delivered

Soleil Soleil's success story exemplifies the rising influence of Australian fashion brands on the global stage, especially those championing sustainability. Their journey demonstrates that ethical practices and eco-conscious choices can go hand-in-hand with style and commercial success.

By providing efficient export services and streamlined customs procedures, DHL Express empowers Australian businesses like Soleil Soleil to navigate the complexities of exporting overseas and share their unique vision with the world.

If you're an Australian business with aspirations of expanding your global footprint while minimising your environmental impact, consider partnering with DHL Express. Our sustainable packaging options and GoGreen solutions offer a responsible and eco-conscious approach to logistics. Learn more about how you can improve your brand by checking out our advice to new business owners, and ship with DHL Express today.