Then and Now with Tonne Goodman–Shop Sustainable Sportswear for a Seriously Modern Look
As a long-time champion of environmental causes and sustainable products, Tonne Goodman –legendary stylist, former Vogue fashion director, current Vogue Sustainability editor—has always been my north star on what to buy, where to buy it, when to buy it, and how to wear it. It doesn’t hurt that she is one of the chicest women I’ve ever met, and I idolize her personal style as much as I do her work for both Vogue and our planet. With Tonne’s book Point of View coming out last year, we thought a joyful way to talk about the future of fashion would be to look back to some of Tonne’s greatest shoots for Vogue and breathe new life into the looks by shopping them out from sustainable brands. This is a celebration of timelessness—good style is forever, as are great wardrobe basics—and we already know Tonne’s edit will stand the test of time.
Then:
“This [April 2007] shoot with Steven [Meisel] was about all things sporty,” Tonne says as we look at images of models Crystal Renn and Hilary Rhoda in what could be considered sportswear for every occasion. “These pictures highlight interpretations of literal sportswear—athleticwear—paired with less practical, more fashion pieces. For example, one set-up features a huge bright yellow ball gown and a scuba suit top,” Tonne notes flipping through the issue, “one of the original inspirations was a Dries Van Noten variety jacket with heavy embellishment that actually brought these two worlds together in one garment, which just shows the range of this sportswear trend and how fashion can bend the rules.”
Now:
In more practical applications, Tonne’s 2007 interpretation of sportswear rings just as true in 2021. Whether we’re a year into living in sweatpants and ready to dress them up, or we just enjoy the practicality of leggings for every occasion (day or night, sport or work) athleisure or athleticwear is part of our fashion lexicon. To quote Tonne on Renn and the continuation of this trend, “She could be anywhere in this outfit doing practically anything.” The nature of sportswear itself is a category that lends itself to more sustainable offerings. Whether it’s the ability to get technical and creative with fabrications, the attitude of taking care of yourself and those around you, or the many different applications of these pieces in every woman’s wardrobe, there is no doubt that this market has dominated in the sustainable fashion space. Recycled bottles turned into leggings come to mind, as does the perfect white sneaker that you’d never know are made out of fruit leather.
Starting with the pièce de résistance of this look—the unitard or jumpsuit—this option from Lacausa, with a perfect kick flare leg, is made from recycled water bottles and organic cotton. It’s not only a great, modern option for a pilates class but also serves as a perfect base for an everyday outfit when paired with a button-up overshirt or a chunky spring knit. We also like it paired with a lightweight coat, like this striped tan option from one of fashion’s biggest sustainability advocates Stella McCartney in her ongoing collaboration with Adidas.
As we lean into clothes that are as fashionable as they are functional, we must make sure our accessories are as equally transformational. Paravel’s fold-up duffle bag is made from 22 recycled water bottles and is helpful in any on-the-go situation. Anya Hindmarch’s “I Am Not A Plastic Bag” collection has made headlines since 2007 and utilizes recycled water bottles in handbag fabrications. Now in this chic water bottle carrier variety, it’s the perfect specialty purse to keep you hydrated on the run, whether that’s actually running or just running errands.
I never thought I’d consider anklet or arm weights a fashion accessory, but Bala Bangles have changed this thinking. Made from recycled stainless steel, these weighted bracelets have become a truly cult item. To round off this fashion meets function, sport meets day look, we finish with the perfect sustainable sneaker—a collaboration between Rick Owens and Vejas. Knitted from plastic bottles with a sole that comes from a combination of sugar cane, jute, plastic bottles, and recycled EVA, these shoes are seriously sweet.
