Reformation is a fairly new eco-friendly fashion brand that has quickly gained quite a huge following. This is in part due to their transparency regarding their sustainability practices. Rather than quarterly profit reports, Reformation publicly shares quarterly sustainability reports. Specifically, they publish the totals for all the resources they’ve used, saved, and offset. Yet, does that alone make Reformation worth the hype?
One thing that sets Reformation apart from several other companies is that they don’t just manufacture sustainably. Reformation also invests in programs that replace the resources they’ve spent.
They’re successfully accomplished this through partnerships with the Brazilian Rosewood Amazon Conservation Project and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Water Restoration Program. One example is the production of their second quarter 2018 line which protected 1,000 acres of the Amazon Rainforest from deforestation. In addition, it contributed 27 million gallons of freshwater to critically dewatered rivers and wetlands in California, and purchased landfill gas offsets.
Even more impressive, some of Reformation’s sustainability practices include the use of led lighting and Energy Star-rated appliances in their offices. They also source electricity offsets from 100% wind power suppliers. They recycle about 75% of all their garbage with a goal to reach over 85%. Plus, using rammed earth, recycled fabric insulation among other sustainable materials, Reformation estimates that the offset of their store builds to be 100%!
Now even given all of Reformation’s glowing eco-conscious accolades the question remains whether they are worth the hype in terms of value? Perhaps it depends on what the basis of measurement is. If measured from an environmental standard, Reformation will likely score pretty close to 100%. Though when measured in terms of merchandise quality, opinions are varied.
Some argue that from a design perspective there is nothing so special about Reformation’s style that warrants such high price tags. Meanwhile, others among the eco-conscious rave about the superior quality and value of Reformation’s fashions shouting bang for buck.
I can see both sides of the argument. Reformation’s style gives a youthful, yet tasteful flavor which I love. Think trendy, eye-catching, goddess made of viscose vibes. Color options and pairings are divine. Designs boast style and comfort.
Now sure it’s not anything that I haven’t seen before. At the same time, as one among the eco-conscious I am a huge fan of their sustainability practices, which is worth the investment of the higher price tag. Undoing the damage that we’ve done to the environment won’t come cheap. So an occasional treat from Reformation is well worth it for me. Besides that, I’m an only-buy-it-on-sale mami and Reformation has fab sales.
I also love Reformation’s diverse representation both commercially and professionally. Caring for people as much as they do merchandising is a rare corporate attribute. That’s something that I quite value. It shows integrity and that to me is priceless. Plus from a marketing perspective it has likely been a huge factor in their fast-growing popularity.
No need to purchase an entire wardrobe from Reformation. However, getting a special treat now and then that benefits both you and the planet is a 2-for-1.
Have you shopped at Reformation? What was your shopping experience like? Do you feel that you got bang for buck?
