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L’EXCEPTION IS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE FASHION


THE SMART CHOICE: A selection of responsible brands.


In 2019, L’Exception launched THE SMART CHOICE. We are proud to showcase a selection of brands that deserve to be celebrated for their eco-responsible focus, high-quality fabrics and manufacturing chain that respects both social and ethical values. An extension of the GO FOR GOOD movement by Galeries Lafayette, THE SMART CHOICE represents the same philosophy with a range of the best brands. In addition to the main categories, we’ve added ‘Good Will’ – promoting brands that ensure a good deed is done on your part – like Faguo who plant a tree for every item purchased.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORIES


Aware of the importance of ethical, fair trade and sustainable fashion, THE SMART CHOICE by L’Exception rates brands by their environmental impact – reflecting important subjects like the place of manufacture, raw materials, fabric treatments and the longevity of each product.

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ORGANIC COTTON/LINEN/WOOL


Natural materials can have an impact on the environment due to the high levels of water consumed and treatment processes used. That’s why THE SMART CHOICE, represents products that respect strict standards – whether that be linen, cotton or wool. We only label items that are certified Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Responsible Wool Standard or European Flax & Masters of Linen.

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RECYCLED MATERIALS


Recycling old or deadstock fabric helps to reduce the manufacture of new fabrics (either natural or synthetic) and is an important part of the ethical and sustainable movement. No matter the fabric, a simple thread splicing technology offers disused fabrics a new life. In THE SMART CHOICE, category, recycled materials include cotton, cashmere, polyester (from plastic bottles) and wool. To be categorised as THE SMART CHOICE, each product must contain a minimum of 50% recycled fabric (unless cotton 20%).

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LYOCELL®


Tencel® (eucalyptus pulp) and Monocel® (bamboo) are wood-based fibres created from FSC-certified forests. These two fabric alternatives are transformed using Lyocell – an organic process exempt from toxic solvents and a closed water cycle. These two ecological substitutes can be used as a primary or secondary alternative to traditional fabric. To be categorised as THE SMART CHOICE, each product must have at least 50% lyocell to qualify.

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OTHER MATERIALS & INGREDIENTS


THE SMART CHOICE by L’Exception also takes into account other important eco-friendly factors:

· Products containing alpaca or yak ·

Alpaca & Yak herds must have wide pastoral land to thrive. They, therefore, have a low environmental impact. Products in this category must contain THE SMART CHOICE intègrent at least 50% alpaca or yak fibres.

· Leather alternatives ·

A number of leather alternatives are also recognised as part of THE SMART CHOICE. Both ethical and environmental, products categorised as faux leather must contain at least 50% of vegetable-based by-products not destined for human consumption.

· Organic & natural cosmetics ·

Products labelled THE SMART CHOICE contain at least 95% naturally-sourced ingredients. We recognise labels that carry Nature (3 étoiles), Ecocert Cosmebio or Nature et Progrès certification – including organic & natural properties.

· Recycled jewellery or lab-created diamonds ·

This category concerns jewellery made from 100% recycled sources or pieces that carry a Fairmined/Fairtrade certificate. Recycled gold helps to preserve natural resources and create new pieces from smelted metals. Lab-manufactured diamonds are created in-house and drastically reduce social and environmental issues.

These techniques still offer the same high-quality standards with no environmental impact.

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SOCIAL CATEGORIES


Mass manufacturing has a major effect on the poverty scale & social development (for example sustainable or ethical manufacturing and cyclical industry). Products in THE SMART CHOICE contribute to positive social development and reduce levels of poverty across developing countries.

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FAIR TRADE


A sustainable choice for a fairer world, fair trade products selected as part of THE SMART CHOICE support the payment of higher prices to exporters, as well as improved social and environmental standards. Purchasing Fair Trade products ensures people in every part of the manufacturing chain are paid fairly.


WELFARE PRODUCT


Reflecting brands that have community welfare at the heart of their leitmotiv, THE SMART CHOICE reflects products that are crafted by members of society the most in need of financial and community support – encouraging apprenticeships and offering new avenues into work.

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CHARITABLE PRODUCT


Charitable products are those created by charities to raise money for causes – to qualify for this category, a percentage of the price of the product must go directly to the organisation.


GOODWILL PRODUCT


With the sale of each product, the brand guarantees to do a good deed – Faguo for example, plants a tree for every product purchased, whilst Twins for Peace distribute children’s shoes in developing countries for every pair bought.

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LOCAL CATEGORIES


Today, local products are growing in popularity across brands. Proud to support regional-based manufacturing, THE SMART CHOICE represents local production and skill-based products made in France. This action encourages the protection & preservation of French savoir-faire and jobs within Europe.

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MADE IN FRANCE


The criteria for a product Made in France is organised into two elements: 1) the product must have been made in France, 2) +50% of the price of production must have been spent in France. For example, a dress must have been cut, constructed and crafted in France, accounting for at least 50% of the total cost of the product.


FRENCH SAVOIR-FAIRE PRODUCT


Products showcasing French ‘savoir-faire’ are French-made products crafted by heritage ateliers and historical design houses as part of the ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ – a label issued by the French government noticing the brand’s ancestral techniques, traditional construction or high-quality craftsmanship. Brands as part of THE SMART CHOICE also consider locally-based manufacturing and traditional construction techniques that date back through the generations.

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Do you want to know more about SMART CHOICE’s items ?

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