Australian luxury brand Helen Kaminski has obtained Positive Luxury’s Butterfly Mark certification for its commitment to environmental social governance (ESG) across its operations.
It is the first Australian fashion brand to gain this certification, and the fourth business in the country overall.
To attain the Butterfly Mark, brands must undergo a rigorous assessment built on the foundations of international agreements, global frameworks and standards, and potential upcoming legislation.
High-end jewellery brands Calleija and Claude & Me, and skincare brand Grown Alchemist are the other Australian brands with a Butterfly Mark.
Helen Kaminski joins a fleet of over 170 luxury brands globally that are either certified or in the process of being certified - including other notable fashion brands such as Dior Couture, Needle & Thread and MCM, with these three being certified already.
“Positive Luxury’s certification will hold our company accountable for its actions, ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards of sustainability and ethical conduct,” Helen Kaminski GM Mary Barclay said. “Through the certification process, Helen Kaminski will become better informed about best practice solutions to address ESG challenges and drive innovation.
“This ongoing guidance will empower the company to drive change, foster trust and greater transparency and to make more responsible decisions, minimise our environmental footprint, and positively impact society.”
To retain the Butterfly Mark, Helen Kaminski have committed to re-certify every two years.
Positive Luxury CEO Amy Nelson-Bennett said Helen Kaminski’s drive towards conscious fashion production was a key factor in their certification.
“From implementing circularity approaches, including repurposing deadstock and offering customer care and repairs, to implementing ESG screening as part of their supplier selection process and supporting communities in Sri Lanka, Helen Kaminski is setting higher and higher standards,” Nelson Bennett said.
“Authenticity, preservation of craft, and respect for people and nature are values the team strive for every step of the way, and Positive Luxury is very honoured to recognise them as real changemakers.”
Helen Kaminski was born in 1983 in New South Wales, and has since expanded its reach globally via online. The brand operates village workshops in Sri Lanka, with over 8,000 artisans employed, and a further 1,000 in training.