Sustainability & Ethics
Sustainability & Ethics at Lindsay Nicholas New York
The fashion industry has a significant impact on the planet—from textile waste and overproduction to pollution and labor exploitation. At Lindsay Nicholas New York, we don’t pretend to be perfect. But we do believe responsibility begins with intention, transparency, and continual improvement.
We recognize that the industry as a whole must do better—and that includes us. Below are the principles and practices guiding our approach to sustainability and ethical production.
Designing for Longevity, Not Landfill
At the heart of our brand is a commitment to seasonless, enduring design.
When creating each garment, Lindsay focuses on versatility, longevity, and timeless appeal. Our pieces are designed to live outside the trend-driven cycle of fast fashion—meant to be worn, loved, and returned to again and again over many years.
These are not garments designed for a single season or disposable moment. They are intended to be cherished, styled endlessly, and remain elegant long after trends have passed.
Designing fewer, better pieces is one of the most meaningful ways we can reduce waste.
Thoughtful Fabric Choices
We prioritize materials that balance luxury, durability, and environmental responsibility.
Silk, wool, and recycled polyester are core fabrics in our collections—chosen for their longevity, performance, and reduced environmental strain compared to many conventional alternatives. These materials are designed to hold their beauty and structure over time, extending the life of each garment.
Where possible, and without compromising quality, we also incorporate remnant fabrics into our production process to further reduce textile waste.
Responsible Shipping Practices
For international orders, we ship with DHL, which has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and has pledged to invest €7 billion by 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations.
While shipping inevitably has an environmental footprint, we actively seek partners who are investing in meaningful, long-term solutions.
Ethical Manufacturing & Fair Labor
Ethical responsibility extends beyond materials—it includes the people who make our clothes.
At Lindsay Nicholas New York, we value and respect the skilled individuals who bring our designs to life. We ensure our garment workers are paid fairly, treated with respect, and work in safe, comfortable environments.
The majority of our garments are made in Melbourne at a family-run manufacturer accredited by:
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The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia
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Ethical Clothing Australia
Lindsay maintains a close, ongoing relationship with our manufacturing partners and visits the factory regularly—ensuring accountability, transparency, and shared values.
Why This Matters
As author Dana Thomas writes in Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes:
“In Bangladesh most [garment workers] earn $68 a month; that’s not a living wage… their model is archaic and damaging.”
The fashion industry produces roughly 100 billion garments each year and employs one in six people globally—yet only 2% earn a living wage. This reality is unacceptable.
While we cannot solve the industry’s systemic issues alone, we believe every brand has a responsibility to operate differently—and to do so transparently.
A Commitment to Progress
Sustainability and ethics are not static goals. They are ongoing practices.
We are constantly learning, evolving, and reassessing how we can do better—for our customers, our partners, and the planet. We are committed to continuing this work with honesty, care, and accountability.
