Guest in Residence of Gigi Hadid: Sustainability at the heart of the brand
In an era flooded with fleeting celebrity collaborations and superficial brand ambassadors, it's rare to find a name that embodies a genuine, deeply rooted vision. But supermodel and creative director Gigi Hadid has chosen a different, quieter, yet far more powerful path with Guest in Residence. She hasn't just unleashed her effortless, personal style on the fashion world; she's created a label whose very name reveals a deeper philosophy: We are all just guests on this planet ("Guests in Residence"), and with that status comes a responsibility.
This very responsibility forms the unshakeable foundation of the brand. While many fashion labels only invoke their green promises as a marketing strategy after the fact, for Guest in Residence it was clear from the very first sketch: environmental awareness, ethical production conditions, and a respectful approach to nature's precious resources are not optional "nice-to-haves." They are the unshakeable cornerstones of every single collection. In this article, we look behind the scenes, shedding light on the origin of the materials, the innovative production processes, and the social initiatives of Guest in Residence. We show how Gigi Hadid reconciles her vision of timeless, stylish cashmere with a clear and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.
The origin of the material
For Guest in Residence, the journey of a garment is just as important as the final design. Therefore, with every design, even before the first silhouette is sketched, one fundamental question is at the forefront: Where does our yarn come from? This investigative approach is at the heart of the design process. From the earliest concept phase, potential materials are examined not only for their aesthetics and feel, but above all for their ecological and social footprint.
The heart and founding principle of the brand is, of course, 100% cashmere. Gigi Hadid prioritizes complete traceability and works with partners certified according to the "Good Cashmere Standard." This guarantees not only the welfare of the cashmere goats and the protection of their environment, but also fair working conditions for the herders. It is a commitment to a resource that, when harvested responsibly, can bring joy for generations.
But Gigi Hadid's vision extends beyond cashmere, encompassing an entire wardrobe made from consciously chosen fibers. Organic cotton from certified Fair Trade plantations forms the basis for her lightweight summer sweaters and breathable jersey shirts. This means no toxic pesticides, healthier soil, and cultivation methods that are gentle on both the wearer's skin and the farmers' health. When it comes to cozy knitwear that offers an alternative to cashmere, only merino wool from controlled, guaranteed mulesing-free farms is used – a non-negotiable ethical standard for the brand.
For flowing, silky silhouettes, Guest in Residence relies on innovative, intelligent fibers like Tencel™ Lyocell. This botanical cellulose fiber is sourced from sustainably managed eucalyptus plantations. Its true stroke of genius, however, lies in the manufacturing process: it takes place in a closed-loop system where over 99% of the water and solvents used are recycled and reused. The thoughtful combination of these high-quality, certified natural fibers creates a textile range that is not only exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin, but also makes a clear statement for fashion that respects and protects the environment.
Production in family-run factories
Gigi Hadid repeatedly emphasizes the importance of close partnerships. Guest in Residence therefore collaborates with small, family-run workshops in Italy and Portugal, where seamstresses and tailors are paid fairly and can earn a living from their craft. These workshops combine modern technology with decades of experience in textile craftsmanship, ensuring that every garment meets the highest quality standards. Instead of anonymous, large factory halls, production takes place in small batches, resulting in manageable production runs and thus avoiding overproduction. Close on-site oversight guarantees that all stages of production – from cutting and sewing to final inspection – are carried out under humane conditions.
Low-pollutant dyes and water management
A particularly critical aspect of fashion production is the dyeing of fabrics. Guest in Residence consciously uses OEKO-TEX®-certified dyes that are free of heavy metals and azo dyes. The partner dye works operate closed-loop water systems in which wastewater is filtered and reused multiple times. In this way, the label not only conserves valuable resources but also prevents toxic chemicals from entering rivers and soils. The light pastel shades of the summer collection and the intense dark blue hues of the autumn line are therefore not only fashionable but also ecologically responsible.
Recycling and take-back at the end of life
Guest in Residence goes beyond simply selling clothes and considers the entire life cycle of a garment. Customers can return used items – either to the Guest in Residence store or by mail. There, the textiles are inspected and, depending on the material, recycled into new yarn, donated to local charity shops, or further processed in upcycling workshops. This take-back program ensures that as little material as possible is discarded unused and extends the product life cycle far beyond the initial wearing. Participants receive a discount voucher for their next purchase – an incentive to actively engage in the circular economy.
GUEST IN RESIDENCE LOOK
Recycled yarns and zero-waste design
Community engagement and social projects
For Guest in Residence, sustainability encompasses not only environmental aspects but also social responsibility. A portion of the proceeds from every collection sold goes toward empowering women in the producing countries. Workshops on craft techniques, language courses, and financial literacy particularly strengthen women who otherwise have limited access to income sources. These projects are also regularly featured at loui.rocks store events, so as a customer, you can see firsthand how your purchase supports people on the ground.
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