FASHION & ACCESSORIES
CECILIE BAHNSEN
Cecilie Bahnsen operates at the intersection of couture and ready-to-wear to create luxury clothing with a relaxed and timeless style designed to treasure, share, lend and to pass on. Responsibility is embedded in Cecilie Bahnsen’s ethos, taking a thoughtful and considered approach to each piece that is created.
SUSTAINABILITY PURPOSE
At Cecilie Bahnsen, their approach to responsibility is a personal one, shaped by genuine beliefs and dreams. While they acknowledge that the products they put out have an impact on the environment, they strive to reduce their effect. As Cecilie Bahnsen's universe evolves, they want their knowledge and transparency to evolve with it, building a traceable value chain, knowing all the people and places they have touched. They are dedicated to working with craftspeople in Europe to preserve the beauty of century old traditions and techniques, bringing the intricate details of couture into the every-day. Creating clothes to cherish, to keep, to share, to lend, to pass on. Mindful motions at every step of the way allow Cecilie Bahnsen to work towards a reduced waste model. Celebrating women, and everyone who identifies with their universe, creating for all ideas of femininity.
Established
2015
Headquarters
Copenhagen, Denmark
First Certified
2019
Employees
30
Categories
Womenswear
Website
Distribution
Worldwide
WHAT THIS BRAND HAS PROVEN
Explore the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) areas assessed as part of Cecilie Bahnsen's Butterfly Mark Certification. The brand provided evidence across key areas of sustainability, including climate, nature and water, workers and communities, and responsible business practices. Its evidence was assessed and verified by Positive Luxury through a two-stage verification process, against criteria informed by recognised global frameworks, standards and legislation.
REAL CHANGE IN ACTION
CLIMATE, WASTE & CIRCULARITY
In 2022, Cecilie Bahnsen began its first carbon assessment, in their journey to understand and minimise their negative impact. The brand actively seeks ways to reduce its waste production and adopt a circular fashion business model. For its Encore collection, surplus fabrics from previous seasons are used, and a made-to-order approach is adopted. Additionally, the brand has partnered with Nona Source for its 2023 season, buying surplus fabrics to be reimagined into Cecilie Bahnsen garments.
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING & BIODIVERSITY
To maintain visibility over its supply chain and limit carbon emissions through logistics, Cecilie Bahnsen’s supply chain is primarily Europe-based. Through continuous research and responsible sourcing practices, the brand is taking action to find alternatives to less sustainable materials. In recent years, Cecilie Bahnsen has made the decisions to switch to Organic Cotton, Recycled Faille and Recycled Cashmere. The brand has built strong partnerships with likeminded companies, who hold similar environmental commitments. In partnership with Asics, Cecilie Bahnsen release a limited capsule collection of trainers using unsold excess stock and reimagining the design with unique Cecilie Bahnsen embellishment.
KINSHIP & COMMUNITY
Cecilie Bahnsen encourages the leadership and empowerment of women, celebrates femininity, and is an equal opportunities employer with zero-tolerance against any forms of harassment and violence. The tight knit team is offered performance reviews to ensure professional development and growth within the company. The brand has supported various charities including Red Cross. In addition, a portion of sales from its limited-edition capsule of Asics up-cycled trainers will be donated to Right to Play. This non-profit organisation’s mission is to use play to empower vulnerable children to overcome the effects of war, poverty, and disease.
TRACEABILITY & TRANSPARENCY
Cecilie Bahnsen works very closely with its suppliers and ensures its own sustainability objectives are clearly communicated. Cecilie Bahnsen’s primary objective is to be honest and transparent with all stakeholders. The brand has aligned with 5 UN SDGs focusing on climate action and water, responsible production patterns, gender equality and sustainable development through inclusive employment. As part of the brand’s Edition collection, customers can follow the journey of their product from raw material until finished product, as well as register ownership of the garment.
In 2022, Cecilie Bahnsen began its first carbon assessment, in their journey to understand and minimise their negative impact. The brand actively seeks ways to reduce its waste production and adopt a circular fashion business model. For its Encore collection, surplus fabrics from previous seasons are used, and a made-to-order approach is adopted. Additionally, the brand has partnered with Nona Source for its 2023 season, buying surplus fabrics to be reimagined into Cecilie Bahnsen garments.
To maintain visibility over its supply chain and limit carbon emissions through logistics, Cecilie Bahnsen’s supply chain is primarily Europe-based. Through continuous research and responsible sourcing practices, the brand is taking action to find alternatives to less sustainable materials. In recent years, Cecilie Bahnsen has made the decisions to switch to Organic Cotton, Recycled Faille and Recycled Cashmere. The brand has built strong partnerships with likeminded companies, who hold similar environmental commitments. In partnership with Asics, Cecilie Bahnsen release a limited capsule collection of trainers using unsold excess stock and reimagining the design with unique Cecilie Bahnsen embellishment.
Cecilie Bahnsen encourages the leadership and empowerment of women, celebrates femininity, and is an equal opportunities employer with zero-tolerance against any forms of harassment and violence. The tight knit team is offered performance reviews to ensure professional development and growth within the company. The brand has supported various charities including Red Cross. In addition, a portion of sales from its limited-edition capsule of Asics up-cycled trainers will be donated to Right to Play. This non-profit organisation’s mission is to use play to empower vulnerable children to overcome the effects of war, poverty, and disease.
Cecilie Bahnsen works very closely with its suppliers and ensures its own sustainability objectives are clearly communicated. Cecilie Bahnsen’s primary objective is to be honest and transparent with all stakeholders. The brand has aligned with 5 UN SDGs focusing on climate action and water, responsible production patterns, gender equality and sustainable development through inclusive employment. As part of the brand’s Edition collection, customers can follow the journey of their product from raw material until finished product, as well as register ownership of the garment.
Standards & Accreditations
To provide evidence of sustainability performance across luxury companies' full value chain, 180+ memberships, accreditations and specialist certifications are taken into account during assessment
Leather Working Group
Cradle to Cradle
Better Cotton Initiative
Oeko-Tex
Fashion Revolution
1% For the Planet
JOURNEY SO FAR
03/2023
RECERTIFICATION
03/2022
RISK MAPPING
01/2022
BASELINE ASSESSMENT
01/2022
FINAL SUBMISSION
07/2021
BEGAN REASSESSMENT
09/2019
FIRST CERTIFIED
07/2019
BEGAN ASSESSMENT
PATHWAY TO HIGHER STANDARDS
Part of Cecilie Bahnsen's mission is to extend the life of each piece, creating clothing of the utmost quality that stand the test of time. They continue to build upon the “Encore” collection, created out of surplus fabrics pulled from past seasons, pieces are given a second life as they are shaped into enamoured silhouettes from previous collections. The limited capsule collections are developed as another step towards integrity and consciousness at Cecilie Bahnsen.