NEONYT Düsseldorf | Ten Standout Brands of 2024

Neonyt’s sustainable fashion showcase featured an array of innovative sustainable brands. These designers strive to save our planet whilst creating stylish pieces that can be cherished for years. We’ve made a list of brands you should get to know.

To receive the Luxiders Newsletter, sign up here.

Last weekend, Düsseldorf’s Bilker Bunker hosted Neonyt, an event spotlighting sustainable fashion. This biannual trailblazing event always showcases an impressive array of eco-conscious brands. Neonyt is renowned for highlighting brands that prioritise ethical production, upcycling, and unique design philosophies and this weekend did not disappoint. Here are the top ten standout brands from NEONYT 2024, each representing the future of fashion.

MAESH

Based in Hannover, MAESH specialises in bags made from cast-away advertising banners. MAESH prides itself on being a local, sustainable and social enterprise with its bags crafted by talented women with a history of migration or flight. Founded in 2016, the company started by establishing workshops in refugee accommodations aimed at integrating individuals into the labour market through woodwork, interior design, and tailoring. Despite adapting and growing, MAESH have remained true to their values. Today, the products are hand-crafted under one roof, ensuring every piece is made with care and purpose.

At Neonyt, MAESH displayed vibrant purple bags to match the event colours. Their stall showcased an unwavering commitment to sustainability and community-driven business practices.

©MAESH

NUTT AMSTERDAM

NUTT Amsterdam creates quirky, handmade statement pieces. One can see the visionary talent and design work behind each creation. Each piece is crafted in their atelier and ensures high quality and ethical production standards. Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond production, encouraging consumers to donate their clothes and promoting a culture of reuse and recycling. The unique designs displayed at NEONYT made viewers question why they haven’t been buying upcycled clothing all along.

&LADYMONDEGREEN

&LadyMondegreen is an upcycling pioneer in the fashion industry. Founded by Natalie Tönnis, this brand breathes new life into old garments, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are as unique as they are sustainable. The ‘&’ part of the label name honours the original designers, reflecting the brand’s commitment to giving clothes multiple lifetimes. Every piece by &LadyMondegreen is 100% unique and meticulously crafted. Her approach not only reduces waste but also promotes an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every item of clothing. Modelling her own clothing, this band was an unmissable stall at the event.

NEW.VE

NEW.VE is a vegan footwear brand from Portugal offering a fresh perspective. Their unisex sneakers are made from innovative materials providing an alternative to traditional animal products. NEW.VE uses bamboo, organic cotton, apple skin, and even tennis balls, with each pair using four recycled balls. The shoes include labels detailing the sustainable materials used and explaining in which parts of the shoes these materials reside. NEW.VE’s mission to improve the planet is reflected in every aspect of their production, from fair labour practices to renewable materials, making them stand out at NEONYT.

FRIJDA JUNI

FRiJDA JUNi’s stand was filled with timeless designs made from natural materials. Established in 2020 by designer Claudia, FRiJDA JUNi draws inspiration from the beauty of nature to create durable, high-quality clothing. The designs are made using natural materials that meet the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility. Transparency is key, with detailed information available about materials, regional production, and recycling efforts. Based in Munich, the brand emphasises sustainability through regionality and craftsmanship, using deadstock fabrics and materials produced mostly in Europe.

CHIARA DE CONCILIO | WAVE OF LIFE

Italian brand Chiara De Concilio Wave of Life transforms plastic waste into stylish swimwear. The brand is deeply inspired by the sea, using recycled plastics, sustainable lycra, and organic cotton to create their pieces. Chiara De Concilio ensures all materials are certified free of toxic substances and packaged sustainably. Additionally, the brand supports social causes such as Healthy Seas, reflecting their broader mission of environmental stewardship. Their stand at NEONYT featured vibrant blues and sea colours, highlighting the marine wildlife they aim to protect.

CIRCLE | STEP BY STEP

Circle | Step by Step has introduced the first-ever recyclable school bag, which is 97% recyclable. The bag is created by an incredibly impressive array of design ideas and materials. Step by Step grows with the user and has a 4-year warranty. At the end of the bag’s life users can return the bag, where it will be reused or disassembled and recycled, promoting a circular lifecycle. Connected to the WWF, Circle | Step by Step embodies the ethos that no one is too small to make a difference for the planet.

HONIGBLUT

Honigblut is a non-binary brand that creates bespoke, handmade pieces from upcycled materials. Founded by Fidan, Honigblut was born out of a recognition of the urgent need for climate action. The brand’s name, derived from the Turkish words for honey and blood, reflects Fidan’s heritage and the rich cultural history that informs its designs. Honigblut’s collections are deeply personal, often incorporating traditional Anatolian symbols and techniques, making each piece a narrative of cultural and environmental significance.

HUMAN MATERIAL LOOP

Human Material Loop introduces an avant-garde approach to sustainable fashion where human hair is the textile. This Amsterdam-based brand creates a solution to fabric waste by rescuing discarded hair from salons and creating garments with it. Human hair has properties similar to wool and alpaca, offering excellent heat retention and odour control. Founded by Zsofia Kollar, Human Material Loop offers a unique solution to textile sustainability. Kollar’s presentation on her innovative idea captivated the audience, emphasising the unique qualities of human hair, such as being hypoallergenic and in constant availability.

ACHILLES AND THE TORTOISE

Amsterdam-based Achilles and the Tortoise focuses on slow fashion, offering true organic clothing produced in the EU. Founded by a collective of designers passionate about sustainability, they prioritise ethical production and high-quality materials. Their pieces are crafted with care, emphasising longevity and environmental responsibility.

At NEONYT Achilles and the Tortoise presented a collection in partnership with Fabreik Fris. The clothing was made entirely from hemp, even the buttons and accessories, and so can be easily recycled at the end of its life. Even the dying process was natural, using fruits and leaves to create the eyecatching design.