Indré Rockefeller is Building a Bridge That Connects Sustainability, Technology and Fashion

What inspired you to merge the worlds of fashion, luxury and sustainability, both with Paravel and now with The Circularity Project?

I see sustainability as something that can and should be woven into the DNA of the fashion industry.  My fashion career has touched on different areas —from editorial and retail to brand management and entrepreneurship. Co-founding Paravel was an opportunity to build my own creative toolkit in sustainable design and take on the challenge of building a company that takes responsibility for its environmental footprint.  

To go deeper into the why and how of climate work, I followed my curiosity to a Masters program at Columbia University’s Climate School.  Those two years gave me a scientific foundation, adding an analytical layer to the creative approaches I’d been using to tackle sustainability.

The Circularity Project grew from a desire to bridge these two worlds– fashion and climate– creating a platform that empowers fashion’s creative community to use their toolkits to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. It’s about inspiring creative solutions and building community.  Best of all, it gives me the chance to continue learning alongside so many talented people.

How do you define luxury in the context of sustainable fashion, and how has this definition evolved for you over time?

Luxury isn’t about price points or logos; it’s about a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical and environmental responsibility.  When making a product, it’s not just about the look and feel, but about considering every aspect of the production process—from sourcing low-impact materials to minimizing waste and ensuring fair treatment of workers.  Redefining luxury in this way means integrating sustainability as a core value, where the beauty of the product is inextricably linked to the integrity of how it’s made. 

How do you envision The Circularity Project fostering collaboration and innovation within the fashion industry?

The environmental challenges of the fashion industry, or any industry, can’t be solved in silos—bringing people and ideas together sparks the innovation needed to find solutions. The Circularity Project is creating spaces for education and idea exchange, particularly around circular design opportunities. We’re hosting community events, partnering with designers, and producing content that highlights creative thinkers pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion. A key goal is connecting creatives with circular solutions providers, helping them find the tools to bring their visions to life. Along the way, we celebrate wins, connect dots, and build bridges between people and organizations.

How do you balance the often higher costs of sustainable practices with the expectations of luxury consumers?

While sustainable materials and fair labor practices can carry higher costs, it’s essential that sustainability doesn’t become something only luxury brands can afford. We need legislation that supports and rewards responsible business practices while holding companies accountable for their environmental impact. 

What role do you see technology playing in advancing sustainable luxury fashion?

Technology is a game-changer for sustainable fashion when it comes to traceability. With the right tools, we can track every step of a product’s journey, opening up huge opportunities for transparency.  This means designing with the whole lifecycle in mind, making it easier to reuse, recycle, or upcycle materials, and ultimately creating a more circular system.

On top of that, advancements in materials science are giving us eco-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on quality or style. Technologies like 3D printing and digital fabric printing help cut down on waste by using materials more precisely, while also offering more bespoke, customizable products. Technology can not only help us work smarter, but also make circularity a more seamless part of the fashion industry.

Can you discuss the consumer demand for sustainable luxury products and how it has shifted in recent years?

Over my career, I’ve seen consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products grow, but with that growth has come a lot of confusion. People want to make eco-conscious choices, but they’re often overwhelmed by the varying definitions of sustainability and wary of greenwashing. It’s tough for consumers to know what’s genuinely sustainable and what’s just marketing.

To really meet this demand, we need clear legislation and transparent reporting to level the playing field.  Sustainability needs to be straightforward and accessible so consumers don’t feel like it’s all on them to figure out what’s real and what’s not.

What are some misconceptions about sustainability in luxury fashion that you’d like to address?

A misconception is that making a product sustainable means sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal. The truth is, sustainable practices can actually enhance the luxury experience by adding depth, integrity, and innovation. It’s about creating something that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful and responsibly made.

In what ways do you see the principles of circular design transforming the future of fashion?

Circular design encourages us to rethink the entire lifecycle of a product, from choosing renewable or recycled materials to considering the end-of-life of each item.  It’s about creating pieces that are built to last, can be easily repaired, reused, recycled, or safely biodegrade.  This shift pushes the fashion industry beyond traditional linear models – where we take resources, make products, and they end up as waste– toward a more regenerative approach. By embedding circular principles into the DNA of fashion, we can dramatically reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more responsible and innovative fashion landscape.

What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to prioritize sustainability from the outset?

Don’t just focus on the product—integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business model. It’s not just about using eco-friendly materials; it’s also about how your products are transported and packaged, ensuring the safety and fair treatment of workers, and reducing energy consumption throughout production.

Tracking and measuring your efforts is also crucial. By keeping a close eye on your sustainability metrics, you’ll see where you’re succeeding and where there’s room for improvement, helping you stay accountable and on track.