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From Waste to Luxury Fashion at Elvis & Kresse: A Business Model for Sustainable and Social Innovation in the Circular Economy

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  • Maria Fernanda Ortiz Dominguez

    (School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University London, London E1 4NS, UK)

  • Yasser Ahmad Bhatti

    (MBS College of Business and Entrepreneurship, King Abdullah Economic City 23965-2609, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Managing landfill waste is essential to sustainable resource utilization. With a focus on the luxury fashion industry, this paper highlights the role that sustainable and social innovations can play in reducing environmental waste and improving social outcomes. Elvis & Kresse is a purpose-driven case study, because it was founded to eradicate a problem that had thus far received little attention, namely the problem of disposing of end-of-life fire-hoses. From a business model and circular economy perspective, this article explains how the company’s rescue–transform–donate model has helped to build a sustainable and socially oriented yet profitable luxury brand. The analysis of the case suggests that for scholars, the typical business model canvas merits some revision beyond the current business focus on the financial bottom line to account for the social and ethical dimensions. For practitioners, this case demonstrates how the circular economy can be compatible with luxury fashion by turning waste into durable, fashionable products.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Fernanda Ortiz Dominguez & Yasser Ahmad Bhatti, 2022. "From Waste to Luxury Fashion at Elvis & Kresse: A Business Model for Sustainable and Social Innovation in the Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:11805-:d:919492
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Saliha Karadayi-Usta & Erfan Babaee Tirkolaee, 2023. "Evaluating the Sustainability of Fashion Brands Using a Neutrosophical ORESTE Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-17, September.

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