Parley for the Oceans is taking its mission beyond advocacy and into fashion with the launch of its own apparel line, supported by Dover Street Market Paris Brand Development. This groundbreaking partnership will debut at Dover Street Market Paris’ showroom during Paris Fashion Week, introducing a collection that challenges conventional material use in fashion.
Cyrill Gutsch, cofounder and CEO of Parley for the Oceans, sees this initiative as a defining moment for the organization. “This marks a new chapter for Parley—one where we’re not just advocates but active creators of change,” he tells WWD.The launch coincides with the introduction of Parley Future Material (PFM), an investment and incubator arm dedicated to next-gen material innovation.
Dover Street Market Paris Brand Development will play a crucial role in bringing the Parley collection to life, handling product development, production, and distribution. According to DSM’s team, the collaboration reflects the company’s core values of community, creation, and collaboration, amplifying independent designers and sustainable innovation.
The collection, designed under the direction of Lea Stepken, will feature experimental fabrics sourced from PFM’s investments. Among them are Bananatex’s biodegradable fabric, Modern Synthesis’ lab-grown leather, and Sparxell’s plastic-free pigments—each representing a step toward reshaping fashion’s material future.
Parley’s debut line will also welcome guest designers, with an influential first collaborator set to be revealed in March. Gutsch emphasizes that Parley is not aiming to establish itself as a conventional fashion brand but rather as a catalyst for industry-wide transformation.
The collaboration signals a shift in how sustainable materials are integrated into fashion.
Parley’s past collaborations, including its long-standing work with Adidas and Dior, have laid the groundwork for this ambitious endeavor. The new partnership with Dover Street Market Paris not only ensures the collection’s global reach but also fosters a space for innovation and responsible production.
By merging activism with high fashion, Parley’s debut collection challenges conventions, proving that sustainability and cutting-edge design can coexist seamlessly. In partnership with Dover Street Market Paris, Parley is paving the way for a future where materials don’t just define garments—they reshape the industry itself.
Courtesy of PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS
