June 30th, 2025
When the horror of fast fashion dominates the retail space and environmental concerns are increasing, the industry starts crying out for something different.
Our knight in shining armour has heard this industry in distress and responded with the revolution of Rapanui Clothing. Founded by brothers Rob and Mart Drake-Knight, Rapanui’s quest is one of innovation, sustainability and a relentless commitment to making a difference.
Once upon a time
The journey began in a modest shed on the Isle of Wight, where the Drake-Knight brothers combined their passion for design with a deep concern for the environment. Their mission was clear, to create comfortable, stylish clothing that didn’t harm the planet. This vision laid the foundation for what would become a happily ever after for sustainable fashion.
Although the Isle of Wight will always be home for Rapanui, their reach is global. They’ve collaborated with major causes, from the Marine Conservation Society to The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, using their products and production process as a channel for communication, fundraising and change.
“We believe in clothes that are made to last, not just in materials, but in meaning.”
It’s all about the journey
Rapanui didn’t just aim to produce eco-friendly clothing; they also sought to create a revolutionary production process, establishing a circular supply chain and insuring that every product could be returned and remade into something new. This approach minimises waste and challenges the traditional linear model of fast disposable products.
In further support of this production process of sustainable innovation, Rapanui’s UK based factory is powered entirely by renewable energy. Solar and wind do the heavy lifting, not fossil fuels and every order is printed on demand to avoid surplus stock, and packaging is plastic-free. These efforts showcase their commitment to reducing carbon footprints and their dedication extends to every facet of their operations, ensuring that their environmental impact is as minimal as possible.
Not all smoke and magic mirrors
In a market often criticised for diluting the truth of the reality of how products are produced and disposed of, Rapanui stands out for its transparency. They provide clear information about their supply chain and their unique “remill” process in recycling old garments into something new.
“We design products from the start to be remade. That’s the future. That’s how we solve fast fashion.”
– Rob Drake-Knight
Beyond the walls or their own process Rapanui are determined to share their sustainable easy with the entire fashion industry. Rapanui have built their own platform, Teemill, allowing anyone to create their own sustainable clothing brand using their same circular model. Thousands of creators now use this to build their own production process and establish a brand that reflects the same environmental standards or Rapanui.
This process of forward thinking and community spirit within the sustainable fashion industry is creating a space for new businesses to flourish and for existing ones to develop their sustainable identity, thus making the practice more accessible and achievable for all.
Small changes with a big impact.
Rapanui compelling personality stems form their honesty and understanding that there is still great work to be done within the sustainable fashion space to increase the longevity and wider usage of these practices. They share these hurdles and achievements and their ongoing experiments to do better.
It is unrealistic to think that the entire fashion industry will snap its hypothetical fingers and become immediately as responsibly successful as great brands such as Rapanui, but that’s not the point. By sharing small changes that can be made to implement the environmentally conscious mindsets throughout the industry, one brand at a time, every small change contributes to the wider goal and the future of sustainable fashion that Rapanui strive for.
Written by Jessica Marwood, Writer.
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image, however if you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at rb@hatchedlondon.com.
