About the brand : Crafting a Legacy of Sustainable Elegance in Fashion
AS by DF, the brainchild of Denise Fócil, an innovative designer hailing from Ecuador, represents a pillar of sustainable fashion. The brand seamlessly marries expert craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics, showcasing Fócil’s vision and commitment to eco-friendly fashion practices.Rooted in Fócil’s profound appreciation for the timeless elegance of leather, AS by DF transcends the traditional boundaries of a fashion label, embodying a commitment to environmentally conscious fashion. Its mission is ambitious yet vital: to leave the world a more beautiful and responsible place.
The brand’s journey is set against the backdrop of a growing global consciousness around veganism and sustainability in fashion. As the industry sees over 63,000 products from more than 2,500 companies embracing veganism, AS by DF aligns perfectly with this eco-friendly movement. The shift in consumer preference towards sustainable products has not only touched food and cosmetics but has significantly influenced fashion, from shoes to underwear.
In the midst of a surging debate over vegan leather — a market anticipated to expand significantly by 2030 — AS by DF emerges as a leader in sustainable fashion innovation. The brand’s creative response to this demand is evident in its introduction of a recycled leather collection, which repurposes leather scraps and dramatically reduces water usage compared to traditional leather processing methods. This initiative marks a significant step towards Fócil’s goal of transitioning into the vegan leather space, with a focus on creating materials that are entirely animal-free, emission-free, and made from all-natural, biodegradable materials.
Fócil’s fashion journey, fueled by her experience designing motorcycle jackets for Alpinestars in Italy, led to the birth of AS by DF in 2009. Her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience have been the driving forces behind the brand’s success and ethos. Fócil’s philosophy is a blend of strength and opportunity, believing that the most challenging moments often precede significant breakthroughs. Her personal story is interwoven with her professional ambitions, as she navigated her path from Alpinestars to establishing her label, all while fostering leadership within her team.
A decade after its inception, AS by DF achieved a milestone by becoming 100% plastic-free in its packaging, a testament to Fócil’s unwavering dedication to her mission. The brand’s recent introduction of a curves collection further exemplifies its commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
AS by DF stands as a pioneering brand in the fashion industry, not just for its exquisite designs but for its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Denise Fócil’s journey from crafting the perfect leather jacket to redefining sustainable fashion illustrates the power of vision and perseverance in creating a legacy that transcends the bounds of traditional fashion.