Sustainability might be the buzzword of the season but a handful of up-and-coming brands and designers have truly built it into their young businesses.

“It should not be an argument or should not be something that we have to think about it,” said Alphonse Maitrepierre. “It’s actually criminal to launch a brand and not take care of sustainability, so for us it’s totally normal.” He presented a show the first day of fashion week, while other young, sustainable brands including Benjamin Benmoyal and Kevin Germanier also staged runway shows during the week.

Here are seven promising brands that presented throughout Paris Fashion Week.

International Citizen

The smart collection from Berlin-based, Canadian designer Annika Tibando combines sustainability and spirituality, with garments that integrate chakra crystals throughout the clothing. If it sounds gimmicky, it doesn’t read as such, with delicate beads pulling together a laced-up shirt front while giving it an unexpected edge. It’s all about balance in Tibando’s world, with skirts and jackets that appear sharp but feel supple, while kimono influences on tops and jackets in sleeves add extra movement.

Simple pieces are detailed with geometric lines, strategic cutouts and unexpected shapes. Hidden draping details in silk shirts add volume, and eight snaps — another nod to the chakras — are an added design detail that elevates a simple blazer.

Tibando is as precise…