Research, vision, and sustainability for the button of the future
There’s a story of industrial transformation, entrepreneurial vision, and the ability to anticipate trends that begins in northern Italy and today reaches the supply chains of international high fashion. This is the story of Spring 85, a company founded in 1985 with a simple yet ambitious mission: to produce high-quality components for the fashion industry, with a special focus on denimwear and outerwear.
That initial simplicity soon evolved into a creative and technical complexity that today makes Spring 85 not just a supplier, but a strategic partner for leading luxury brands. In this in-depth conversation, Giulia Favarato, second-generation family leader, guides us through the journey of a company that has made research and development its identity.
From semi-finished goods to signature details
“Spring 85 was founded, as the name suggests, in the spring of 1985 from an idea by my father Carlo,” Giulia explains. “He had been working for another company in the sector but felt the urge to build something of his own.”
At first, the company was entirely production-driven, supplying semi-finished goods to other manufacturers. Then, in the early 1990s, Spring 85 took a commercial leap: the team began working directly with brands, rather than only with intermediaries.
This marked a turning point. Collaborations began with the leading names in Italian denimwear, and over the years, Spring 85 built a client base that now spans Italy, Europe, and the United States, with a 50/50 balance between domestic and export business.
“We started off mainly supplying wholesalers. Today, 70% of our output goes directly to brands. We’re much closer to the finished product and, therefore, to the final consumer.”
Proposing, not just producing
A major evolution has been the shift from a reactive to a proactive role in product development.
“In the past, clients would come to us asking for a specific kind of button. Today, we’re the ones bringing them ideas, collections, and stories through our accessories.”
Twice a year, Spring 85 creates three themed collections of buttons and metal accessories:
Tailor: refined and elegant
Denim Chrome: modern and technical
A seasonal or experimental theme, inspired by nature, street culture, or emerging trends (like the outdoor world or skateboarding)
These collections are presented in visually rich lookbooks, where the accessories are paired with inspirational images and phrases. The goal is to offer not just products, but complete aesthetic concepts.
“Our clients aren’t just looking for a fastening. They’re looking for an idea. We aim to be the spark for that idea.”
Research as a continuous practice
At Spring 85, research isn’t just a department—it’s a mindset. From choosing materials to exploring new processes and mixing techniques, the company constantly pursues innovation.
“We avoid standard solutions whenever possible. We experiment with unique combinations of materials and special finishes that reflect the mood and personality of each collection.”
The result is a product that stands out not just for quality, but for distinctiveness. Some clients adopt these accessories for capsule collections, others integrate them into future seasons.
Balancing creativity and feasibility
Of course, innovation often meets industrial constraints and cost realities.
“Sometimes a client falls in love with a piece but can’t include it in their main collection. Maybe they’ll use it for a special edition, or we’ll work together to simplify it and make it viable.”
Spring 85 excels at navigating this balance, ensuring that creativity serves real market needs without losing its spark.
Investing in smart manufacturing
Innovation also drives technology and process. The company is currently upgrading its machinery to adopt Industry 5.0 standards, with a new generation of presses offering:
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Enhanced energy efficiency
- Full integration with management software
“Our new machines will be digitally connected, allowing full control of production, output tracking, and predictive maintenance.”
This transition ensures better quality, less waste, and a more sustainable, transparent production system.
Sustainability: a concrete, measurable commitment
Sustainability is not a slogan at Spring 85—it’s a structured, ongoing commitment:
- Water usage is practically zero, with only one machine using a minimal amount.
- 50% of electricity is generated in-house via solar panels; the rest comes from renewable sources.
- The company completed its carbon emissions assessment in 2025, identifying that 75% of emissions come from upstream supply chains.
- A thorough chemical inventory is maintained to reduce and monitor all chemical inputs.
“We’ve been mapping our chemical usage since 2024, working with external consultants to improve every year. We’ve also joined the ZDHC Supplier to Zero program and received certification.”
Spring 85 is also OEKO-TEX® certified and actively communicates its sustainability progress to clients.
From trade fairs to digital presence
Once reliant on industry fairs and print ads, today Spring 85 knows that even manufacturers need a strong digital presence. With support from a creative agency, the company manages its image across platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.
“At first we were skeptical—we’re more ‘substance over smoke’. But today, if a potential client hears your name, the first thing they do is search you online.”
By telling its story online, Spring 85 strengthens its identity as an active, contemporary, innovative brand.
More than a button
In fashion, details matter. And Spring 85 has chosen to make the button a true design element, a statement of craftsmanship, creativity, and care.
By investing in research, sustainability, and smart technology, the company has evolved from a subcontractor into a creative and responsible partner—ready to shape the future of fashion, one button at a time.
Spring 85: small details, big stories.
