Labels doing Their bit
From brands sourcing sustainable materials to those giving back, check out these guilt-free buys
Guilt-free and sustainable fashion buys
Stella Mccartney
A lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney has always been known for her ethical choices, choosing to omit leather from all her designs and pioneering planet friendly alternative materials. Instead of settling for a range of acetate glasses, which are often made from petroleum, Stella McCartney’s latest eyewear range is cleverly crafted from bio acetate. It’s not a term that rolls easily off the tongue, but put simply, bio acetate is made from fibres of wood pulp that will eventually biodegrade.
Matt & Nat
Standing for (Mat)erial and (Nat)ure, this is an accessories brand with a strong conscience. Not only have Matt & Nat never used leather or any other animal-based materials in their designs, but they explore different ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly every season. As well as using cork and rubber during the design process, since 2007, all of their linings have been made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
People Tree
Working with a series of producers across the world, People Tree are real advocates for Fairtrade fashion. Their success stories include empowering a war-torn village in Bangladesh to run their own school by providing employment for embroiderers, and working with mostly female artisans in Nepal, who work from home so they can look after their children. Their list of manufacturers makes for heartwarming reading.
So Just Shop
Set up in 2015, online retailer sojustshop.com aims to raise 250,000 women and their families around the globe out of poverty. Selling fashion accessories, homeware and gifting, they work directly with women-led artisans in 35 of the most vulnerable communities in the world. Browse the site to find one-of-a-kind pieces as well as to read the stories behind them.
Mondaine
It’s tricky to switch up an iconic piece while still keeping its most recognisable features, but Mondaine have done just that, giving their classic design an on-trend makeover with candy-coloured stripes. Even better, each strap is made from recycled PET bottles, turning them into fibres that mimic polyester. A nod to Mondaine’s commitment to becoming a more conscious brand.
Lindex
Having recently launched the concept ‘Your smart wardrobe’, encouraging their customers to shop more mindfully in order to build a more sustainable and wellutilised wardrobe, Swedish retailer Lindex are hoping to minimise clothing waste. By 2023, all Lindex operations should be climate neutral, meaning all their emissions will be balanced out by methods of removing warming gasses from the atmosphere. w&h