Ethically Appetizing Apparel: Who Should We Buy From?
From material breakdown to ethics of the industry, the fast fashion market has blind sided consumers, camouflaging its destructive tendencies with beautiful colors and trend radar. If you have been following my series of articles regarding sustainable fashion and how to erase the carbon footprint through ending the cycle of fast fashion, you now possess all possible knowledge about going green. The next step is to become familiar with the most popular and emerging brands that are revolutionizing the sustainable fashion industry. These creative masterminds are providing hope for style conscious consumers and connoisseurs, just like you and me!
I will say it once and I will say it a hundred times: Réalisation Par. The feminine French soul of mine is obsessed with every single piece they have to offer. Their clothing is made from biodegradable silk which is not vegan but it is extremely high quality. Therefore, you are paying for endless wear. Their capsule pieces are timeless and their versatile designs embrace classic individuality and expression, all while benefiting the planet.
Up next is the woman, the myth, the legend, Matilda Djerf’s Djerf Avenue. Pinterest superstar and minimalist fashion icon Matilda Djerf, created her own clothing brand inspired by a Swedish, timeless, laid-back style. The company produces these ready-to-wear items in Portugal, guaranteeing “quality workmanship, respecting working conditions, and premium fabrics research” (Djerfavenue.com). Djerf only uses natural and organic fibers, natural corozo buttons, cotton labels, no plastic, and 100% recyclable materials. What I love about Djerf Avenue is their transparency and sincerity, fully explaining their production process and creating timeless pieces to last a lifetime. Some of the most popular items are the Breezy Shirt, Favorite Pants, and Forever Blazer.
Lacausa Clothing is another brand committed to transparency and ethical clothing manufacturing. Even better, a portion of their proceeds are donated to a new charity every season. Lacausa delivers the California chic look while supporting a low waste design process and taking small steps towards being fully sustainable. Using organic cotton, recycled polyester, no plastic, recyclable mailers, and paper tags Lacausa has devoted themselves to being global citizens of sustainability. Consumers swear by this brand for basics and their internet famous unitards, perfect for a workout-to-brunch look.
I have been shopping at Vitamin A for swimwear since I was very young. But only recently did I start drooling over their ready-to-wear clothing. I mean common! Their motto is literally, “We Believe Style and Sustainability are Inseparable”. Vitamin A uses their own fabrics to make sure what they put out is 100% sustainable. BioSculpt fabric is the first swim fabric made from plant based fiber. EcoLux is made from recycled nylon and uses 77% less water. EcoCotton and EcoLinen use 90% less water and get softer with every wear. Further, their production process is done in one location in California which further reduces their carbon footprint. From the electricity-minimizing lights used in the warehouse to filtered water, Vitamin A is insistent that sustainable clothing is derived from a sustainable workplace. One look at their clothing will make your summer minimalist dreams come true.
Some honorable mentions include: Reformation, Attire the Studio, and Celio Studio. Not only does this list include a collective of individuals actively pursuing change, but it includes people with amazing and timeless style that desire to look good while making the planet feel good. Until next time!
xoxo- Annie
