The word sustainability has become increasingly vague.
While often used by brands to make themselves seem greener than they are, it goes without saying that having the environment at the heart of a brand’s ethos is vital for us all.
Despite the huge impact on the planet that the fashion world is having, there are glimmers of light with brands exploring ways of being more environmentally responsible with exciting new materials.
Things like deadstock, design methods that are less wasteful and celebrating the artisans and makers of pieces, help create collections with meaning and purpose that can stand out from the busy noise of the industry.
How we chose the eco-conscious brands:
Style: We opted to choose the most stylish and fashion-forward labels, as we want to ensure the products are something that will work hard in your wardrobe
Sustainability: All of the brands in this edit live up to their eco-credentials. From using responsibly sourced materials to adopting ethical manufacturing practices, these labels have become our go-to.
Amelia Windsor's 7 incredible brands to have on your radar:
The Meaning Well
Established by fashion consultant Katie Ruensumran during lockdown as a way to support designers and creators in the fashion industry, The Meaning Well pieces are all made by artisans in London with deadstock fabrics, sourced from factories across the UK, whether that be clothing or upholstery. The one-size-fits-all collections feature oversized shirts, billowing dresses as well as matching crop tops with skirts. Ruensumran’s designs enable anyone to feel dressed up no matter the occasion due to their comfort and ease of wearing. Reusing the same silhouettes every collection allows for stylish pieces that ignore the trends so if purchased now you can be sure to be wearing these looks throughout the year.
Fanfare
Fanfare is a fully environmentally and ethically conscious label set up by Esther Knight, who previously worked with Vivienne Westwood, who was an inspiration to her. Knight recently won the Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards in 2022. Recognising the extraordinary levels of waste in the industry having worked as a buyer in the fast fashion world, Knight’s pieces are made from upcycled, recycled and organic materials, including those headed for landfill. Focusing mainly on denim, but also including tailored linen suits as well as organic knitwear, Fanfare has created a repurposing programme which enables customers to have their denim made into something new, whether it be a corset or a new pair of jeans with embroidery.
TOVE
Danish brand TOVE was set up by duo Camille Perry and Holly Wright in 2019 with clean-cut and modern pieces that are made to last. TOVE translates as strength and beauty in Danish and will seamlessly take the wearer from home to their place of work and onto their place of leisure. Having worked together for many years and witnessed the mass production of clothing, their biannual collections are made in Portugal, using natural and organic materials and recycled quality fabrics from mills in Italy. The collections result in generous use of material cut and draped in unique and elegant ways allowing the wearer to be confident they will stand out in the crowd.
Arkitaip
With the Summer months approaching and the wish to wear light linen once more look to Arkitaip founded by Lea Wieser with her mother Michi. Their collections are entirely made from soft and luxurious organic linen, along with gorgeous handmade crochet tops by Michi. Their aim is that each piece is passed down from mother to daughter for generations to come. Spanish wrap skirts, sexy halter neck tops and mini playsuits, Arkitaip has you covered for the balmy evenings we hope are ahead. Plus, they have just partnered with the alterations app SOJO who will tailor your piece perfectly to you for £15 and have it back to you in five short days.
SIKA
Designer Phyllis Taylor studied pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion before starting her brand SIKA, originally making her collections entirely herself in London before moving production to Ghana where she has family. Taylor took the opportunity to celebrate all the seamstresses and tailors, who are masters at their craft, cutting patterns by hand. Taylor also ensures they are paid fairly and acknowledged fully in her work. Using bold and vibrant Ghanian prints, Taylor’s puffed-sleeved, ruffled necklines and off-the-shoulder dresses are bursting with life and will be a treasured piece in your wardrobe to whip out at summer festivities and will energise you to dance the night away.
Revival Ldn
Rosette Ale founded Revival Ldn in 2016 after years of research and a Fashion diploma under her belt. Ale’s bold and unique pieces are made from repurposed denim that Ale sources from manufacturers as well as those heading to landfill. These textiles are carefully taken apart and remade by Rosette and a team of local women artisans in East London. These final pieces are drawn from the inspirations of 90s Hip Hop and Ale’s West African Heritage. The results are carefully crafted and sexy pieces that are ideal for a night of dancing or a sunny day festival this summer. Ale’s designs range from corseted dresses, halter neck tops and recently a denim patchwork bag that was made in collaboration with Marlow London to fill with your essentials as you go about on your summer adventures. Ale also works with a training programme at HMP downview prison, providing women inmates with creative skills.
Annie Officiel
In true French style, Charlotte Lansard has created an effortlessly chic brand with minimalist pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on what mood the wearer is in. Sourcing high-quality fabrics from Europe and made entirely in a studio in London, each limited collection contains timeless and elegantly cut pieces that will become staple go-tos in your wardrobe. Each new launch includes easily parable pieces with those from the previous ones, allowing you to build your own collection that aligns with your signature style. Whether you’re looking for those perfect palazzo trousers or an iconic black dress, Annie Officiel has mastered the classics for the woman of today.
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