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14 Feb

Ethical Fashion With Flair: Wild and Wonderful

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Clothes serve a lot of functions. They keep us warm and dry, they help us look confident and capable, they signify tribes and identities. But for some people, dressing is nothing less than an art form. Fitting in is never the goal—standing out and making a statement is, and we are all for using fashion to express yourself.

This month, we’re catering to those who like it wild and wonderful. If you’re that kind of person, the two most important things about where you shop are creativity and choice. You don’t want ordinary, so whole shops (and streets) are probably ruled out. You might be digging around in the creative quarters of your city, you might be looking out for designer drops, you might be heading to kilo sales. You’re always looking for something interesting and surprising, and unlike the rank-and-file hypebeast, you’re not satisfied with whatever the big brands put out as special editions and exclusive collabs. It’s about real style—independent, individual, creative, and intense.

We totally understand if you think that ethical fashion is too small a world to find what you’re looking for—but think again, friends. Inspired design is no longer mutually exclusive from ethics. There are more sustainable brands with a fashion-forward sensibility than ever before, and more renowned designers are finding their way into the ethical world.

So here’s a rundown of some of our favourite brands and designers who put out pieces that would light up any look. And if you must Insta your every fit… just make sure you let people know your clothes are good for the world, too.

Katharine Hamnett

Rated: Good

No War Organic Cotton Sweatshirt – Ships internationally

Katharine Hamnett is simply a legend in sustainable fashion. Her activist t-shirts are a great bet for making a statement, but how about wearing your political opinions splashed across a comfy sweater (that is made from 100% organic cotton). There are even matching sweatpants, if you’re really brave.

See the rating.

Shop Katharine Hamnett Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Katharine Hamnett.

Beaumont Organic

Rated: Good

Sarasi Sue Dress – Ships internationally

Looking for something monochrome but striking? How about this boxy and artsy organic cotton dress. Pair with a book of avant-garde poetry and a ceramics class for intellectual extraness. Founded by Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia, the brand also has its own charitable foundation which supports people in Fiji, so it ticks the “wonderful” box in more ways than one.

See the rating.

Shop Beaumont Organic.

RÆBURN

Rated: Good

Raeburn x Timberland Ravine Pant – Ships internationally

Edgy, urban, functional and a cross-brand collaboration—it doesn’t get more 2020 than this. Add in the fact that it’s recycled/upcycled and you’ve got a 100% winner.

See the rating.

Shop RÆBURN @ Farfetch.

Lucy and Yak

Rated: Good

Try not to smile, we dare you! The world would be a better place if everyone wore clothes like this all the time. By making all of the garments by hand, Lucy & Yak greatly reduces its climate impact, and the feel-good factor goes through the roof.

See the rating.

Shop Lucy & Yak.

Taiyo

Rated: Good
woman wearing black and white taiyo dress

Luna Dress in Half Moon – Ships internationally

Taiyo is a philosophy-first womenswear brand dropping one look at a time. The brand uses a high proportion of lower-impact materials including recycled materials and manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint.

See the rating.

Shop Taiyo.

Kings of Indigo

Rated: Good

Maximilian Worker Trousers – Ships internationally

WOW. Yes please. Veggie denim jeans with an all-over text print. What’s veggie denim? Well, these 100% organic cotton jeans are dyed with vegetable indigo. Get them on and feel like royalty. Especially if you wear the matching jacket…

See the rating.

Shop Kings of Indigo.

Osei-Duro

Rated: Good

Versus Dress in Carmine – Ships internationally

This playful and comfy dress designed in Ghana is sure to leave an impression, boasting gorgeous bright hand-dyed details so every piece is truly unique. It also empowers workers and improves social conditions as part of its mission, so there’s a lot to love!

See the rating.

Shop Osei-Duro.

Zilver

Rated: Good

Printed Trouser – Ships internationally

Sometimes you need to combine clashing prints and colours just to show people you mean business. Get kicked out of fancy restaurants in the financial district for wearing these upcycled beauties. You would never eat there anyway.

See the rating.

Shop Zilver.

Stella McCartney

Rated: Good

Embroidered Patchwork Coat – Ships internationally

Last but certainly not least… well, the picture does the talking, really. Just FYI, it’s made from recycled fabrics. Two thoughts—firstly, imagine rocking up to the supermarket in this to do a big shop. And secondly, if you can afford this, please can I have a grant to write my novel?

See the rating.

Shop Stella McCartney @ LVR Sustainable.

Shop Stella McCartney @ Labell-D.

Shop Stella McCartney Kids Pre-Owned @ Retykle.

Shop Stella McCartney Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Stella McCartney.

Conscious Step

Rated: Good
conscious step organic cotton socks with cheetah pattern

Socks that Protect Cheetahs – Ships internationally

Conscious Step creates premium fair trade, organic vegan socks and clothes which support great charities. The US brand is committed to lasting social and environmental change and every step it takes in its production process supports farms and factories with fair wages, safe facilities, and lower-impact materials.

The socks come in S-L sizes, and the clothes in 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Conscious Step.

Keep your eye out for the other articles in this series that look at Streetwear, Colour, and Patterns & Prints options!

About the author: Pete Gomori is a creative director, writer and Londoner who helps ethical fashion companies with their branding. Find him at www.studiogomori.com.

Editor's note

feature image via Stella McCartney, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. We love to recommend some of the best sustainable brands, rated ‘Good’ or ‘Great’. We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our Directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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