Sustainability has been a hot topic for some time now, with people everywhere advocating for greener, more eco-friendly lifestyles. Fashion and the industry are no different from any other area, and there is a whole new wave of sustainable fashion, which embraces ethical brands and eco-friendly looks alike. From start-up companies to well-known labels, the options for those who want to make a difference, while still looking stylish, are growing. To inspire you to join the sustainability game, we bring you this lookbook of amazing sustainable fashion options, that’ll have you looking fashionable, while making a statement.
1. Embracing the Eco-friendly Look: Sustainable Fashion
Fashion trends come and go, but sustainable fashion is here to stay. Sustainable fashion incorporates eco-friendly materials and methods in the manufacturing process.
Here are five ways to help you embrace the eco-friendly look:
- Choose recycled and organic materials. Just because something is fashionable doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Look for materials made from recycled or organic fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo. These materials are toxin-free and sustainable.
- Invest in quality pieces. Sustainable fashion is more than just about buying clothes made from eco-friendly fabrics. Investing in quality pieces that last longer is key to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Opt for classic pieces that never go out of style.
- Shop from ethical brands. Knowing the origin of the materials and the people who made the item is a crucial part of sustainable fashion. Look for ethical brands that are transparent about where they source their materials and how they make the pieces.
- Support local designers. Supporting local designers has a direct economic benefit for local communities while also reducing your carbon footprint. You also have more control over the manufacturing process and can ensure that sustainable methods are used throughout.
- Reuse and upcycle. Reusing, recycling, and upcycling clothes are great ways to reduce your environmental impact. In addition to thrift shopping, try taking old clothes and turning them into something new or creative. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.
Embracing sustainable fashion is a great way to look fashionable and be kind to the environment at the same time. By following these tips, you can give your wardrobe the eco-friendly makeover it deserves.
2. Exploring the What, Who and Why of Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion is becoming an increasingly prevalent topic of discussion in today’s world. Taking its cues from the sustainability movement, this growing focus on environmental consciousness and consideration of resources places responsibility on the designer, manufacturer and consumer alike to strive for greater environmental accountability in fashion. But what is sustainable fashion, who does it affect, and why does it matter?
At its core, sustainable fashion is about creating and purchasing fashion that takes into account its environmental impacts. This involves items that have been designed from a mindful perspective, with an awareness of the resources used to create them, and what effect the production has on the environment. Ideas such as ‘slow fashion’, the perfect marriage between urban sensibilities and traditional craftsmanship, and ‘eco fashion’, which looks to natural resources and renewable materials for its production, are all a part of the sustainable Fashion Movement.
An important player in this revolution is the consumer. Modern consumers now have a much more active role in the development of fashion, often actively studying campaigns and attaching themselves to brands that align with their tastes and values. Currently, the most conscientious consumers are at the forefront of what is being dubbed the ‘Wardrobe Revolution’, rejecting the idea that more is best, and instead seeking out clothing that not only makes a statement, but also a difference.
The shift towards investing in sustainable fashion has been met with a wide range of consequences. From the livelihoods of garment workers in developing countries, to the environment and public health, this seemingly simple change of direction is now having significant global impacts. Here are some of the most important ways that sustainable fashion affects us:
- It reduces the amount of water, energy and chemicals used during production
- It helps to create safer working conditions and reduce the exploitation of garment workers in developing countries
- It reduces waste, harm to the environment, and encourages the conservation of our natural resources
- It makes clothing producers more accountable and encourages more transparency in their business practices
- It encourages the development of innovative materials, processes and possibilities
Achieving sustainability in fashion is a complex task, but one that is increasingly relevant to today’s world. Greater awareness of the impact of fashion on our planet and on people’s lives is vital to motivate meaningful change. Constructive dialogue is just one of many tools we must implement if we are to move towards a more sustainable fashion culture.
3. Taking a Closer Look at Ethical Brands and Their Offering
Are you looking for ethical brands for your shopping needs? It’s important to take a closer look at what’s being offered in order to ensure you’re making the most ethical choice. Here are few things to consider with ethical brands and their offering.
- Materials: Always check the materials used in the products of an ethical brand. Are they recyclable and sustainable? Are they kind to the environment?
- Supply Chain: Where are the goods being made? It’s worth looking into the different stages of the production process. Does the manufacture involve the exploitation of workers?
- Packaging: How are the items being delivered to customers? It’s possible many carbon emissions can be avoided by using recycled packaging materials.
When it comes to ethical shopping, much of it boils down to personal preference. Some prefer a brand that only works with sustainable materials, while others may more heavily consider where the products are sourced and manufactured.
For instance, if you prefer high-quality materials sourced and produced in places with tight labor laws, an ethical brand that oversees every step of production may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you have a more open-minded approach to buying ethical, there are many brands that have item-specific ethical ranges.
At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure that the final product is good for the environment, and ultimately, for our planet as a whole. Doing a bit of research and taking your time to understand what’s out there can yield long-lasting benefits.
4. Showcasing Fair Trade Fashion: The Sustainable Lookbook
It’s no secret that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Manufacturing and sourcing practices are responsible for a hefty toll on the environment, yet the siren song of the latest trends remains loud and alluring, driving us to keep shopping, regardless of the repercussions. Fairtrade fashion is an answer to the superficiality yet ubiquitous nature of mainstream fashion, delivering with it sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
- It ensures that the producers and makers of the clothes earn a living wage, as well as meet additional strict standards such as workplace safety and no child labour.
- It uses materials that are produced in a way that minimizes damage to the environment, using procedures like low water usage, no use of toxic chemicals and no use of conventional cotton pesticides.
- It actively invests on the people who make the clothes, helping them strengthen their businesses, every time you purchase an item.
Introducing the Sustainable Lookbook – a perfectly curated collection of Fairtrade fashion. Drawing on inspiration from cultures around the world, the Lookbook provides many different innovative takes on sustainable fashion, parading a wide variety of cuts, materials, colours, and textures, handpicked for their aligned commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing.
Vintage Vibes Workwear Edition
This edition features classic vintage designs reinvented to provide unique yet timeless pieces for any woman’s work wardrobe. From clean-cut shirt dresses and tiered denim rompers, to over-sized blazers and classic skirts, this fair trade fashion is practical and stylish.
Finishing Touches
For the final touches, the Sustainable Lookbook offers a range of ethical accessories to help complete the look. Whether it’s a stylish bag, a modern bracelet, or a wooden watch, the selection is all handcrafted with materials sourced from sustainable forests, vegan and eco-friendly materials, or recycled plastics.
The Sustainable Lookbook provides luxurious, trendy, and sustainable fashion choices that are sure to make you look your best while taking a strong stance in favour of more responsible fashion.
Sustainable fashion does not have to be sacrificed for style — showcased in the lookbook above, products from the top ethical brands can give you the opportunity to look great and make a positive impact on the environment. Be part of the movement to break away from fast fashion and explore the amazing options for eco-friendly, sustainable fashion.
