“The ‘slow approach’ intervenes as a revolutionary process in the contemporary world because it encourages taking time to ensure quality production, to give value to the product, and contemplate the connection with the environment.” – Carl Honoré (author of In Praise of Slowness)
The term Slow Fashion was first coined by Kate Fletcher of the Centre of Sustainable Fashion, when fashion was compared to the Slow Food experience. It stands for all things ‘eco’, ‘ethical’ and ‘green’ in one unified movement. Unfortunately, when these words are transferred out of the Oxford dictionary into a fashion dictionary, they tend to represent the image of people dressed in shapeless sackcloth holding ‘Fur Is Murder’ signs while munching away veggie burgers and vegan burritos.
But never fear. That stereotypical image is nothing but a myth, and these 10 sustainable brands worth knowing are here to bust it:
1. Brother Vellies
Designed in Brooklyn by Aurora James. Handcrafted in South Africa, Kenya & Morocco.
“Most recently, we have been utilizing overages of donated denim in Morocco and using that recycled denim on locally made shoes. We also use recycled car tires as the soles on many of our sandals. Relying on local artisans, most of the production process for our shoes are done by hand, ensuring that only a limited number of machines are required on premises. This keeps our energy consumption low and our employment numbers high.”
There you have it. The whole package. If you have any interest in walking around in a pair of a well-made beautiful handcrafted shoes, be sure to give Brother Vellies a try.
2. Elroy Apparel
Canadian brand. Manufactured in Indonesia.
“We want you to know all about the sourcing we do and the artisans that put each piece together. Our company’s intent is to support fair trade markets in areas of low income and unemployment. Hand-in-hand our designer works with small developing communities in Indonesia, where she began a sustainable employment project in 2009. Here, a grassroots sewing cooperative was established, using sustainable, organic or up cycled materials sourced right in their backyard. These actions ensure we are able to fully support the community and its people from the start to the finish of each garment. By manufacturing where and how we do, we help to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for this in economically challenged areas.”
Yes. Considerate cool people do exist within this dog-eat-dog industry, and I am loving every single one of them.
3. Everlane
Introducing Radical Transparency.
“Know your factories. Know your costs. Always ask why.”
Everlane’s culture are based upon ensuring the integrity of their producing factories, revealing the true cost of a product by showing consumers their markup, and constantly challenging the status quo. Hooked yet? If you’re a fan of transparency and a less-is-more philosophy, be sure to visit their online-only store to find out more about their products. You are even encouraged to get nosy and ask them more questions yourself.
4. Feral Childe
Collaboration of bi-coastal design duo Moriah Carlson & Alice Wu, both coming from a fine arts background.
“Each season, Feral Childe’s drawings form the basis of the collection’s textile prints, wry construction details, and absurdist accessories. We limit our use of polybags and plastic hangers, reusing these as well as our packing and shipping materials. We print just enough hangtags, catalogs, and marketing collateral, with recycled paper whenever possible. We support our communities by participating in educational outreach, teaching workshops, and sharing our experiences and resources with others.”
Aiming to dress forward-thinking women, committed to ethical business practices, and being open to provide sourcing or manufacturing information upon request to their customer, this New York bound artistic force is truly unstoppable.
5. Freitag (F-ABRIC)
From truck till bag.
“Since 1993 FREITAG has been producing and marketing bags and accessories made from used materials and found on the road outside your front door: old truck tarpaulins tanned by exhaust fumes, cycle inner tubes and used seat belts. After 20 years in the business and 5 years of developments, in 2014 FREITAG launched a new material called F-ABRIC: textiles from bast fibers (flax and hemp) and modal, which are produced in Europe using minimum resources. They are durable and completely biodegradable. In order to keep its carbon footprint low, the company has also made a point of using all-European growers and manufacturers.”
They call giving used materials a new life ‘recontextualizing’, and ‘recontextualized’ successfully they did. Could be seen sported by young art college students all around Europe, FREITAG really is one of the most prominent sustainable labels out there right now, with an equally promising future.
Watch the amazing video of F-ABRIC development on their site (http://www.freitag.ch/fabric).
6. Kowtow
New Zealand designed, certified ethical organic cotton clothing, sold worldwide and online.
“For a long time, many of our consumer habits have appeared to have no consequence. It is now quite apparent that there is an imbalance in standards of living throughout the work which is fueled by the Wests continuing short changing and exploitation of labour markets in the so called third world. We don’t believe anyone who is truly aware of what is going on in the world would want to turn their heads and support a slave trade economy. Being into clothes we decided to do something about it. Certified trade organic cotton clothing that is ethically and sustainably made from seed to garment. Thank you for believing in what we do.”
If the word ‘organic’ still does not appeal to you as something stylish, smart, and sophisticated, I would strongly advise you to go check out their site right this second, because boy would you change your mind!
7. Lost Property of London
Sincerely Made in London.
“Lost Property of London takes salvaged fabric and lovingly transforms it into stylish yet practical accessories. Our love for salvaged materials and handmade techniques help us achieve a signature ‘Rough Luxe’ aesthetic.”
They are turning London’s trash into treasure by upcycling abandoned materials. Their process are non-polluting. Their products are absolutely stunning. If you are one to drool over British-ness and eco-friendly-ness, Lost Property of London is definitely your brand to die for. I mean it.
8. Organic by John Patrick
Another Big Apple bound label, Organic doesn’t ask either/or. It answers both/and.
“Beauty and ethics. Green and global. These aren’t binaries of opposition, they’re gradients of possible. Prioritizing organic materials, fair labor practices, and ecological awareness, Organic’s supply chain is a prototype that refines and renders those relationships.”
Founded in 2003, launched in 2004 by the one and the only John Patrick, Organic prioritizes organic materials, fair labor practices, and ecological awareness. They made the world’s first organic oxford cotton shirt. Talk about the pioneer spirit! It took him two years just to get the fabric made.
“I had to beg a mill to make the fabric.” – John Patrick
Why sir, your determination and grit to build a better world for us all will never be forgot.
9. Reformation
Killer clothes that don’t kill the environment.
“We source sustainable fabrics and vintage garments, we manufacture most of our products in our own sustainable sewing factory (from the heat-reflecting roof and use of renewable energy, to the recycled hangers in our stores and 100% recycled packaging for every order shipped).”
Created in 2009 by Yael Aflalo, Reformation is a B corp certified company that is TOTALLY killing it in the business. They was certified by the non-profit B Lab to meet the rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. If you have no idea what does ‘B corp certified’ means, no worries.
“Benefit Corporations (B Corps) are a new type of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corp certification is to business what Fair Trade is to coffee, and USDA Organic is to milk.”
Yael Aflalo also said that it has always been her mission to make clothes for the chicest people, not make clothes for the wealthy people. Words very well said, job very well done.
10. Study NY
Founded by Tara St James from Montreal, Canada. Brooklyn based.
“All of our garments are manufactured and cut in New York City (with the exception of some collaborations in Peru and Mexico City) with sustainably sourced materials. We verify that our workers are paid fairly and work in proper conditions. Additionally, making the garments locally allows us to reduce transportation costs and emissions. Our motto at Study is ‘Making Fashion Without Making Waste’. To minimize our waste, we use Zero Waste Cutting in some of our designs when creating our garments. Historically, clothe makers and artisans always designer to minimize the amount of cloth thrown away;”
Striking a perfect balance between what is deemed norm-core and what is perceived as progressive, Study NY is one of my unequivocal personal favorites. Their aesthetic has flown me to the moon. Their commitment to remain conscious has flown me back down to earth. Study NY, thank you for making our beloved planet earth an even better place to live in.
Savvy Wishes from Mrs. Fox, stay conscious!
The Savvy Mrs. Fox 
My first visit to your blog and I must say i love the composition. Great work. That Lost Property of London just made it to my wish list. Great concept
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Thank you so much! Really appreciate it! ❤
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Love the article, its about time that people realized that you can be green or atleast attempt to be partially ethical and still well dressed. All the brands mentioned have amazing products, are super chic and deserve the recognition for what they are trying to achieve….
Agree with shadrach above about Lost Property…loooooove…
Good job Mrs. Fox….
🙈👋
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Completely agree, thank you so much Bhavna!
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