Sustainable fashion has been a common topic recently especially with more information being available in regards to the negative effects of fast fashion. According to GoodOnYou, “Fast fashion can be defined as cheap, trendy clothing, that samples ideas from the catwalk or celebrity culture and turns them into garments in high street stores at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand.” Consumers’ wants of the latest trends lead to the production of an excessive amount of products. Trends come and go, so where does that leave everything that was just produced and purchased? Consumers discard the products they no longer need or want.
I won’t sit here and act like I’m not someone who hasn’t purchased fast fashion, because I have. Fast fashion is convenient and less expensive to purchase, but it’s also very harmful to the environment and to the actual creators who make the items. As someone who knows their relationship with fashion, I know it can be better. That’s where sustainable fashion comes into play.
Green Strategy defines sustainable fashion as “clothing, shoes and accessories that are manufactured, marketed and used in the most sustainable manner possible, taking into account both environmental and socio-economic aspects.” As with anything, it’s nice to have options even when it comes to sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism. Thrift shopping is one option that supports sustainability and helps reduce waste from clothing. Another option consumers can pursue is purchasing from sustainable fashion brands.
Clothing
Terrance Williams Designs
Terrance Williams Designs is a sustainable fashion brand that was created by Terrance Williams. Terrance is a self-taught sewer who creates intricate and unique designs that can be seen through the Caftan Dress collection, headbands, dusters and many other accessories. There is so much character and versatility throughout the line from the use of floral embroidery to sequins. Each piece is handmade and ethically sourced with the purpose of bringing joy and happiness to others.
Sancho’s
In 2014, Kalkidan Legesse and Vidmantas Markevicius founded the company Sancho’s. Through their travels, they witnessed the negative effects that fast fashion had on people and the environment. Kalkidan and Vidmantas have made it their mission to help provide more sustainable clothing options for those who are seeking them. Sancho’s not only provides a wide selection of ethically-sourced brands, but they also encourage their customers to ask questions about where their clothes are truly coming from. You can find amazing clothing items as well as jewelry and accessories by purchasing through Sancho’s.
Bmuse
Brenda Dennison is the creator behind Bmuse, a vintage fashion boutique. The name Bmuse comes from Brenda herself and her hope to inspire the modern fashionista to embrace their individual style while also considering sustainable options. The two should be able to work together without either side being compromised. Bmuse is all about being chic yet conscious and that is best showcased through the colorful collection of handpicked vintage items. Brenda provides a carefully curated new mini-collection weekly.
Vanilla Vintage
Vanilla Vintage is a vintage clothing shop that was created in 2018 by Mariah Collazo. Each piece is carefully selected by Mariah in hopes of giving vintage items a new purpose. The clothing shop features an amazing sustainable selection of swimwear, outerwear, Co-Ord sets, and accessories. You can also come across unique and vintage home and lifestyle items.
I know this is about fashion, but I have to say I love their web design. The layout of the images really allows for each piece to make a great first impression.
Swimwear
Arrow + Phoenix
Kayla Bell is the creator and designer behind the sustainable swimwear brand, Arrow+Phoenix. Ms. Bell not only provides functional pieces suited for any occasion, but she also encourages others to empower those they come across. It’s all about creating a domino effect of positivity.
Arrow+Phoenix swimwear can be found in a variety of bright colors and designs that are both flattering and comfortable for women of all shapes. From the Marie One Piece to the Elysian Top, Arrow+Phoenix’s swimwear are all made from recycled materials. The brand also uses recycled packaging to deliver their suits to your doorstep. It’s also pretty cool that they make their suits in Paradise, Nevada which is right next to my hometown of North Las Vegas.
Jewelry
Thirty-One Bits
Thirty-One Bits is a jewelry company that was created to help provide artisans with dignified job opportunities. Through curating beautifully crafted jewelry, Thirty-One Bits puts the system of utilizing conscious business practices into place. There are a variety of pieces to choose from made by artisans all across the globe. You can even find yourself wearing earrings or bracelets adorned with handmade paper beads in vibrant colors or neutrals.
Rose Dorée
Rose Dorée is a luxury jewelry brand that makes beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces from necklaces to rings. Shaakira Molisho, the owner and creator of Rose Dorée, reconstructs and designs the jewelry herself. Many of her handmade pieces showcase crystals, such as citrine and rainbow aura quartz, in all of their natural beauty.
Shoes and Bags
Gunas
Gunas is a high-end sustainable fashion brand that designs and creates handbags made from vegan leather. The diverse collection of handbags you see today started as a 9-piece collection by creator Sugandh G. Agrawal in 2009. Gunas’ handbags, men’s bags and shoes are all ethically sourced. Each product assists in providing the stepping stones for their advocacy of conscious consumerism over fast fashion.
Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is a luxury accessories brand that was founded by Aurora James in 2013. Aurora’s goal behind Brother Vellies is to keep traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating artisanal jobs all across the globe. Through exploring Brother Vellies’ sustainable collection, you’ll come across handmade items from boots and heels to handbags and sandals. The timeless design of each item makes it one that you’ll always want to keep in your closet
Header Image Credit: Photo by Retha Ferguson from Pexels
