HOLIDAY: LOOK 1
Uzma Bozai at Ethical Collection dress, Vintage earrings from Rellik London, The Jacksons at Ethical Collection bag, Guanabana at Ethical Collection hat, Carla Colour at Antibad sunglasses and Salt-Water Sandals
Following a successful week of sustainable fashion for Fashion Revolution Week and feeling inspired post-Copenhagen Fashion Summit, I thought I'd turn my hand to holiday dressing for the next instalment of my challenge. There are some really exciting pieces this season (all perfect for the many summers to come too), so many bold colours, pretty silhouettes and lots of artisanal accessories to complete outfits too. For outfit one I've opted for my go-to beach look, a light cotton dress, hat (to protect my face from the sun), sunglasses, sandals and a big Mary Poppins-style shopper. I also accessorised with some wooden hoop earrings that I bought from a vintage shop in London a good 15 years ago and finished with a bit of Tata Harper bronzer on my lips and cheeks to pull it all together.
UZMA BOZAI
Growing up in the iconic 90s New York, Uzma Bozai spent childhood summers in the Indian subcontinent. It was in Pakistan that she became in touch with the artisan culture of tailoring by witnessing and taking part in the skilled craft of ancient hand embroidering, dyeing and embellishing. After moving to London and working with international aid organisations, she realised that she could use her inherent love for style to revitalise these crafts she grew up with that were dying out in favour or faster fashion. Teaming up with a group of talented industry textile and print designers led by Emma Avery—who’s own portfolio featured Erdem and Jonathan Sanders —her namesake brand was thus born. The Uzma Bozai story unfolded with collections that harmoniously balanced the boho luxe aesthetic with a refined edge; one which upholds traditional art by bringing it into the contemporary landscape. The line began with studies of intricate, high-skilled, traditional Indian embroidery, and the mix of contemporary fabrics with ancient textiles. Following seasons saw print-driven, laid back styles that are innovative, with modern silhouettes and designs that merge with and mutually compliment artisanal crafts of hand printing and hand embroidery.
ETHICAL COLLECTION
Giovanna Eastwood founded Ethical Collection in 2015, encouraged by the work of her mother's charity in Brazil. The charity taught young women to craft and sell bags made of recycled material and Giovanna witnessed the impact that the work had on these women and their communities. The pride they took in their art and the environmental benefits of recycled material gave her inspiration and incentive to dedicate her skills to ethical fashion. Enthusiastic about her friend Giovanna's style and purpose, Annina Youngblood joined Ethical Collection in late 2016. What started out as two friends sharing ideas about sustainable fashion led to a flourishing, fruitful collaboration. Together, they give us the choice of style with a story
THE JACKSONS
The beautiful and playful hand-crafted jute “word-bags” from The Jacksons are a joyous outcome of the design collaboration between Louise Jackson and the skillful traditional handicraft workers of Southwest Bangladesh. The colours of the bags reflect the vibrant local hues from earthy red to electric pink and lime green – colours to enliven any trip to the gym, beach or shops. The 100% locally-grown jute bags are light, flexible and durable. This project aims to empower local women in Bangladesh and through the income it provides improve their access to health and education. Louise visits regularly and has seen at first hand the real benefits it provides.
GUANABANA
Bringing together traditional techniques with a contemporary vision, you can rely on the edit of Guanabana hats to complete your sunshine style. Focusing on straw hats that are made by hand, the edit is complete with colourful sashes and quirky details such as pom-poms, making each piece stand out. Ideal for keeping out the sun while looking stylish.
CARLA COLOUR
As a sustainable business, Carla Colour make every effort to be socially and environmentally responsible. They only work and partner with suppliers who share their ethos and can verify that their factories adhere to the highest socially responsible standards. All the frames of their glasses are made from renewable sources.
ANTIBAD
Antibad is a curated shop and journal for earth- and human-friendly fashion across vintage and new labels. After working in luxury fashion Antibad's founder, Agatha Lintott decided to turn her eye for effortless chic to ethical brands. Antibad aims to bring style and substance together again and change the perception of sustainable fashion.
SALT-WATER SANDALS
Salt-Water Sandals is on a mission to reduce its footprint and continue working towards being a 100% ethical and sustainable brand. The brand's sandals are still manufactured in the same U.S. factory that was used when the brand started in the 1940s. Most employees are flexible and move around the factory as well as being trained in the multiple parts of the manufacturing process. In the U.S. factory, each pair of shoes goes through 13 people before being delivered to your door. Likewise, Salt-Water has also recently overhauled its packaging to ensure it's as environmentally friendly as possible.