10 BLACK-OWNED SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRANDS
Jacket by Print Garden Shop
It’s now more important than ever to vote with our wallets when it comes to promoting racial equity in the UK and around the world. Last week, I shared Black-owned natural beauty brands to support, and this week, I’m highlighting sustainable fashion brands that are as gorgeous as they are ethical — and created right here in the UK (plus one brand from Germany).
UK
SIKA
Phyllis Taylor founded SIKA in 2005 with the vision to make a positive impact on the world through fashion. All SIKA’s unique, bold and colourful garments are designed in London and handmade in Ghana, with great emphasis on social and environmental responsibilities. SIKA are committed to paying fair wages, creating employment and making a difference.
Roop
Roop (from founder Natasha’s nickname) is the antithesis of fast fashion: Natasha uses only leftover or vintage fabrics in a bid to “keep it green,” which means all of her handmade bags and scrunchies are either entirely unique or part of a very limited series. Shop online or find Roop in select retailers in the UK, France and the US.
Disa Allsopp
This ethical jewellery brand draws inspiration from London-born Disa’s Barbadian upbringing. Disa carefully selects each colourful gemstone set into her rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks, and every item is handmade in her London studio using a large percentage of recycled metals.
TOVE
The duo behind TOVE, Camille Perry and Holly Wright, create simple, timeless pieces — each collection rooted in a specific season but designed to fit in seamlessly into our year-round wardrobes, as part of a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Flat Fifteen
South London girl Fran makes tiny bags with a scalloped handle from a range of beautiful fabrics, from yellow gingham to pink silk. Her signature style was a happy accident, and lucky for all of us, it stuck.
Sancho’s
Exeter-based Kalkidan and Vidmantas created Sancho’s in 2014 after seeing first-hand the devastating effects of fast fashion in developing countries such as Ethiopia. They carefully curate a selection of clothing, accessories and gifts made with sustainable materials and under fair conditions. You can shop online or at one of their two Exeter locations.
José Hendo
Passionate about sustainability, Ugandan-born British designer José Hendo created her eponymous label to promote eco practices in fashion. José Hendo’s award-winning clothes and accessories are made using eco textiles (barkcloth — from tree bark — especially) and recycled materials, with ethical and environmental values at the forefront.
Sammi Maria
Named after its founder, Sammi Maria is a jewellery brand reflective of her “laid-back City girl style.” Each of their delicate necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets is handcrafted to a high ethical and sustainable standard, using 925- sterling silver plated with either rhodium, 24-karat yellow gold or rose gold. This is more affordable jewellery without compromising on your values.
One of my favourite locals since moving to the area 2 years ago, this Crystal Palace boutique uses Nigerian print cotton to make one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear and made-to-measure, fostering a closer relationship to the clothes you wear. I also come here for alterations and, with owner Sade’s playful designs that come to life in patterns and colours that are anything but shy, there is ALWAYS something that catches my eye!
EUROPE
Last but not least, this Berlin-based brand was founded in 2016 by Buki Akomolafe, a German/Nigerian designer, with a view to create “contemporary high-end women’s clothing with a slight hint to androgyny, precise tailoring and high quality eco materials.” Everything is handcrafted in Berlin, using organic materials and blending European and West African traditional techniques.