SUSTAINABLE BRANDS TO RIVAL THE HIGH STREET
Outfit: ARMEDANGELS
I often get asked for more affordable sustainable brand suggestions. Unfortunately the reality is that in the current market, shopping sustainable new comes at a price — organic materials, fair wages and auditing generates extra expenses on the brand’s side, which are often reflected in the product’s price tag. So, when I’m asked for suggestions, my first tip is always to shop second-hand — I love a bargain, so it’s often my first port of call anyway, and reusing or repurposing will ALWAYS be a more sustainable option than buying anything new, even if it has been created ethically.
The good news is that, as demand increases for more sustainable new options, it’s become less of a luxury, and more new-gen brands are popping up at a more competitive price point. Whilst these brands are definitely not cheap and thus not affordable for all, they are fairly competitive compared to some of the large high-street chains. A dress from a more premium high-street retailer will cost between £60 and £80, whilst the below brands carry pieces starting at £65 (£40 if you’re shopping the sale section ;)) up to £100+:
Courtesy: Damson Madder
Damson Madder is a brand that revolves around sustainability and transparency. They make every effort to create pieces that are as eco-friendly as they can be, using recycled materials, organic cotton and natural dyes and following fair trade practices. I love their unexpected patterns and romantic pieces with a retro feel. And for those who prefer a brick and mortar experience, they’re available at Urban Outfitters.
Courtesy: Milk and Biscuits
Milk and Biscuits is a destination for streamlined, creative clothes that wouldn’t feel out of place on the Parisian Left Bank (despite the brand’s British-Chinese origins). Designed for women and children, Milk and Biscuits’ clothes are created as sustainably as possible, in small batches, using hemp, GOTS certified organic cottons, recycled fabrics and natural textiles.
Courtesy: ARMEDANGELS
ARMEDANGELS has eco-friendly and fair practices at its core. The Belgium-based label uses sustainable and regenerative materials and works hard to ensure every person involved in the supply chain is employed under fair conditions. They are committed to the fight against textile slavery as well as racism, and they are proudly climate-neutral but remain committed to further reducing their carbon emissions. They make amazing basics, including jeans and simple tees, as well as printed dresses and more, for a timeless look.
Courtesy: Omnes
Omnes is a great place to look if you’re feeling in the mood for fun and feminine vibes, thanks to their playful prints and sweet designs. The ethos behind the brand is to help make fashion better for people and planet. Every piece is designed in London with the idea that you’ll want to wear these clothes for years and years and years, and they work in collaboration with fair producers, using fabrics that are grown, sourced and manufactured responsibly.
Courtesy: Thinking Mu
Thinking Mu’s collections feel both fresh and timeless, with graphic tees, simple and printed jumpsuits, printed sets and many more exciting pieces. They use organic, recycled and fair trade fabrics, converting old clothes into new ones, picking textiles for their sustainable credentials and dyes that are natural and eco-friendly. They also ensure safe conditions and living wages for their workers.
Courtesy: COSSAC
Created by Agatka Kozak, COSSAC creates timeless garments through sustainable processes, encouraging consumers to curate “capsule wardrobes” rather than buy new clothes every season. They are committed to transparency, sustainability and social wellbeing, producing their clothes in family-run and GOTS-certified factories in Portugal. Their designs feature simple, elegant lines and comfy materials that are sure to become your new go-tos for the years (or decades?) to come.
Courtesy: Saint + Sofia
Very East London chic, Saint + Sofia makes dresses, jackets, accessories and more that are reminiscent of AllSaints, but in a specifically sustainable brand. The label was started in 2020 by a team of designers who previously worked at a flurry of big name brands, and came together to celebrate London culture in the form of a fashion label. They use natural or recycled fabrics and biodegradable packaging and are continuously working to further offset their carbon footprint.
Courtesy: People Tree
I’ve loved People Tree for several years thanks to their simple designs (including their lovely pyjamas) and basics that are also very fun. People Tree was founded in 1991 with a deep-rooted respect for people and planet. They use sustainable materials and work with skilled local artisans around the world and were awarded the World Fair Trade Organisation product label, guaranteeing they work in a fair and transparent way.