Tuesday 5 June 2012

Eco Fashion Ahoy!

A recent article that I wrote on the end of 'fast' high street fashion, for Birmingham's AREA Culture Guide (p.60), has got me pondering the alternatives to the cheap, mass produced clothes offered by shops such as H&M and Primark.

Although I am fully aware of the social and moral implications inherent to shopping in stores such as these, I'm afraid that a third implication, that of economics, is usually the deciding factor when it comes to my shopping habits.

As a poverty stricken student I can barely afford Topshop, let alone well known eco-friendly labels such as Noir and Stella McCartney. However, I recognise that there's a very definite gap in consumer knowledge of affordable 'green' fashion; that's why I decided to bring together some of the best, most diverse and reasonably priced environmentally- friendly brands, right here on my blog.

I hope you are inspired by all them to change your shopping habits even a little bit- it could make all the difference.

Nearfar
'Bureh' dress, £50.00

An ethical label which works with tailors local Sierra Leone, and uses a combination of traditional West African prints and modern, stylish designs. Nearfar aims to provide a sustainable and ethical living for disadvantaged young adults living in the country's capital city, Freetown.

High-waisted Shorts, £35.00

nearfar.myshopify.com


Dress, £60

Slightly more expensive than Nearfar, People Tree boast an eco- perfect retail history. The online store, which has collaborated with the likes of Thakoon and Emma Watson to create previous collections, aims to use only organic and Fairtrade cotton, natural dyes, and recycled products. Furthermore, they are part of a  Fairtrade network which covers twenty developing countries. This season, People Tree are channeling the 50's housewife trend in gingham and hourglass-hugging wrap dresses.

Knit jumper, £85



Maxi skirt, £69

An ethical line which reminds me of the simple, cosy designs of Toast, Bibico uses only natural materials to produce its garments. Furthermore, the clothes offered in their online store are only produced in fair trade cooperatives in the developing world. 

St Tropez Shorts, £39

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