That wasn’t long to wait, was it? Here it is, the second installment of my extensive list of ethical and sustainable brands.
Not so long ago it was nigh on impossible to find a fashion-forward sustainable brand that I could afford. I’m excited to say that is no longer the case. In fact there are so many that I left off my last list, I feel another one coming on soon!
However this article is not one of those, that was my previous article. Today I’m bringing you the top end of my budget. Not Stella top end although these are certainly big money luxury labels, just don’t freak out at the prices. I adore them all and hope you love them too. And don’t worry, I have a few suggestions to get your hands on them should you so desire.
First a quick word – For many years I’ve argued with friends and family (read, anyone who’ll listen) that fast fashion is killing the planet and humanity one cheap polyester maxi skirt at a time. Yes, until now it was a slow death for the Earth so perhaps difficult to imagine, but times have changed and that devastation is now a runaway train for ALL to see. Like the Cranberries song, there’s no need to argue any more.
Although the situation has changed exponentially, my argument has always been the same – WE CAN’T KEEP BUYING STUFF SO CHEAP! – Someone always pays. Indeed this idea that unregulated capitalism and constant economic growth is a positive thing, needed and encouraged for a country to thrive, is a complete misnomer and entirely irrational. Countries strive for growth, elections are lost and won on the back of economic growth! But what happens when you grow too much? Population explosion and a mountain of waste.
We cannot keep growing, expanding, making more money only to spend more money and create more waste. This is an unsustainable existence with massive consequences to humanity and nature. We don’t live on planet infinity where poisoned marine life automatically resets to clean, quite the opposite actually, we live within a delicate ecosystem. So we Humans need to replicate this clever ecosystem in the form of our economy and make it circular. Only a Circular Economy with a regenerative approach will sustain human life on Earth indefinitely. We’d do well to learn from the natural world instead of destroying it. Mother Nature always knows best.
That sounds expensive right? Yep well perhaps it is at first but we in the developed world have dined very nicely off cheap labour and resources for far too long. For those of us who can afford to indulge, it’s payback time. And if we do it right and do it now, we’ll all live well. As far as affordable luxury goes, most of the following brands offer a simple, interest-free monthly payment plan making every ethical masterpiece attainable. So long as we don’t expect to buy something new each week it should be fine hee hee…tempting.
So here it is your second dose of my antidote to the fast fashion disease that’s killing our Planet. The more of us that boycott fast fashion and support brands like these the better our chance of saving the Earth and Mankind. Fashion done right by these brands is fashion with a conscience.
Maggie Marilyn
I love this label more than words can say. Just look at this exquisite dress…Takes your breath away, doesn’t it? Not only that but this brand is doing so much more for sustainable fashion than just creating phenomenal, ethical clothes. It has taken the entire weight of sustainable fashion on its young shoulders by producing only biodegradable packaging too! Of course, what would anyone expect from a female New Zealander? The country’s female Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern has just banned plastic bags. BOOYAH!
All feels too extravagent at Maggie Marilyn? Here’s a statement wrap top that’s 50% off in the Moda Operandi sale in sizes UK6 through 12 if you fancy indulging. Sadly it’s too low cut for my bazookas although I swoon over it never the less.
For those of you interested in more detail about what Maggie Marilyn is doing to remove single use plastic in logistics read their 2020 sustainability strategy, it’s incredible and to be honest quite uplifting.
LINGUA FRANCA
Isn’t this a clever name for such an outspoken label? Literally says what it does on the tin *a common language used to communicate between speakers of different native languages* I’d go further to say that in truth, we are all socialists although some people don’t like the term, we all want the very thing it defines, equality and freedom. Contrary to what the Right would have us believe, these things are very much centrist. Who doesn’t want healthcare, affordable homes, education and to earn a living wage?
My soul sister The Sequinist alerted me to New York brand Lingua Franca a while ago. Although I haven’t had a chance to visit the shop yet, it’s high on my list of things to do in NYC. As is buying one of these fucking fabulous cashmere sweaters! You can choose one that’s already embroidered or even better, have one custom made with your very own slogan. I want one that says “Bring back empathy”. At $400 this is affordable, wearable art and a very special piece to add to any knitwear enthusiasts collection. What’s more, the brand also offer $50 gift cards so you can even help a friend get their paws on one too!
ULLA JOHNSON
Although this label seems heavy on ultra feminine Boho, some of my favourite pieces are actually funky retro-inspired like this outfit which I currently covet, this one and this dreamy denim jumpsuit.
For me, the beauty of buying any of those particular ensembles is the versatility they offer. Very much in keeping with my personal aesthetic, I would restyle and rewear every item on repeat. However, there’s no denying the teal gown above is to-die-for, although even if I could afford it, I have absolutely nowhere to wear it anyway. Mind you if I’m ever invited to a fancy do, this is something I’d dream of.
Another way to make luxury fashion accessible is by shopping with Moda Operandi. If you’re anything like me, it’s “champagne taste on a beer budget” so if you fall in love with this Ulla Johnson dress, at MO you pay 50% deposit and wait until your new made-to-order heirloom is ready then you pay the balance. This process can take several months which gives you time to save up the rest and boy what a wonderful way to build excitement. Think about it, it’s just like waiting for Christmas as a kid! I think there really is something depressing in the need for speed that completely ruins the joy of shopping. Instant gratification has no longevity, no lasting love. This comes back to my belief that if you buy clothes you really truly love, you buy better and love them forever.
Alternatively there’s always a bargain if you wait for the MO sale like this Ulla Johnson skirt that’s half price at $124 and still available in sizes US4 and 10.
MATTEAU
Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi! Sorry couldn’t help myself, you understand I’m a Sydney girl at heart? Besides my loyalty and unadulterated love of Australian fashion like Zimmerman, Neuw Denim and KITX there is no doubt, a whole new world of emerging talent Down Under.
Matteau is one such label, a small collection yet bang on designs. The long-sleeved split dress above can be worn back to front and wouldn’t look out of place on the beach or in a posh restaurant. This is my perfect travel dress the kind to take on holiday and wear every single day with just a change of hairdo, bag and shoes. Picture this with a pony tail, basket bag and Ancient Greek sandals or silky ironed straight hair, Bottega Veneta Pouch and Loeffler Randall mules. Delicious no?
Sure Matteau has the minimal feel of Nordic style but with their swimwear range its sexy Aussie chick all the way. I’m definitely looking at this cozzie for Summer and check out their ingenious styling of it here with the matching dress, LOVE!!!
BEULAH LONDON
Beulah London aesthetic is graceful, feminine and sophisticated. Mostly floaty floral prints on silk and delicate crepe, designed for the sartorially romantic Woman like my friend (and blogger) Liz. As with most of the brands here, Beulah is so committed to ethical manufacturing they go beyond paying workers a living wage and literally help lift Women out of poverty. Beulah raises money for important charities like ECPAT that support young victims of Human trafficking and Be The Voice, the organization that shines a light on modern slavery. This brand is committed to helping Women in chains and you can’t put a price on that.
DÔEN
Whilst there was a time in my life when I’d reserve my biggest budget for “going out” clothes only, I realized long ago I should be spending more on the clothes I wear more. Make sense? No? Hear me out.
The case for spending more on my knitwear, tops and jeans is strong since those items must last the longest and take the most wear and tear. Equally, since I’m wearing certain items on a daily basis I want them to look beautiful with little effort and you only get that with superior materials and manufacturing. In short, a cheap jumper will look cheap after a few weeks of wear and I won’t ever step out of the house in it again.
On the other hand, this cardigan is definitely something I’d save up for because I know without a shadow of doubt that I’ll wear it 8 months of the year and probably until it literally falls apart or I die whichever comes first. My point is you shouldn’t balk at spending a lot of money on something that is casual if you know you’ll get the wear out of it. I found that to be a false sartorial economy. By doing this you also have the option of selling on should you happen to grow tired of the garment.
Dôen is mostly elevated casual wear yet so heavenly you’ll want to wear it all the time. For that reason, I’ve pinned these fabulous trousers. I just can’t decide whether I want black or white! I quite fancy these sandals and this blouse too.
Evidently, I’m California dreamin’ of the entire collection…
The last word – Have I tempted you girls on any of these Women owned ethical and sustainable brands? If the answer is yes, please take the time to sign up to their newsletters. Not only is this the best way to catch the sales, but it’s also a great way to personally connect with their ethos. These labels have more to offer than just fashion shopping!
So if you’re in NYC, Lingua Franca regularly holds embroidery classes | In L.A and Paris Dôen hosts craft events and writes an interesting blog about their collective | In Auckland Maggie Marilyn is hosting a charity yoga event | In London Beulah hosts speaker events and interactive workshops.
If I haven’t caught your city, don’t worry I have more inspiring brands to come, stay tuned and remember to leave your email below so I can keep you in the loop.
Lots of love, Mx
Comments ( 19 )
Lisa the Sequinist
I have never heard of Maggie Marilyn before, but OMG. I want about 5 things on their site. These are all brands that are expensive but affordable at a stretch… you’re SO right about saving the biggest chunk of the budget for everyday items instead of for special events. They get SO much more use. A superb pair of jeans or black trousers or a cream cardigan are much more splurge worthy than a pair of rainbow crystal boots (she says, looking in the mirror). Brilliant brilliant post, I’m already looking forward to the next one. xxx
MT
Gee I don’t know Lisa, I can picture you wearing rainbow sparkle boots on the school run. I don’t call you Sparkles for nuthin’ babe 😉
Lynne
I like Jigsaw for work clothing and went in there yesterday. Before buying I quizzed the sales advisor who was helping me, about sourcing and manufacturing of clothes. I was really impressed with what she told me and her knowledge of the Jigsaw supply chain. I followed up with the manager who said ethical manufacturing is something Jigsaw is proud of and have had in place since their inception. Everyone who works their learns about it in induction. I googled their code of ethics and modern slavery statements which say it all really. It struck me that Jigsaw have been doing things right for years but not shouted about it. It would be great if there was some sort of ‘how our clothes are made ‘ kite mark/ charter businesses can sign up to to promote fact they are ethical in how they manufacture and source. I then went into Zara as an experiment and asked the sales advisor the same thing and she looked at me like I had two heads!
MT
Oh yes, you’re so right about Jigsaw Lynne! I do love that brand, must include them in my next post which is about ethical High Street brands. Thanks for that! I think it’s hilarious about your Zara experience and so predictable. In terms of a “kitemark” there is the butterfly mark I wrote about in this post.Scroll down to the second heading. Although it tends to be designer labels which isn’t helpful in terms of a realistic price point. Hopefully highlighting ethical and sustainable brands won’t be necessary in the near future, when ecocide laws come into practice.
WonderWomanS
I loved this article Michelle. It’s great knowing these brands. I would love a similar article for more affordable brands (you probably have one already)! Either ways this is a very informative and stylish article. Thank you
MT
Thanks Fernanda! Yes my next article on sustainable brands is focused on the High Street. I have to say this is much harder to determine and has taken a long time to research properly, bear with me though, it is imminent!
whatlizzyloves
Oh Michelle. You know of course that Ulla Johnson is right up my street. I adore the feminine boho aesthetic. Beautifully researched my love and thank you once again for all of the leg work xxx
MT
I knew it! xxx
Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb
Oh gosh you would go and pick a ton of brands ALL whose clothes I love (was that the right grammar? My head is fuzzy from sartorial lust)!!
Beulah London looks right up my street, and that teal gown… =swoon=. I don’t really like teal that much as a colour, but I’d be swayed by this dress.
So there’s all of that, and THEN there’s the bonus of them saving the planet by not producing mass-produced sh*t. I love their ethics, their policies and everything they stand for. I may not be able to afford the clothes (YET!), but they sure have got me thinking more and more (well, YOU have, MT) about my footprint on this fair world. Please don’t ever stop shouting about it… the message is getting through, we need you!!
Catherine x
MT
Heehee swoon away my friend that’s all the fun of it!
Thank you darling C, I couldn’t stop shouting if I tried xxx
Fatima Truscott
So beautifully researched WOMAN!!! I love this and I love everything you stand for. If everyone slowed down and as you say, the circular model was forefront for businesses then we stand a chance of sorting out this shit. So proud of you MT xx
MT
Thank you so much for saying this Fatima, it means the world to have your support. Just lately I decided to go for it and stop worrying about upsetting people by being blunt. I just feel so bloody helpless and wish I could do more. I’m hoping to change a few minds at the very least xx
No Fear of Fashion
I have clicked through to all of them. The Matteau dress you are showing is beautiful and so is the blue/white suit by Beulah. Couldn’t find anything else really. The clothes are either too romantic for me, too boho or there is something else which is not my taste. Isn’t that strange? As I do like the way you dress. really strane.
I loved the comment Lynne made about Zara haha.
Greetje
MT
Oh that’s a shame Greetje but not to worry, I have plenty more up my proverbial sleeve 😉
Ellyn
Beautiful clothes but I dislike clothes with pointed agendas like the “nevertheless” one. No thanks.
MT
Hi Ellyn, I’m sorry I don’t know what you mean by that. What pointed agenda, sustainability?
Lana Murpy
I love all of them. Can’t wait to try.
Kara
Unfortunately Ulla Johnson isn’t ethically rated, from my quick search…just a few small not to sustainability but not into lessening chemicals or recycling program. I’m bummed. One idea is to link to how you determined what is eco and ethically made for those of us who stumble upon your posts. I do love Doen though!
MT
Hi Kara, I’m guessing you Googled and got the Good on You App rating for Ulla Johnson? You’re absolutely right that UJ has work to do but I think when it comes to sustainability it’s important to look at nuance. The app is amazing, but remember “sustainability” isn’t the goal it’s just a stepping stone to a circular economy. And most brands have work to do on that score. If you click on ENVIRONMENT in my menu, you’ll see more posts about regenerative brands and those in the circular economy that are doing much more than sustainability.
Although my caveat is always, just buy less. Or nothing new at all.
Hope to see you around these parts again Kara. Reading that old post of mine makes me cringe now. So much of the world has changed and to be honest, shopping is very low on my list of priorities now. Take care x