Cover Image: Amur

These fashion brands are leading the way with their environmentally-friendly initiatives and sustainable and ethical production practices

In the age of fast fashion, more and more brands are doing their part in driving the industry towards a more responsible path. From Gabriela Hearst's commitment to using upcycled materials to Dôen’s initiatives that provide education to girls in India, discover the labels making their mark as sustainability advocates.

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Jason Lloyd-Evans

1. Gabriela Hearst

Gabriela Hearst makes timeless pieces that are eco-conscious and sustainable for the modern woman. The Uruguayan designer emphasises that for her, luxury is about integrity and premium quality materials. Sustainable fabrics, 100 per cent biodegradable packaging and zero-waste policies—these initiatives, alongside Hearst's impeccable modern designs, have earned the brand the Pratt’s Fashion Visionary Award in 2018 and the 2016/2017 Womenswear International Woolmark Prize
 

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Dôen

2. Dôen

When launching Dôen back in 2016, sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland wanted to create elegant and accessible garments that are eco-conscious. Apart from opting for natural fibres in their production, the label gives back to the community by working hard to close the gender pay gap, and by funding the education of daughters of their factory workers in New Delhi, India.

The brand’s other commitments towards social responsibility include connecting Peruvian knitters with export markets, allowing them to make a living from the comfort of their homes. We are especially drawn to this gorgeous '70s-inspired silk-linen midi dress that is guaranteed to become your go-to attire for picnics and other summer outings.

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Stine Goya

3. Stine Goya

Sustainability, open-mindedness, and unapologetically fabulous designs—these words sum up Stine Goya. The Copenhagen-based brand sets an ambitious goal to eliminate the use of non-environmentally-conscious materials. For example, the brand opts for recycled cotton and cashmere rather than virgin materials. Stine Goya also emphasises the importance of renewable energy by powering the company’s HQ with sun and wind. 
 
The label’s aesthetic is largely inspired by international ballroom culture, as seen through the vibrant colours and structured silhouettes. Our favourite, by far, is this organic silk pantsuit that will bring a bit of bling to your next cocktail event.

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Amur

4. Amur

New York label, Amur, led by Sofia Shannon, walks the balance between elegance and sustainability. The label’s commitment to sustainability begins at the fibre itself, which is woven from organically-grown cotton and silk and reclaimed cotton linter. Some garments are also made from regenerated fibres. Apart from choosing the materials consciously, Amur prides itself on its closed-loop system, which allows customers to donate their unwanted polyester to be recycled into new products.

Our top picks from the brand’s latest offerings are this skirt and top duo with a linear floral print that is as versatile as it is chic.

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Mother of Pearl

5. Mother Of Pearl

Creativity, ethics and efficient designs come together in Mother of Pearl’s fully sustainable No Frills line that was created to counteract fast-fashion culture. While opting for organically-grown natural materials, the brand impresses with its transparent supply chain and high regard for corporate responsibility that can be seen through fair wages and numerous partnerships with small artisanal manufacturers.
 
Mother of Pearl is a brand that practices what it preaches—this double-breasted tailored jacket, for example, took a year to develop, because the wool and cotton used were sourced carefully and responsibly, ensuring no animals were harmed in the process.

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Maggie Marilyn

6. Maggie Marilyn

Piece by piece, Maggie Marilyn is weaving a future in fashion that is transparent, sustainable and, in many ways, simply different. As part of the brand’s ambitious sustainability strategy, the New Zealand label aims to eliminate the use of virgin-sourced synthetic fibres from its supply chain and to use at least 20 per cent of repurposed materials in each of its collections by 2020.
 
Our top picks from the brand are this delicate back-baring silk blouse perfect for summer evenings—especially when paired with a pair of flowy trousers. 

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Loup Charmant

7. Loup Charmant

Loup Charmant is a brand that creates airy lightweight essentials exclusively from organic materials, showing that sustainable style can also be desirable and elegant. Any summer wardrobe would benefit from their breezy, off-body frocks. In our eyes, the label’s best piece is their organic cotton shirtdress that's a versatile wardrobe piece for work and play. 

Topics