ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION BRANDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

  |   25-08-2016

These empowering brands are making a mark in the world of eco-fashion. 

Cuyana

CUYANA 

The name itself, Quechua, means “to love” in Native South American. Co-founder Karla Gallardo grew up in Ecuador and is a lifetime lover of fashion and giving back through empowering artists around the globe. The brand’s pieces are streamlined, simple and classic made from quality materials. Textiles and fabrics are sourced internationally, but production is consolidated so that it all happens in the same country. With every Cuyana purchase where you select “lean shipping” at checkout, they will send you a reusable bag to fill up with items that you don’t want. You mail the bag back to them (with the included shipping label) and through their non-profit partner, H.E.A.R.T., your donated clothing will be given directly to women who will be able to gain fresh starts through your generosity. (cuyana.com).

Kowtow

KOWTOW

The New Zealand–based brand focuses on organic clothing that is ethically and sustainably made “from seed to garment.” Fed up with the exploitation of labour markets, Kowtow aims to bridge the gap by using only 100 per cent fair trade certified cotton, guaranteeing a sustainable livelihood for its cotton producers. The brand’s fair trade producers also benefit from advance payment, long-term relationships with buyers and business and agricultural training that benefits both the organisation and the community. (kowtowclothing.com).

CIENNE

CIENNE

New York City–based brand Cienne is globally sourced, locally produced and developed in small batches to reduce waste. Artisan partners make everything by hand and work with low minimum supplies, which means they use only as much material as needed. The fabrics which come from all over the world (including Ethiopia, Japan, Peru and India) are recycled whenever possible. And to top it all off the brand’s also all-female! (cienneny.com).

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UNDER THE SAME SUN

This Swedish athletic-wear brand offers high-end, trendy yoga basics printed on sustainable fabrics like polyester made from recycled plastic bottles, Tencel and organic leather. One pair of leggings recycles approximately 25 plastic bottles. Not only does recycled polyester use 53 per cent less energy and water and produce 54.6 per cent fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than regular polyester, but it also cuts down on energy use, chemical use, waste material, and toxic emission as well as creating less soil, water, and air pollution. If that’s not a great reason to get to a yoga or pilates class we don’t know what is! (www.underthesamesun.se)