23 Oct The Sustainable Shopping Guide: Matches Fashion
A.A. Spectrum
Type: Ethical/Environmentally Responsible
Working to change the stigma around “Made in China”, A. A. Spectrum infuses elements of traditional Chinese culture into their thoroughly modern label. Plus, they produced in China with artisanal manufacturing and environmentally responsible sourcing.
Ace & Jig
Type: Artisan-made
Ace & Jig is known for their customized woven fabrics. Their collections are designed in Brooklyn. After that they are brought to life by artisanal Indian weavers. Above all, they strive to produce no waste and use reuse their fabric scraps.
Adidas by Stella McCartney
Type: Sustainable
Taking her sustainable ethos to Adidas has been very sucessful. This line uses natural materials like organic cotton and sustainable materials like recycled nylon. Plus, it got the world discussing sustainability in activewear.
Type: Sustainable
Handcrafted in artisanal workshops in Italy. The bags are made from eco-friendly vegetable tanned leather that comes from tanneries in Florence.
Ana Khouri
Type: Ethical
This delicate jewelry is based on Ana Khouri study of sculpture. Therefore, it is very natural in style. Plus, every piece is molded from a single cast and the metals used are fair trade and ethically sourced.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Type: Artisan
Inspired by Greek mythology and style. These sandals are made by Greek artisans using traditional methods. Plus, aren’t they cute?
Andy Wolf
Type: Sustainable
Handmade in Austria. Andy Wolf combines sleek high tech design with sustainable Italian acetate.
Anissa Kermiche
Type: Ethical
Started as an engineer and ended up in jewelry design. I love the story behind Anissa Kermiche. Founded in 2016, Anissa Kermiche is based in London and uses materials like fair trade gold.
Antonello Tedde
Type: Sustainable
Antonello was inspired by Antonello Tedde’s mother and grandmother. Everything in the bag is natural with regenerated cotton and wool.
Apiece Apart
Type: Sustainable
Produced in the U.S. with a focus on natural materials like organic cotton and linen. Above all, the ethos of this brand is clean and wearable.
Aurélie Bidermann
Type: Ethical
Jewelry for the bohemian. Everything is produced by hand in France with ethical sourcing.
ATM
Type: Ethical
Relaxed and comfy. ATM is named for designer Anthony Thomas Melillo and is produced ethically in Peru using local materials like Peruvian cotton.
Audrey Louise Reynolds
Type: Slow production
Founded in Brooklyn, Audrey Louise Reynolds uses all natural ingredients to create her beautiful dyes. In addition, every piece is unique, with a vivid color, and has been handmade.
Batsheva
Type: Vintage Fabrics
These insta-worthy dresses have been everywhere. I was super excited to learn that they are produced with vintage fabrics in small batches in NYC.
Belize
Type: Ethical
Founded by Fiona Bansal and Valeska Deutsch. This brand brings together cultures in a streamlined way. Think ancient India meets Austrian lace. Plus, everything is manufactured in Europe.
Bibi van der Velden
Type: Sustainable
These pieces are a mix of natural and fantasy. Designed in New York, Bibi van der Velden uses sustainable gold, and other eco-friendly materials to walk the line between sustainability and luxury.
Blaze Milano x Arizona Muse
Type: Sustainable
This collaboration between Blazé Milano and Arizona Muse is totally eco-friendly. The fabrics have been sourced through The Sustainable Angle. For example, the collection includes materials like organic wool.
Bodas
Type: Ethical
Based in London. Bodas makes essentials and sleepwear. They’ve received the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark and source their materials mainly from the E.U. For example, you’ll see Welsh cashmere, French lace, sun protecting Italian technical fabric and supima cotton.
Borgo De Nor
Type: Local production
Based in London. Borgo De Nor sources their fabrics from within the U.K. and has ethical production standards.
Bower
Type: Sustainable
This swimwear is inspired by 1970’s screen sirens and wouldn’t look out of place in the era. The difference is these suits are made with sustainable ECONYL. Nylon that comes from recycled fishing lines.
By Walid
Type: Vintage fabrics
Made with handpicked vintage fabrics. For example, you’ll fall in love with the 19th- century Chinese silk. In Addition to fabrics, By Walid employs artisan craftspeople to create these amazing pieces.
Capranea
Designed in Graubünden, Switzerland, Capranea is skiwear with an urban aesthetic. The collection is handmade in Portugal and uses innovative and sometimes sustainable materials. For example you’ll see pieces made with PETRATEX.
Carrie Forbes
Type: Artisan
Socially Responsible, Artisanal and Handcrafted. For example, Carrie Forbes employs female artisans in Morocco who use traditional weaving techniques that have been used since ancient times in Morocco. In addition to ethical employment, Carrie thinks about sourcing. The raffia used is sourced from Madagascar and is naturally dyed.
Chimala
Type: Artisan
Designed in New York and crafted in Japan, Chimala does denim artisanally. They work with very small denim factory’s and the dyes and techniques are the traditional ones cultivated by Japan’s denim industry.
Chufy
Type: Artisan-Made
Sofía Sanchez de Betak works with artisans around the world to make her designs. For example, you’ll see traditional techniques like hand printing and hand stitching are used.
Colville
Type: Slow
Made in limited quantities and never mass produced. Therefor the collections from Colville are designed to personal and thought of as art pieces that you will keep.
Commonwealth Fashion Exchange
Type: Sustainable
This capsule edit is the result Matches Fashions work with the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. Start by Eco-Age and the British Fashion Council, the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange is a showcase of global artisanal work that also encourages sustainability. However, it’s not arround for long so check it out soon.
Cordova
Type: Sustainable
Fabrics that are certified by Bluesign, and responsibly sourced in the E.U. Cordova, is eco-friendly winter wear that is also figure flattering and feminine.
Cult Gaia
Type: Sustainable
Cult is in the name, and you’ve seen the bags everywhere.However, did you know they are made with natural and salvaged bamboo in L.A?
Danse Lente
Type: Slow
Danse Lente means slow dance in French and so it’s a plus that the bags are slowly made! Therefore, the materials are produced by artisans who use traditional techniques and add modern embellishments.
Plus, Danse Lente has also launched the Rehome Project where they are take bags that have small defects and are redesigning them eventually they’ll be raffled or donated.
D’Ascoli
Type: Artisan-made
Handmade in their New Delhi textile studio, D’Ascoli combines ancient and modern methods to make vivid prints. In Addition, materials include locally grown cotton and silk.
Denis Colomb
Type: Artisan
Made by artisans in Nepal, Denis first started visiting the region in 2003. After that he launched his brand. Now, his products are hand-loomed and use Mongolian cashmere.
Dragon Diffusion
Type: Artisan
Designed in Brussels and crafted in India, the Dragon Diffusion Bags use traditional weaving techniques and combines them with leather. They produce in partnership with a team of artisans.
Duro Olowu
Type: Sustainable
One of Nigeria’s most well-known designers, Duro Olowu has been dipping his designs in sustainability since he launched in 2005. His collections have featured recycled African prints, vintage fabrics.
Eckhaus Latta
Type: Sustainable
Eckhaus Latta has always reminded me of how brands should be in the future. They don’t claim sustainability, they just are sustainable. For example, they use recycled materials and recycle as a way to be resourceful with creativity.
Edeltrud Hofmann
Type: Vintage Fabrics
Every shirt from Edeltrud Hofmann is Made from deadstock silk. The shirts are vintage inspired, super fun, and definitely bright.
Edward Crutchley
Type: Ethical
English manufacturing meets otherworldy traditions at Edward Crutchley. From traditional Japanese dyes to traditional styles like the kimono, this brand mixes craft with modernity.
Ernest Leoty
Type: Ethical
This brand brings couture details to activewear, and they’ve even made a wearable, comfortable corset. Produced in the E.U. Ernest Leoty uses factories that are committed to ethical and sustainable production.
Ferian
Type: Sustainable
Produced in England using the traditional techniques to make a saddle. The leather used is vegetable dyed and eco-friendly.
Figue
Type- Artisan-made
Figue collaborates with artisans around the world for its bohemian influenced clothing. Therefore, the pieces are handmade and incorporate different techniques from each community.
Filù Hats
Type: Artisan
Based in Italy, each hat is made by artisans in the Alps using centuries-old traditional techniques. The straw comes from Ecuador and Japan.
Fisch
Type: Sustainable
Sustainable fabric meets hand-painted fun in this swimwear brand. ECONYL is used because it’s fully regenerative and helps stop environmental destruction. They also double as a great bodysuit.
Francesca Villa
Type: Artisan
Launched in 2007, Francesca Villa’s designs are definitely unique. Many of the pieces used are sourced from antique shops in Italy and are then crafted into statement jewelry by Italian artisans.
Gabriela Hearst
Type: Sustainable
Gabriela Hearst will go plastic free by 2019. In addition to take leadership, she’s been a constant model for sustainable fashion. She uses sustainable fabrics and biodegradable packaging.
Germanier
Type: Sustainable
Proving that you can still be sustainable and use beading is Kevin Germanier. His collection is entirely upcycled. For example, discarded beads and glitter are used for sparkle.
Gioia Bini
Type: Ethical
Gioia Bini’s designs are endlessly pretty. They are all ethically created in Florence too. She sourced her fabrics from all over the world on her travels.
Giuliva Heritage Collection
Type: Sustainable
High quality and natural. Giuliva Heritage Collection uses men’s tailoring principles to make stylish and slick collections. Plus, they also reduce waste with sustainable production.
Goya
Type: Artisan
Handmade in the Alicante region. Goya produces a modern take on the traditional Menorquina sandal. They are handmade by artisans who have worked in the region for decades.
Gucci
Type: Sustainable
Committing to sustainable luxury in 2014. Gucci has a 10-year plan to implement their sustainable goals. After that, they’ve launched Gucci Equilibrium to help with transparency, have been incorporating sustainable materials into their products.
Harris Wharf
Type: Ethical
Sharp cuts and lovely colors are what first made me notice this brand. Harris Wharf London is designed in London but produced in Turin at designer Giulia Acciardi’s grandfather’s glove-making factory. Above all they value craft. However, they also stick to a few Italy sourced fabrics to help keep the price point reasonable.
Heimat Atlantica
Type: Artisan
Montserrat Alvarez is an experiment at preserving traditional craft. Therefore, the bags are inspired by Northern Spain and Portugal and are handwoven on looms by Spanish and Portuguese artisans.
Hunting Season
Type: Artisan
Hunting Season is the product of melding cultures. For instance, brand uses handwoven straw techniques from Colombian artisans who make the bags and combines handcrafted Italian hardware.
I Love Mr Mittens
Type: Sustainable
Sustainably produced knitwear. I Love Mr Mittens relies on a community of independent knitters who hand knit the collections.
Innika Choo
Type: Artisan
Based in Bali, Innika Choo produces the perfect summer attire. Using natural materials and traditional techniques like hand embroidery, these artisanal pieces will make you dream of warmer days.
Jade Swim
Type: Sustainable
Bright swimsuits that are still minimalist in design. The fabric used is sustainable And Italian.
Joelle Kharrat
Type: Artisan
This brand is based in Beirut and combines bohemian with diligent craft. The artisans who produce these pieces are from Bourj Hammoud and use traditional wax casting to make each piece.
Johanna Ortiz
Type: Artisan
Johanna produces her collection in Colombia and works diligently to give back to the community that raised her. Therefore, along with her brand she has also started a school that teaches sewing techniques to local women.
Kalita
Type: Artisan
Based in London and made in Bali with locally sourced materials. Kalita employs traditional artisans and is eco-conscious using dyes that are made by hand.
Katharine Hamnett London
Type: Sustainable
Katharine Hamnett is political and ethical. The designs are unisex and the materials are ethically and responsibly sourced. For instance, you’ll see GOTS certified cotton in her fabrics.
Khokho
Type: Sustainable
Handmade in Swaziland with sustainable lutindzi grass. This grass, in particular, is super great because it doesn’t use as much water. The leather used is vegetable tanned and the hardware is hand craved cow horn. These horns are often just discarded and not used too! In other words, one man’s waste is anothers beautiful bag.
Kilometre Paris
Type: Vintage fabrics
Made for the traveler and those who want to carry the journey with them. For instance, every piece, has an embroidered far flung location. Kilometre Paris uses vintage linen and off to the artisan communities in Mexico and India that they partner with.
La Fetiche
Type: Slow
Franco-Scottish inspiration abounds at La Fetiche. April Crichton, (Scotland) and Orély Forestier (France) use local sourcing and small batch production to preserve the traditional skills of their respective homes and craft a timeless wardrobe at the same time.
Lee Mathews
Type: Sustainable
2018 saw Lee Mathews release it’s most sustainable collection. They practice sustainable manufacturing with water and waste reduction and use sustainable biodegradable natural materials and have started using ECONYL in their swimwear.
Lizzie Fortunato
Type: Ethical
This is costume jewelry with an ethical slant. It’s produced in New York City and employs ethically including lots of single mothers.
LNDR
Type: Sustainable
Launched in 2015, LNDR is minimalist and stylish activewear. They are committed to sustainable production and ethical practices. Plus, they use sustainable fabrics like euro jersey.
Lola Hats
Type: Artisan
Designed in New York. These unique hats are hand pressed and made on vintage blocks in Paris that give the hats an old world feel.
Type: Ethical
Dreamy dresses for the ethereal girl. Loup Charmant was launched in 2006 and focuses their fabrics on natural materials like organic cotton. They are designed in NYC and produced in the U.S.
Lutz Morris
Type: Ethical
Designed and produced in Germany, Lutz Morris is committed to slow production. Materials are produced and sourced in Germany and are held to strict environmental standards. Plus a portion of the sale is donated to Every Mother Counts!
M.i.h Jeans
Type: Sustainable
Launched in 1969, today M.i.h Jeans still relies on its retro roots and has added an increasing sustainable slant. They’ve launched their Paradise Capsule which is full of low impact fabrics and processes and they’ve also released a 10-year sustainability manifesto.
Maharishi
Type: Sustainable
Utilitarian vibes with ecologically sound practices. Maharishi uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and upcycled fabrics like old parachutes.
Mara Hoffman
Type: Sustainable
Designed in New York, Mara Hoffman is known for her colorful ready wear and awesome swimsuits. Her production is sustainable and her fabrics are natural, hand-loomed, and organic.
Maria La Rosa
Type: Traditional Techniques
Slow fashion hosiery! Maria La Rosa makes her tights and socks by hand on antique looms and the hosiery is made with natural fibers like alpaca fleece and linen.
Marine Serre
Type: Sustainable
Sustainability is a key part of the Marine Serre brand. Her collections are made from recycled or reclaimed materials. Plus, she is super innovative and uses upcycled crystals.
Marit Ilison
Type: Artisan
Marit Ilison takes vintage Soviet blankets and makes them into reversible coats! The costs are handmade by skilled artisans in Estonia.
Meeyye
Type: Sustainable
Sustainable sunglasses are easier to find now, but glasses are definitely still hard to find. Therefore, Meeyye is changing that. They make bifocal glasses and sunglasses with sustainable materials.
Mes Demoiselles
Type: Artisan
Founder Anita Radovanovic, fell in love with traditional textiles on her travels and launched a brand based on the amazing fabrics she saw. After that, Mes Demoiselles grew and is now produced by traditional Indian weavers and artisans.
Monique Péan
Type: Ethical
Monique Péan is fine jewelry with a conscious. She ethically sources her materials and uses her brand to raise awareness about a range of issues.
Montelliana
Type: Ethical
Boots that are made with natural materials and traditional techniques. This Italian shoe brand employs traditional Norwegian shoe techniques and uses vegetable tanned leather. Plus, water-based glues!
Muuñ
Type: Artisan
Muuñ is a cross-cultural brand. Designed in Paris, produced in Ghana, and they also include Japanese influences in their designs. Each one is handwoven and uses natural dyes for coloring.
Morpho + Luna
Type: Sustainable
Vivid loungewear that has a traceable wool. Morpho + Luna produces their collections at Reda, the only wool mill in the world that has received an EMAS certification. In addition, they source their merino wool from three farms in New Zealand.
Muzungu Sisters
Type: Artisan
Muzungu Sisters launched in 2009 and has a fair, artisanal ethos. They now work with 16 different artisan communities around the world. So you know the quality and craftsmenship is nearly unreal.
Myar
Type: Vintage Fabric
Myar is made through upcycled military clothing to create their line of workwear. Therefore, in line with the miliary sourcing the style is very much utilitarian and functional.
My Beachy Side
Type: Ethical
Handmade in Turkey. My Beachy Side is a brand full of beautiful handknitted, woven, and crochet pieces. The women who make them are refugees.
Negative Underwear
Type: Ethical
Underwear at its base should be comfortable and functional. Negative Underwear is taking underwear back to the basics, sourcing the best fabrics, and components from around the world. All of their factories comply with ethical and environmental standards and Negative Underwear spends lots of time in these factories getting to known the women who make the underwear.
Noki
Type: Upcycled
This is the anti-brand. Noki is run by Dr. Noki, who has been running campaigns against fast fashion since the 1990’s. This collection is completely upcycled from mass produced clothing that has been fundamentally changed.
PB0110
Type: Sustainable
Natural materials and functional design are what encompasses PB0110. The bags are made in the E.U. with vegetable tanned leather and linen.