Gone are the days of conscious fashion’s not-so-chic (not to mention, incredibly itchy) association with hemp and other such crunchiness. Through thoughtful sourcing and production methods, legions of mainstream designers and brands are throwing their weight around for the good of animals, the environment and the actual craftspeople that hand-make these intricate wares.
Here, 10 ethical summer-ready purchases you can really feel good about.
Your Guide To Buying Responsibly
Sass & Bide Made In Africa Tote
A telltale S&B geometric motif is hand-embroidered onto a beach-ready, linen carryall by tribal women in Kenya. The stylish collaboration was thought up by the United Nations Ethical Fashion program.
Able Made x Pamela Love Annabelle Necklace
Named after one of Pamela Love's beloved rescue cats, Annabelle, the charming, limited edition necklace is an homage to the designer's love for her feline pals. A portion of proceeds from each pendant helps support a Brooklyn animal shelter where Love volunteers on the regular. You should get one right meow.
Cuyana Silk Blouse
Cuyana's mission is to promote "intentinal buying" by way of offering affordable apparel and accessories while simultaniously supporting global craftsmanship. This breezy top is the ideal gateway piece to get you hooked.
Warby Parker x Into The Gloss Aviators
The do-gooders at Warby Parker (for every pair of eyewear sold, a prescription frame is donated to a person in need) teamed up with Emily Weiss and Nick Axelrod, both of Into The Gloss fame, to create two Japanese titanium aviator frames -- one for sun, one optical.
P.S. I Made This x Indego Africa Patches
If DIY is your idea of R&R, then this sweet collab is for you: Indego Africa -- a non-profit supporting women in Rwanda through craftsmanship -- tapped uber-crafty, Erica Domesek, of lifestyle mecca P.S. I Made This, for help designing a collection of color-happy patches. Each set is hand-embroidered by the IBABA cooperative in Rwanda and comes with nifty project ideas courtesy of Domesek.
FEED India Sarong
The sale of each printed sarong = 25 school meals for children in Africa. 'Nuff said.
Soko Colorblock Bracelet
Soko creates an online profile for each and every one of the independent makers they work with. This perky bangle was created by Wamaitha and David -- read all about them, here.
Master & Muse x Flavia La Rocca
Brainchild of model/activist Amber Valletta, Master & Muse is a trusted online hub for designers and makers who put craftsmanship and sustainability first. Perfect example: through the strategic use of interchangable modules, this shift dress is actually 4 garments in one.
Maiyet Signature Pouch
High fashion and ethics thrive at Maiyet, where all raw materials are sourced globally from independent craftspeople -- like the master leatherworkers who handmade this punchy day clutch.
Kayu Mykonos Sandals
Handcrafted in Greece by a third generation cobbler, these easy sandals are just one example of Kayu's commitment to maintaining tradition and supporting artisans from all over the world.
