Get to Know the Brands Making Eco-Friendly Design Fashionable
It's a good time to be green. Once associated with crunchy clothes made of hemp, eco-friendly fashion has turned a corner in the past decade. High-end designers like Stella McCartney—who famously abstains from using animal leather and supports all sorts of environmental initiatives—have paved the way for brands whose DNA is rooted in sustainability.
In honor of Earth Day, click through and get the lowdown on five of the best labels that design with the planet in mind.
1/6Super stylish and good for the environment, these labels are doing it right.
2/6<a href="http://www.chintiandparker.com/" target="_blank">Chinti and Parker</a>
The foundation of Chinti and Parker’s designs is its "conscious cloth": fabric made from natural and organic materials. The company has been certified carbon neutral and boasts production that puts ethical and environmental considerations at the forefront. This means you’ll always know where the goods are made (Italy, Portugal, and India are their top spots) and that the local industry is supported in the process.
Chinti and Parker Cashmere sweater, $545. Net-a-Porter.com.
3/6<a href="http://www.organicbyjohnpatrick.com/" target="_blank">Organic by John Patrick</a>
The name says it all. John Patrick’s Organic label is a major player in the conscious-clothing world, using organic and recycled materials, botanical dyes, and sustainable production methods. His most recent claim to fame? Designing biodegradable slips worn by Rihanna—the pop star donned one in her video for "Diamonds" and then took a few on the road for her recent world tour.
Organic by John Patrick Pocket shirt, $245. LaGarconne.com.
4/6<a href="http://www.angelaroi.com/" target="_blank">Angela & Roi</a>
Not too long ago, vegan leather was viewed as squarely within the hippie domain, but it’s certainly crept its way into the mainstream. Angela & Roi use high-quality faux leather that looks just like the real thing, but costs a whole lot less. The brand carries five styles in a slew of colors and donates $5 from each sale to various health-related non-profits.
Angela & Roi Mini crossbody bag, $79. AngelaRoi.com.
5/6<a href="http://www.aceandjig.com/" target="_blank">Ace & Jig</a>
Every piece from Ace & Jig is constructed from hand-dyed fabric that’s made just for the brand. Woven on an ancient (!) hand loom in India, the material is often striped and always covetable. As an added bonus, the textile factory uses reclaimed water from the production process to help grow organic produce for its employees.
Ace & Jig Shimmy dress, $161. ShopEthica.com.
6/6<a href="http://www.feralchilde.com/" target="_blank">Feral Childe</a>
Sustainability is the name of the game for Feral Childe, which evaluates everything from the best dyeing techniques to the most eco-friendly buttons. They use chemical-free fabrics, upcycled and surplus materials, and low-impact dyes, and donate or recycle all production waste. Even their tags are printed on non-treated recycled paper!
Feral Childe Bomber jacket, $195. FeralChilde.com.
