With issues surrounding environmental preservation a key deciding influence for many facets of our lifestyle, it’s only natural we should extend this into our wardrobes by opting for sustainable clothing. Unfortunately, the rise of fast fashion has been fuelled by the wear-it-once approach to clothing brought about by social media and street style commentary alike (imagine the sheer horror of being spotted in the same outfit twice), contributing to the half a million tonnes of clothing that end up in landfill in Australia alone.
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Add to sustainability the ethical concerns surrounding the workers who produce and manufacture our clothing and it can be difficult to pull on pants in the morning. Fortunately, there is a new breed of chic brands that are working to prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Whether it’s through adopting seasonless collections, a transparent approach to material sourcing and supply chains, or a made-to-order production style, these are the 6 sustainable womenswear brands placing ethics at their forefront.
1. Maggie Marilyn
New Zealand-based label Maggie Marilyn creates wearable poetry in the form of joyful and optimistic garments in vibrant shades of banana, lime, and cayenne, featuring detailing like puffed sleeves, shirring, and cut-out elements. Committed to treading lightly on the earth, each piece is crafted from traceable and organic or repurposed fibres, responsibly made in New Zealand, and produced in limited runs. Maggie Marilyn also features a ‘Forever’ collection of seasonless pieces designed to be worn for a lifetime; think timeless garments like flared pants, halter tops, flared dresses, and versatile coats in neutral shades.
2. Wynn Hamlyn
New Zealand label Wynn Hamlyn merges sportswear detailing with classic tailoring, placing an emphasis on form and silhouette. Simultaneously eclectic and wearable, Wynn Hamlyn works with ethically aligned local and offshore suppliers and manufacturers, with collections designed to be worn well past any seasonal timeframes.
3. Joslin
Australian sustainable womenswear label Joslin creates seasonless garments in luxe fabrications like cashmere, silk, and linen, championing enduring design over ephemeral trends. Placing transparency at their forefront, Joslin details their sustainability and ethical efforts on their website, committing to the reduction of single-use plastic and waste, as well as aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
4. Anna Quan
Classic cuts and longevity are in Anna Quan’s design DNA. Designed to stand the test of time, fabrics used in the sustainable womenswear label are selected with quality and environmental preservation in mind, with more than 80% of each collection made from biodegradable natural fibres. This philosophy extends to their packaging, with the label eliminating the use of single-use poly bags in 2020, opting for non-toxic biodegradable bags instead.
5. Aaizél
Firm believers in the slow fashion movement, Australian label Aaizél creates long-wearing designs in high quality, carefully sourced fabrics; often from stock previously used by high-end brands. Plus, the cutting of each piece is managed in-house to minimise fabric wastage. Labour conditions and fair work practices are also front of mind for Aaizél; the label works with ECA (Ethical Clothing Australia) accredited manufacturers to ensure all Aaizél pieces are made under fair and safe conditions where employee rights are not exploited.
6. Alessandra Vallance
Lovers of silk and satin, this one’s for you. Combining European elegance with the relaxed Australian aesthetic, newly-launched Australian label Alessandra Vallance is produced locally in Melbourne, with minimal fabric waste on all styles. All packaging is sourced within Australia and is compostable and biodegradable.
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Maggie Marilyn
