Green is the New Pink

A SHOPPING GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE FASHION

By Jane Houseal, Contributing Writer Graphic by Jade Christensen, Social Media and Marketing Director

Establishing a more sustainable fashion industry is an essential component to battling the climate crisis. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions and almost 20% of wastewater. Unfortunately, those unsettling statistics barely scratch the surface of the industry’s many flaws. Countless people are rallying for change as the dark side of fashion is exposed. Even though large corporations should bear the burden of stopping the environmental impacts due to their actions, consumers have the power to make personal changes.

Integrating sustainability into your closet is not just about changing where you shop. Consider mending your clothes, thrifting to find price accessible basics, and only buying things you will treasure, ultimately helping reduce waste and overconsumption. If supporting sustainable businesses is a change you want to make, there is no doubt that you will find a special piece from one of the many small artists and brands that benefit people and the planet. Kilentar is a Black-owned “fiercely feminine” collection that works with female artisans in Nigeria to create handwoven and dyed materials for their designs. The clothing is made to order and features stunning silhouettes including structured halter tops, corsets with balloon sleeves and bustier dresses.1

BÉYU

Beyu is a Houston, Texasbased Black-owned brand that designs clothes out of repurposed and eco-friendly fabrics such as linen and silk, for the women who maintain a “sexy and sustainable lifestyle.” The pieces range from flirty crop tops to maxi skirts. And they are perfect for a chic spring look you can dress up or down.2

Vanessa Mooney

Vanessa Mooney sources deadstock vintage fabrics, such as silk and satin, and turns them into romantic dresses and elegant corset tops. They’ve created several iconic dresses that each come in multiple colors and prints. Most notable is ‘The Elisabeth Dress,” a regal-looking bustier mini, and “The Venus Dress,” a midi with a plunging neckline and corset-like waist. Their clothing paired with their selection of curated, eclectic vintage jewelry (designed and made in LA) makes for a dream shopping experience.3

Paloma Wool

Somewhere on social media, you’ve probably seen your favorite fashion influencer wearing Paloma Wool. The brand features abstract prints on flattering, but simple tops and pants as well as on their funky knit dresses and sweaters. Paloma Wool recently worked with artist Astrid Terrazas, to create fitted tops that displayed her unique work. Due to its trendy patterns and exceptional knitwear, the transparency focused brand never disappoints.4

1 “Gbemileke Collection.” K Í L É N T Á R. 2 Béyu. “ABOUT.” BÉYU, www.shopbeyu. com/about. 3 “Jewelry, Clothing & Accessories For Lovers.” Vanessa Mooney. 4 Paloma Wool. If you want to stand out in a crowd, the LA-based company, Big Bud Press is for you. Their colorful, unisex clothing is a eyecatching twist on closet staples such as jeans and tee shirts. They meticulously audit each part of the production process and have goals for 100% sustainable fabric by 2022.5

Offkut Studio

Run by a UK based designer, Isabel Christine, Offkut Studio produces one of a kind pieces made of fabric scraps from various manufacturers. Her printed mesh tops and are fresh and constantly on-trend, making them the perfect instagrammable alternative to popular fast fashion brands.6

Elia Vintage

Elia Vintage is a Black-owned online vintage store that offers personal styling. The curation is everything a vintage lover could want, including 100% silk slip dresses and a variety of pastel linen suit sets.7

Boyish Jeans

Looking for the perfect pair of jeans? Boyish Jeans has them. They create sustainable denim pieces inspired by vintage silhouettes while only using a third of the water typically used during the dying process. With multiple fits and washes, there is bound to be a flattering pair for each and every body type.8

Cool Is a Construct

Chloe Ney “Indulges in a world of glamour and playfulness” to design ethically made, confidence-boosting pieces for her New York-based brand Cool is a Construct. The brand’s sparkly printed tops and matching flare pants are quickly gaining popularity on social media, and rightfully so!9 ■

5 “About Us.” BIG BUD PRESS. 6 OFFKUT Studio. 7 “Elia Styling.” Elia Vintage. 8 “About.” Boyish Jeans. 9 “About.” Cool Is A Construct, coolisaconstruct.com/pages/about.