We know it’s never nice to say goodbye to summer, but with these awesome warming, ethical and sustainable brands, you’ll be begging to throw on some winter woollies.
From Aligne´s contemporary wardrobe staples for women to U-Beauty’s ethical skincare, in this style guide, you'll find brands that suit every style, occasion, and budget. Ready to warm-up and get active? Check out BAM bright bamboo range.
Since 1971, French brand Vilebrequin has been creating luxury swimwear in a rainbow of bold colours and prints to brighten up your beach style. This brand embodies European craftsmanship using materials sourced from France, Italy, and Portugal. As of 2021, 50% of Vilebrequin's materials are recycled (made from ocean plastic waste) or recyclable, which they aim to increase to 80% by 2023. Vilebrequin's manufacturing partners are FSC-certified and REACH and Standard 100 compliant, meaning they protect the environment in the making and processing of their swimwear.
Aligne is a British label founded by a former fashion buyer in 2020 who, after seeing the industry's harmful practices first-hand, wanted to create womenswear with a difference. The result is a collection of classic wardrobe staples with contemporary updates at an affordable price. Aligne's pieces are made from at least 50% sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and Lenzing's Ecovero™ viscose. Aligne also emphasizes responsible sourcing, working with mainly European factories that pass ethical trade audits, meaning they're doing right by people and the planet.
Founded by Australian designer Vanessa Antonious in 2017, NEOUS creates minimal, modern footwear and handbags crafted by artisans in Italy. The brand uses Leather Working Group certified tanneries to produce 70% of their locally-sourced bi-product leather, ensuring the sustainability and ethical credentials of their creations. The brand also uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester to transform its muted colour palette and sculptural design aesthetic into accessories that never go out of style.
A sustainable and female-founded skincare brand that crafts consciously considered creations. Every aspect of U Beauty is designed with people and the planet in mind, believing that business must be the driver of positive change. From non-toxic and cruelty-free ingredients to Forest Stewardship Council-certified packaging and a holder of Positive Luxury´s prestigious Butterfly Mark. Every product is made in a facility run on 100% renewable hydropower energy. U Beauty has planted 16,000 trees through its partnership with One Tree Planted. Earlier this year, U Beauty launched a refill programme to continue reducing its impact on the planet.
If the warmer weather isn't enough to get you moving, perhaps BAM's eco-friendly activewear will do the trick! Founded in 2006, BAM clothing creates activewear made from bamboo, a material with serious sustainability credentials. On top of being breathable, soft, and temperature-controlled, bamboo is a fast-growing, rain-fed crop that doesn't need pesticides, insecticides, or irrigation to grow. The brand aims to reduce its carbon footprint, wastewater, and pollution to zero by 2030. Certified by SEDEX and the Living Wage Foundation means BAM works to ensure that everyone in its supply chain is paid fairly for their work.
