STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE: TOP SUSTAINABLE BRANDS FOR LONDON FASHION WEEK
Ahead of London Fashion Week, the ultimate guide to cool, conscious shopping, BICBIM releases a covetable directory of brands with a difference.
From the gym to the street, fashion never looked (or felt) so good thanks to an emerging trend of independent designers doing it right. The list includes up-and-coming labels spanning knitwear, shoes, swim, accessories, sleep and contemporary fashion.
Published today, the aim of the directory is to highlight fashion that looks good and has an amazing story behind it.
These brands offer both style and substance. Tapping into growing consumer demand for fashion that looks gorgeous, wears even better and doesn’t cost the earth, these designers are redefining the fashion landscape thanks to their unique aesthetic and appeal.
THE COLLECTIVE
Cauz: This unisex loungewear brand came to life after founder Rob Lyon survived the Westminster terror attack in 2017. The moment was, of course, life-changing, and so are his collections, with each design helping to improve the lives of others.
Cred: Love doesn’t have to cost the earth. Cred is leading the lab-grown diamond movement, beautifully crafting everyday items of jewellery that have a story to tell and bespoke engagement and wedding rings. They were the first company to use Fairtrade silver and the first to bring Fairtrade gold from Africa to the UK.
Gung Ho: Environmental activism woven into what you wear. Gung Ho attracts attention for their bold designs, but their collection of fun and flirty pieces also has depth. Look closely and you’ll find a secret message of change.
Gung Ho
Elvis & Kresse: Elvis & Kresse has rescued and transformed all of London’s damaged fire hoses since 2005, transforming them into handsome luxury accessories. They now have a partnership with Burberry, creating beautiful items using their leather offcuts.
Komodo: Contemporary, affordable and perfect for every day with a fresh and modern aesthetic. Style and ethics never meshed so well. The original ethical fashion brand, since 1988, has entered an exciting new chapter for 2019.
KOMODO
Leticia Credidio: Luxury sleepwear that helps overstimulated city workers embrace the positive power of sleep. Leticia Credido’s bold, nature-inspired designs offer a radically refreshing aesthetic to wear to bed.
Leticia Credidio
Mantis World: Remember the recent Spice Girls ‘gender justice’ t-shirt fiasco? Well, Mantis World has been using organic cotton in its off-the-shelf ranges from 2005. They have always had a strong focus on an ethical supply chain and have committed to using 100% sustainable fibres by 2021.
Mayamiko: Mayamiko’s vision is to help you build a stylish and meaningful wardrobe. This playful range of versatile cuts and silhouettes has extraordinary origins and makes a positive impact on people and the planet.
Mayamiko
Pala: Stylish sunglasses, made with love. Pala’s range of innovative designs use both recycled and bio-based acetate. Not only are they bang on trend with style and ahead of the curve with their use of plastics, but each purchase also supports life-changing vision projects in Africa.
Po-Zu: A stylish edit of versatile footwear. Po-Zu is steamrolling through the conventional footwear market with 100% natural Vegan materials including coconuts, pineapples, and apples to a stylish effect. Redefining the everyday sneaker.
Riz: The Savile Row for the sea, Riz offer a soulful, sartorial, and sustainable approach to men’s swimwear. The swim shorts have an ‘old school’ tailored feel but use the latest recycled fabrics and digital print techniques to create a contemporary edge.
Valentina Karellas: Not one thread wasted. Beautiful, unique knitwear creating a sustainable approach to urban chic and London’s antidote to fast fashion. Each piece is handmade to order and one of a kind.
Valentina Karellas
Vildnis: Think striking bespoke prints, bold silhouettes, and quality fabrics. Vildnis offer an ultra-wearable everyday capsule collection for effortless style. Contemporary, edgy and accessible. It’s only point of difference from conventional fashion? Vildnis is easy on the eyes and your conscience.
Offering cutting edge content while helping businesses to pioneer new products is the mission for BICBIM. Customers and fashion journalists can expect more to follow from this collective.
“We promote the fashion brands created by designers who have a passion for quality, an eye for unique design, and a belief that people shouldn’t be oppressed, and the environment shouldn’t be exploited, in the pursuit of profits from style,” says BICBIM founder and sustainability journalist Lizzie Rivera.
“The fashion landscape is changing, now more than ever consumers are looking to find fashion that doesn’t just look and feel gorgeous, but also has the sustainability credentials ticked,” says ethical fashion expert and PR and marketing manager Kate Osborne.
