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| All photos have been used with permission from the brands involved. |
When I first came across the ethical and sustainable fashion movement, I rejected it because I felt like no one was considering the people who liked to dress as colourfully and outrageously as I do. After spending about eight months observing the ethical and sustainable fashion circle, I’ve been able to curate a list of the brands I’m sure other people like myself would want to know about. These brands are colourful, creative, cute, and clean of many of the wrongs within the fashion industry today. They’re all ethical, and they’re all making an effort to be sustainable, from making scrunchies from fabric scraps to basing their entire brand on up-cycling waste. Even if you can’t shop at these brands due to cost or geographical location, they’re still beacons of creativity and inspiration that deserve appreciation.
CLEAN, the Label
I’m starting with unisex brand Clean the Label because it is the only brand on this list that I own a piece from, which I reviewed in this blogpost. Christina Lean, the Australian designer behind the brand, creates most of the clothes and accessories herself using fabric scraps and thrifted fabric. The designs are often colourful, pastel, and colour-blocked. One of my favourite features of her clothes is that she almost always includes pockets. Christina’s pieces can be worn normally but also work for decora, pop kei, party kei, vintage revival, and occasionally fairy kei. If you want a comfortable, practical, and/or androgynous statement piece, Clean the Label is the brand for you.
Strawberry Skies Designs
This gorgeous larme kei brand specialises in commissioned, one-of-a-kind pieces made from vintage kimono fabric, and the designs are stunning. I especially love how Manon Marguerite, the Australian designer behind the brand, is a fashion icon who perfectly embodies her brand. Because every order is custom-made from vintage kimono fabric, prices usually cost over $400 AUD, so consider them a luxury or investment.
Grump Online
Grump Online is a size-inclusive brand run by the adorable Australian designer Kerry. Her designs are made-to-order from boldly patterned fabric ethically printed in Hangzhou, China. One of the best features of Kerry's products is that you can order extra length on the skirt or sleeves if you so desire. To reduce fabric waste, Kerry also makes scrunchies to match your dresses. Dresses are expensive, ranging from $150 to $220 AUD in price, but they’re so adorable and easy to wear that you’re bound to get your money’s worth from them.
GOOLiFE Clothing
Melbourne-based brand GOOLiFE Clothing creates garments that could match with so many different styles such as: decora, pop kei, fairy kei, pastel goth, festival wear, colourful androgyny, and psychedelic hippie. Created by Sophie Cogs, the brand incorporates organic cotton and bamboo velour fabric in their designs. The patterned fabric is ethically printed and sewn in Australia, and products range from about $70 - $350 AUD. As mentioned, the pieces can match so many different styles so you’re likely going to get a lot of wear out of them.
Kimbralou creates punk-like designs by up-cycling vintage jackets, overalls, and other clothes into scrappy pieces saturated with attitude. Unfortunately this is the one brand on this list that doesn’t have an online store, so you can usually only buy their products at the Brisbane Suitcase Rummage, Retro Metro Paddington, or other events here and there. Despite that, Kimbralou is on the list because it can still serve as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to upcycle their own garments. While Kmbralou’s designs are usually punk, they occasionally take a cute turn, but what ties them together is how retro the aesthetic is. Designs typically run $25 - $60 AUD so it is definitely the most affordable brand on the list. If you’re ever in Brisbane on a weekend, definitely give Kimbralou a visit.
Zero Waste Daniel
This New York based brand is very well-known in sustainable fashion circles and for good reason. American designer Daniel and his team create unique garments from industrial fabric scraps ranging from $60 to $250. The mixed print items can work great with decora or pop kei, while their black counterparts could be effortlessly incorporated into a gothic coord. Unfortunately the collection available on the website is limited compared to their retail store, and due to the diversity of the fabric scraps, you won’t know exactly what you’ll get. The stock images only exist to give you an idea of what to expect. Because of this, Zero Waste Daniel does allow returns and replacements, so if you don’t like what you get, feel free to send it back to them in their eco-friendly packaging. If you’re able to visit New York city though, it’ll be worth your time to visit this store.
I hope this article proved that it’s possible to have a bold, colourful, alternative style while also supporting sustainable and/or ethical brands. I will be writing a part two this series so be sure to recommend some of your favourite ethical and sustainable brands over on my Instagram @thecoramaria.
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about sustainable, alternative fashion, be sure to join the Alternative Fashion Lovers For Sustainability Facebook group for advice, resources, and community discussion.
Question of the Week: Which brand on this list is your favourite so far?
Question of the Week: Which brand on this list is your favourite so far?
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