Top 10 vegan and ethical autumn accessories

Take a look at some top clothing and accessories featuring brands committed to creating their products in an ethical and sustainable manner, which means you can look and feel good, while making a difference

Bedroom Athletics – Maria vegan slipper

Slipper and loungewear brand Bedroom Athletics have just launched their fi rst vegan slipper collection with a range of mules and slides aimed at those looking for conscious comfort.

The collection includes Scandiinspired felt mules and faux fur slides in soft summer shades, with contrasting details and a range of diff erent sole options.

The contemporary Maria clog design mixes a cool Scandi vibe upper, faux fur inner and a vibrant contrasting wedge sole, and of course, it’s vegan friendly. Visit bedroomathletics.com Befl amboyant – UX-68 Water vegan shoes

Unisex, vegan and sustainable, these are the new trainers you’ll be wanting to wear this season.

Befl amboyant is a new vegan shoe brand designed in Spain and launched after two successful international crowdfunding campaigns.

These shoes are designed with recycled or recyclable materials that do not come from animals, and have a low impact on the environment, and are manufactured under conditions of fair labour.

What’s more, Befl amboyant have committed to planting a tree for each pair of shoes sold. Visit befl amboyant.com Luxtra – Farrell vegan backpack

This PETA-approved vegan leather backpack is made in Italy from Pinatex – an eco-leather alternative made from pineapple leaves.

Inside its funky, logo embossed design, its compartmentalised, lined interior features separate pockets to neatly fi t a 13-inch laptop along with phone, A4 documents, water bottle and other daily essentials. Ethical, fashionable and functional, all in one. Visit luxtralondon.com We Are Wastd – Billy hat and Danna jumper

We Are Wastd are a UK-made, ethically-run, zero-waste women’s guilt-free fashion brand. Exclusively using true deadstock yarn from the local UK textile industry, that would otherwise be destined for landfi ll, no two jumpers look exactly the same.

Established in 2021, by designer Rosa Hutchesson and UK factory owner, Snahal Patel, their ambition was to create fun, sustainable, UKmade knitted clothing for women who love to be unique. We Are Wastd are committed to making highquality, aff ordable knitwear that does not impact negatively on the planet or the people who make it. Visit wearewastd.com Mercer – W3RD vegan trainer

Luxury footwear brand, Mercer, have just launched their most sustainable sneaker to date. Made from grape leather, with a corn lining, recycled plastic in-sole, Seaqual recycled ocean plastic mesh upper and an EVA and cork outsole, these uber-trendy trainers are handcrafted in Portugal.

Mercer Amsterdam bill themselves as a ‘high-end sneaker label’, founded by Dutch designer, Pim Dresen. Based in Amsterdam, the label focuses on luxury handcrafted footwear and accessories for men and women. Mercer Amsterdam were named after Mercer Street in New York City where Pim bought his fi rst pair of trainers at age 10. Visit merceramsterdam.com

Vegan and ethical autumn accessories continues on page 16

Dive in with Rockadi and make bubbles for the ocean

This premium swimwear brand for women are looking to turn the tide and stand out as a beacon of sustainability in fashion

Since 2010, Rockadi have put ethical production and local sourcing at the heart of their brand. They were run as a little sidebusiness until 2020 when Adi, the founder, decided to make her little business a big force for change.

Rockadi create timeless styles that will always be on-trend from tantastic bikini separates to one-pieces and bodysuits, ideal for swimming wild or getting gnarly in the surf. Their swimwear is buttery soft for incredible comfort, off ers UPF50+ UV protection, and a fl awless fi t that will give you the confi dence to fl aunt your fabulous curves.

Designed to both fl atter and perform, each piece is responsibly made in London using premium fabric from regenerated ocean plastic, fully lined, and stitched using highquality recycled threads for strength, stretch, and a look that will last.

Not only does it look good and feel good, but it also does good, with a portion of every sale going to charities that focus on ocean health, plastic pollution, and fi ghting the exploitation of people in apparel. Add to this their Swap&Shop reward programme to encourage the return of wornout, or broken swimsuits (from any brand) that will be repurposed into something new, as well as their plastic-free packaging, which is both reusable and recyclable, it’s clear that a Rockadi will be an investment that satisfi es even the most conscientious of sustainable shoppers.

Passionate about slow, ethical, sustainable fashion, Rockadi have been extra diligent with their new Ocean Bubbles range. The collection is inspired by the need to reverse the eff ects of pollution and climate change on marine habitats such as coral reefs, aff ected by ocean acidifi cation from excess CO2. Adi hopes that by embracing transparency, Rockadi can show that the fashion industry really can reduce its impact on both people and planet, and that together everyone can make more bubbles for the ocean.

Critically Endangered – socks

These gorgeous socks are made from a beautifully soft blend of bamboo and cotton then packaged in a recycled cardboard box – making them not only gorgeous and luxurious, but the perfect ethical accessories.

Each design features an endangered animal, and, by creating socks that are made from high-quality materials, Critically Endangered are giving their wearers an investment, built to last, and fi ghting against fast fashion. This sustainable sock company help protect some of the world’s most critically endangered animals by supporting the WWF. They also plant 20m² of rainforest with the World Land Trust every time someone makes a purchase. Visit criticallyendangered.co.uk Dayrize – Woolly Gloves

Nothing says winter more than a cosy pair of gloves. And with the Dayrize collection, there is truly something for all chilly hands. Gloves certainly don’t have to be boring and woolly, and they can do so much more than just keeping your fi ngers warm. Dayrize also have high-fashion options with an unbeatable range of styles and fabrics for sale. Plus, with their excellent environmental credentials, you can buy from the website with confi dence, like The Craven Mittens pictured. Visit dayrize.com Keen – Howser slide

Keen’s Howser Slide blurs the line between house shoe and outdoor slipper, the perfect antidote to autumn’s cold and inclement conditions. Designed to comfort your conscience as well as your foot, all models in the collection use recycled PET for their construction and feature pesticide and chemical free eco anti-odour insoles.

Behind every KEEN shoe are dozens of responsible choices, such as using recycled aluminium eyelets or webbing made from recycled plastic bottles, and even harvesting the waste from one shoe to use in another. They have even taken the step of building their own socially-responsible factories in Oregon, Mexico, and Thailand. Visit keenfootwear.com Luminarium – In Balance earrings

Luminarium are a jewellery company founded by two sisters with a focus on demanding transparency from the companies they work with, ensuring their production methods focus on reusing, recycling and reducing – working sustainably within communities.

These elegant, long earrings are made with ethically traded and recycled glass beads, reclaimed pearls and are fi nished with a natural stone in a vibrant green shade. Each purchase comes with a handmade dust bag, made of recycled, natural materials. Visit luminarium.uk Matt & Nat – Sohee vegan coat

Discover the vegan, cruelty-free and recycled fashion brand, Matt & Nat, whose core values include social responsibility, excellence, inclusiveness, integrity, learning, authenticity and, of course, love. Fine sentiments to live by!

All their collections are designed by a close-knit team using recycled, sustainable and biodegradable materials.

This Sohee coat is no exception, featuring a long-sleeve, dropped shoulder, single-button, amd shawl collar style; it has a self tie-belt, inseam pockets at the waist, an internal chest pocket, and a centre back vent. Visit uk.mattandnat.com

by Barnaby Dracup

69b Boutique offer sustainable clothing that is good on you, and better for the planet

If you’re making the shift to an ethical wardrobe, 69b Boutique in east London’s Broadway Market off er a cool edit of eco-friendly clothing for men and women from sustainable brands around the world, plus responsibly made shoes, sustainable bags, and Fairtrade jewellery. 69b Boutique are a company with sustainability at their heart. Founded in 2011, they were one of the original sustainable fashion stores in London. Since then, things have changed a lot – not only in how people shop for clothes, but also a growing awareness of the eff ect shopping habits have on the planet.

69b Boutique believe that sustainability should be the standard, not a luxury. They are proud to work with brands like Komodo, Bobo Choses, Thinking Mu and Veja who combine fair working conditions and sustainable, quality organic and recycled materials and natural non-toxic dyes to make beautiful clothing and footwear that lasts. The store is open seven days a week, or you can shop online, with click and collect same day from store, or emissions-free next day delivery.

Find out more

Visit 69bboutique.com and use the code GOGREEN to get 20% off your fi rst order until 30 November.

Fashion & Accessories 17 The eco-friendly department store

Purpose, knowledge, action — the power to change the way you shop

Always Forever Green are an online department store of carefully chosen brands that are all committed to sustainability, with their ecoattributes clearly displayed.

Shopping with Always • Forever Green not only allows you to make smarter purchases, but every purchase you make with them is a purchase with a purpose. Each • purchase is rewarded with a #pointsforplanet token and your token tally will allow you to plant and protect trees or help ocean clear-up.

The Always Forever Green mission is to make it easier for you to make a change. As part of this mission, they have launched their Green Christmas Challenge, encouraging everyone in the UK to swap out a minimum of four Christmas purchases for a sustainable alternative, in a bid to limit the impact of Christmas on the environment this year and to spread the message of positive change.

Shop now to make a positive change

Find out more at @alwaysforevergreen or alwaysforevergreen.com and enjoy a limited time 10% discount with code CHECKLIST10 until 6 December. #mygreenchristmas

*Source: The National Human Activity Pattern Survey : A Resource for Assessing Exposure to Environmental Pollutants by Neil E. Klepeis et al. Pioneering label ACAI empower women and support the planet

Known for revolutionising performance outdoorwear for women, apparel brand ACAI challenge the ‘shrink and pink’ approach to women’s clothing ranges

The creative force behind the brand, Kasia Bromley, is on a mission to design functional yet stylish gear specifi cally to meet the needs of women in the great outdoors. They design products to inspire confi dence and allow women to feel free and empowered.

Studies show* that on average, people spend 90% of their time indoors. ACAI’s goal is to encourage more people, especially women, to spend time outdoors. It is well documented that being outdoors is proven to be an easy, accessible, and free way to help reduce stress, and look after physical and mental health.

ACAI co-founder Kasia Bromley says of her own experience: “I fi nd it incredible how spending even just an hour in nature can change your perspective, especially when dealing with life’s challenges. I feel I can really be myself, have space to think and reset. When I feel like I am struggling to cope, outdoorsing is my saviour.”

Created for women by women, the extensive evergreen range is designed to last, with as little environmental impact as possible. Key sustainable styles within ACAI’s range include thermal base layers which are made by integrating coff ee charcoal waste from coff ee bean shells with nylon fi bres along with cutting-edge NILIT Heat yarn technology.

The Recycled Outdoor Leggings and all-season high-performance style, the Aventurite Stretch Skinny Outdoor Trousers are both made from recycled nylon fabric, utilising ocean-bound plastics. The Aventurite style additionally adopts an environmentally friendly water-resistant coating that is PFCfree, while the applied C0 LDWR coating importantly ensures that no harmful chemicals are released into the environment.

The process that ACAI utilise to create the Aventurite trousers also uses less water than traditional methods, thus cutting down on wastage. All products are delivered in a plastic-free reusable mesh laundry bag.

Pieces to support your adventures and the planet without compromising on style.

18 Beauty & Cosmetics Subscribe to Sioda – a greener way to enjoy luxury fashion

Discover the chicest sustainable outfi ts with the UK’s most accessible clothing rental subscription service

Sioda, the UK’s most accessible clothing rental subscription service, provide high-end, occasion and everyday wear for women to rent on a monthly basis, featuring luxury high-street and designer labels and the chicest sustainable brands in sizes 4 to 24.

The company off er an aff ordable way to enjoy fashion that’s more sustainable than buying new. And customers can be confi dent in their green credentials. With a VIBES Good Practice Award under their belt and Good Business Charter accreditation, sustainability and ethics are at the heart of this clothing rental service.

More recently, managing director Naomi Ross, made the COP26 Green Power List, which showcases the UK’s top green champions fi ghting climate change. Naomi said: “We all know we need to shift to more sustainable ways of living, which includes businesses and leaders making it easier for people to do the right thing. That’s why we set up Sioda – so women can enjoy fashion in a way that’s convenient, fun and kinder to the planet and their bank balance.”

With free home delivery and collection included in every rental, as well as eco-friendly laundering and accidental damage insurance, the convenience of renting from Sioda is an added bonus for those with hectic lives.

Find out more

Rent your next outfi t, at siodauk.com and for 10% off , enter discount code COPPRESS21 at shopping cart.

Wellbeing with a sprinkling of magic

MOA (Magic Organic Apothecary) create natural and organic skincare products, made in England, inspired by old herbal folklore, with a sprinkling of magic

MOA’s hero herb, yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), is shrouded by tales of folklore and can be found beside hedgerows all across the UK. The miraculous powers of this ancient healing herb have been used for millennia to protect and repair. It is named after Greek hero Achilles, who as legend has it, used it to heal his soldiers’ wounds after battle. The original award-winning product, The Green Balm, continues this age-old tradition of using yarrow as a healing herb and this calming, multi-purpose balm can be used for all manner of skin ailments.

It is made with carefully selected botanical ingredients to improve wellbeing and to practice a simple, yet eff ective daily skin care ritual. MOA formulas are cruelty free, do not contain petrochemicals, parabens, SLS, phthalates, or artifi cial fragrance and almost all of the range is plant based and vegan friendly. What’s more, MOA products are consciously packaged as locally as possible, using recycled boards, and printed with vegetable inks.MOA’s magical products evoke old style apothecary potions, decorated with unique, hand-drawn illustrations to make a beautiful gift for your loved ones.

Valley Mist, the home of low impact, sustainable and plastic free ranges

Valley Mist has been built from the ground up as a sustainable business, launched in 2016 with just four natural, deeply nourishing and protective lip balms packaged in compostable cardboard • push-up tubes. Since day • one Jo, the founder of Valley Mist, has pledged to donate 8.5% of profi ts to the green cause charities. Valley Mist support: The Wildlife Trust • (Lancashire and Manchester and N Merseyside) and The World Land Trust, both of which are doing invaluable work to protect the environment for the future.

The drive to create Valley Mist sparked from being tired of petroleum-based lip balms that just didn’t work well, and from there a range of naturally derived lip balms and skincare products was born. The world has since started to switch on to low impact living and the urgency to protect the planet. Valley Mist reinvest back into their brand and create more ethical products full of natural and organic goodness, whilst making the sustainable changes they want to see by treading as lightly as possible on the Earth and enabling their customers to do likewise.

The Valley Mist range has grown with the loyal support of returning customers and their increasing list of stockists which started with the plastic free, refi ll shops and ethical retailers.

Find out more

Visit valleymist.co.uk and use CHECKLIST10 code for 10% off all orders over £50. Follow them on social media @myvalleymistsmile

Earthy Nail Polish – Nature’s Beauty

Earthy Nail Polish is on a mission to provide the highest quality product with the least impact on the environment

Earthy Nail Polish is a high-shine, long-lasting plant-based nail polish that has also replaced single-use plastic caps with highly sustainable bamboo. Bamboo absorbs fi ve times the amount of carbon dioxide compared to trees and produces 35% more oxygen. The brand was formed during lockdown, born from a frustration towards unsustainable cosmetic products that do more harm than good to your nails.

As bamboo is a grass itself, it regenerates within four months without the use of pesticides or insecticides due to its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The bottle and cap can be returned to Earthy Nail Polish to be cleaned and reused creating a circular economy.

Earthy Nail Polish’s formula is 79% naturally derived from cassava, sugar cane and corn which is certifi ed by ISO 16128. Derived from natural origin and BioSource bases, the company’s range includes 30 high shine and long lasting shades from bright colours to neutral tones including collections that give back – Thank you Heroes Collection which donates £7.99 to NHS charities together and the Stop Hate Collection which donates 25% to the charity Stop Hate UK.