The Art Of Conscious Living In Style

Writer: Olia Danckwerts Photography: Lesanne Photography

We’ve heard it all—that climate change is real, that plastic is bad and that the planet is in danger and the ice is melting. So you decide to be environmentally conscious and become an ecofriendly traveller—you find out the ways to minimise your carbon footprint, you check into an eco-friendly resort, you choose the companies that utilise the best environmental practices and make sure the straws from which you sip your well deserved cocktails on holiday are made of paper.

But now, what about the clothes that you wear—are they harming our planet? The fashion industry’s carbon footprint is no joke: according to the United Nations, its ‘long supply chains and energy intensive production’ contribute to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume more energy than the shipping and airline industries combined. But, thankfully for Mother Nature and eco-conscious fashion enthusiasts, more and more slow, sustainable fashion brands are popping up, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice style for the sake of the planet. Slow fashion is all about quality over quantity. The most sustainable way to shop is to build your wardrobe with timeless investment pieces you’ll wear forever, rather than impulsively buying trendy pieces that are out of style (or disintegrate) before you wear them twice.

Another way to minimise the impact on the planet’s health is to choose vintage clothing. And vintage, the true kind it seems, is increasingly in vogue across the board—from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who wore 1960s Dior to a christening, to its appearance in British Vogue that asks, ‘Does your dress look vintage?’ Aside from an increased awareness of sustainability, vintage fashion fits neatly into the wider mood of the Instagram age, where authenticity and originality—not being seen in the same outfit as anyone else—are highly prized. What better way to stand out than to wear clothes few others are likely to own?

If you are reading this article, chances are you are already on your journey in Africa. If that’s’ the case, we have good news for you! Exciting things are happening in Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe, which could be the start of your journey in becoming a conscious living adept. You should plan to spend a morning in the heart of Victoria Falls at Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Art Centre (Artists and Shopping Village), where you can find the best coffee spot in town—Dean’s—hello, paper straws! Also, cool local designers and brands are united under one roof such as Ndoro.co, purveyors of contemporary African design, stocking natural lifestyle products sustainably harvested from the wild; and useful products handmade by various community projects.

The space at the recently opened concept store The Honeyguide is filled with antique furniture and rare pieces from Zambesia Books and Collectibles, carefully hand-picked vintage dresses and contemporary ethical wear—look for the Bohemian quirky pieces from the newly launched locally produced brand Kukuju—and the most beautiful hats from the neighbouring Zambian brand Wood & Feathers, as well as coffee-table and classic books…and there are plants too. Inspired by the nature and history of Victoria Falls, The Honeyguide references a time when the young Queen Elizabeth came to visit in 1947, an inspiring capsule that captures that intangible yearning of a dream of Africa, as known and seen in old movies and books…and all with the culture of care for our planet in mind.