Future Fashion Forward; A sustainable Style Shopping Guide

ROSIE ALBRECHT

SOFT HAUS

Fast fashion is notorious for being one of the most environmentallly harmful industries on the planet, pumping out a continous stream of clothing made from plastic-based textiles, only to toss them in the landfill as soon as the newest trends roll around. So what does fashion look like in a solarpunk world? Solarpunk clothing is sewn from sustainably sourced, natural materials, produced and distributed in small batches and with minimal waste, and made to last. These fashion lines are working hard to make that fashionable world a reality.

A colorful line of quirky and delightful knitwear, all sourced from sustainably farmed alpaca wool and Pima cotton. In addition to being eco-friendly, Soft Haus is commited to partnering with female artisans from all across South America.

GAIA

This line features a gorgeous assortment of bohemian handbags, accessories, and home goods. GAIA uses both sustainably sourced and recycled materials. But here’s what makes Gaia really special: all of thier pieces are crafted by female refugees in Dallas, Texas, and the brand’s mission is to help these women successfully move forward into empowering careers.

GORMAN

The boldest prints in the brightest colors – all printed on Global Organic Textile Standard certified cotton, recycled polyester, and other recyled fibers. A lot of ecologically sustainable fashion can look a bit like a burlap sac, and Gorman is the perfect, pigmented antithesis to the beige wave of eco-fashion. 80% of their stock is sea-freighted, to reduce emissions from air freighting, and even their storefront is outfitted with sustainably sourced or recycled fixtures.

REFORMATION

The perfect shop for the most glamorous eco-warriors out there, Reformation carries stylish, sophisticated, sustainable fashion. Reformation’s factory building is designed with a green infrastructure, getting 100% of their electricity from wind energy and using only low-power appliances. They currently recycle 75% of all of their waste (their goal is to reach 85%), purchase all of their textiles from heavily-screened local sources, and package their products in plastic-free, compostable bags. Even the paper in their offices is 100% recycled. And how do we know all of this? Reformation makes a point to release a regular detailed report on their sustainability practices – the sort of transparency you’d never see from an environmentally irresponsible company.

VEJA

Never fear, sneaker fans – you don’t have to give up your kicks to save the environment. Veja, the super cool eco-friendly French sneaker brand, has you covered. Made with cotton sourced from farmer’s associations in Brazil, rubber farmed by local communities in the Amazon who are fighting to save their forests, and leather tanned without the toxic chemicals that usually go into leather-making. The company is also committed to transparency and releases regular reports on their environmental impact. The sneaker designs, which come in both adult and child sizes, range from old-school to sleek and modern – and they’re made to last.

BROTHER VELLIES

Inspired by African footwear and textiles, Brother Vellies shoes are gorgeous, unique, and built to last. Every step of the process – from the farming of materials to the creation of textiles to the assembly of the shoes – is done by African artisans, all of whom are paid a living wage. As one of the >0.5% of US companies with female African-American CEOs, Brother Vellies is committed to minimizing their environmental footstep, employing women and LGBT+ workers, and preserving the traditional crafts and practices of Africa.

TITANIA INGLIS

These edgy, dark designs are an eco-goth’s dream come true. Titania Inglis is a designer committed to minimalism in both design and environmental impact. Her pieces are crafted in small batches using low-impact materials like sustainable cotton, deadstock wool and vegetable-tanned leather. They’re designed to be staples that the wearer can use for years to come – and they’re constructed well enough to actually last that long. Her pieces are a bit pricey, but unlike anything you can find anywhere else.