Responsible Fashion

BY SARAH ANN MURRAY

In the last issue, we delved into sustainable, eco-conscious fashion, all either made or designed here in Portugal and all with an ethical commitment to their brand.

This issue we’re continuing on the theme as it turns out there’s plenty we can shop to do our bit for the environment, to support local commerce and to progress the notion of sustainable fashion.

Márcia Neto Jewellery

Whilst fostering a sense of harmony between the planet’s precious offerings and our desires for beautiful trinkets, with Márcia Neto’s creations we’re reminded just how striking the natural world can be. In each and every piece, artisan jewellerymaker and sculptor Márcia Neto dives deep into our relationship with nature, capturing in contemporary gold and silver designs the precious moment between our lives and our interactions with the natural world. She sees her pieces as a form of communication, a way to tell stories and a reminder to take care of nature.

You’re sure to have passed by Márcia´s stall and perused the array of shell, leaf, and coral-inspired gold- and silver-plated creations, and if you’re anything like me will have been tempted, more than once or twice. My current addition is a small gold shell worn on silk as a bracelet, which I’ve yet to take off. Furthermore, Marcia also offers a bespoke service whereby she will turn personal pieces or items people collect on their travels into adornments you can wear forever. She indeed sells sea-shells…

marcianetojewellery

That’s a Wrap

As we welcome a cooling evening breeze, it’s usually about this time I up my accessories game. It’s scarf-wearing season ladies and gentlemen and at this time of year, a light cotton version in wearable patterns and colours is really what I’m after. You know, the kind that goes with everything but would also look great tied nonchalantly to your bag or as a headband. And so, to Kozii I go.

Kozii pieces carry the responsibility and success story of unhurried, transparent and sustainable practices throughout all the stages of their production processes, using organic, natural eco-friendly fibres, all whilst keeping traditional textile skills alive. It’s autumn which means it’s time to get Kozii and keep warm.

www.koziishop.com

Swim-fair Swimwear

As we roll into October, it’s time to embrace the next swimwear trend, the peekaboo cut, leaving the Brazilian cut - somewhat gratefully - behind. Portuguese eco-brand Kekaaii, have a full collection of beautiful autumn colours for us lucky lot who live by the beach and who’ll still be swimming in autumn.

As well as stylish, flattering designs, local brand Kekaaii uses plastic taken from the oceans to manufacture their collections with the hope of encouraging people to take care of the planet we live on and the oceans we swim in. Dive straight in, I say.

www.kekaaii.com

Sarah Ann Murray is a fashion stylist, creative director and brand consultant, specialising in luxury and sportswear