If you are looking to update your wardrobe with ethical and organic fashion but don`t want to loose that designer look, there are plenty of organic brands available offering stylish clothes, shoes and accessories with a designer flare. Forget frumpy hemp smocks or scratchy stripy trousers, the ethical clothes industry has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years. From vegan shoes to organic cotton, fair-trade shirts to recycled handbags, its easy to make the ethical choice without losing your style.
A favourite at London Fashion Week this year was the sharp design and beautiful materials used in the eco-clothing of Amana. Their collection is entirely created by a fair-trade cooperative of ladies in Morocco who weave some magic into their stylish pieces by machine and by hand. Organic silks and hemp mix fabrics reduce this brands impact of the environment and their organic cotton range is so soft and wearable you`ll wish you found them sooner.
An organic brand which many people will already have heard of, EDUN was created by U2 legend Bono and his wife Ali in 2005. The label promotes and creates opportunities for sustainable employment in the developing world and out of this comes some of the most stylish eco- clothing around.
For something really special, check out the stunning designs created by Annie Greenabelle which are exclusively available at Equa, a dedicated eco boutique. Her designs capture the imagination and her party dresses would not look out of place on any red carpet. Maybe the paparazzi would be surprised to learn that her creations are all made from organic and recycled fabrics, a must have for any eco queen.
A prime example of just how far the ethical clothing industry has come in the past few years is the creative designs coming from English label, Beyond Skin. Stunning stilettos, funky flats and high fashion wedges, all handmade by a family company and all 100% vegan. The footwear is made from recycled fabrics and in a low carbon, environmentally friendly manner.
For beautiful basics, Howies is just the ticket. Inexpensive tops, shirts, t-shirts and casual trousers all made from organic cotton and recycled materials make this brand a great place to start if you want to start making your collection more eco friendly.
One of the founding fathers (or mothers) of beautiful organic clothing has to be Katharine E Hamnett. Having visited Mali in 2003 and seen the devastating effects the traditional cotton industry has on the environment, people and communities she immediately took up the reins to drive the organic cotton campaign forward. Her slogan t-shirts and heart and soul campaigning make this one of the most chic brands to be seen in.
There are brands for the fellers too. Rapanui is one of the world`s most popular eco brands and is rapidly drawing the boys away from Nike and Diesel mens wear into the world of organic fashion.