What is Ethical Fashion?

In more recent years, there has been an increased spotlight on the ethical and sustainability standards within the fashion industry. As a result, in the media, we are seeing articles about issues in fashion and more major brands are releasing transparency reports to position themselves in this 'niche' market. We as consumers are becoming more educated about the clothes we wear and how it impacts the world, but what does ethical fashion actually mean?

As defined by The Victoria and Albert Museum, "Ethical Fashion is an umbrella term [used] to describe ethical fashion design, production, retail, and purchasing. It covers a range of issues such as working conditions, exploitation, fair trade, sustainable production, the environment, and animal welfare". Ultimately, ethical fashion is fashion that cares for the community, animals and the Source: Pinterest

planet.

It can be difficult to navigate the current ethical fashion space, a brand could be ethical when it comes to human rights, but it may not use sustainable environmental practices. It is hard to clearly understand. For example, that non-leather 'vegan' handbag is beneficial to animals and the environment, but, it could have been made with toxic dyes and plastic, in a sweatshop that disregards human rights. Therefore, fashion is a complex subject that is constantly changing!

Nonetheless, here a three Australian ethical fashion labels you should put on your radar:

Spell and the Gypsy, Byron Bay

Spell and the Gypsy is a modern bohemian fashion brand located in the idyllic beachside town of Byron Bay, Australia. Their company vision aims to, "become one of the most inspiring and conscious fashion brands in the world".

Spell's sustainability strategy consists of supply chain transparency, social advocacy, environmental footprint and circular fashion. For example, the label is committed to sourcing sustainable fibres for their garments such as using organic cotton wherever possible. Furthermore, Spell has a partnership with Canopy, an organisation established to ensure that the brand's use of "cellulose fibres (viscose, rayon, tencel, modal) are not contributing to the deforestation of ancient or endangered forests".

Source: brand's website and Pinterest

Evidently, Spell and the Gypsy is an ethical, and of course stylish, fashion brand that you should know about. Their feminine, vibrant and expressive designs are bound to remind you of a summer vacation.

The Social Outfit

The Social Outfit is a Sydney-based ethical fashion brand and charity that aims to make a difference in society. The label is independently accredited by Good on You and Ethical Clothing Australia that believes "that tapping into the creativity of refugee communities leads to empowerment and social inclusion".

Source: @thesocialoutfit

All the profits from their clothing are used to run training programs for refugees and new migrant communities to open up employment opportunities in clothing production, retail, design and marketing. Moreover, This brand is also waste-conscious and aim to be sustainable, so they produce their clothing in small quantities in their local Newtown workroom. Each print and piece of clothing is a design by local creatives and designers that tells a story of change.

Vege Threads

Melbourne-based Vege Threads ethically produces simple clothing made for everyday wear. Their collections are manufactured in limited numbers to combat waste, and they use 100% Australian and organic fabrics, materials and dyes.

Source: @vegethreads

Vege Threads is also a member of '1% for the Planet', a company established by the founders of Patagonia, that aims to create a positive impact on the environment. As a result, a percentage of the brand's profits are donated to an environmental project of their choosing.

This fashion label creates a range of timeless and versatile pieces that caters for both men and women. They offer a variety of basics, intimates, yoga wear and eco swimwear that is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia. Vege threads will make you look good and empower you to feel good!

with love,

Steph xx