We’re all in this together, right? All of us who love ethical fashion and are inspired by its ability to change the world are likely to achieve more if we work together. Whether sharing ideas via online forums or chatting with other conscious fashion fans via Instagram… personally, sharing the journey and connecting with others drives up both my inspiration and ambition.
Team work makes the dream work! Here we are, all the contributors together and not a lonely heart in sight!
Last year I was lucky enough to be invited to write for Mindless Mag. Editor is ethical fashion powerhouse Laurie Stewart and after a year of online success she was keen to put together a Special Edit annual. We had such a good chat about her journey, the creation of her magazine and the online courses she was keen to start up… about some brilliant internships and influencer takeovers she had set up, how she is creating information and opportunities for fashion students and essentially anyone who might be interested… she’s starting conversations and engaging people without preaching.
Laurie describes Mindless Mag as being about “FASHION + stuff that matters”. The piece I wrote comes under the Fashion + Mental health banner and is available now with the full magazine here.
Laurie and her writers fearlessly tackle other issues too: Fashion + Consumerism, Fashion + Climate Change and Fashion + Veganism. Flick through, be challenged or enlightened or enraged, whatever floats your boat… and of course lots more information is available on the Mindless Mag website.
Want to collaborate? I’d love to hear from you. I’m always looking for interesting freelance writing assignments and keen to act as a brand ambassador for ethical fashion brands. I also have a head full of ideas, so if you want to get started but aren’t sure how, drop me a line: kate@strippedbarefashion.com
Tailored – almost unisex – but without the slouchiness of a boyfriend jean: The Coda from Hiut is a jean to buy this year and wear for many!
Looking to invest in ethical denim for the coming season? There are some really interesting and progressive denim brands who pride themselves on both the quality of their product and their transparency all along the supply chain.
If you’re loving SS18’s tailored denim trend, it’s time to put aside your distressed jeans for gardening and start thinking structured shapes and deep indigo washes.
Let’s start at the bottom…
The Coda slim fit jeans from Hiut have to be the essential tailored jean. No sign of bleaching or tears, these raw denim beauties are what we might have called “going out jeans” in the 90’s… until we started going out in designer ripped acid wash with fishnet tights underneath. But that’s another story… The Coda is super smart, able to be dressed up with a silk shirt and summer booties, or styled like Hiut’s model with brogues and a fitted t-shirt.
The cut is masculine without being a boyfriend jean, and Hiut say the raw fabric is quite stiff to begin with. Visit their website for sizing advice, and take their recommendations on breaking them in. I’m saying these are a perfect investment for now and may – one day – evolve into your softest, comfiest and most organically distressed denim.
Black organic sateen skinny jeans from Monkee Jeans
Another super ethical brand who make great jeans is Monkee Jeans. If you’re a sweatshop free shopper, you’ll be keen on their logo “no blood, no sweat, no tears”… and you might also appreciate that they are one of the more affordable denim designers.
There’s quite a range of shapes and cuts on the Monkee Jeans website. For a more tailored look, try their organic sateen skinny which can be worn as smart casual with block heels and a blazer, or to create a sexy evening silhouette with a fitted tank or bustier, tuxedo jacket and stilettos.
Its bold, it’s boxy, it’s the perfect way to wear tailored denim this year and into the future
Working our way up…
It’s a denim jacket but not as we know it: Finisterre’s Sinum jacket. Utilitarian, boxy and made from premium 12oz organic cotton denim. Style it with denim shorts or a floaty dress for the weekend, or wear it buttoned up with a brightly coloured silk neck scarf and culottes for work.
Top to toe denim…
She’s not looking happy but we’re loving the Laurie dress from Bon George, made from reclaimed fabric. Clever.
Ok, so this isn’t actually denim but it’s a gorgeous navy dress – that looks like a lightweight denim – and ticks all the boxes for 2018 and a long time ahead. It’s from LA-based Bon George Conscious Clothing who use salvaged vintage textiles and trims on all their USA-made clothing. Eco… tick. Fair wages… tick.
Dresses like this one – Laurie – are pieces to treasure in an ethical wardrobe because they’re versatile enough for work or play, and can be layered up or down for multi-season wear.
Laurie would look brilliant with a crisp white shirt, long boots and a leather jacket for coming Winters. Equally, styled just with the hat, strappy platforms and oversized tortoiseshell glasses, it’s right on trend for right now.
Over and out!
Tailored denim is all about structure and detailing, which are not always things we associate with a fabric most famous as workwear. Garments that we don’t expect to be made from denim are perfect for creating the look and make strong statement pieces you can wear in the future too.
Maria Long jacket from Kings of Indigo
Kings of Indigo do several overcoats ranging from a swinging belted Gladys trench to the Maria Long coat in a boxy anorak style. (Jan 2019 no longer available)
I’m not really sure what a lot of the text says on the website as it’s largely in Dutch… but there IS lots of info that makes sense, including their use of sustainable fabrics, their commitment to fair wages and working conditions, their Triple R Policy (Repair, Recycle, Reuse) and their creative ways of finishing garments including low-impact and natural techniques which respect the environment and worker safety.
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I’d love to hear and see what tailored ethical denim you’re thinking of investing in this year and how you’re styling it for SS18. Drop me a line at kate@strippedbarefashion.com, or tag me in social media so I can pass it on!
