Stripped Bare Fashion

Tag: ethical fashion

AmaElla

Beautiful organic cotton pyjama set… dreamy floaty!

First and foremost, AmaElla lingerie is beautiful.

A quick look at their Instagram or website will show you an artful combination of strong and delicate colours and patterns. Deep navy velvet trim on crisp white linen sits alongside delicate florals in lilac and blue and the softest blush pink… and (spoiler alert) there’s red to come. Sounds like I have inside information? I do, but more about that later.

Luckily, the enticing look of AmaElla’s nightwear and underwear is matched by how it feels. You’re going to want to put it on. I’d describe it as the perfect balance between thickness and softness to feel lovely against the skin without compromising on support.

Each piece is designed to make a female body look and feel its best. Careful consideration has been given to front opening bras and knickers with a tie on the side. Everything is flexible and comfortable – no underwires or spiky catches anywhere.

And guess what else… AmaElla have asked me to work with them!

It was such a privilege to take part in a recent shoot for their upcoming product launches and meet some of the people behind the brand, including brand co-founder Lara Miller. Lara has clearly been passionate about the environment for some time. She described how her knowledge of the massive polluting effects of conventional cotton production combined with an eye-opening experience volunteering in Madagascan marine conservation gave rise to the idea of creating organic cotton lingerie.

Super soft and comfy and made from organic cotton

Environmental sustainability

AmaElla’s commitment to sustainability is multi-faceted. Their lingerie is made using GOTS certified organic cotton and prints are created using GOTS certified printing. You can read an explanation of both here.

Also of major environmental impact is the lifespan of each product. It’s shocking to know that according to a report in the Mail Online, most garments are worn as few as seven times each before being sent to landfill or donated to a charity store in the unlikely hope that someone else will treasure our trash.

You’ll be pleased to know then that AmaElla’s garments are created with a view to durability and longevity. From sourcing the best quality fabrics to the skillful design and fitting process and meticulous construction AmaElla promise their goodies are as good as new even after 50 washes!

Who made AmaElla’s lingerie? These people… these actual, real, hardworking, skilfull people

Social responsibility

To date, AmaElla have partnered with garment manufacturers in the UK and Portugal, to support the development of valuable skills in safe, properly paid careers. Both partners have a focus on providing opportunities and training to young women.

Body positivity

So, how can I help a brand which seems to have everything so thoroughly sorted? As well as spreading the word here, I’ll be featuring in their social media as well as sharing my favourite pieces and images from the shoot via Instagram. Yes! As well as all their other admirable qualities, AmaElla are totally body and age positive, choosing to promote their brand using a diverse range of models and aiming to make us all feel great about ourselves. To say I’m nervous about seeing my 46-year-old, post-six-baby-body on screen is an understatement! But I love the brand and all it stands for so much that I’m doing it anyway.

The bottom line

AmaElla: sensuous, organic lingerie… thoughtfully designed… well made… with maximum positive social impact and environmental sustainability right at the heart of every lovely piece.

Shop AmaElla here

See AmaElla on Instagram here

January 16, 2020
Mindless collaboration

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

January 16, 2020
Ethical fashion in plus sizes

A friend has asked me to put together a list of ethical brands which cater to size 18-20…

Here is what I could find:

Gudrun Sjoden – always a favourite for beautiful shapes and colours in all sizes. You’ll love the fact they use a diverse range of models, and that the clothing wears well. Save some cash by signing up for the catalogue and taking advantage of their early bird and club prices.

There’s also lovely, lovely Seasalt, which goes up to a 26 on some sizes, and fairly regularly up to a 20. I particularly like their dresses and coats which I find very generous. I also like that everything is designed to be worn with a bra and offers good coverage on backs and arms. There’s no skimping on fabric to make a cheaper piece of clothing, but equally, it’s not too expensive. Another rare feature of Seasalt is that you can find them on the High Street, so you can pop in and try things on to make sure you’ve got the right size… then make future purchases online if you prefer.

Here’s a new discovery! Ulla Popken! I love finding new brands to love and tell people about! If you’re just starting your ethical fashion journey and want to dip your toe in the water with some not-too-pricey items, this website is really exciting. Sale items and a designated Outlet link, as well as reasonable prices on the non-sale items too. They’re not Primark prices, but that’s because they’re not made by child slaves… I digress. Sizes start at a 16, so you know you’re buying clothing that is especially made for your size and shape… and there’s A LOT to choose from.

If you’re looking for ethical swimwear and lingerie – some pretty retro, some super sexy, some just straight-down-the-line lovely – check out Kiss Me Deadly. (I hear it like Scarlett O’Hara saying, “Kiss me Rhett,” and you might too, now. Sorry.) Kiss Me Deadly is an independent, UK based lingerie brand who produce their own range as well as retailing other independent brands. They’re online only, so your first purchase is a leap of faith, but don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance if you need to. Lots and lots of different shapes and sizes, diverse body types are definitely celebrated and you can even sort products by size you don’t end up accidentally falling in love with something that doesn’t come in your size.

I’ve got to go and wanted to post this today, so publishing and dashing off! Just quickly though… while doing my research for this I also found an article which details a number of interesting looking brands from USA and Canada. It’s worth checking through as I’m sure some would happily ship to other parts of the world… Article is here.

Let me know if you’ve had good experiences with any of these brands or if you know of brands I should add to the list kate@strippedbarefashion.com

May 14, 2019
iLE AiYE knitwear

Cherylline Price from iLE AiYE knitwear wearing a signature oversized knit

Handmade knits…

At the heart of any ethical fashion winter wardrobe has to be a collection of knitwear. From super-snuggly angora for the snowiest days to lightweight trans-seasonal pieces that give your summer clothes an extra few weeks of wear, knitwear is an absolute must have.

And if, like me, you love the eclectic charm of handknits but lack the skills to craft them yourself, a great place to start looking is Etsy. It was on Etsy – while searching for “ethical oversized handknits” – that I first stumbled across iLE AiYE.

Meet iLE AiYE and Cherylline Price

Meaning “house of life” or “mother earth” iLE AiYE knits are the creative outpourings of Cherylline Price. Everything about the brand seems personal including the photographic journey she shares about her own life, travels, family and philosophies. Cherylline is designer and stylist as well as the hands that knit each garment and the model you see in all her online images.

Yellow colour pop!

Dividing her time between London and Ibiza, it seems Cherylline is almost always taking orders… no doubt travelling everywhere with a big bag of needles and yarn, constantly keeping an eye out for new colours and materials to incorporate into whatever she’s dreaming up next.

Cherylline describes her style as “original loose knit grunge”… I think they’re a bit magical too!

Warm enough for a London Winter

iLE AiYE’s Alpaca sweater dress: practically cold-proof!

For incredible warmth, invest in an Alpaca sweater dress which can be worn on the hip, or eased down to mid thigh. There’s a great selection of styles and shapes – sweaters, cardigans, ponchos – in colours ranging from muted naturals to vibrant yellows, greens and blues. iLE AiYE’s relaxed detailing is what really make her pieces so fab… like the voluminous sleeves which taper to perfectly fitted cuffs, and super-sized roll necks which almost double up as a matching snood.

There are also chunky, cool hats and scarves which you can order to match or contrast as you prefer

Cool enough for Ibiza

If London life is represented by her cosy range of woollies, Cherylline’s Ibiza life is also apparent in her collection! Think beach dresses which go straight to the dancefloor and spiderweb-fine coveralls and shrugs, perfect for sliding on over a bikini or simple tank dress.

Want an iLE AiYE knit of your own??

Visit Cherylline’s Etsy store to check out the range… there are loads to choose from, or you can request something custom made in your favourite colour or yarn.

iLE AiYE garments are made to order, so allow for a little time and consider these pieces as long-term investments. Wear and wash carefully for years of quirky, relaxed style and comfort… and expect to get asked #whomadeyourclothes!

♥

Love this! I always get compliments when I wear my green oversized sweater from iLE AiYE

February 5, 2019
Monkee Genes

Monkee Genes: everything you could ask for in an ethical denim jeans brand, and very loud and proud about promoting their values.

The first thing you see when you open a parcel from Monkey Genes is one big, bold label announcing…

‘No slave labour, no child labour, no blood, no sweat, no tears.’

…doesn’t that make you happy?

Because this is a website about ethical fashion, let’s talk ethics first. Monkee Genes was founded in by Phil Wildbore who “wanted to prove that there is such a thing as looking fashionable whilst supporting sustainability”. Denim garments are notoriously difficult to produce in a social and environmentally responsible way, but by using organic cotton and sourcing GOTS Certified factories, Monkee Genes are able to reduce the negative impact of their products on everyone along the supply chain.

From the cotton farmer who isn’t getting lungs full of chemicals and is able to fairly trade his product; the habitat and biofauna that aren’t getting doused with insecticides; the people who handle, spin and transform the cotton into denim; and those turning swathes of fabric into pairs of jeans… Monkee Genes are putting ethics at the heart of their production.

“We work hard to protect the people who make our clothes, working closely with our factories to ensure safe working conditions and a decent living wage. Our commitment to ethics paired with a innovative fits offers a point of difference to the denim market. All organic, all ethically produced, all fairly made!” Round of applause here please.

Now let’s talk fashion…

Something for EVERYONE!! I’ve been buying Monkee Genes since I first became properly aware of ethical fashion, in 2010. Their range has increased and improved over that time, and their fabric and fit has remained superb. My one gripe with them was that they didn’t do a high waist… but now they do!! Hello Jane (see above!), the perfect jean in every way!

Whatever ever your preferred fit is, choose from a variety of colours and washes, and make sure they’re perfect for you with either a regular or long cut.

And there’s even more styles for men to choose from…

Pricing is very reasonable too and might even make you question why designer jeans with unknown provenance could possibly cost so much more…

Me and my gal, Lila, in our Monkee Genes jeans

January 31, 2019
Katharine Hamnett

There are sooooo many reasons to love Katharine Hamnett!

…because she has been sassy forever, advising the world on all the biggest issues via slogan t-shirts: From CHOOSE LIFE in 1981 to CHOOSE LOVE in 2017 with EDUCATION NOT MISSILES, WORLDWIDE NUCLEAR BAN NOW, PEACE, SAVE THE WORLD, SAVE OUR SEAS, SAVE THE FUTURE and CANCEL BREXIT to name just a few others.

…because she campaigned voraciously for sustainability and social responsibility in the fashion industry from 1989 making her an ethical fashion pioneer. Read her short and simple commitment to ethical manufacture here, which shows exactly what’s wrong with the hugely lengthy and complex ethical policies of most mainstream fashion retailers. ie they use a load of words to say nothing!

…because when her hugely popular licensed slogans and garments were unable to be manufactured in a way that met her standards she chose to withdraw from mainstream fashion and concentrate on activism, campaigning and charity work.

…because even though there has been progress on environmental and social fronts, there is a load still to do, and she’s STILL out there doing it.

…because style icons like Mick Jagger, Princess Diana and Madonna adored her way back when.

…AND because she came striding back into mainstream fashion with a timelessly chic, unisex range in 2017 and earned a whole new generation of fans (and yes, of course it’s sustainable and ethically produced (in Italy).

Her latest offerings are as fresh as her style was in the 80’s. Katharine Hamnett garments are well made and built to last both in appearance and durability. Classic pieces like women’s white shirts, well cut blazers and tailored denim sit alongside stunning day-to-evening silk pieces and her hallmark activist t-shirts. Menswear appears largely utilitarian: organic cotton sweats and t’s, the coolest in long-life work trousers and outerwear… but be prepared for some flamboyant surprises like the Redford red silk onesie?!?

January 30, 2019
Acne Studios

Suddenly, we all want Acne…

Acne Studios is an ethical ready-to-wear fashion brand which features sublimely quirky tailoring and an eclectic mix of custom-developed fabrics. You get the feeling that every detail on every garment is unique to the brand, down to the last oversized button, asymmetrical collar or monogrammed feature-zipper. It’s a bold brand – you won’t find someone else wearing something similar from a different label – with a quintessentially Scandi feeling.

Acne Studios green Powder Parka – the warmest coat for the coldest days!

Acne Studios produce men and women’s clothing ranges, footwear and accessories, as well as sturdy and colourful children’s basics. I think of their adult clothing pieces as statements: there’s nothing shy about them! Creative Director Jonny Johansson’s captures the edginess of contemporary art and culture, but although his style is very much cutting-edge, it is well worn on younger and older people alike.

Ethical outerwear

My personal favourite range has to be their ethical outerwear. Invest in a super-luxe anorak or trench coat and you’ll be seeing off the cold in style for years to come. It’s not cheap, but it couldn’t possibly be! It’s too rich in every detail to come at a bargain price.

Check their credentials…

Acne Studios are proud members of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2008. Have a read of their Corporate social responsibility policy and even review their Social report and FWF Brand performance check, from links on the same page.

Spread the word!

Let me know if you love Acne Studios… what’s in your wardrobe and what’s on your wishlist? kate@strippedbarefashion.com or @stripped.bare.fashion

Eclectic luxe from Acne Studios – images from acnestudios.com

January 30, 2019
Go on! Take the ethical fashion plunge
So who did make your clothes? You might not like the answer… photo courtesy of ShiftLondon.com

The reason people don’t buy ethical fashion is usually for one of two reasons;

They think it’s too expensive

or

They don’t know what to buy

So many of us aspire to be conscious consumers and value both the products we buy and, in principle at least, the people who make them. Fashion should be fun and creative, a source of pleasure as well as practicality, shouldn’t it?

At some point you’ve decided you would like to use your consumer power to encourage fashion retailers to provide safe working conditions and pay a living wage all along the supply chain…

Great! Here’s how:
1. DON’T CHUCK OUT all your fast fashion. It will just go to landfill, and if you care enough to boycott sweatshops, you probably care about the environment too.
2. DO FILTER through what you have in your wardrobe already. Bundle up anything that doesn’t fit, anything you haven’t worn for a year or anything you know deep down you just aren’t going to wear, and take it to your local charity shop or clothing recycler.
3. CONSIDER A PROFESSIONAL STYLIST in to help you assess your wardrobe for colours and styles that particularly suit you and make recommendations about what to buy in future. You might be surprised how affordable stylists can be… Besides, from now on your wardrobe is a collection you invest in, so buying great pieces and making minimal style mistakes is a good thing. Gotta say, I know a local (to me) Kent stylist (check out Elisa Traynor’s website here) who does colour analysis, wardrobe styling and – if you want to push the boat out – personal shopping too. She’s totally realistic about budget and all about wellbeing and body positivity. I have found her colour advice particularly useful when buying new pieces as well working out how to wear existing garments even if they’re the “wrong” colour.
4. PHONE A FRIEND. If you think hiring a stylist is a rubbish idea, but you have a friend who’s style you admire, maybe ask them to help. Notice for yourself what colours and styles you wear when you get a compliment, and which ones tend to get your friends asking if you’re ok, or make you feel like you need to hit the gym or pile on another layer of makeup.
5. BE SURE ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO BUY. You are no longer shopping on a whim, or buying something just because it’s reduced, or buying garments for a single wear. Be fussy. Only buy clothing you know will suit you and that you will wear for years to come. Invest in classic, beautifully made pieces. I can honestly say that the quality of every single ethically produced garment I have bought has been impressive. From super-soft kids’ t-shirts and jeans, to bamboo socks, linen shirts, gymgear, jackets, sunglasses… everything! Ethical manufacturers want your repeat business and they make products to last. (They also tend to have great customer service, so if you do have a problem, get in touch!)
6. RETURN ALL THE CATALOGUES you get through the letterbox and unsubscribe to all the fashion marketing emails. Even the ethical fashion ones!! They will only encourage you to impulse buy. When you need something new you will know. That’s the time to look.
7. LOOK AT THE LABELS! When you know what you have and what you want to buy, start doing some research into your favourite brands. The sad truth is that unless a brand markets themselves as ethical and has certified labelling to prove it, it’s highly unlikely that they are. If a company is going to go to all the trouble and extra expense of meeting ethical standards, they are going to display evidence loudly and proudly that they are doing so. Check out Ethical Consumer website for the labels to look for.
8. NO JOY WITH THE LABEL? Consider where your garment was made – clothing manufacturers are required by law to include a “Made in…” label in every garment.
  From the website “Good on You” click to see full article.
  
  Personally, I don’t want clothing brands to take their manufacturing away from China or the many third world countries that rely on our trade. I would just like those companies to pay their workers a living wage. Bear in mind that a living wage in Bangladesh is not the same as a living wage in the UK, so this wouldn’t necessarily hike up the prices of mass produced clothing in a dramatic way… what it would mean is that the largely female workforce could afford to eat, have somewhere safe to live, provide adequate childcare or education for their children (so they don’t become the next generation of slaves) and have a small amount of disposable income. However, in terms of avoiding sweatshops, some ethical shoppers choose to buy garments which are made in Europe, USA, Australia or any other country where workers’ rights are protected. Don’t kid yourself that these countries don’t have sweatshops too though! If the garment you’re buying is super cheap, it was probably made in a sweatshop. Use social media to ask the question, “Who made my clothes”. If you get a quick, clear answer, great! Kerching! If you get a lengthy ethical policy full of good intentions but no actual commitment to a living wage and safe working environment… it’s buyer beware. Most likely you will hear nothing. Come to your own conclusion.
9. GO THROUGH THE 5 STAGES OF LOSS AND GRIEF. It’s tough. But you can do it.
10. SEARCH FOR NEW BRANDS TO LOVE. There is an absolute plethora of exciting brands which go about setting up or using worker’s cooperatives, Fairtrade factories and the like. They empower employees, providing them with fair pay, healthcare, childcare and a chance to escape poverty and abuse. That’s something you want to be a part of! Some brands are listed in the Love this! section of this very website and over time I will try to list many more. But for now, be an eo-warrior and search on Ecosia (find out about Ecosia here) for ethical fashion, ethical clothing… something like that.
11. SHOP THE SALES. Some ethical brands are more expensive to buy than high street brands. It’s true. (But they last longer and mean you aren’t contributing to human trafficking, slavery etc, so it’s worth a bit more, right?) Try new brands when they come on sale. I am always surprised how early in the season this happens. My children and I are usually still wearing woollies when Summer clothing goes on sale, so wait till you actually want to wear new season’s clothing before you shop.
12. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE DELIVERY AND RETURNS. Not shopping on the high street (with very few exceptions) usually means you can’t try clothing on before you buy. Once you get to know a brand, you will know how it fits. In the early days, buy two sizes and return one, or just be prepared to send something back if it arrives and you don’t love it. Easy.
13. SPREAD THE WORD. Over a relatively short period of time you will develop a list of go-to brands. I make a point of giving these brands as gifts and telling anyone who compliments me where an item is from. Don’t forget to tag brands if you post images on social media too!
I always love to hear from readers about their ethical fashion journey… what brands do you love? How did you manage the change from fast fashion to slow fashion? What made you make your own pledge to shop sweatshop free? Let me know… Email: kate@strippedbarefashion.com Twitter: @manytimesmummy Insta: @stripped.bare.fashion

Featured image credits: “Who made my/your clothes?” dazedimg.dazedgroup.netdna-cdn.com, makeandbelievemagazine.com, ravishly.com
January 23, 2019
Nobody’s Child

Ethical fashion for teens and young people

While organic and ethical babies’ and children’s clothing abounds, it suddenly dries up once your child turns about ten. By the time you have a teenager, you are often left with few options that are nothing short of compromise. This brand saves the day.

Mums and Dads looking to help their teens make sweatshop free fashion choices are going to love this one… Nobody’s Child. And the best bit is, your teens are going to love it too! And they’ll keep loving it right up until their twenties and thirties… The dresses might not be lined, the back might not cover bra straps and the tops might reveal a midriff, but that’s what they are supposed to be like! Garments are well and consciously made and not intended for those of us with, let’s say more mature expectations from our clothing.

Having said that, I’ve borrowed a few Nobody’s Child pieces from my daughter and loved wearing them myself. I’ve also shopped their accessories – lots of cute bags and sunglasses – which make perfect presents for Tweens.

Edgy cuts and up to the minute styling…

My eldest daughter was actually the first person in our house to discover Nobody’s Child and couldn’t wait to sit me down in front of the computer to peruse their fashion forward range. Edgy cuts, up-to-the minute detailing and styling which shows you exactly how to wear their garment right now. It’s become very much the go-to brand for both my teenage daughters.

Eco credentials

Environmentally, Nobody’s Child promote their hatred of waste and control their production process from fabric design and dyeing to knitwear, all in their own factories in the UK, Europe and Asia. More information here on their ethical credentials.

I think you’ll love it because…

And if you – or your youngster – think you can’t afford ethical fashion, think again. These are well made, sweatshop free garments at high street prices.

Topping it all off, the Nobody’s Business magazine is a lot of fun with styling and lifestyle tips that appeal to anyone interested in social media, vlogging, styling and young women’s issues (#girlpower hello!) …and there’s 15% student discount.

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I’d love to hear about ethical fashion brands your young people love! Email me at kate@strippedbarefashion.com or visit the media page for more details.

June 26, 2018
Gudrun Sjödén

Though I’m never quite sure how to say it out loud, Gudrun Sjödén (Good-run Show-den?!) is one of my favourite ethical fashion brands. Not only are her clothes fresh with colour and pattern, she is an inspired pioneer of ethical and environmentally responsible clothing.

Way before the #fashionrevolution began, Gudrun was pairing quirky prints with her hallmark stripes and encouraging women of all shapes, sizes and ages to wear vibrant, stylish clothing.

It’s quintessential feel good fashion.

In a previous role I was a brand ambassador for Gudrun Sjödén and had the chance to discover not just her clothing and accessory ranges, but also her homewares: bright and beautiful doormats and towels; glossy ceramics and glassware; rugs to fill a room with colour and pattern… as well as dreamy bedding and tableware textiles.

In a fashion world so flooded with conformity, cheap fabrics and poorly made, disposable, fast fashion, Gudrun Sjödén’s range is a breath of fresh air. Her shapes are designed for comfort and durability, they’re the kind of clothes you’ll enjoy wearing for twenty years as the textures soften and age.

Though her loyal customers adore Gudrun’s colour explosion styling, for those with a little less everyday flamboyance than the Nordic designer herself, rest assured, it’s not the only way to wear her clothes. Many items come in muted and neutral shades (deep navy, slate grey, black and white) as well as the loveliest lolly brights and the richest hues from nature.

Gudrun Sjödén offers her customers the chance to be fearless and expressive with fashion! Use individual garments to add a colour pop or mix a loudly striped garment with denim or workwear.

Explore Gudrun Sjödén on their website, or order a catalogue for hard copy fashion and homewares inspiration. If you see yourself becoming a regular Gudrun Sjödén shopper, it’s worth investigating the perks of joining their club too… enjoy!

June 26, 2018