Stripped Bare Fashion

Tag: jeans

  • Monkee Genes

    Monkee Genes

    ethical fashion denim jeans brand Monkee GenesMonkee 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…

    Monkee Genes fit guide ethical fashion denim jeans brand

    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…

    Ethical mens denim brand jeans Monkee Genes

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

    ethical danim jeans brand Monkee Genes
    Me and my gal, Lila, in our Monkee Genes jeans

     

  • Tailored ethical denim SS18

    Tailored ethical denim SS18

    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
    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.
    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…

    Laurie dress from Bon George
    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!