A look behind Britain’s sustainable fashion scene

Discover the minds behind Britain’s coolest sustainable fashion. These creators have curated their own style in the most eco-friendly way, while still achieving eye-catching and trending looks. Each shop configures independent looks and clothing items that offer anyone a chance to master the stylish yet sustainably-conscious edit.

A look at the creators and their spaces

O Pioneers – Marylebone, London

What began as a personal project of sourcing local materials and designing thier own girlie frocks and dresses, quickly became a booming business for Clara Francis and Tania Hindmarch, who embarked on a mission to create a slow fashion brand with quality, integrity, and ethics in mind. The small shop near Marylebone high street stocks one-of-a-kind hand made products for women and girls. Each piece of clothing is made from locally sourced materials and hand sewn by women in the north of England. As a commitment to their partnership with the seamstresses, each item has the creator's name sewn into the fabric. 

Lucy & Yak – Brighton, Bristol, Norwich, Nottingham, and Cambridge

Lucy Greenwood and her partner Chris Renwick created Lucy & Yak, just 5 years ago in their van called Yak. After selling their property and cars, the pair ventured on the path less travelled and backpacked around the world. As a way to bring in cash, they began to repurpose and sell clothes from their van. The business quickly grew, leading Lucy to design the brands famous ‘original dungarees’ which led to the pair using their platform to fight climate change, while producing quality, creative, and comfortable clothes from sustainable materials only.

AIDA – Shoreditch, London 

Named after their Nan, four sisters’ established AIDA in 2012, encompassing their ambitions to create a space that showcases more-than-the-typical high street shopping experience. The store offers a chic edit of independent brands featuring homeware, men and women’s wear. As part of their slow-fashion strategy, AIDA as offers shoppers a chance to take is slow and enjoy a break in their boutique artisan coffee shop known quite famously around the area for their special rose latte. The sisters’ aim to use their platform to create a meaningful outlet for designers and sustainable fashion lovers.

BIBICO – Bath

After entering into the fast fashion industry post university, shop owner, Snow nee Nieves (Snow in Spanish) set her sights on finding a sustainable answer to a growing problem. Determined to prove to the high street that ethics and fashion can work together, BIBICO was born. An ethical clothing label offering simple, yet unique clothes created from natural fabrics and ethically sourced materials. Striving to create a more socially responsible and equitable world, BIBICO also partners with manufacturers who are members of the World Fair Trade Organisation.

Experience upcoming fashion edits & other sustainable shops

The Royal Collection Trust: Buckingham Palace - London

14 July – 24 September 2023

Sneak a peek at the magnificent outfits worn by King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their Coronation. Although it’s not a chance to shop sustainable style, it’s a rare opportunity to experience true historic vintage fashion at the highest of quality, as the robes on display are the exact robes worn by King George IV in 1937 for his Coronation. The historic fits will be on display in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace.

ClothesCycle – Manchester 

1 October 2023

Britain’s biggest pop-up thrift market will be coming to London this June and Manchester in October. Clothes Cycle Markets focus on creating a welcoming community atmosphere for the most sustainable fashionistas looking for the best bargains. The event will feature over 80 stalls full of preloved treasures ranging from vintage gems to exclusive designers to new ethically produced clothes. For those looking to add to their closets without going overboard, the pop-up also offers shoppers the chance to participate in a clothing swap, leaving suitcases safe from overflow territory and bank accounts full.

Prêt-À-Portea: The Couture Cakewalk – The Berkley Hotel, London

Spring/Summer 2023

Partnering with Net-A-Porter, fashion turns from catwalk to cakewalk at the Berkely Hotel’s Prêt-À-Portea. Guests will experience the beauty and luxury of fashion, while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea. The tea celebrates designers like Kenzo and Moschino and takes inspiration from their extensive collections. The sweet treats feature flavours like Madagascar vanilla, espresso, and chocolate all while illustrating an outfit once worn down the runway.

Treen – Edinburgh

Located in Scotland, Treen offers shoppers a range of sustainably sourced and ethically made products. From men’s and women’s to active wear to even a cruelty-free skincare line, Skunk. Many of the products offered online and in-shop are locally sourced from British brands. Such a consciously curated line up of products are sure to create a ‘killer wardrobe without killing the planet.’

Onesta – Wales

Not only does Onesta offer award-winning sustainable clothing, but as a commitment to their craft, they offer complete transparency to every step of the process. From water consumption to packaging materials to their environmental impact, they have no fear in showing their commitment to sustainability. Their shop is online only, allowing everyone access to consciously constructed and ethically sourced fashion made in Britain.

LK Bennet – Across Britain

Already familiar to fans of the royal family, LK Bennet happens to be a right royal favourite of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Perhaps because they offer high quality fashion for the ethically conscious shopper or due to their commitment to being a champion of sustainability in the slow fashion industry. Either way, they offer a luxury experience with a positive impact. And with shops located online and across Britain, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

-ENDS-

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