It’s 2021. Social media is a prominent factor in all of our lives. Who does not have an Instagram, Twitter, or even TikTok? You can find so many amazing things through social media, and the algorithm ensures you see everything you like.
For me personally, it is fashion that is most noticeable in my feed. I love seeing what others wear and which brands stand out at Fashion Week. It is through social media that I found some amazing eco-friendly fashion brands.
In this article, I will share four brands I think are great alternatives to the usual fast fashion!
RUA CARLOTA
I think this is the first sustainable fashion brand that I came across on Instagram, and it really captured my attention. Artist Charlotte Rose Kirkham founded RUA CARLOTA.
The idea of RUA CARLOTA is to challenge waste culture. The materials that are used for the designs are only dead stock and used materials. None of the materials used are ever the same, giving the clothes a unique, colorful look. Because of the different materials, the looks of RUA CARLOTA are never made twice, making the brand very exclusive and unique.
The brand is becoming increasingly popular and has been featured in several issues of VOGUE. Getting hold of an item of RUA CARLOTA is quite difficult because anytime a new collection drops, it is sold out in minutes.
VAED by Veronica Arroyo
VAED stands for Veronica Arroyo ethical designs. It is a small, independent, sustainable brand located in Miami.
All the materials the brand uses are sustainably and ethically sourced, either from natural materials or 2nd hand clothing. VAED is a zero-waste brand, meaning that it uses every scrap of materials in order to reduce waste.
Besides, the brand also donates some of its profits to communities worldwide. So by buying from VAED by Veronica Arroyo, you’re helping not only the environment but also vulnerable groups all over the world.
VAED by Veronica Arroyo is dropping a 2021 collection soon, so you can be on the lookout at their website. To see the style of the brand, you can look at their Instagram or look at their TikTok (@in.vaed) for some behind-the-scenes clips.
Afends
Afends is a large brand founded in Australia. The brand is completely transparent, from the actions in the supply chain to the business ethics and workplace environment.
Afends uses hemp, organic cotton, Tencel, and recycled polyester in their clothes. Next to this, they also acquire necessary certifications to ensure that their clothes meet the sustainability requirements. What makes this brand different from many other sustainable brands is that one of their goals is a net-zero carbon emission in transport.
Afends educates people in the entire supply chain to work as sustainably as possible, including the customers. They encourage customers to recycle or reuse their clothes instead of throwing them away where they end up in landfill.
From socks and scrunchies to jeans and jackets, Afends has it in cute colors, too!
Lucy and Yak
If you are looking for fun and funky clothing, Lucy and Yak is perfect for you, from sweatshirts to pants. They all have bright colors and cute patterns on them.
The brand uses a small team in India who create all the clothes while getting a fair wage and healthy working conditions. As for the team in the UK, instead of just the minimum wage, they earn above the living wages.
A large percentage of the energy used for the production of Lucy and Yak’s clothes is renewable. Besides, 100% of the brand’s materials are organic or recycled.
Next to AFENDS, this brand is also a bit more affordable compared to the other brands. And with the combination of sustainability and ethics, the brand is a nice swap for Urban Outfitters.
