shopping ethical luxury: clothing brands!
by celeste moses
Looking to treat yourself or someone special to some truly luxurious items? Bypass endorsing industry racism, environmental destruction and animal cruelty in high fashion by shopping ethical luxury/independent designer brands! Here is the first edition of the shopping ethical luxury series, a curated list of independent designers and brands for you! Happy ethical shopping!
Starting off with the daring brand BARRAGÁN, a clothing brand founded by Victor Barragán, born in Mexico City and based in New York City. Barragán’s collections are a refreshingly underground exploration into the politics of gender identity. BARRAGÁN offers a range of kitsch graphic t-shirts, unique form fitting shapes, and earthy patterns. BARRAGÁN is a beacon of luxury meets LGBTQ+ exploration, and definitely a first choice for a brand to keep your mind and wallet on.
If you’re into a more light-hearted feminine brand, shop Liv by lov, a darling garden picnic look experimenting in upcycled textiles. Liv’s catalogue is 100% waste free and has an incredibly dainty yet versatile character to either dress up or dress down depending on the occasion. Liv by Lov is a must have if you’re craving something special and well loved for your wardrobe.
However, if your style is more urban comfort, Nosesso (meaning no sex/no gender) has a selection of casual unisex clothing with trademark embroidery work and a mission to empower all bodies. The fashion house was founded by Pierre Davis in Los Angeles. Nosesso is deeply involved in the community and is constantly pushing towards inclusivity and non-conformity in fashion and design. Be sure to check them out!
Another one of my favorite designers right now is Timo Sassen (@timosassen on instagram). Blending the vibrancy of spring colors with innovative organic cut outs and contours, Timo creates endlessly visually dynamic pieces that transform the simplicity of menswear into a comfortably sexy piece imbued with an homage to the queer community. In a throw back to January, Timo spoke with Paper Magazine in an interview for Paper predictions, “I am designing with my own community in mind, creating pieces as a protest against the censorship and gender norms placed upon us. I want my customers to be themselves, feel sexy and be comfortable in any way they choose to dress.” You can find Timo’s pieces through stockists @cafe_forgot or @shop.kathleen on instagram!
For an earthy streetwear look that’s black owned and sincerely committed to sustainability and gender equality Nicole zizi is an amazing brand to look into. For a refreshing change in pace for leather, look into their leather pieces made from cacti! This brand is an eco conscious wet dream and you’re sure to find your new responsibly created staples to add to your wardrobe.
Still looking for the perfect piece to hit that mid day glow for your pasture picnic? Or a day spent having elegant seaside fun? I give you: Lucia zolea . Each of these vintage pieces is carefully curated by Lucia Zolea, a photographer, stylist and vintage collector. If you’re looking for a glamorous and gauzy look, Zolea has the right fit for you. Wearing these clothes will feel even better knowing that you’re reusing pre-loved clothes with their own unique histories!
A necessity in every closet is a piece that you can flaunt with uniqueness and a strong communicative presence. One of my absolute favorite designers is Mila sullivan, for her collections of energetic patchworks of timeless textiles meets modern expression. These clothes come with all the bells and whistles, with tastefully paired patterns, exciting tassels and gorgeous frills. These are clothes you can wear again and again, always communicating your good mood of creativity and personal expression.
Shopping for high quality designer clothing is the dream investment! Whether strutting the sidewalks of your hometown, a fancy art museum or from your bedroom to the refrigerator, it feels good to look good! Shopping from independent designers gives you an edge of originality that’s hard to replicate. The way you dress is your statement to the world around you! Wearing a unique statement piece created with ethical practices in mind tells the whole universe you’re fashionable AND making a difference! While this edition of shopping ethical luxury highlights clothing designers and brands, further editions will introduce the best in jewelry, homeware and more from independent designers! Stay tuned!