This International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise and support women-owned businesses, especially those that prioritise sustainability and ethical production. Conscious fashion brands are on the rise, and there are many female entrepreneurs leading the way in this industry. From eco-friendly materials to fair labour practices, these brands are committed to creating fashion that is both beautiful and responsible.
Here are nine conscious fashion brands that are making a positive impact internationally and locally on the fashion industry.
1. Tove and Libra (Hong Kong)
Christine Chow is the woman behind Tove and Libra. Christine and her co-founder, Ivan, who worked behind the scenes in the fashion industry, witnessed first-hand the carelessness with which many retailers and shoppers discarded unwanted items. Their goal is to provide clothing that is better for both your closet and the environment.
2. Jim Weaver (Philippines)
Mischel and Isabelle Weaver, sisters, along with friends Jenica and Jenica (Kaw), came up with the idea for Jim Weaver Designs in 2016. The four of them worked closely together over the course of several months to create what would become Jim Weaver’s signature line.
Since then, the team has introduced more than 50 designs across numerous product categories, such as tableware, reusable masks, scarves, and pocket squares.
3. BeamBold (Hong Kong)
Audra Gordon, the company’s founder, started BeamBold after a conversation with another person who shared her passion for bright colours and her struggle to locate clothing in her size while living as an expat in Hong Kong. Joycelyn Aurora, her grandmother, inspired the name of the Aurora Collection, while Ermie Sam, her great-grandmother, inspired the name of the Ermie Sam Collection.
4. TikiYogi (Indonesia)
TikiYogi, founded in 2015 by designer Marisol Rocha, is a sustainable activewear fashion label known for its cutting-edge, performance-oriented designs made from eco-conscious and sustainable textiles and other recycled products.
The brand features an extensive range of swimwear, surfwear, and yogawear, all made from recycled textiles and ocean trash. The brand is leading the way with ECONYL regenerated Italian Nylon techno-fabric that turns trash into fashion.
5. Dear Senggigi (Indonesia)
Dear Senggigi is a sustainable clothing brand that creates eco-friendly clothing in small batches using eco-friendly materials like TENCELTM, zero-waste organic fabric, and even fabric scraps left over from the cutting process.
6. OliveAnkara (Singapore)
OliveAnkara was started by Ifeoma, who is also the label’s designer. The brand, which was introduced to Singapore, celebrates the richness that variety provides to our world from a place of wonder and joy. The goal of the company is to produce well-made, upbeat designs that are inspired by traditional African clothing.
7. Bells & Birds (Singapore)
The company’s name, which refers to a pair of wedding bells, alludes to the fact that they originally produced wedding gowns. During her own wedding, Amanda Koh spotted a gap in the local market for bridal robes and created the whimsical brand Bells & Birds.
8. Outfyt (Singapore)
Outfyt, founded and developed by Stephanie Colhag Yeo, is a line of fitness and lifestyle apparel for women that aims to boost their self-esteem during and after workouts. The Outfyt design aesthetic is less trend-driven and more time-driven, emphasising clean, basic lines, minimalism, and utility.
Shopping tip: Save up to 40%* on Smthgood, a fashion platform, from now until 22 March 2023 when you shop from the above eight inspiring women-owned conscious fashion brands.
9. Batik Boutique (Malaysia)
If you’re looking to shop local, from now until 12 March 2023, all women’s clothing is available at a special online-only discount from Batik Boutique, a social enterprise with Malaysian roots that creates handmade batik products.
You may buy artisanal gifts and clothing from Batik Boutique online (with free shipping on orders of RM200 or more within Malaysia) or in person at one of their three retail locations.
