Ethical fashion.What first pops into your mind? Tie-dye tees and beige hemp bags? We (were) with you. Yes, we’ve always had Stella McCartney to hammer home the ‘eco fashion warrior’ tagline, but really, it’s only been in the last year or so labels are now Going Green (with high-street bigwigs Mango, Zara and H&M et al all jumping on board).
But the stylish A-lister who knows better than anyone it’s cool to be kind? Emma Watson, naturally. The actress and activist has even launched a new Instagram account @the_press_tour, dedicated to shining the spotlight on the ethical brands she’s wearing on the red carpet whilst promoting The Beauty and the Beast. Of course, you’ve got your Louis Vuitton, Oscar de la Renta and Emilia Wickstead in there. But, also in the mix, there's also a whole host of lesser-known eco-friendly labels to get excited about. Thank you Miss Watson…
WORON
A sustainable Scandi brand that specialises in chic basics, from sister-duo Arina and Anya Woron. We're a little bit in love with the black ‘Sleek Bodysuit’ Emma Watson wore in Paris. ‘Our collections are all about perfectly fitted, feminine and clean essentials,’ the Woron sisters say ‘[And include] soft-bras, panties and bodysuits, full of sexy, confident and accessible designs.’
Good Guys Don’t Wear Leather
The vegan shoe brand to buy into. Emma Watson wrote on Instagram the brand ‘doesn't use any animal products in its collections, which are made in Porto, Portugal, helping preserve the traditional shoe making industry of the region.’ The actress has invested in quite the collection from GGDWL - including their unisex black Norider boots (£160.00) and Samo white trainers she paired with a floor-length evening dress.
Carmen March
Independent Spanish designer Carmen March’s ultra-glam, 80s-style offerings got the Emma Watson seal of approval in London recently – donning CM’s white cotton bustier and black tuxedo trousers (she often works with natural fabrics like linin, silk and cotton). High drama gear that wouldn’t look out of place at the Met Gala this year.
PICHULIK
For those with a penchant for unique, well-crafted jewellery that’s not too Out There, PICHULIK is just what you need. Beautiful earrings, handcrafted in Cape Town. On her Beauty and the Beast press tour, Emma showcased a pair of beaded point earrings with a gold plaited shell hoop for just £36. The simple outfit add-on to elevate any outfit.
Filippa K
Admittedly die-hard Scandi fans will be well acquainted with this label, with a focus on simple cuts and minimal colour palettes (basically anyone seeking a capsule wardrobe will find plenty of treasures here). Think primrose coloured shirts and dreamy slim-cut denim. ‘Do good’ fashion that looks so good? Count us in.
Simon Miller
The bucket bag you’ve probably noticed making the rounds in a big way this Fashion Month, and the US designer is also an advocate of producing his collections sustainably. Watson’s stylist Rebecca Corbin Murry revealed on her Instagram that he ‘produces the entire women’s collection in the USA in collaboration with organic mills to reduce their impact and conserve water.’ Alongside working with independently run family mills and artisans in France and Japan.
Veja
Need a new pair of white trainers to add to your shoe-drobe? Veja is our latest find courtesy of Emma Watson - we’ve been obsessed with the new ‘fashion trainer’ ever since she was spotted repping a pair last year (the V-10 model made from recycled cotton and wild rubber, £85).