‘Dream in green’ is what ‘rêve en vert’ translates as – an apt moniker, given that an ethical vision is at the heart of everything this brand new ethical e-tailer does. For example, how many e-stores do you know who only use carbon neutral shipping, or only work with brands who can guarantee excellent working conditions?
If we’re honest, this newly launched collective couldn’t have come at a better time. With everyone still reeling from the Rana Plaza collapse, the time is prescient for new options on the retail scape. It may not be for everyone – ethical fashion tends to come with a higher RRP, the by-product of which is that you’re encouraged to make a conscious rather than a slapdash purchase – but it’s high time we had that choice.
Cora Hilts (a former press officer at Stella McCartney, a designer revered for her ethical approach) and Natasha Tucker (who came from a background of organic farming) are the duo behind rêve en vert and they’re set to provide exactly that. ‘Sustainability is not a concept considered to be “attractive”,’ admits Natasha, ‘but rêve en vert will strive to change this.’
The girls tells The Debrief that rêve en vert is ‘a company we founded in response to the evolving nautre of contemporary style into something a bit too consumptive and trend-based for our taste.’
There’s no doubt that we are in the midst of a flash-mob of trends, with a new one almost daily. Their quiet and careful curation attempts to redress that balance, with a hand-picked collection of pieces from 16 designers (with our favourite British knitwear label Blake LDN and British fashion designer Christopher Raeburn both joining the site next season), and price points ranging from £50-450. The site is small – they have only just launched – but there is a lovely story to tell behind every designer they work with.
Above anything else, it’s a great destination to discover niche, foreign labels that you haven’t heard of before, such as Hare + Love and Isabell de Hillerin. Much as we love the British high street, who isn’t looking for a bit of quiet change?
Bermuda Shorts, £199 Isabell de Hillerin; Silver Serpent Ring, £110 Pamela Love; Red Striped Boyfriend Tee, £79 Edith A Miller; Crewneck Jumper, £235 Svilu
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.