FASHION
SUSTAINABLE AND HOT! FIVE BRANDS TO SHOP
Words by
TABEA TOPP
Published
August 27, 2024
COLLAGE OF SUSTAINABLE BRANDS

Not only are these sustainable brands forward thinking in their production practices but they also deliver designs that are striking, unique and fuel your exploration on style.

We at MSF believe that sustainable fashion is the only acceptable practice in 2024 and the urge to produce clothing sustainably is long overdue. Sorting through all the sustainability claims and differentiating fantasy (greenwashing) from reality (actual sustainability efforts), can easily become overwhelming for anyone.
By merging sustainability with a daring, or even provocative style, Saqua Studio aims to allow the wearer to redefine and reclaim their own sexuality.

SAQUA STUDIO

Image courtesy of SAQUA

Saqua Studio, founded by Lou in 2019 in Berlin, challenges the conventional narrative of bland sustainable options. This brand produces self proclaimed "sustainable slutwear," drawing inspiration from rave, strip, and sex work attire. Saqua Studio's playful and the glittery designs give a sense of nostalgia of a wild night out, injecting fun and excitement into sustainable fashion. The brand's aesthetic is all about embracing boldness and radical body acceptance, offering a refreshing alternative to the often muted and traditional sustainable fashion options available.

The brand's commitment to sustainability is reflected not only in its materials but also in its production practices. All fabrics (as well as elastics) are deadstock materials- made from the scraps and leftovers of other fashion companies that find no use in them. Packaging is plastic free, paper tags are made from recycled paper. The shipping materials are made from corn starch and cassava roots, making them home compostable. Furthermore they work on a made-to-order basis to avoid overproduction and waste.

Saqua Studio is proof that sustainable fashion doesn't have to be boring or beige-
it can be as hot and lively as the people who wear it!

HOLY SPELLS

Holy Spells, a brand founded by two sisters in Warsaw, Poland, appears as a vibrant playground of their shared childhood. Their creations are like living fantasies, showcasing playful, colorful, and eccentric designs. Influenced by their mother, who designed stage outfits for them, the sisters developed a passion for fashion early on. Fueled by the admiration received by their peers, they launched their own sustainable brand. Each Holy Spells piece is unique, often combining different textures and colors to create a dazzling, glaring look.

Despite this, all their materials are upcycled, transforming old fabrics into entirely new, otherworldly garments that give your wardrobe a fever-dream quality.

Holy Spells challenges the typical image of sustainable fashion, proving that responsible clothing can be vibrant, imaginative, and full of life. The brand's commitment to upcycling ensures that every piece is both environmentally responsible as well as unapologetically expressive, making Holy Spells a standout in the world of sustainable fashion.

CRUDA

IMAGE COURTESY OF CRUDA

Cruda, founded by Pamela Hernández in 2016, offers what can be described as elevated staple pieces. The brand transforms discarded materials, like second hand leather garments, wood from demolished old houses or dusty old car tires. The sourced materials turn into chic, sophisticated garments once the Cruda team worked their magic and manufacturing expertise on them. Pamela Hernández‘s years in the creative scene are visible in Cruda’s designs which range from classy to extravagant and experimental, yet remaining timeless, due to their high quality look. Each piece is a testament to her vision of sustainable fashion- one that doesn't compromise on style or originality.

The shoes have such unique character, almost as if they are fabulous little beings resurrected from their old, soon-to-be-forgotten past.

1/OFF PARIS

IMAGE COURTESY OF 1/OFF PARIS

1/offparis, founded in 2019 by Renée van Wijngaarden in Amsterdam, embraces the philosophy of clothing transformation. Viewing garments as potential for endless creative thinking, the brand crafts new designs from reconstructed high-end designer vintage wear. This process involves fusing pieces such as vintage silk scarves, graphic tees and lace to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs that can be styled in multiple ways. 1/offparis’s approach stimulates wearer's own originality and style.

Their creativity is evident through bold, modern yet playful designs. Used fabrics are a mix of tartan, colors and neutrals. These versatile pieces appeal to people of all ages, making them timeless and sustainable by not being tied to a single trend. 1/offparis’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of upcycled materials and its encouragement of personal style experimentation.

By challenging conventional fashion industry practices, the brand inspires its audience to appreciate the endless possibilities of clothing transformation.

SULK Knitwear

IMAGE COURTESY OF SULK KNITWEAR

Although Sahra Beasley only began learning to knit from her mother in the fall of 2020 out of pandemic-induced boredom, she has developed an outstanding and one-of-a-kind look for herself through the course of these four years.

Maybe the relatively short time period is the reason "her designs show a curiosity that blurs the traditional boundaries of knitwear and immediately captivate you."

Every piece she creates is different from all the others in the world and explores new combinations of colors, funky textures and differing silhouettes.

The soft and embracing knitwear often is contrasted with cold, metallic rings, piercing the different patterns together and adding to the unexpectedness of each look.

She often repurposes old garments and scrap yarns to support circular fashion and reduce waste. Based in London and still with the help of her family, her creations reflect the love and dedication invested in each piece, crafted over 10-40 hours.

CAROUSEL IMAGES
1 - Photo: @helenemastrandreas

Styling and art direction: @laureorsetprelet
@etatsdecorps

Model: @milafurie
Thanks: @zelie_durand
2. Photo @maxgronowsk

Model/styling/MUA
@netali.spires
3. @1offparis
4. @sulkknitwear
5. @cruda_cruda
6. @cruda_cruda

LARGE POP IMAGE

@saqua_studio

Photography: @saintlazer

Styling: @ylvafalk

Shoes: @rombautofficial

COLLAGE

@1offparis

@saqua_studio

@sulkknitwear

@holy.spells

@cruda_cruda

Sustainable fashion doesn't have to be boring or beige- it can be as hot and lively as the people who wear it!

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