Shopping can be a pretty unfulfilling experience, and not just because of that gnawing credit card guilt the next morning. These days we know enough about the manufacturing cycle to know that what we choose to buy can make a real difference to lives elsewhere or to the future of the planet. So we’ve rounded up a selection of interesting brands that put social or environmental responsibility at the core of their business; meaning the only after-effect of your next retail binge will be a warm and fuzzy feeling of goodwill.
Choo Yilin Artisan Jewellery
Melding luxury and sustainability, this jewelry brand engages the dying breed of craftsmen from Karen hill tribes native to northern Thailand. The pieces are made from reclaimed metals and distributed in ways that minimize environmental impact. The Bezel v.2.0 series puts a spin on the conventional bezel setting by integrating up to three distinct styles in a single piece, all done in bronze and 18 karat gold vermeil with glowing gemstones of various colors.
$295 upwards at Sulin Serio.
Etrican
This is the Singapore-based eco fashion brainchild of Dragos Necula and girlfriend Yumiko Uno, who abandoned their stable jobs in Japan to set up camp here two years ago. The label employs a fair trade production process that upholds quality standards and labor rights. You’ll find unique accessories made from upcycled odds and ends as well as apparel sewn from organic cotton sourced and manufactured around India, thus minimizing the carbon footprint. The latest Madison Blvd collection, influenced heavily by the sophistication and clean silhouettes of early 60s New York, is simply fabulous. Adorned in their plaid and floral cropped tops and A-line skirts, you’ll look as if you just stepped off the set of Mad Men.
$41 upwards at Choose by Olive Ventures.
JUJUBE
Founded in 2008 by Beverly Hills-born Jujube Li, these clothes are crafted from 100 percent biodegradable materials. JUJUBE’s modulated range of womenswear features versatile pieces that can be detached at the waistline and reattached to other pieces from the same collection, creating entirely fresh looks.
$119 upwards at Terra Plana
Linkskin
This green initiative by French company Linkskin and homegrown optical retail chain Nanyang brings us eyewear made from non-toxic recycled materials. The hip range of eyewear ditches traditional soldering processes, screws and spring hinges for a unique buckle-lock system at the folding temples, and most frame fronts and temple tips are cut from 100 percent recycled acetate. Linkskin uses a full circle recycling system in its production chain, encouraging customers to dispose of old spectacles, contact lens cases and solution bottles into recycling bins found in their stores. The optical waste is then sorted and made into pellets before being manufactured into eco-friendly eyewear once more.
$280 upwards at Alexis Eyewear Boutique.
Wings of a Pig
Inspired by the ebb and flow of everyday life and serenity of nature, local designer Jane Tan channels her energy and time towards designing nifty bags and accessories made from upcycled materials, hemp and organic cotton yarn. For over a year now, she’s been turning to thrift stores and friends for vintage odds and ends, giving these scraps a new lease of life with her artistic customizations. Quirky and chic, we especially like how she’s torn apart her wonky QWERTY keyboard to make rings ($4) out of the individual keys. And if you’re into knit-wear, you have to check out her meticulously handcrafted collection of exquisite bags ($79 upwards). Rumor has it that she’s got a pile of old yardsticks sitting in her living room. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Available at Choose by Olive Ventures.
