By Anna Griffin, Editor in Chief
PC: Daniel Lincoln, Unsplash
As the unofficial end of summer approaches with Labor Day Weekend, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the holiday while making a powerful yet chic statement in head-to toe, sustainable fashion. As a whole outfit or just one piece that you incorporate into your weekend style vibe, these items are all manufactured with the environment sharply in their brand focus.
Beyond honoring Planet Earth this year, we’re also shining a spotlight on Labor Day and its significance in paying tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Taking it a step further, we’re honoring American-born brands whose founders are forging a path as entrepreneurs, impacting the global fashion scene by putting the importance of people and planet in line with their profits. Blazing a trail for climate change, women, fair working conditions and the USA, these brands remind us why it’s good to be an American.
$99 USD each
Nothing is more stylish than a beautifully-cut bikini, artfully designed to move, engineered to fit the body and produced using high quality, eco-minded, recycled nylon from post consumer plastic. Unless it’s all of the above in partnership with Christian Lacroix! This bikini is a little cheeky, a little fun, and has a whole lot of respect for our planet.
PC: Swiminista
$85 USD
A great hat makes an outfit and none more so than the perfect Panama. Hand-made by Ecuadorian, female artisans in their homes using heritage techniques identified by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and woven from eco-friendly and naturally renewable Toquilla straw, this iconic wardrobe staple with its classic shape and grosgrain ribbon detail, supports Planet Earth and women in developing countries, as a treasured piece that will never go out of style.
PC: Cuyana
$295 USD
Named after the mythological word for goddess, the striking Hina Cuff is sustainably handmade in Los Angeles by workers making more than a living wage, is cast in 100% recycled brass, nickel and lead free, finished in 14-karat gold, delivered in a 100% organic cotton bag and shipped in 100% recycled packaging. With its striking Starfish design, ethical production and environmentally conscious shipping materials, this beautiful cuff will inspire the eco-goddess in you.
PC: Laura Elizabeth Jewelry
$158 USD
This easy romper with its self-tie belt, side seam pockets and stylish back detailing is perfect for wearing to the beach or to dinner with friends. Sustainably produced in Southern California from a blend of sustainable Tencel, organic cotton and Spandex, and shipped in biodegradable, recyclable packaging, saving 134.8 liters of water, 71.1 kWh of energy and avoiding 3.6 kg CO2e emissions, this playful one-piece fits us and the environment in all the right places.
PC: Vitamin A
$100 USD
From the beach to dinner - and everywhere in between - this celeb-loved, personalized tote with its yarn handles and bold embroidery, is the perfect way to make a statement. What speaks louder is carrying a chic bag that was sustainably produced using upcycled and natural materials by female co-operatives in India and Morocco. Working in safe environments, these artisans are paid fair wages and provided with education. When it comes to making a stylish statement, you only live once.
PC: Poolside
$79.95 USD
With just enough heel to wear comfortably in the day and go chicly into night, these sling-back, espadrille wedges have cushioned insoles, which are made from plant-derived and recycled materials. With TOM’s commitment to investing ⅓ of their profits in grassroots efforts to assist communities in-need and expanding their sustainable practices, these chic wedges let your feet do the talking.
PC: TOMS
$395 USD
Earrings are an essential to any great outfit and should make a statement without overpowering your look. Understated with their delicate chain and natural, Japanese Akoya Keshi Pearls, their length speaks volumes about your style. What speaks louder is wearing jewelry that is made with 100% recycled metal, deadstock pearls, uses lower emissions in its manufacturing and has carbon free shipping. Now that’s a pearl of wisdom.
PC: Washed Ashore
$51 USD
Designed in San Francisco with recycled frames made from post-consumer plastic, polarized lenses for enhanced vision, plastic-free packaging, a commitment to positively impacting the planet by donating $150,000 through their membership with 1% for the Planet and being certified carbon neutral, these sustainable shades will keep you in a sunshine state of mind, no matter your geographical location.
PC: Sunski