To apply more sustainable practices daily, it is pivotal to also count our clothes in. Bear in mind that fashion is one of the most polluting industries, thus supporting sustainable and ethical fashion brands with the whole eco-design processes also means creating a difference to our planet. Here are 7 Asian sustainable and ethical fashion brands based on our choice.
1. I Was a Kimono – Japan
First and foremost, it is always interesting when it comes to Japan. The country, the people, the food, the tech, the culture, everything! Not to mention sustainable and ethical lifestyle have been deeply rooted for centuries, making the country owns too many conscious brands to name.
In Japan, there is a lifestyle concept called Mottanai where it believes wasting what was once considered beautiful and worth keeping is something that everyone should politely regret. On the other hand, old Japanese Kimonos are piling up. If you wonder if the old Kimonos are waiting to be thrown by the Japanese, you are totally wrong. Instead, I Was a Kimono brand upcycles the worn Kimonos and beautifully transforms them into other fashion accessories and home decorations. The team
2. Lantern Sense – Hong Kong
If what you have seen in the sustainable fashion industry are clothes with basic cuts, neutral colours, and long-lasting designs, you better check this Hong Kong-based label to broaden your choice!
Founded by Trevor Ng and Lala Young, Lantern Sense offers contemporary design with fresh colour choices–some of them will offer you a more vibrant appearance! If you opt for earthy tones, Lantern Sense also has earth-coloured pieces for a more grounded look but still, no matter which looks you are into, Lantern Sense will maintain its sense of modernity.
3. Esse The Label – Singapore
To begin with, Esse explains, in 2013 there is more than 15.1 million tons of textile waste recorded where it then became the concern of the founder and designer Alicia Tsi.
Esse the Label is the answer for a more conscious fashion supply chain initiated by Alicia Tsi that only uses renewable fibres-based garments while also empowers Vietnamese workers. The brand is known for its timeless designs with neutral colours, definitely fashion pieces that would stay at your wardrobe for years.
4. Sukkha Citta – Indonesia
With its tagline “The Most Meaningful Clothes”, Indonesian Sukkha Citta aims to create the most meaningful pieces not only for its customers, but also for the environment and the artisans—yes they are not a factory-made clothing brand, they work with village artisans in which the 56% of our purchase will be contributed directly to the community.
Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs Asia 2019, the designer, Denica Flesch supports rural artisans in some areas in the western part until the eastern part of Indonesia.
5. Earth Heir – Malaysia
Aren’t you familiar with handwoven bags carried by women this season? You might start to recognize that the bag shape reminds you of a grocery bag your mothers owned years ago. While in fact, it is back on trend, Sasibai Kimis, founder of Earth Heir taking it to the next level. She travelled to some Southeast Asian areas to discuss with local makers and artisans. Kimis has always wanted to ensure the makers and artisans are confident with their products by building and gaining trust from them.
Established in 2013, Earth Heir is not only popular for its fashion items ranging from bags to clothing, but also with other services such as advisory, workshop, and private artisan tour.
6. Ka-Sha – India
With the principle of zero-waste policy, India-based Ka-Sha aims to empower local artisans across the country and focuses to produce zero waste throughout the production. Karishma Shahani Khan as the Creative Director loves to express her idea in vibrant, cheerful, and layered designs.
7. Good Krama – Cambodia
Before you judge, no, it is not Karma. It is Krama. Krama refers to Cambodian silk or cotton-based scarf used by people from all layers of society and reflects local history on how the country has gone through its darkness and light, thus Krama often comes in contrasting hues. Useful in many ways, Krama is the realization of aesthetics and function.
The whole process of Good Krama production is the living proof that the 3Rs still exists until now—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They reduce the possibility of consumption by creating timeless design, they purchase old and over-produced fabrics from garment factories to reuse them as the main materials, and they always opt for greener and recyclable materials in all production phases.