For me, ethical clothing was never just about a fair wage for garment workers in distant lands. Although, this is what the movement often propagates as the reason we should support a more sustainable fashion system, for me it is about much more than that.
Ethical fashion shouldn't just be a humanitarian issue belonging to somewhere far away - the current fast fashion system also has an impact much closer to home. Many of the problems of the fast fashion industry, are conversations that we should be having about supporting small local businesses and farmers here in the UK.
The price of wool in the UK is currently at 66p/kg and it is slowly rising with UK wool now going to the likes of Burberry and Chanel on the luxury market. There has also been the rise in entrepreneurs starting their own clothing businesses and trying to keep manufacturing here in the UK, something which can be quite crucial in some areas that need the jobs. I am a big supporter of the British wool industry that I really feel needs more support. With plastic pollution at an all time high, I see British wool as a essential part of combating this issue.
Churchill once said that the UK is a 'nation of little shopkeepers' and I still do believe that this is true. For me supporting textile designers and manufacturers based in Britain is one of the most crucial parts of shopping slow fashion. Being able to help keep local business stay afloat and support the people in our community by paying that little bit more to shop with them, is so important especially now. With COVID 19 taking it's tole on the economy, it is the smaller local businesses that will be hit the hardest - making it more important than ever to shop local.
I hope you all enjoy having a look at some of the brands below, who I know are made/based in Britain. Please remember to give a shout out on social media to local businesses in these trying times, as it is these people who keep our communities alive while also helping the environment.
Made and designed in England, The Finer Horse is a ladies country clothing brand that use lovely fabrics sourced from the UK. They encourage a sustainable approach and support for the British clothing industry.
A small independent business, they design and hand finish all their clothing here in the UK. They use linen and organic materials, with buttons made from coconut shells. All their items are stunning and made to order, delivered with no plastic packaging.
One of my favorite brands, they recently brought their manufacturing back over from India to the UK. Stunning and preppy they create classic styles from organic cotton and recycling materials. Use my code MISSBROCKLEHURST for 10% off your order!
Stunning and prepp Launched in 2015, Genevieve Sweeney make lux knitwear created in the UK. They design beautiful contemporary knitwear using artisan techniques.
Drawing on inspiration from society,psychology and culture - Paradise Row made luxury leather goods. The brand's core ethic is built on handcrafting the bags locally in East London.
Do you know any lovely British brands?
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