Let’s admit it-fast fashion is addictive, and we all love wearing the latest fashion trends at dirt-cheap prices. However, it is not sustainable for the environment and the planet. Fast fashion pollutes water sources, increases our carbon footprint and speeds up climate change.
Even if you don’t care about the environment, fast fashion is not wallet-friendly at all. Instead of wearing a piece of clothing which falls apart after wearing it three times, why not opt for a more durable and sustainable piece of clothing which can last longer?
While sustainable fashion has been growing in countries like Singapore, we shouldn’t ignore some of the great brands that are sprouting up all round Southeast AsIa. Why support such unethical practices in an industry rife with exploitation of factory workers and copycat outfits? Without further ado, let’s dive into the 5 sustainable fashion brands in Asia that you should support. Main Image Thaikila
Diaguild is a Southeast Asian fashion platform started by three friends based in Malaysia during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. For a really long time, fast fashion has been monopolising the fashion headlines, yet indie sustainable fashion brands were struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. They knew they had to do something as the artisans employed by these fashion brands risked losing their rice bowls.
Hence, to preserve the legacy of the previous generations, and prevent the demise of ancient and valuable craftsmanship techniques, they decided to launch Dia, named after a Malay gender-neutral word meaning “she/they/them”. Discover the world of Southeast Asian fashion, through the eyes of Diaguild, with colourful sarongs, pearl-encrusted jewellery and hand-painted batiks, at diaguild.com.
If you are the mother of a two year old toddler, you would know that kids outgrow their clothing really quickly, and statistics have shown that toddlers go through a whopping 7 size changes throughout the first two years of their life. Seven! Having to keep shopping for new clothes would be a troublesome and expensive experience for many new parents.
Preloulou, a portmanteau of ‘pre-loved’ and ‘LouLou’, aims to address this with their online platform where you can get second hand designer clothing for your kids at affordable prices. Most clothing is lightly-used or brand new, making it a no-brainer to shop on Preloulou. To find out more about Preloulou, click on Preloulou.com.
Are you a surfer babe looking for the perfect bikini? At Thaikila, they sell form-fitting bikini pieces with geometric tops and V-shaped bikini bottoms which are very flattering on the female silhouette, such as the Ephemeral bikini and the Oxanna Tankini under their “little black bikini” collection. You will love their Feerie bikini which makes you feel like a mermaid. Thaikila was started with the aim of empowering women of all shapes and sizes through sexy and comfortable swimwear. Support the artisans in Thailand by buying a bikini at thaikila.com.
Kibo is a shoe company based in Hong Kong, and their shoes are made from recycled leather, suitable for casual and smart-casual occasions. Other materials include cork and recycled rubber padding and cotton, making it extremely breathable, so you can say bye to smelly shoes. Kibo also aims to give back to the community, as each pair of laces sold would be donated to the programme expenses of Compassion First, a Non-Profit Organisation for sex trafficking survivors. Buy a pair of shoes at www.Kibo.eco , and we promise that your feet will thank you.
If your wardrobe is packed to the brim, and you have no clothes to wear, you may want to consider renting a dress or two from Rentadella. Based in Singapore, they have a wide range of outfits for any occasion-wedding, cocktail party or a casual staycation. If you end up falling in love with one of your rental pieces, you have the option to buy it for a discounted price.
Unlike Style Theory, they don’t have recurring monthly subscription packages so you can rent any dress you like without worrying about having to commit to a monthly fee. If you need some accessories to go with your wardrobe, they have the Ashlee Lauren Aida crown available for rent as well. Rent the runway at Rentadella.com.
Choosing your dress can be something that takes time and effort, so why not put a bit more effort into choosing sustainable options that help the environment and also look great. We’re confident that even more brands will help build a larger sustainable fashion industry in Southeast Asia.
