Perth stores taking on the 'eco fashion' challenge

The fast fashion industry is constantly criticised for its poor treatment of workers and large environmental footprint. People are increasingly seeking sustainable brands from which to source their clothes so that they can be a little kinder to the planet. A number of local Perth brands have taken on the ‘eco fashion’ challenge, from sportswear to second-hand. Check out our top picks below.

ZOZI

Run by mother and daughter duo Liv and Orla, ZOZI is an eco-athleisure brand that aims to keep you stylish with minimal sacrifice. “I started researching the activewear I currently owned and realised that none of the brands I possessed had any proof of being ethical,” notes Liv. ZOZI only uses natural, sustainable fibres or recycled and repurposed fabrics that have a lower impact on the environment. Selling caps made from organic cotton and crop tops made from recycled plastic are just a couple of the ways they reduce their environmental footprint. Even their packaging is eco-friendly, using recycled tissue paper and home-compostable mailing bags to reuse or place in your garden. If you prefer prolonging the life of a garment, their regularly updated vintage and pre-loved sportswear range supports unique, one-off outfits. Liv believes we can all “lessen our environmental impact” and “help our planet thrive” by making smart choices as consumers. ZOZI can be purchased online or in store at Angove Street Collective, North Perth.

Re_find Preloved

Re_find Preloved is a sourced and handpicked second-hand boutique that promotes one wo(man’s) trash as another's treasure. “I loathe wastage of any kind,” bemoans owner Emma. Her insatiable drive for finding preloved fashion protects the environment from further landfill and advocates against fast fashion. Customers can donate themselves and receive up to 20% off their next purchase, promoting a thrift and donate cycle. Emma loves “when clients and friends donate their favourites that they’ve progressed from in one way or another, still in immaculate condition.” Re_find Preloved caters for plus sizes and has a plethora of quality lesser known and high-end designer brands available. Past donations have included barely worn Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior heels, and Emma even recently sourced a Kenzo metallic zigzag blazer and matching dress. Emma also further advocates for the second-hand lifestyle through eco thrift tours. A great gift or party idea, a walking tour includes personalised styling, preloved retail stops, goody bags, refreshments at local businesses, and open fashion discussion. Visit Re_find Preloved online or in store at 83 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. Click and collect is also available, to limit postage waste.

Wild Horses

Wild Horses produces boho clothing, inspired by the breezy WA coastal lifestyle, that strives for quality over quantity. The clothes are manufactured locally in WA using cellulose-based fibres, like breathable and eco-friendly linen and cotton. Owner Natalie has continually strived for maximum sustainability since starting Wild Horse in 2012, such as using bias offcuts as ribbons for tying parcels. The timeless and effortless designs disregard fast fashion and the constantly changing trend cycles. Instead, you can pre-order clothes that are dropped in exclusive releases on the Wild Horses website, minimising overproduction and overconsumption. "If the style is popular and we get lots of clients asking to remake it, we add another pre-order system so only what’s being made is getting sold,” explains Natalie. Purchase online and visit their website for the full list of stockists, from Cottesloe to Albany.

The ANJELMS Project

The ANJELMS Project was originally a vehicle to empower disadvantaged communities and improve their income and educational opportunities, but has since evolved into a brand that celebrates traditional and ethical textiles and garment production. Owner Gaelle believes sustainable fashion “should be the norm.” The ANJELMS Project promotes slow fashion by sourcing organic Indian hand spun, hand loomed cottons that are coloured with plant-based dyes. The recycling of workshop water waste and reusing of fabric offcuts into limited edition clothing and accessories further promotes sustainability. Having travelled extensively and worked for Hermès in Europe, you can trust Gaelle’s respect for cultural heritage and passion for craftsmanship. Designs are created in Fremantle from hand cut wood block prints, including collaborations with emerging Australian fashion and visual designers to create socially and sustainably responsible collections that are unique. One of their recent collections included bold geometric patterns on tunic dresses and shirts, inspired by vintage Indian board games. Purchase online and in store at Store @ Fib and Collab. in Fremantle, and Maradadi Design in Subiaco.