Christmas Day is officially nearly here! While we’re most looking forward to spending time with friends and family, we’re also hoping to find a few sustainable, ethical gifts with our name on them in Santa’s giant velvet sack. We’ve been good this year, we promise.
And if you’re starting to panic about finding the perfect gift for all the classy, conscious women in your life, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been working hard with the big man and his elves to round up our favourite killer brands that don’t kill the planet. From hot swimwear and chic accessories to beautiful jewellery and conscious clothing. Here’s our definitive conscious Christmas guide bursting with eco-friendly, ethical gifts for all the fierce women in your life.
FASHION
Style Tribute
For the women in your life who covet designer treasures but don’t want to shell out big bucks, we recommend Style Tribute. The online marketplace allows shoppers to buy, sell, and share second-hand designer garments. Eager to promote and advocate for the consignment and circular fashion movement, the company offers preloved clothing and accessories from over countless designers, from Dior to Alexander McQueen. Now your fashionable friend can add a Chanel scarf or Hermes pouch to her Christmas list – and not get laughed out of the room. Also, don’t miss the chance to explore their pop-up store at The Social Space, open until April 2024!
DEPLOY London
Nothing says ‘powerhouse’ like a piece of tailored perfection that also happens to be multifunction, which is what sustainable clothing brand DEPLOY London offer. The brand creates smart, sophisticated pieces with a twist. The Vanda Reversible Wrap Dress is perfect for the office and at the bar, offering a pattern on one side and a block colour on the other, which means less time spent flapping over what to don where, and more time generally being awesome. The brand puts sustainability at the fore, upcycling, sourcing responsibly, and ensuring that its garments suit your lifestyle and last a long time.
Fashion Pulpit
Fashion Pulpit is a Singapore-based space dedicated to swapping (instead of shopping!), upcycling, and tailoring. Sustainable shoppers can go to the permanent location and swap their wares with others, as well as upcycle and learn nifty fashion tricks – all without depleting their bank balance or the planet. This Christmas, give your shopaholic sisters a key to the sustainable closet by buying them a membership via an e-gift card. You can choose from a one-time swap membership or memberships that last for 3, 6, and 12 months.
MUD Jeans
The best gift you can give any woman is the perfect pair of jeans. Even better, perfect jeans that are eco-friendly and can be swapped for a different pair after a year if they fancy something different. This is what MUD Jeans offers. The Netherlands-based brand creates eco-friendly, organic cotton jeans that can be bought new, bought pre-loved, or rented and then returned/exchanged after a year or returned after their life span to be recycled. Through its savvy, sustainable business model, MUD recycles 95% of the water it uses through reverse osmosis and has few emissions and very little waste.
SoL
Treat your sisters from another mister to comfy, conscious home clothes – and encourage them to indulge in self-care in the process. SoL is a Hong Kong-based brand known for SelfWear™, a collection of sleepwear and loungewear that aims to keep both the planet and women’s wellness in tip-top shape. Focused on good sleep and home health, SoL’s garments are made out of ECOVERO™, a sustainable viscose that feels like a mixture of silk and cotton and, in SoL’s dreamy, neutral colours, can be mixed and matched. The Lounge Robe in particular is the perfect glide-around-the-house-in-the-day, cosy-up-at-night companion. To make it feel even better, SoL also works with Canopy, an organisation dedicated to protecting forests, and ImpactHK, a charity that tackles homelessness.
Earthkind
Earthkind serves as a comprehensive platform that houses multiple brands, providing a centralised hub for sustainable and ethically produced clothing and accessories. Its mission is to introduce, support, and celebrate ethical labels, creators, and designers who align with a shared vision, actively contributing to the advancement of the slow fashion movement. In a fashion industry often marked by ambiguity, Earthkind facilitates a clear path, guiding consumers through innovative brands that champion sustainable practices. The platform aims to foster a transition towards a more sustainable lifestyle, preserving individuality and self-expression in the process.
Theresa Cotton
Theresa Cotton, the eponymous fashion brand, was founded by Theresa, a designer with a passion for prints. Infused with creativity drawn from African prints (Ankara) and hand block prints originating from Jaipur, India, Theresa Cotton exclusively employs 100% cotton materials, offering a distinctive, vibrant, and sophisticated touch to women’s apparel.
Hailing from a blend of Nigerian and Dominican heritage, Theresa’s early years unfolded in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Although she is currently residing in Singapore, she is primarily based in the UK. Theresa’s life journey has exposed her to a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, a diversity that resonates through her dynamic and colourful designs, ideal for any occasion, be it a professional setting or a night out on the town.
Sezane
Have any gal-pals who don’t want to exude that effortless, chic French vibe? No, us either. Enter Sezane. The online atelier creates high-quality pieces that, in true French style, can be worn forever. All of its items are made to be wafted around in, but our favourites are the blouses. Nothing says ‘Parisian casual’ like broderie anglaise, ruffles, scalloped edges, pleats, or subtly low necklines. Sezane aims to offer everyday luxury at accessible prices while thinking about Mother Nature; all the more possible as an online-only store. It uses mostly eco-responsible materials, supports children’s charities, and to date, has recycled more than 12,000 pieces. As its website says, je ne sais quoi for all.
__/\/\/\ake O by GINLEE
Escape the frenzy of fast fashion with GINLEE Studio, a luxurious haven founded by Gin Lee and Tamir Niv in 2011. Their global experiences, from Israel to Singapore, infuse a cross-cultural charm into timeless pieces that transcend seasons. Unlike the pursuit of perfection in the fashion world, GINLEE Studio celebrates real bodies, designing for a spectrum of sizes.
Inspired by nature and daily shapes, their creations beckon you to embrace life’s beauty on your terms. Step into the world of GINLEE Studio, where every stitch tells a story of style, adventure, and unapologetic authenticity.
Balzac
Parisian clothing company Balzac believes in longevity when it comes to clothing. It creates classic collections in limited series’ in order to encourage shoppers to consume slowly and consciously. Its jeans are sustainable heroes – made in GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, laser washed, and 100% recyclable. The company focuses on the processes and lifespans of materials, finding ways to use resilient fabrics that are gentle on the environment and easy to care for – and makes the latter easy with the availability of its own laundry detergent, made from organic vegetable oils.
SWIMWEAR
Underprotection
Underprotection is a Danish underwear and swimwear brand celebrating women of all sizes while caring for planet Earth. It offers bikini tops, bikini bottoms, and swimsuits in all manner of shapes (including maternity cossies), and a mixture of designs, from block colours to jazzy prints (seashells, we’re looking at you). To provide an even closer fit, many of Underprotection’s bikini tops and swimsuits have adjustable straps and removable padding. All of the brand’s wares are made using sustainable fabrics, such as recycled polyester, and arrive in recycled or biodegradable packaging. Additionally, most of their water-bound wares are vegan.
POSIDONIE
Saying no to plastic pollution, POSIDONIE recycles abandoned fishing nets – which are responsible for 55% of global ocean pollution – into swimwear. After processing, the nets are upcycled with elastane to create a resistant, long-lasting fabric. The designs are classic and minimal with little sustainable extras like tie closures on bikini tops to replace iron or plastic, and versatility in how they can be worn. All of the swim pieces have been tested by swimmers and water sports experts. Even more impressively, the founder, Lauren, works another job to self-finance the brand. Female empowerment, ocean protection, and a gorgeous swimsuit – what better present is there?!
WORKOUT GEAR
Wild About
Enter the vibrant realm of Wild About, a sustainable luxury athleisure brand born in Bali! Crafted with love and ethics, each piece is a collaboration with local artisans, making it a fashion statement with a purpose. Wild About isn’t just about style; it’s a lifestyle. It’s a movement creating a Wild Community where women fearlessly embrace their unique purposes. If you’re passionate about sustainable fashion, self-expression, and community, Wild About is your destination! Immerse yourself in the chic and fun world they’ve created in Bali.
JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES
MEJURI
Since 2015, Mejuri has redefined fine jewellery, turning it into an everyday delight with a focus on positive impact. They curate fresh, limited-quantity designs weekly, producing more based on demand to minimise waste. Sustainability is at its core, spanning people, planet, and product. Mejuri’s commitment shines through in their annual sustainability report, making every piece not just stylish but a step towards a better, more sustainable world.
Aurate
At their core, Aurate believes everyone deserves jewellery as unique as they are. Focusing on essentials—durable materials, neighbour-friendly pricing, eco-friendly practices, and giving back—they’re on a mission to transform the not-so-angelic jewellery industry.
Their gold? Recycled and ready for a lifetime of glimmer. Gems? Handpicked, monitored, and strictly following the Kimberley Process. Mines? Ethical and safe, treating workers fairly. Pearls? Harvested with care on family-run farms, ensuring both their wellbeing and the marine environment’s safety. No room for shady practices—it’s a sparkle revolution, and they’re leading the charge!
Iliana Arrazola
Since 2009, Iliana Arrazola has been all about top-notch craftsmanship, fabulous materials, and eco-friendly vibes. Picture Iliana, a Fine Arts maestro, rocking exhibitions in Colombia and dominating the ad scene in Latin America for over a decade. Now, at Iliana Arrazola, it’s all about exclusive, limited-edition creations that scream individuality. Artisans in Colombia handcraft each piece, blending tradition with innovation. But here’s the cool part – sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. They’ve got repair services for your aging bling, reducing waste and forging a connection between you and your treasures. In the world of Iliana Arrazola, it’s quality, creativity, and sustainability all rolled into one stylish package.
BEAUTY AND ESSENTIALS
Fawn Labs
Fawn Labs keeps skincare simple yet magical. Certified wizards craft lab-to-skin products with organic goodness. Sustainability is their sidekick—refillable, reusable packaging for an earth-friendly groove. Slow Beauty is their anthem, with each formulation rigorously tested before showtime. The certified Formulator, a skincare sorcerer from the U.K., orchestrates ingredient magic in a Singapore lab, minimising carbon footprints. Fawn: where beauty meets eco-fun!
OASIS BEAUTY KITCHEN
Introducing the go-to destination for all things conscious and sustainable in the world of beauty brands—Oasis Beauty Kitchen! They’re all about embracing top-notch products and experiences without giving Mother Earth the short end of the stick. Picture this: no fillers, no nasty chemicals, just a delightful array ranging from solid shampoos to eco-friendly cleaning wonders. It’s basically a wonderland for beauty enthusiasts who have a soft spot for our planet! And guess what? They’ve got a special lineup tailored for those battling eczema. It’s like a beauty adventure where everyone wins—you, your skin, and the planet!
THE POWDER SHAMPOO
Meet The Powder Shampoo—the planet’s favourite haircare magician! They’re all about being planet-first, plastic-free, and plant-powered. Imagine one powder shampoo bottle doing the job of five liquid ones—it’s like having a haircare superhero in your shower! Plus, it saves water and cuts down on plastic.
Using it is a breeze: wet your palm and hair, sprinkle the magic powder, create foam, and voila! Rinse as usual. And here’s the extra sparkle: for every bottle sold, they plant a tree. It’s not just shampoo; it’s a green, magical makeover for your locks.
Breeze For You
Embark on a menstrual adventure with Breeze For You! Whether you’re a rookie or a pro with the cup, a deep-sea explorer or a digital wizard, a beloved daughter or a super mum, this revolution in menstrual cup innovation is here for you. Say goodbye to waste and hello to a breeze on the go! They’re on a mission to enlighten, spread good vibes, and upgrade every woman’s period game.