A conscious brand must consider both people and the planet, and we’re on a roll unearthing all the incredible brands that are doing just that in Asia. It seems every month we’re discovering more and more brands that are not only stylish but also sustainable. Which is a huge testament to how humanity is creatively uniting together in a time of peril.
We’ve already run a story like this in February, but we stumbled upon so many more brands we wanted to share and couldn’t wait until March. This time, we let Green Is The New Black co-founder and photographer Paula Miquelis loose in Hong Kong, where she captured some more show-stopping social entrepreneurs that are doing good in this chaotic world. Let’s all show a little love for Hong Kong this month; they certainly need it.
HOYA KERRY
For women who want to keep fit, feel sexy and be eco-friendly all at the same time. hoya kerry makes super sustainable and super sexy activewear from eco-friendly fabrics with reusable packaging. The brand really ticks all the boxes when it comes to making activewear that flatters both you and the planet. For every order it receives, it plants one tree. Its philosophy is love green, love sweat and love MORE — which is represented in the hoya kerry logo; a heart-shaped plant and a symbol of love.
COCONUT MATTER
Traditional deodorant has been getting a bad rap recently for being not so kind to your underarms. A such, natural deodorant is enjoying a moment right now. But we’ve also tried a lot we didn’t like (because they just don’t work). Until we met Coconut Matter, who make one of the best natural deodorants we’ve come across thus far. Not only does it actually do its job, but it leaves zero residues, zero stickiness and zero stains — AND one stick has been rumoured to last up to five months. Best of all, because it’s made from coconut oil, the deodorant also improves the health of your underarms too. The brand also makes a coconut oil scrub, lip balm, body balm, body butter and more.
KHUS+KHUS
With the belief that plants support both the body + mind in healing, Khus+Khus make botanical and organic skin nutrition for all skin types so everyone in this world can get beautifully nourished, glowing, and healthy skin. It’s essentially elevated herbalism in a modern form for the 21st century and for that it’s being raved about by Vogue, Covoteur, Refinery 29, Byrdie and more. If you’re after better skin and are interested in Ayurvedic medicine, herbalism and aromatherapy, Khus+Khus is for you.
CHICKS LIFESTYLE
Chicks is an iconic hong Kong-based innerwear brand that embraces your body like a big hug. Its story starts in Hong Kong in the 1930s and has survived (by evolving) the times to become one of the most trusted apparel brands in Hong Kong because of its enduring quality, innovative comfort and timeless style. Where did it get the super cute name? Well, the brand’s original logo featured three little chicks signifying contentment, leisureliness and entrepreneurship, which perfectly captures the spirit of the times.
RITU PRIYANKA
Ritu Priyanka allows people to experience the magic of handcrafted and adorned textiles through their wraps. The sustainable ladies fashion brand from Hong Kong has roots in India and brings Indian handlooms to the ever-evolving world of fashion. It works to preserve and promote traditional textile arts by incorporating age-old sustainable techniques of weaving, dyeing and printing in its designs — but in a way that caters to a younger and hipper consumer.
NAVEDA
Naveda is an integrated wellness centre in Hong Kong that offers both products and services that combine ancient Hindu Vedic mantras with modern and science-based naturopathy. Services include yoga, meditation and even hair consultation while the products it sells include superfoods, vitamins, Ayurvedic herbs and spices, and essential oils.
MUUSE
Introducing Muuse (we really love Muuse btw). Muuse has introduced a smart system of reusable takeaway containers operating in Singapore and Bali with the aim of eliminating single-use waste, beginning with the takeaway food economy. It’s as easy as using the Muuse App to borrow things like cups at cafes and then returning them to any cafe in the network. Join the Muuse movement by downloading the app below.
MY BAHINI
Sure, My Bahini makes stunning vegan scarves made from lovely sustainable materials like bamboo linen. They’re beautiful, sure. But what makes the brand as a whole beautiful is its mission; to raise awareness about human trafficking. Through its work, it empowers girls with a future in freedom by employing survivors, paying them a fair wage and reintegrated them into society with the help of their carefully selected Fair Trade certified partners. What’s more? The profit from each scarf it sells goes directly towards educational scholarships for young survivors and girls at risk.
TOVE & LIBRA
Tove & Libra don’t want you to compromise style for sustainability. After being in the fashion industry for three generations, they have a lot of experience in helping people achieve a streamlined and sustainable wardrobe, while still keeping perfectly styled for whatever life throws your way. Tove & Libra bring you tops, cardigans, dresses, jumpsuits, shirts and shorts that are luxurious to wear, easy to care for and either sustainably produced or saved from landfill. “Real style for real lives” is its mission.
KMANA TRAVEL BAGS
When your tagline reads “ethical luxury to shake the world” you’ve already got our attention. Kmana makes travel bags with a story that are lovingly handcrafted in Bali but designed with a Spanish aesthetic. The veg-tanned leather bags are made for the wanderers, and the makers and shakers who are looking for an ethical, timeless and sleek looking bag to travel the world with that also gives back to the planet they’re exploring.
All photography: Paula Miquelis