It’s been a month since The Conscious Festival wrapped up, leaving us with memories of sustainable innovation, eco-conscious vibes, and a whole lot of positive energy. If you’ve been following our journey on social media, you might have caught a glimpse of our pre-festival marketing photoshoot featuring 11 phenomenal brands. Well, guess what? The wait is over, and we’re ready to spill the eco-beans on these game-changers!
Wondering who those trailblazing brands are? We’ve got you covered, like a snug, sustainable sweater. Our pre-Conscious Festival photoshoot was a collaboration of style, sustainability, and sheer awesomeness, thanks to the incredible Susannah Jaffer, the genius behind the lens of this photoshoot and the founder of Zerrin.
In 2017, Susannah Jaffer launched Zerrin to combat fast fashion’s excesses. The platform showcases 50+ eco-friendly brands scrutinised by Zerrin’s Better Brand Framework, prioritising People, Planet, Product, Packaging, and Principles. As a former editor turned entrepreneur, she also heads Zerrin Studio, a creative agency providing photography, videography, and styling services. She worked her magic, capturing the essence of each brand and bringing out their uniqueness in a way only she could.
Adding a touch of real-life charm to the visuals were The Conscious Lizzy, a true icon of eco-chic elegance, and her delightful son and co-model, Ru. Lizzy Homersham, a dynamic ex-advertising producer turned digital creator, crafts compelling content and orchestrates vibrant community events. With a bold exit from 12 years in TV and advertising, her mission is clear: ignite inspiration through engaging content, empowering others to embrace mindful living, all while having a blast. Together, they infused the photoshoot with authenticity and playfulness, reminding us that sustainability isn’t just about fashion; it’s a lifestyle.
Now, in no particular order, let’s delve into the world of these 11 trailblazing brands that took centre stage in our pre- The Conscious Festival photoshoot. From sustainable fashion to groundbreaking lifestyle products, each brand brings a unique perspective to the table, and we’re here to illuminate their stories. Get ready for a journey into the heart of conscious living, where style meets sustainability in the most captivating way imaginable.
OliveAnkara
In June 2017, Ifeoma (IFY) Ubby, an Italian native with Nigerian roots, launched a cultural revolution. Growing up in the heart of Italy, surrounded by the essence of both Italian and Nigerian influences, IFY’s passion for African fabrics ignited at family gatherings. Armed with a Ph.D. in human molecular genetics, she made an unexpected leap from Italy to Singapore to pursue a career in cancer research. Seizing the opportunity, she test-launched the first OliveAnkara collection, unaware of the unexpected success that awaited.
Now, OliveAnkara isn’t just a dream; it’s a thriving reality. IFY’s vision is clear: to break stereotypes in African fashion. OliveAnkara challenges the norm, creating clothing that transcends race and tradition. IFY believes in the power of blending cultures, rejecting the notion that African prints are exclusive. She believes it’s not cultural appropriation but a celebration of diversity, weaving a tapestry of styles that enriches and broadens minds and introduces the world to unexplored beauty.
__/\/\/\ake O by GINLEE
GINLEE Studio’s meticulous process stands as a luxury amidst the frenzy of fast fashion. The founders, Gin Lee and Tamir Niv, hailing from diverse design disciplines, forged a brand that marries aesthetics and functionality, creating timeless pieces that transcend life’s seasons. Established in 2011, this dynamic duo’s global experiences, from Israel to Singapore, infuse a unique, cross-cultural style into their designs. GINLEE Studio’s commitment to real bodies, not perfect ones, results in clothes that flatter a spectrum of sizes. Inspired by nature and daily shapes, their creations beckon customers to savour untainted moments of beauty, embracing life on their terms.
Wild About
Wild About, the sustainable luxury athleisure and wellness brand founded by two friends, Trisha and Olivia, passionately crafts each piece in Bali, ensuring ethical and sustainable practices. Dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace authenticity, Wild About collaborates with local artisans, infusing every creation with love and ethics. Rooted in the vibrant spirit of Bali, the brand aspires to cultivate a dynamic Wild Community of unapologetically genuine women, prioritising their unique purposes fearlessly. Your purpose, the essence of your existence, becomes a vibrant life message—a creative life force that defines beliefs and values. With every collection, Wild About sparks the journey to discovering and embracing one’s purpose, inviting everyone to live a life they’re truly Wild About.
Raja Rani
In the vibrant narrative of a contemporary fairy tale, an Italian maiden and an Indian lad share a dream woven from the threads of music and fashion. Together, they birthed the entrepreneurial venture known as Raja Rani—a fusion of music DJ sets and production entwined with a vibrant collection of Indian kimonos.
Step into the enchantment of Raja Rani, where the rhythm of life pulsates through every stitch. Picture adorning yourself in the flowing elegance of a lightweight kimono, swirling joyously on the dance floor. Fuelled by energy, passion, and rhythm, our kimonos and gigs epitomise this vivacity.
Their mission? Sustainable materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a kaleidoscope of carefully curated colours Raja Rani breathes new life into discarded silk sarees, transforming them into kimonos, crop tops, hair bands, skirts, and pants. For monochrome enthusiasts, they offer chic, lightweight cotton kimonos—effortlessly elevating a simple t-shirt-and-jeans combo into a stylish statement.
Katruss
Introducing Katruss—an up-and-coming, plant-powered fashion disruptor fiercely reshaping the industry. Committed to revolutionising fashion, Katruss pioneers an eco-friendly, cruelty-free haven. Elevate your self-love and connection with nature through their women’s sleepwear and loungewear—gentle on your skin, gentle on the planet. Immerse yourself in the harmonious fusion of sustainability and sophistication. Every piece is a testament to the artistry of premium, eco-conscious fabrics and feminine design. Step into a world where style meets conscience, only with Katruss.
The Powder Shampoo
The Powder Shampoo, a revolutionary planet-first, plastic-free, and plant-powered brand, strives to transform the personal care industry. With a mission to simplify sustainable shower swaps, their vegan, cruelty-free powder-to-foam formulas epitomise easy, eco-friendly choices. For every product sold, they plant a tree, aiming to offset global carbon emissions. The international team, boasting 50+ years in beauty, unites under a vision of creating joyfully effective products without harming the earth. Founder and CEO Lynn Tan, an industry veteran, developed THE POWDER SHAMPOO and THE POWDER FOAM WASH as a response to the looming plastic pollution crisis impacting her children’s future.
Formulated with 28 botanical extracts and 8 essential oils, their products exclude harsh chemicals, embracing a vegan and cruelty-free approach. Beyond daily use, the brand actively addresses climate change by planting a tree for each product sold, aspiring to plant 1,000,000 trees by 2030. Their packaging, which is 100% recyclable and plastic-free, aligns with their commitment to reduce environmental impact. With a focus on being planet-first, plant-powered, and plastic-free, every aspect of the brand champions a sustainable lifestyle, from water-free production to nature-derived formulas.
Wei Arôme
Wei Arôme, initiated by founder Wei, isn’t just a brand—it’s a dynamic wellness philosophy. Harnessing essential oils’ transformative might, Wei Arôme crafts multi-functional products that redefine well-being. As the official scent partner of The Conscious Festival, their meticulously designed offerings promote a sense of peace through the art of botanical oils and aromatherapy. With ingredients boasting anti-microbial properties, Wei Arôme ensures a hygienic experience, providing confidence and peace of mind. Free from parabens and never tested on animals, their pure, natural essentials redefine daily rituals with a punchy commitment to conscious living.
Sustenir
Sustenir thrives on cultivating 100% clean superfoods, a flavorful blend of daily-harvested, highly nutritious leafy greens. Embracing a vision that transcends mere sustenance, they nourish both people and planet—one crisp leaf at a time. With smart vertical farms strategically embedded in urban hubs, Sustenir champions a low carbon footprint and amplified community impact. Their commitment resonates in pesticide-free, easily accessible greens, fostering consumer health while curbing water consumption by 95% and slashing carbon emissions by a staggering 92%. In this emerging agri-tech realm, they not only grow crops but also cultivate opportunities, steadfastly combating food waste and environmental degradation.
Bettr
Founded in 2011, Bettr Group, Southeast Asia’s inaugural certified B-Corporation, brews more than just coffee. Specialising in professional beverage education, retail and wholesale specialty coffee, and expansive event services, they also run islandwide coffee bars. Their mission transcends mere commerce; they aim to cultivate an ecosystem fostering personal and professional growth, championing businesses committed to genuine social impact. Bettr Group strives to instigate a paradigm shift in consumer behaviour, urging conscious, ethical, and transparent purchasing. Driven by a love for coffee, the planet, growers, and brewers, Bettr Group aspires to create not just great-tasting coffee but a positive impact—because while perfection may be elusive, choices can make the world 100% Bettr.
Luna Play
Luna Play finds its roots in the founder’s own parenting journey. Recognising a child’s innate mission to play, the initial gift of a toy becomes more than a distraction—it becomes a gateway to entertainment, fine motor skills, creativity, and a profound connection with a child’s world.
Guided by a steadfast belief in fostering exploration and self-expression through play, the founder’s direction was clear. From simple modular wooden toys that ignited vibrant imaginations to a curated selection of unique, quality items sourced globally, Luna Play stands out. Embracing a quirky approach, the founder strives to minimise plastic use, opting for sustainable packaging as part of a dedicated ‘reuse’ initiative. Unveiling surprises, items might arrive in boxes with another brand’s name, all contributing to a sustainable vision for our children.
TerrapyLab
In the summer of 2021, Terrapylab emerged with a bold vision: to enhance lives through natural solutions. Born from the fusion of ‘Terra’ (Latin for Earth) and ‘Therapy,’ the name ‘Terrapylab’ encapsulates their commitment to crafting practical interventions for daily well-being sourced directly from the Earth. Rooted in reliability, naturality, functionality, and sustainability, Terrapylab extends its positive impact beyond functional tea.
In a challenging period, Marcus Yeo, the founder, turned to herbs as a solution, experiencing remarkable improvement. Motivated by this revelation, he became a Certified Herbalist with a mission to enlighten the world about the potential of plants. Marcus, a Herbalism Practitioner, Neuro-linguistic Programming Master Practitioner, and Psychologist, expresses that in facing adversity, herbs became his essential daily companion, prompting him to share nature’s beauty and functionality with others.
As we wait for the next edition of The Conscious Festival, let this visual symphony be a reminder that style and sustainability can be mutually exclusive—they’re the dynamic duo shaping the future of fashion and lifestyle. Here’s to a conscious revolution, one snapshot at a time!
ALL PHOTOS ARE BY ZERRIN STUDIO/SUSANNAH JAFFER