As well as shopping for pre-owned designer fashion on their website, HULA has a Wong Chuk Hang warehouse and a Central boutique where you can browse hundreds of fabulous pieces in-person – meaning there’s no excuse not to get in on the pre-loved action!

We chat to Sarah about what inspired her to start HULA, whether there’s a stigma around second-hand clothing and her top tips on making our wardrobes more sustainable.

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

I’m the founder and CEO of HULA – a highly curated, authenticated consignment business selling the best luxury womenswear, bags, shoes and accessories. HULA helps customers monetise their wardrobe while offering consumers the best authentic, pre-owned, designer womenswear at up to 95 percent off retail price. In short, I turn people’s waste into other people’s treasures!

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

The rise of fast fashion and consumerism has made textiles waste one of the biggest polluters worldwide – which became a massive reason for starting HULA.

I used to work at Lane Crawford’s head office and realised how much waste there was in the fashion industry – not only on the retail side, where a product would have an 8-12 week shelf-life before going to the sales bin, but also among friends who would often ask where to get rid of items they no longer wanted. I knew there would be an opportunity for this type of business… plus loads of amazing products to unlock in my friends’ wardrobes!

Having previously founded my own lingerie and swimwear label, I also really appreciated the effort that goes into designing, producing and marketing a collection – so I wanted to make it HULA’s mission to extend the lifespan of well-crafted fashion pieces too.

3. What’s your best eco habit – and your guilty not-so green one?

Of course, its shopping mostly second-hand fashion! I’m also almost vegetarian throughout the work week. My guilty pleasure is that I love jumping on a plane to travel.

4. Fave eco brands?

For fashion, I love Gabriela Hearst and Cult Gaia. For lifestyle, I can’t live without Oatly oat milk for my go-to daily latte fix! I also love ECOS household products – they work really well and smell so good!

5. Fave veggie dishes in Hong Kong?

Treehouse’s veggie bibimbap, Dandy’s Organic Café’s veggie curry with brown rice and Maison Libanaise’s mixed rice, Lebanese salad and roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce.

6. Do you think there is still a stigma when it comes to buying second-hand?

Shopping second-hand is still not broadly accepted amongst local Chinese. Superstition has partly held this market back from developing over the past decades, because second-hand clothing was known to come from someone who had passed away or was sold due to lack of money – so buying pre-owned was deemed ‘unlucky’.

Luckily, times have shifted and the pre-owned market is now widely more accepted… So much so that the second-hand market is projected to double over the next five years, growing eleven times faster than the broader retail clothing sector; it’s also set to become twice the size of fast fashion by 2030!

We’ve seen a surge in shoppers shifting their mindset about buying pre-owned, from it being something they were ashamed of to something they’re now proud of. Pre-Covid, we did lots of events and discussions, tackling issues about fashion sustainability and really bringing the community together. The new generation are popularising pre-owned in a big way – and I’m glad we stuck through the hard times to see this market grow and finally break some barriers.

7. What are some simple tips for a more sustainable wardrobe?

If you’re looking for key capsule wardrobe pieces, make sure they will last! Buy better quality pieces from better brands so items are easier to resell should you tire of them afterwards. If you can’t afford high-end brands, shop from luxury consignment stores like HULA, where pieces are a fraction of the price. Shopping pre-owned opens up a world of styles and brands you might never have considered or could afford previously.

Look for fabrics that are easier to maintain or can be cleaned regularly such as silk, cotton, linen-mixes and bamboo rayon or viscose and make sure you don’t over-wash your pieces. To be more sustainable, some pieces can be worn at least 3-7 times before being washed – this will ensure your pieces don’t look old and over-washed too soon.

If you want a more unique look without wearing what everyone is wearing this season, shop vintage items that are unique and not so recognisable. These pieces will become your wardrobe treasures and will help define your look.

And of course, please buy pre-owned fashion! Extending the average lifespan of clothing by just three months of active use per item would lead to a 5-10 percent reduction in its carbon, water and waste footprints. Buying pre-owned really is the quickest way right now – aside from buying nothing – to help solve fashion sustainability.

8. What shade of green are you?

A vintage olive green – it’s such a classic colour and I love vintage style!

Find out more about HULA on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

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The post 8Shades Of… Sarah Fung of HULA appeared first on 8Shades.

When shopping for a summer skirt, my advice is to look for those made from natural materials. Not only are they perfect for the humid weather, but they’re also generally more eco-friendly and durable than synthetic fabrics. 

Here are my three of my favourite sustainable skirt picks, made from different natural fabrics:

See also: 3 Eco Items To Build A Summer Capsule Wardrobe

Cass Livia Skirt 

CASS’ Livia skirt is made of hemp, a fast-growing, resistant and renewable natural material that is made to last a lifetime. It grows with little water, without pesticides and is extremely durable, breathable, comfortable and great for skin, thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities. Even with all those benefits, hemp still has one more trick up its sleeve – it’s also considered a carbon-negative raw material, as it absorbs more carbon than it produces.

This skirt design is timeless and I love its simplicity. I’m currently pairing it with a crop top and squared heels for a classy and elegant look, or with a t-shirt and sandals for a more relaxed vibe. 

Available at CASS

Mayamiko Doreen Mini Skirt

Mayamiko’s Doreen Skirt is made from pure rain-fed organic cotton grown in Uganda, and crafted at a fair trade workshop by talented artisans in Malawi. Organic cotton is made from natural seeds, with zero pesticides or other harmful chemicals used when growing the plant.

This skirt is so soft that I get slightly emotional at the end of the day when it’s time to take it off! It’s a great summer staple and I love pairing it with a cami during the weekend or a shirt on work days. I personally wish more brands would follow Mayamiko’s lead and promote fair trade practices, as I believe that the people who made my clothes should be paid fairly for their work.

Available at Mayamiko

See also: Sustainability Defined: 10 Useful Eco Fashion Terms

Linen Handmade Studio Valencia Slit Skirt

Linen Handmade Studio’s Valencia Skirt is made of linen, a strong but lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. It is naturally hypoallergenic and very breathable, making it a great material for warm weather. I love this skirt because the design is so fun, yet it’s smart enough to wear to work when paired with a shirt.

What’s great about this brand is that their designs are made-to-order; with 27 different colours to choose from, you can pick the best shade to fit your capsule wardrobe. Made-to-order business models help reduce waste and minimise surplus stock but are they the future of sustainable fashion? Keep in mind that small businesses like these need your support as they face scalability issues. 

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

This summer, let’s rethink the way we buy fashion. Read clothing labels carefully, take time to research materials and support small businesses whenever you can. Through these small yet conscious steps, we can make a difference in the future of our planet!

See also: 3 Sustainable Mini Handbags To Invest In For Summer

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Here at 8Shades, we’ve handpicked a variety of beachwear, from kaftans and cover-ups to shirts and dresses, for your sustainably stylish wardrobe. Let’s have a look!

See also: 6 Sustainable Beach Bags for Seaside Escapes

Yasmina Q: Sky Kaftan

With a focus on operating a circulatory sustainable company, Yasmina Q only selects sustainably sourced fabrics, such as deadstock materials, to preserve the environment.

Our favourite has to be their Sky Kaftan in a colourful pastel gradient, which comes with multi-stacked tassels to add playfulness to your beach days. We especially love that it’s made of 100 percent sustainably sourced viscose!

Available at Yasmina Q

The Odder Side: Astrid Dress

This Global Organic Textile Standard-certified dress from The Odder Side is the ultimate fit for those summer days that go into the night.

Made from 100 percent lightweight cotton, this fit-and-flare silhouette comes with a seductive self-tie open back, as well as a side split hem to flatter and catch eyes. We adore its elegant yet casual shade of green that will look good on any skin tone.

Available at The Odder Side

Damson Madder: Feel Good Floral Shirt

Looking for something a little boyish but not too boyish? This floral shirt might be just up your alley. Its adorable smiley faces and floral print give off a groovy vibe that’s perfect for any beach or boat party.

You could also pair it with the brand’s matching floral shorts to make a cute co-ord set. And of course – Damson Madder uses organic cotton, recycled and repurposed fabrics, and ethically sourced materials in all its garments.

Available at Damson Madder

Ren: Walker Shirt

This slightly kimono-inspired shirt is set to be your new effortless chic wardrobe staple this summer. Super wearable and comfortable, it’s made of handloom, non-dyed, organic cotton, and has large front pockets for essentials, a sash for a cinched waist and red stitching details that are just as beautiful as can be.

An advocate for slow fashion, Ren London makes its garments in an all-women factory where workers are properly compensated.

Available at Ren London

Reformation: Edwina Dress

Because what’s a beachwear list without something for those all-white parties? This romantic midi dress with lacy details from Reformation has a relaxed fit and straight neckline that will look good on any body type.

Manufactured with sustainability in mind, it is also made from organically grown cotton and EcoVero viscose.

Available at Reformation

Away That Day: Valencia Shirt

This easy cover-up from Away That Day comes in a vibrant, sexy red that is sure to snatch up plenty of attention from the beach to the bar. Its sheer fabric is composed of 80 percent FSC-certified viscose and 20 percent silk for a luxurious ultra-soft feel, while sticking to the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Alternatively, it also comes in either a mysterious all-black colourway or a daring zebra print. Match it with the brand’s Santorini sarong to complete the look.

Available at Away That Day

Read also: 3 Sustainable Swimwear Brands to Wear This Summer

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The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ was popularised by British fashion icon Susie Faux in the 1970s. A traditional capsule collection comprises anywhere between ten to 50 practical and versatile pieces of clothing, put together to create an entire wardrobe. 

The great thing about a capsule wardrobe is that pieces are interchangeable, enabling you to build countless outfits from fewer items overall. This concept is even more relevant now in the age of fast fashion and should inspire us to change our consumption habits.

Here are my top picks for three key, eco-friendly pieces to invest in for a summer capsule wardrobe.

See also: 13 Fast Fashion Quotes To Inspire

1. Jeans

A pair of blue or coloured jeans is my go-to weekend outfit. Throw on some jeans, accessorise them with a cute top and a pair of laid-back sneakers, add a belt and matching bag, and you’re ready to go!

Unspun

Hong Kong-based brand Unspun has a really sustainable business model, selling only made-to-order, custom-made jeans. I’ve been wearing their light bootcut jeans over the last few months; I love that they’re curve-flattering and their high-waisted silhouette gives my legs a boost. You can simply pick the design you like and scan your body measurements through their app. In about a month’s time, they’ll send you a pair of jeans that’s been 100 percent tailor-made for your body shape.

Available at Unspun

Kuyichi

My other summer go-to are Kuyichi’s Lisette cream-coloured, super high-waisted, 70s-inspired flared jeans. They are made of organic cotton and eco-friendly Tencel Lyocell, which keeps me cool in the summer heat. They go perfectly with crop tops and I love pairing them with a linen blazer or light trench coat. 

Available at Kuyichi

2. Crop Tops

Summer simply calls for crop tops! No matter what body shape you have, a crop top is a lady’s best friend.

Honest Basics

I am currently in love with Honest Basics, a brand from Germany. They’re on a mission to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone, while paying everyone throughout their supply chain a fair wage. Here, you can find quality basics that are essential for building a capsule wardrobe – like this black spaghetti crop top. 

Available at Honest Basics

Rifo

My other go-to summer crop top is from Rifo. Their Nora knitted crop top is made with a yarn crafted from recycled old jeans. Rifo estimates that this top has been recycled from two to five pairs of jeans, consuming only 80 litres of water throughout the production process – rather than the 3,000 required by an identical virgin cotton garment. 

Available at Rifo

3. Blazers

Blazers add instant spunk to any outfit and work for many occasions. For instance, I’d throw on a blazer in Hong Kong summer whenever the indoor temperature gets too cold!

@White By Gosia Orlowska

My @White By Gosia Orlowska pink blazer is made from deadstock silk in Hong Kong. It’s perfect for work occasions or weekend brunches and the silk material makes it extra breathable and soft to the touch – and I love the pink colour!

Available at @White By Gosia Orlowska

Linen Handmade Studio

Linen is the perfect material for hot, humid Hong Kong summers as it’s so breathable and versatile. My Colette lavender grey linen jacket was made-to-order from Linen Handmade Studio; its classic, timeless design is just perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe. I also love that this brand has 27 colours to pick from for each design, and most items are made-to-order for your size, which minimises waste.

Available at Linen Handmade Studio

Remembering the manta of “buy less, buy better”, a capsule wardrobe is the best way forward to remedy the ills of our past consumption habits. Let’s all try to minimise our environmental impact through small, conscious steps that make a huge difference for the one planet we all share!

See also: 3 Sustainable Swimwear Brands to Wear This Summer

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It’s easy to get stumped with all the new sustainability terms cropping up – but fret not! As part of our ‘Sustainability Defined‘ series, 8Shades is here to help guide you through the confusing world of responsible fashion, with these useful definitions for ten common sustainability terms.

See also: 10 Useful Food Sustainability Terms

Deadstock Fabric

This may sound an unnerving term, but there’s nothing sinister about it! When fashion industry people refer to ‘deadstock fabric’, they’re talking about surplus or leftover fabric, which wasn’t used or sold and would have been ordinarily thrown away. Instead artisans repurpose these materials, breathing new life into them by incorporating them into their existing designs or creating entirely new pieces with them, thus extending their lifespan and enhancing their sustainability.

Downcycling

This is what happens when you break down a product to extend its life, keeping it from ending up in landfill. An example of this is when you use old socks or garments as cleaning rags, or when clothing is shredded down for its fibres to be used as insulation stuffing. A popular example of downcycling is Nike breaking down old sneakers to be used to make basketball courts.

Fair Fashion

Also known as ‘fair trade’, this term is similar to its food equivalent – meaning companies that carry this label have ensured that the workers who make its clothes have been paid a fair wage and work at factories that meet or exceed safety guidelines.

Natural Fibres

These are fibres like cotton, linen or wool that come from plants and animals, instead of synthetic sources like polyester. Though these are generally more sustainable, not all natural fibres are biodegradable – especially if they’re treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process. For instance, while leather is a natural fibre, it actually has a larger carbon footprint than polyester.

Organic

While closely associated with food sustainability, the term ‘organic’ can also be found in fashion. Organic clothing means clothes that were made from materials like cotton, wool or hemp that have not been genetically-modified or grown with chemicals. In addition to not using any pesticides, organic clothing also has the added benefit of being biodegradable.

Pre-Loved vs Vintage

Both of these refer to second-hand items that you might come across via a thrift shop, hand-me-downs or swapping with friends. ‘Vintage’ items have the added distinction of being over 20 years old and accurately representing the style of a certain era, like bell-bottom jeans from the 1970s.

See also: 8Shades Of Christina Dean of Redress

Sustainable Collections

This is usually a brand’s way of highlighting their eco credentials, with collections that include items or accessories made from organic materials or eco-friendly packaging. Examples of this include Stella McCartney’s Mylo Bag that’s made from lab-grown mushroom leather and Zara’s Join Life Collection that uses fibres sourced from controlled-growth and protected forests.

See also: Why Is Sustainable Fashion More Expensive Than Fast Fashion?

Upcycling

This is essentially the opposite of downcycling. While both processes turn waste into usable material, upcycling involves repurposing waste to make it into a better product – for example, sewing shirts into bags or making leather scraps into mobile device cases.

Vegan

In addition to being cruelty-free and not tested on animals, vegan fashion also does not use any animal byproducts – so leather jackets, fur coats and wool mittens are a big no no.

Zero-Waste

The fashion industry is notorious for creating a lot of rubbish. Zero-waste fashion aims to minimise the amount of waste created during the manufacturing process, as well as considering how items can be repaired to keep them out of landfill for as long as possible. An example is using fabric scraps to create other fashion items.

See also: 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Southeast Asia to Know

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Pledge to live a more sustainable lifestyle by eliminating single-use plastics with your beauty choices. Here are eight versatile and sustainable lip products that nourish while offering a guilt-free experience.

Poppy & Pout: Lip Balm

Quench your lips with a choice of ten different sweet and fruity lip balms from Poppy & Pout. Each is made with beeswax, sunflower oil and organic coconut oil to achieve a luscious pout. Each balms is hand-poured into a thoughtfully-crafted recyclable cardboard tube, with the majority of its packaging able to biodegrade within three months.     

Shop on amazon.com

Ethique: So Cocoa Lip Balm

Ethique gives you the chance to achieve healthy-looking lips with a delicious chocolate aftertaste, thanks to the addition of fair trade cocoa butter. Its formula uses moringa, jojoba and castor oils to seal your lips with moisture. Not only is this product fully plastic-free and home compostable, but the brand also pledges to plant a tree with each order — making your purchase even more enjoyable.  

Shop on Live Zero

Hurraw: Coconut Lip Balm

A blend of oils extracted from safflower, olive and sunflower finished with rich, raw coconut oil brings a natural sweetness that coats your lips with vegan goodness. Made to fit in your pocket or a small purse, this lip balm comes encased in a slim slider tin for easy application.

Shop on hurrawbalm.com

WinkiZinc: Lip & Cheek Tint

With its inclusion of SPF30, this balm caters for outdoor enthusiasts at heart. The product is formulated as a lip and cheek stain to achieve an understated sun-kissed look. WinkiZinc offers three different shades, with each product using pure cold-pressed and unprocessed ingredients packaged in biodegradable tubes.   

Shop on etsy.com

Axiology: Vegan Multi-Use Balmie Set

Axiology’s lip-to-lid balm set comes fashioned as crayons for an easy, blendable application for eyes, lips and cheeks. The palette is inspired by desert spices, from cherry to golden camel, to suit your shifting moods. Each is crafted with nine natural ingredients, including hemp and plum oil, to nourish and hydrate skin.   

Shop on axilogybeauty.com

Eco Roots: Zero Waste Lip Balm

Eco Roots’ lip balm formulation is entirely plant-based, making it totally vegan. Cacao and mango butter are the hero ingredients of their recipe, making this product smoother and thicker, with an inviting tropical scent.

Shop on ecoroots.us

Rituals: Fortune Balm in Red

A certified B corporation, Rituals aims to find refillable and recyclable solutions for all their products. This 100% naturally formulated lip balm moisturises and conditions dry and damaged lips, while offering a swoosh of colour with a shade of soft red.

Shop on rituals.com

La Bouche Rouge: Matte Lipstick Refill in Pop Art Red

French brand La Bouche Rouge allows you to embody a femme fatale persona with its delectable range of creamy lipsticks made with long-lasting pigments. Redefining luxury, the brand educates its shoppers by creating a plastic-free leather case for its lipstick or balm refills; these are handcrafted in France with excess leather from a vetted tannery, for a Parisian touch.

Shop on net-a-porter.com

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Among the areas of note are on the brand’s more careful selection of recyclable and environment-friendly materials, greener manufacturing processes, increased transparency and accountability in its supply chain, and upholding human and labour rights while embracing diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Hot off the heels of their newly released Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report in April 2022, here are eight admirable and concrete actions that Canada Goose has taken to better themselves as a company.

• 1. Canada Goose has stopped purchasing fur as of the end of 2021 and will cease manufacturing fur all together by the end of this year.
• 2. It’s earned a certification under the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), an organisation that aims to ensure that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to any unnecessary harm.
• 3. They’ve transitioned over 20 percent of its materials to more sustainable alternatives – or what they refer to in the industry as ‘Preferred Fibres and Materials’ (PFMs) – such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.
• 4. By 2025, Canada Goose expects that 90 percent of their materials will be PFMs.
• 5. Almost 60 percent of its packaging is now sustainable, which include recycled content and other environmentally responsible materials and designs.
• 6. The brand will discontinue the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its Arctic Tech fabric and will redevelop this proprietary fabric by the end of 2023.
• 7. As it works towards achieving net zero emissions by 2025, it will reduce carbon sources and embrace renewable energy.
• 8. Most recently, the company introduced Kind Fleece, an ultra-soft and breathable fabric made with 62 percent recycled wool; 18 percent wood-based TENCEL Lyocell, a biodegradable fibre made from wood; and 13 percent bio-based Sorona® Polymer, a plant-based polymer made from the sugar derived from corn.

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Want to know more about Canada Goose? Read their ESG report in full here.

Canada Goose is available in Hong Kong at ifc mall.

See also: 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Southeast Asia to Know

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Traditional swimwear is usually made with synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester or spandex. However, these fabrics are harmful to the planet, being petroleum-based. Over time, such fabrics have been shown to release microplastics during each cycle of a washing machine. To minimise our environmental impact, look for sustainable alternatives like ECONYL®, recycled nylon or organic materials, and hand wash your swimwear with care.

See also: How To Keep Microplastics Out Of Your Body

Below are three of my favourite sustainable swimwear brands that I’ve personally tried and tested. From local Hong Kong brands to those that support mangrove forests in Madagascar, these three brands are both stylish and sustainable:

RIMN

Launched in 2021, RIMN is a local sustainable swimwear brand that aims to empower Hong Kong women to be more comfortable in their own skin, especially for those with smaller cup sizes. The brand uses only ECONYL®, which is made of various recovered materials from the ocean such as fishing nets. It’s about time we addressed body positivity on our shores!

Shop on rimn.hk

Aima Dora

Throughout the year, I like to take part in beach cleanups. Rather than being desensitised to plastic waste, I am advocating more than ever for garments that are made from upcycled materials.

This is why I’ve partnered on several occasions with Aima Dora, a premium swimwear-meets-activewear label using Seaqual fabrics throughout their collections, which is made from upcycled ocean waste. Their swimwear is an easy summer staple that’s multifunctional and moves with you throughout the day.

Shop on aimadora.com

Paper London

Paper London caught my eye with their initiatives to plant five mangrove trees within Madagascar, Mozambique or Kenya for every purchase of their swimwear. Why mangrove trees? Because they provide huge ecosystem benefits, such as filtering and purifying the water systems, protecting coastal areas from storm surges, and acting as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change.

Shop on paperlondon.com

This summer, let’s collectively address the issue of marine plastic pollution by remembering the motto, “buy less, buy better” and get to know who the makers are behind the clothes you wear. Let’s all try to minimise our environmental impact through small, conscious steps that will make a huge difference for the one planet we share.

See also: Make a Splash In These 8 Sustainable Swimwear Brands

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Cambodia: Good Krama

Collaborating directly with artisans in rural communities, Good Krama is a Cambodia-based slow fashion label that produces its clothes with low impact processes, traditional weaving techniques, and upcycled textiles. Its garments are casual, cute, and super versatile too!

Shop on goodkrama.com

India: Runaway Bicycle

Based in Mumbai, Runaway Bicycle is founded by an advertising professional turned designer and brings minimalist elegance into the everyday. The brand works towards preserving traditional crafts with time-consuming and fastidious approaches that make for longer-lasting clothes that get more comfortable with each wash.

Shop on runawaybicycle.in

The Philippines: Rags2Riches

Founded as a social enterprise to alleviate poverty for Filipino artisans, Rags2Riches is a Quezon City-based ethical fashion label that works closely with the local community to make handbags and clothes from upcycled and indigenous woven fabrics.

Shop on rags2riches.ph

The Philippines: Maison Métisse

Celebrating Filipino cultural heritage and traditions through contemporary clothing, Maison Métisse’s chic pieces are handcrafted in small batches by artisans in the Philippines. Both quirky and comfortable, we love that the clothes are made from natural fabrics with natural dyes.

Shop on maison-metisse.com

India: Doodlage

A New Delhi-based brand that upcycles factory waste into limited-edition collections, Doodlage works with artisans in ethical production units around the country for both men’s and women’s garments of comfort and style. The brand also uses plastic-free packaging!

Shop on doodlage.in

Vietnam: Kilomet109

The Hanoi-based Kilomet109 offers super wearable garments that promote “fashion from the ground up”. Craft artisans around Vietnam grow, spin, weave, print, and naturally dye Kilomet109 fabrics before the founder Thao hand-stitches the clothes in her design studio.

Shop on kilomet109.com

Thailand: MaeTeeta

Based in Sakon Nakhon, MaeTeeta makes use of community harvested cotton and 100% traditional indigo dye with no synthetic chemicals, producing zero waste and pollution. All handcrafted by local artisans, it is modernising traditional Thai craftsmanship, one high-quality piece at a time.

Shop on maeteeta.net

Malaysia: Terrae

Terrae is a Kuala Lumpur brand making cute, quality, sustainable activewear for the fitness (or simply comfort—no judgement here!) peeps with a concern for mother Earth. The clothes are made of recycled fabrics and made to last, while the makers are compensated fairly for their time and efforts.

Shop on shopterrae.com

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Here are 8Shades’ picks of the breezy spring dresses for the nice weather ahead, all of which are from sustainable and responsible brands we trust.

Damson Madder: Verity Jacquard Cut Out Midi Dress

This green floral dress from the London-based sustainable brand Damson Madder is made of recycled polyester from PET, which basically means plastic bottles. On top of the fact that it reduces the non-biodegradable waste going to landfills, we also love how it’s both cute and slightly sexy.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed fit, this embroidered towelling dress in red, also from Damson Madder, might be more up your alley.

Available at Damson Madder

Stefania Vaidani: Fantasy Dress

Looking for something on the fancier side? With a semi-sheer effect that makes you feel good from day to night, this multicoloured tweed fabric dress might be what you’re looking for! Stefania Vaidani is a US and Greece-based brand that uses 99% organic cotton free of harmful chemicals. They also donate their old stock to women’s charities.

Available at Stefania Vaidani

Sézane: Prune Dress in Fuchsia

Nothing says spring like a long and flowy dress for Sunday brunch dates. This Prune dress comes with the prettiest details like balloon sleeves, a scalloped high neck and removable belt. Not to mention the beautiful fuchsia colour that will give your wardrobe that much-needed amount of pop. Of course, we also love that Sézane uses organic, natural, and traceable materials.

Available at Sézane

Nynne: Diane Pale Green Cupro Dress

Nynne’s signature silhouette of the Diane dress hugs the curves of all body types, and this lightweight dress is made from the regenerated waste of cotton production, which is a plant-based material that’s completely biodegradable. The almost-greyish pale green colour complements the romantic shape of the dress perfectly, and we already can’t wait to wear it to springtime outings.

Available at NYNNE

Omnes: Rosalyn Mini Dress in Pink Zebra

Spring is a time for playfulness, and that’s why we need this groovy dress from Omnes. Made using EcoVero Viscose, which is derived from certified renewable wood sources, this Rosalyn mini dress meets high environmental standards, as well as aesthetic standards for how cute it looks! Even Omnes’ labels are made from recycled plastic bottles. We can’t wait to wear this little number with a pair of knee-high boots to strut about the city.

Available at Omnes

Yasmina Q: Clemence Dress

For the days you want to feel more tranquil, this sky blue midi dress with a masterfully done twist bodice is bound to brighten up your day while making you look and feel fabulous. The asymmetric detail gives it a little flavour, while we can rest assured knowing that it’s all made from recycled hammered pebble poly-satin.

Available at Yasmina Q

Gaâla: Paris Dress

What’s spring without a white outfit? Crafted in luxurious upcycled stretch viscose, this vintage-inspired dress is giving us all the Audrey Hepburn feels with its classic collar, gold buttoning, and waist belt details. It’s even named Paris – as if a dress could get even dreamier than that! Bear in mind though that Gaâla uses deadstock materials, so their quantities are often limited.

Available at Gaâla

Bogdar: Cameron Dress

Are the options above too soft and feminine for your taste? This one is for the edgier women that are ready to take it up a notch. Cut from soft faux leather under a transparent and conscious policy in Bogdar’s family-owned facilities, the Cameron dress comes in a sensual chestnut brown with a slightly oversized collar and flattering ruffle sleeves, giving you a strong and independent vibe that’s not to be underestimated.

Available at Bogdar

See also: 8 Sustainable and Chic Handbags for the New Year

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