1. RÆBURN
RÆBURN is the British luxury mens and womenswear brand that has become synonymous with modern, design-led upcycling - taking unconventional materials like military uniforms and vintage silk maps to create catwalk-worthy creations. Their recently opened store in Coals Drop Yard in central London is the perfect hub to engage customers with their ethos of RÆMADE, RÆDUCED, RÆCYCLED.
“People are looking for honesty and transparency in fashion” says Dylan Jones, Editor of GQ “Raeburn represents a new frontier in menswear in the UK where sustainability and transparency are a creative force - to not only build a successful vision and brand, but also to lead positive change in the industry.”
2. STELLA MCCARTNEY
As the luxury brand that has undoubtedly led the sustainable fashion movement on a global scale, Stella McCartney’s open approach to knowledge-sharing and data-driven approach to sustainability is what drives continuous improvement in their operations and pushes the boundaries of innovation.
CO10 judge, Roland Mouret says, “All these brands are winners in the fact that they are making sustainability the core of their ethos. However I feel that Stella McCartney stands out in all areas of leadership.”
3. BOTTLETOP
Endorsed by celebrities around the world, Bottletop was founded through a design collaboration with Mulberry, using recycled bottle tops in 2002. The brand supports artisan makers in Brazil and educates young people globally through their Foundation.
With a store recently opened on London’s busy Regent Street, the brand is bringing sustainable luxury to global shoppers and paving the way for high end accessories with a positive social and environmental impact.
4. OSKLEN
Brazilian brand Osklen’s philosophy of ‘As Sustainable As Possible, As Soon As Possible’ has been driving their experimental and innovative approach to design since 1989. Osklar Metavaht, founder and Creative Director of Osklen, is also the founder of Instituto-e, which aims to make Brazil a hub for sustainability innovation and engage the public in social and environmental issues that are important to Brazil’s historical and cultural heritage.
5. MAYAMIKO
Mayamiko is the urban youth brand that is bringing ‘Made in Africa’ to the masses with their affordable print points and fresh designs.
CO 10 judge, Nikhil Hirdaramani of global manufacturer Hirdaramani Group, gave special mention to Mayamiko about whom he says, “though on a small scale, they are having a great impact and show true transparency in the supply chain which is how the future should be for all retail.”
6. OUTLAND DENIM
Made world-famous by the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markel on her Australasia tour, Outland’s jeans are made completely from 100% organic cotton and their production offers sustainable employment and training opportunities to women rescued from human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
7. INDIGENOUS
For more than 20 years, California-based Indigenous has been dedicated to changing the fashion industry for the better. Their pioneering business model supports over1,000 Peruvian artisans to become owners in the business and in 2017 $150,000 was provided as zero interest microloans to the communities in which they work.
8. RAJLAKSHMI COTTON MILLS
The world’s first vertically integrated Fairtrade organic cotton supplier - from farmer to finished product - Rajlakshmi Cotton Mills has been at the forefront of sustainable cotton production and manufacturing for decades. RCM can supply soft wovens and knits alongside a wide range of Fairtrade organic knitted and woven fabrics, dyeing and printing facilities. It is certified by FLO-Fairtrade Cotton Standard, Fair Trade-USA and, and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
9. SONICA SARNA DESIGN
Sonica Sarna Design is making artisan production and ethical, transparent supply chains accessible to mainstream brands around the world. With clients such as Mara Hoffman, VFCorp, and Whistles, Sonica Sarna is a one-stop shop for brands want to produce high-end garments that are sourced responsibly.
10. ETHICAL APPAREL AFRICA
Ethical Apparel Africa is a network of production facilities throughout Africa - whose on-the-ground experts transform African factory operations to demonstrate to global clients that ethical and transparent garment manufacturing should be the norm.
CO10 judge, Ralph Goodstone said that Ethical Apparel Africa “was outstanding due to its emphasis on quality, timely delivery, low cost and its business objective of going beyond compliance.”