If someone were to tell you that Singapore’s a pretty ‘green’ city, you’d probably think it has more to do with its lush greenery than its eco-conscience. But you’d be surprised by the quality of eco-friendly fashion wares this little island has to offer.
Of course, eco-fashion is not exactly a new concept – the use of recycled materials was first seen in the late 1980s when Belgian fashion designer, Martin Margiela, featured a leather butcher’s apron repurposed into an evening gown in his debut collection.
So it’s only natural that it has caught on in this highly developed, fashion-forward country. Here are eight local designers who have followed in the footsteps of Margiela, by paving the way with eco-friendly designs, to hopefully make Singapore a ‘greener’ place.
Etrican. As one of Singapore’s first green fashion labels, Etrican is the pioneer of the local eco lifestyle movement. The company was founded by two partners with one dream: to make sustainable fashion the norm rather than a niche. That’s why you’ll find that all of Etrican’s men and women collections, which include T-shirts, tops, skirts, dresses and rompers, are made with 100% certified organic cotton. At the core of their eco-friendly clothes and accessories, Etrican puts strong emphasis on not compromising style and quality. 136C Everitt Road
Pachelbel. As Singapore’s first vegan fashion label, Pachelbel is dedicated to meet the high fashion demands of design, quality, and credible workmanship while maintaining sustainability for animals in this modern, and increasingly eco-conscious society. That’s why their fashion products are made from materials like bicast leather, polyurethane leather, vinyl polymer, nylon and jacquard embroidery with in-house designed fittings to bring out the uniqueness of each design. Temasek Boulevard # 02-102 Suntec City Mall.
Saught. It’s one thing to create jewellery out of old landmines and unexploded ordnance, but it’s another utterly transform such scrap metal into wonderfully fashionable and stylish jewellery designs. And that’s precisely what Saught does. But it’s not all just in the name of saving the environment – Saught also strives to help post-conflict communities. That’s why each design conveys a special story about transformation, not to mention the fact that all profits are re-invested into helping out countries that are recovering from recent conflicts.
The Tree Shirt House. The Tree Shirt House specialises in what they call “wildlife storytelling T-shirts”. Made with 100% organic cotton, each T-shirt features an endangered animal, with a unique story behind its plight. So with every shirt you buy, you learn a little about an endangered species, and contribute to a charity, as USD5 from each sale goes to a cause. Plus, each design and colour is limited to 500 T-shirts each, sold through their online store.
Tinydipity. Tinydipity comes from tiny beginnings. Inspired by the word “serendipity”, which basically means a new discovery or a truly unexpected find, the online store sells green products with the purest materials that will provide a happy aura to you and your baby. Just as every day is a brand new discovery with your newborn child, Tinydipity marks the start of a positive new journey for your little one.
Touch The Toes. When it comes to yoga wear, you want comfortable, yet flattering attire that feels great against your skin as your work your body into the various yoga poses. And that’s precisely what Touch The Toes offers. Plus, it carries labels that use only organic cotton, bamboo blends and recycled/ up-cycled materials that are all sustainably produced. 31 Arab Street, 2nd floor. Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 12-8pm; Sat–Sun: 1-7pm; closed on public holidays
Zhai. A Singaporean fashion label that focuses on eco fashion by the production of Bamboo clothing within its highest standard. They believe in luxury with a conscience featuring clean and simple designs all done in super-soft bamboo. Using 100% organically grown Bamboo fibre, Zhai creates original designs covering an assortment of leisurewear, office wear, sportswear and manchester. 82 Haji Lane. Opening Hours: 11am-8pm. and 112 Katong #01-34 Singapore 428802 Opening Hours. 10am-10pm (Mon-Sun)
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