Eco-Chic: Small Fashion Labels Doing Sustainability Right

Did You Know?

The fast-fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally, significantly impacting water, soil, and air quality. 🤢 It generates a massive amount of waste, from textile scraps to unsold and discarded clothing. This industry is also known for having some of the worst and exploitative working conditions. APD strives to be part of the solution. 💪🏽

Sustainable Style with APD: Fashion That Cares

At APD, founded by Amy Page DeBlasio, we’re all about chic and conscious fashion! Who says sustainability has to be dull and boring? As if! As a woman-owned contemporary design label, we sew sustainability and ethics into every stitch. Here’s a peek at our eco-friendly practices (that we're so proud of ☺️):

1. Ethical Production: All our unique APD pieces are designed in Rhode Island and crafted in New York City's Garment District or in our RI studio by real people with the utmost attention to care and detail. We feel so strongly about only using factories that respect their workers and pay them fair wages in a clean and safe work environment. Amy personally visits each one. This ensures we stay true to ethical labor practices while reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. Yes, please! 

2. Sustainable Materials: We’re all about those high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics! From organic cotton (grown without harmful chemicals and requires less water than conventional cotton) to recycled polyester, every material is sourced from reputable suppliers (domestic whenever possible). We even use recycled packaging! Amy, our amazing founder and creative director, personally handpicks each fabric, notion, and embellishment to keep our designs both distinct and impactful. Our pieces aren't trend-based and last longer so you can buy less and reduce the cycle of consumption and disposal.

3. Small-Batch Production and Preorders: We’re saying goodbye to overproduction! APD’s collections are either produced in small batches or by preorder only, reducing waste and adding a touch of exclusivity. Plus, we love up-cycling leftover materials into new products, like our super cute No-Waste Scrunchies and No-Waste Tote Bags 😍. No fabric or notion goes to waste here - not even a single button!

4. Local Manufacturing: By keeping our manufacturing local in the USA, we support the local economy and cut down on transportation emissions. This practice is all about sustainability and community love. APD is dedicated to bringing business to local communities and boosting local economies. Even if it costs us a bit more, we're proud to be supporting other small businesses with similar values as ours, and putting names to faces.

5. Transparent Practices: We believe in keeping it real! APD is all about transparency in our production process, helping you make informed, eco-friendly choices. We share detailed info about our materials, manufacturing process, and sustainability efforts on our website and social platforms. At APD, we believe sustainability is something to brag about! Have questions, let us know!

More Fashion Brands That Are Making Sustainability Chic

While APD is a standout in the sustainable and ethical fashion industry, several other small brands are also making significant contributions to eco-friendly fashion. Here are a few notable mentions:

1. Amour Vert: Amour Vert is doing sustainability right. Amour Vert emphasizes sustainability with artisan-made samples, eco-friendly materials like certified sustainable fabrics, and compostable packaging. They practice circular fashion using dead-stock fabric and offer a resale marketplace, ReAmour. Their "Tees for Trees" initiative plants a tree for every tee purchased, and they prioritize transparency in their production processes. Read more about their practices here. 

2. Boyish Jeans: Boyish Jeans is dedicated to sustainability, utilizing ethical practices and eco-friendly materials. They employ plant-based dyes and innovative methods like "fewer drips" to minimize water usage and environmental impact during production. Their jeans are crafted with sustainable fabrics and washes, ensuring an environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free process. Boyish is committed to creating stylish denim while reducing their ecological footprint. Find out more here.

4.Christy Dawn: Christy Dawn is dedicated to sustainability through regenerative farming, ethical production, and eco-friendly materials. They partner with the Oshadi Collective to regenerate over 200 acres of farmland, enhancing biodiversity and sequestering carbon. Their garments are crafted using organic and regenerative cotton, plant-based dyes, and deadstock fabrics. Additionally, Christy Dawn promotes circular fashion with their trade-in program, ensuring garments remain in use and out of landfills. To learn more, visit here.

 5. Nisolo: Nisolo is dedicated to sustainability by ensuring 100% living wages for their workers and maintaining 0% net carbon emissions. They use a sustainability framework that evaluates products on 200 metrics to ensure environmental and social responsibility. Nisolo also promotes circular fashion with their shoe donation program, reducing waste and extending product life. For more about their sustainability practices, visit here.

Greener Fashion, Brighter Future ☀️

Like APD, sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a way of life! Brands like APD and many other fashion labels are leading the way by integrating sustainable practices into their core operations. These efforts not only help preserve the environment but also set a standard for ethical and responsible fashion. 🌎🌳 As consumers become more conscious of their choices, it's important to support brands that prioritize sustainability to drive the force of positive change in the industry and move away from fast-fashion and waste.

By choosing sustainable fashion, consumers can contribute to a more eco-friendly and ethically sound world. Brands like APD exemplify how style and sustainability can go hand in hand, paving the way for a greener future in fashion. Join us! 🖤