7 Ethical Fashion Brands with an Artisanal Touch

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By Neesha Gill

Once upon a time in fashion, the making of clothing was a labour-intensive process that involved specialised workers cutting patterns, sewing, and putting buttons onto garments. Because it took so long to create fabrics and piece together clothes, they were considered quite a precious commodity. The average person would have only a few items in their wardrobe, and would mend whatever ripped or showed wear. Items were passed down through families and refashioned for fit and style to new owners. And of course no one would ever dream of throwing clothing away after a few wears, even the wealthy!

Industrial production changed all that, and also homogenised the handiwork that once made all clothes and accessories so unique–their embroidery, embellishments, prints and dyes for example. Today, even if an accessory or piece of clothing seems to be ‘made by hand’, chances are it’s actually machine made, and there are thousands of replicas in the market.  

There’s been a backlash to this cookie-cutter approach to fashion, and an increasing number of niche brands are now  working with talented artisans more than ever, with the specific goal of not only creating something as individual as the wearer, but also to revive lost traditions, and provide artisans with a steady income.

These 8 inspirational ethical fashion brands are good examples of this.

1.  Maiyet

One of the higher-end fashion brands, Maiyet wholly encompasses ethical values whilst remaining on the cutting edge of style. The label hopes to encourage and support the next generation of craftsmen from places such as India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mongolia and Peru by employing them to use the skills that have been passed down through the generations. Their scarves, clutches, dresses and jewellery showcase embroidery, woodwork, silk-screening and beading, the latter of which can be seen on these shoes below. Each bead is delicately hand-applied by their fairly paid artisan partners in the Maharashtra region of India.  

2.  Quazi Design

Initially set up to create much need employment in the region, Quazi Design was created in 2009 in Swaziland, southern Africa. Their products are still made by local women in their workshops in the industrial area of Mbabane, the capital city of Swaziland. In return for making colourful, beautiful jewellery from rolled up scraps of paper, local stones and fabric remnants, these talented women receive a steady, living wage.

3.  Okhtein

This brand was co-created by two hard-working Egyptian sisters, Aya and Mounaz Abdelraouf. Unsurprisingly, the name they chose for their company, ‘Okhtein’ simply means ‘sisters’ in Arabic. Their vision was to draw attention to Egyptian artisanship, as they found a gap in the market for hand-made luxury accessories produced in Egypt. The result of their endeavor is a range of  quirky bags including hand-woven  straw clutches and handbags made out of brass metal.

3.  Bibi Hanum

Bibi Hanum specialises in creating women’s clothing using handwoven textiles called ikat. These traditional fabrics  have been  made by artisans in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan, for centuries. Typically, they include  tribal-like prints in 3-5 colours, and the fabric is cut into loose fitting, almost kaftan-like dresses, jackets and gowns. Other products include home accessories and accessories such as bags, scarves and clutches.

4.  Manos Zapotecas

Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most famous regions for artisanal production, and Manos Zapotecas incorporates the centuries old traditions and outstanding artistry of the Zapotec people  who are native to this area. While many brands exploit the native weavers, embroiderers and leather workers in the region, paying them very little for their work then going on to sell the fashion they create at ridiculous  prices, Manos Zapotecas ensures a fair, steady wage is paid.  Their vibrant handwoven wool bags include a variety of Aztec and tribal designs.

5. Abury

We love this brand because it travels the world seeking out the best artisanal traditions, then ensures the skilled hands who create the bags, jumpers and jewellery that Abury sells are fairly waged. While the brand may be most famous for its Moroccan Berber bags (they sell antique bags and help teach modern Berbers the ancient craft of making them), they have recently branched out into Ecuadorian knits, and jewellery from bijou designers.

This collection by  Adèle Dejak is inspired by  African shapes, textures and traditional techniques. The Kenyan made, cutting-edge pieces sit perfectly between artefact and high fashion statement designs.

6. Mochi

From Palestine to India, Thailand to Uzbekistan, Mochi seeks out the very best craftsmanship from every corner of the globe. Thanks to the colourful fabrics that define the brand, one-off embellishments, and a certain worldly hippy chic connotation that comes with wearing these pieces, Mochi has become a favourite with Boho fashionistas around the world.

7. Voz

VOZ means ‘voice’ in Spanish, and this sustainable luxury brand aims to give a voice to indigenous women around he world. Founded in 2012 by Jasmine Aarons, VOZ empowers artisans creatively, culturally and of course, economically, through a collaborative business model that highlights and supports traditional textile making arts. The brand’s main education centre is located in Chile, where they work with Mapuche women to create stunning ponchos and other garments.

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