Browsing Tag

Sustainable

Dubai’s Sustainable Swimwear Directory

Posted on November 19, 2024

Have you thought about your impact on our environment? Choosing sustainable swimwear is one way to be a more conscious consumer, it involves understanding where you spend your money and on what.

Sustainable swimwear fabrics are important because they help reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Sustainable materials and production processes use less water and energy, and by prioritizing durability and recyclability, the impact of swimwear on landfills and ocean pollution can be significantly diminished.

When you look at the labels in our swimwear, fabrics such as polyester and nylon are what you’ll likely find. But here’s what you can look for instead to help reduce your carbon footprint:

ECONYL: This Italian product is created from regenerated nylon collected from the landfills and oceans around the world. The primary nylon products collected which create ECONYL are things like used clothing, carpets, and nets from fishermen!

Vita PL: Made by the same people that create ECONYL. Vita PL is made of 100% recycled polyester from pre & post-consumer materials.

Repreve: This unique material is made from recycled plastic bottles and turns them into usable fibers. Used by some of the largest global brands that create fashion apparel, athletic wear, and swimwear, emitting fewer greenhouse gases during production and conserving less energy and water.

*All plastic-derived fabrics such as nylon and polyester shed dangerous microplastics into our oceans.

Here’s my run down of Dubai’s slow and sustainable swimwear brands for you to check out:

Let’s Swim

The brand works to cultivate community projects, working collaboratively with divers, shark conservationists and charities to clean up beaches, making oceans safer for marine biodiversity and shark populations.

Salt Sister

They use premium recycled Italian fabrics for our swimwear, in collaboration with ECONYL®.

The Moeity

Making conscious and environmentally friendly choices accessible to everyone.

Solis Ecowear

Their swimwear is made and lined with 78% Recycled Polyamide and 22% LycraXtra Life, using Econyl Recycled Vita fabric.

Hunza G

Hunza G’s one size stance is not only an effort to remain an inclusive brand, but also reduces the risk of over-purchased sizing on a commercial level.

Edos

Each item is ethically made, under safe labor conditions with reclaimed Italian fabrics and small scale production.

Cocora Boutique

Based in the UAE, all their items are proudly made in Colombia, utilizing eco-friendly practices that harmonize with the environment.

Coega

All their signature pieces, including modest swimwear, are locally made here in the UAE (reduced carbon foot print) using sustainable fabric made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon.

Veda

Made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon fibers, is not only soft and comfy but also built to stand up against all your beach adventures.

Sapia Simone

The brand works with a substantial amount of high quality, environmentally friendly fabrics and employs ethical production methods.

Second Summer

Devoted to fostering sustainability and cultivating slow fashion, styles from their swimwear are conceived from the world’s first fully biodegradable yarn.

Oceanus (via So Much Trouble)

Each piece is made from recycled, eco-friendly materials and hand embroidered with Swarovski crystals.

**Updated as of November 2024**

David Koma’s sustainable swimwear movement is called Let’s Swim

Posted on November 15, 2024

David Koma, Swimwear, Sustainable, sharks, ocean

David Koma’s sustainable swimwear movement Let’s Swim supports a love for sharks, the 80’s and the oceans.

Let’s Swim ensures ocean sustainability is their key focus, as the future of the brand lies in cultivating community projects, working collaboratively with divers, shark conservationists and charities to clean up beaches, making oceans safer for marine biodiversity and shark populations.

David Koma’s swim and resort wear collections offer “an exploration into the cinematic ocean environment, blended with artificial intelligence and the iconic swim images of the 80’s.” Founder and Creative Director, David Koma blends their enigmatic shark logo into each of his creations.

All for the love of sharks… David Koma prefers to highlight ‘influencers’ that offer diverse experiences that fit the mission of the brand, rather than the usual consumer facing bodies such as; divers, shark enthusiasts, and ocean conservationists.

fashion

The Moiety capsule wardrobe, a Dubai dream

Posted on November 8, 2024

Swimwear, sustainable, pool, summer, sunshine, Zulu and zephyr, the moeity

The capsule wardrobe, a Dubai dream.

By focusing on essential, versatile pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways, a capsule wardrobe can help you save money, save space and encourages more conscious consumption.

The Moiety aims to challenge the notion that exceptional style and a conscious approach to fashion must come with a high price tag. A capsule wardrobe also helps to remove the stresses of having ‘nothing to wear’, and allows you to invest in higher quality items that will ultimately last longer.

Viktoria & Woods is a brand stocked in The Moiety, as seen above, who are proud to highlight that the greater part of their designs are made in Australia. “We value sustainable textiles and manufacturing methods that leave a lighter footprint on the planet, a philosophy we are committed to.” Their aim is to create effortless wardrobe staples with a pared-back modern feel.

In chemistry, a moiety refers to a part or portion of a molecule that can be separated and exists independently. “In the context of the brand, it is interpreted as a curated selection of clothing that represents exclusivity, affordability and distinction.” A capsule wardrobe is an antidote to fast fashion and impersonal shopping experiences.

More than that, the brand champions the idea of “Conscious Alchemy”, where every piece of clothing is a blend of beauty, sustainability, and ethical production and will only offer brands that also fit within their ethos.

One of their brands Zulu & Zephyr, The Moiety’s latest addition, has been a proud member of 1% for the Planet since 2020. With a focus on a more sustainable future too, 81% of their ready to wear, sport and swimwear categories are sewn in socially compliant factories, where fair treatment and worker welfare is paramount, and are supporting their non-compliant factories in their ventures towards compliance. Global Recycled Standard certified recycled fibres are also used throughout their collections to reduce the use of virgin synthetic fabrications.

Eco Friendly fashion

Birkenstock’s 250 year focus on sustainable materials

Posted on November 4, 2024

Birkenstock shoe, sole, manufacturing process, environmentally friendly, sustainable materials

Celebrating 250 years of this iconic shoe, the focus for Birkenstock is becoming more and more about the environment and manufacturing their creations sustainably.

Dating back to 1774, every Birkenstock footbed is made of natural cork, natural latex, jute and suede, which is used as the top layer.

BIRKENSTOCK AND SUSTAINABILITY

The brand uses the highest-quality leather, working with textile materials, such as high-quality wool felt, made from pure merino wool. For those customers looking for animal-free products, there is our proprietary synthetic material Birko-Flor®.

RESPONSIBILITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

A high proportion of the natural materials that Birkenstock uses are from sustainable sources: cork, natural latex, jute, leather and wool felt are among their most important materials.

One of the main raw materials used is cork – a natural and sustainable product that boasts high elasticity, outstanding cushioning, and excellent heat and sound insulation. It is comprised of dead thin-walled cells that have been filled with air. The cork layer is reproduced and can therefore be harvested again and again without harming the tree.

A single tree can provide 100 to 200 kilograms of cork during its life. To ensure that the cork is hygienically clean, the bark that has been removed is cooked thoroughly in tanks. It is then cut into strips that will be used to punch the bottle corks.Natural cork oak forests only exist in the western Mediterranean basin. The majority of the cork processed by Birkenstock comes from southern Portugal, the world’s largest raw cork-exporting region. Natural and planted cork oak forests in Portugal cover a total of some 750,000 hectares – about 8% of the total surface area of the country.

Then there’s jute, which provides additional stabilization of the cork and latex core in the original Birkenstock footbed. In addition, the plant fibers improve the moisture-regulating properties of the footbed. Jute is a renewable resource as well.

Natural latex serves as the natural binding agent in the production of the footbed. Like cork, natural latex is also a renewable resource. Natural latex is obtained from the resin of rubber trees.

Birkenstock also unveiled the ultimate Care Essentials line for body and mind, expanding its product portfolio beyond footwear. From nourishing creams to invigorating scrubs, using 100% natural origin ingredients and highly effective formulations, made in Germany.

fashion Fitness

Homegrown brand Tribe of 6 uses responsibly sourced and recycled materials

Posted on October 28, 2024

Homegrown brands are just the best. Not only do they help keep our carbon footprints smaller by reducing the logistical means of acquiring them, but also, you’re likely to be supporting a small startup with real people at the helm.

With athleisure here to stay it seems, choosing brands that use responsibly sourced materials and adopt sustainable production methods, is the least we can do. Tribe of 6 is a homegrown Dubai brand that uses materials such as Organic Loopback Cotton (certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)) and Jacquard Textured Fabric (made from recycled polyester).

They also integrate a variety of other recycled fabrics from Sedex approved factories and Global Recycled Standards (GRS) certified., such as; Recycled Polyester, which has a sueded and peached effect, providing a soft luxurious feel. Recycled Crinkle Nylon which provides a smooth, comfy finish that is also lightweight and Recycled Polyester Modal Stretch, which offers a premium feel and breathability.

Furthering the sustainability goals of the U.A.E., Tribe of 6 adopts a “limited stock” production strategy rather than mass production, which not only maintains the exclusivity and quality of their products but also minimises overproduction and waste. Some unsold garments are recycled and repurposed to create new products, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and further reducing its environmental impact.

Eco Friendly Sustainable

Why bamboo is the world’s most sustainable toilet paper!

Posted on June 14, 2024

Bamboo is the material we all need in our lives… We don’t think about where our toilet paper comes from do we? Did you know that 15% of all deforestation is caused by tissue manufacturing? Every single day, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper.

Introducing Bambuyu, who offer a sustainable & tree-free alternative – bamboo, the ideal solution as it’s a raw material that is sustainable and renewable whilst also soft & absorbent. Bamboo is actually a grass (not a tree), so it does not require planting after harvesting and can grow back naturally. It also has natural antibacterial properties, so it can be grown without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides.

As bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing plant and grows x30 faster than trees, it makes it one of the most environmentally friendly materials you can choose. A grove of bamboo produces 35% more oxygen than a tree of a similar size which helps in reducing our carbon footprint too!

fashion

My sustainable lab grown diamonds collection with etika jewels

Posted on June 11, 2024

For Gaza, a poignant design of solidarity, the double ring represents togetherness and union. The ring also represents collective support, and the spirit of Hub (meaning love in Arabic) that is shared. Additionally, the ring’s sale proceeds will be going to organizations providing aid in the region.

Lab grown diamonds are as real as diamonds mined from the earth. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds and exhibit the same features and sparkle. Also, lab created diamonds consume significantly less water and energy per carat than their mined counterparts, which makes lab-grown gemstones the most sustainable choice for all your jewellery.

I collaborated with UAE based brand Etika Jewels that was founded in 2022, to design an exclusive capsule collection of rings. My designs were inspired from important elements in my life, such as; water, love and hope and peace. The rings showcase a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact and embracing solidarity during a challenging period in the region.

Each meticulously crafted ring tells its own story of commitment and beauty;

The Wave is a homage to my love for the ocean, encapsulating the majestic power and serenity of the sea. The Eye is a symbol of vigilance and self-protection, encouraging wearers to remain conscious of their environmental footprint. The Wrap adorned with vibrant red gems is a celebration of the ever-present, transformative nature of love. The Sun and Moon rings represent the enduring, cyclical beauty of the natural world. The Knot stands as a binding promise of personal and environmental integrity. The Trio, a set of and stackable singlets made for everyday wear, symbolizing elegance and flexibility and Crossroads – symbolizes the how the journey of life has many crossroads, that make it beautiful and unique.

My favourite, aptly named For Gaza, is a poignant design of solidarity, the double ring represents togetherness and union. The ring also represents collective support, and the spirit of Hub (meaning love in Arabic) that is shared. The red ruby helps highlight our love and additionally the collective loss we all feel. The ring’s sale proceeds will be going to organizations providing aid in the region.

fashion

AMANDA x By M.A.R.Y Sustainable Capsule Collection

Posted on June 7, 2024

Sustainable fashion is about three key elements; material, production and community. I believe whole-heartedly that we need to use our consumer choices to help implement actual change. Being a conscious consumer goes past the immediate pat-on-the-back to ensuring the data focused analytics that retailers use to produce en-masse aren’t adding to the problem of over 21 billion tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill every year, with our singular trend-led transactions.

I collaborated with local slow-fashion designer By.M.A.R.Y. to create a capsule collection of linen, silk and organic cotton based timeless pieces that are season-less and sustainable. These pieces also allowed us to profit share with the initiatives that we believed in, both locally and internationally.

As we both had causes close to our hearts… we decided to give back to both. ⁠ ⁠⁠

By M.A.R.Y is an ode to the women we admire, it’s our vision to mix African style with a twist of modern rock and a bang up-to-date contemporary attitude.

For Marie it’s the people.⁠ ⁠ “I believe in the importance of giving back to the continent where I grew up and want to share the success of By Mary. That is why we support the Grand Bassam Orphanage for girls in the Ivory-Coast by giving the girls a chance at an education after they leave the orphanage. In the last 2 years we have helped support 60 young girls.

For Amanda it’s the planet.⁠ ⁠ “Azraq’s mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect the marine ecosystem and species.”⁠

fashion Recommended

Introducing Eurthlin and their Vegan Handbags

Posted on November 20, 2019

Because we love our handbags, but we also want to be eco-friendly. Dubai based brand Eurthlin is the first in the region to launch a luxury vegan alternative brand for conscious consumers.

It goes without saying, if you’re going to rival the likes of the Goyard and LV tote, you need to be memorable. To me, that means a conversation starter and that is exactly what Eurthlin is. It isn’t a trend-led brand looking to capitalize on the instagrammer’s of the world, it’s a thought-provoking piece of design that ensures you a guilt-free shopping spree.

Inspired by the elements; fire, water, earth and air, the brand’s signature repeat pattern print is combined to make a unique yet not overpowering logo. The brainchild of recent vegan herself Natalie Daghestani, Eurthlin is a culmination of compassion and craftsmanship with a sustainable edge. The vegan leather is aesthetically similar to animal leather and the collection boasts 3 must-have styles for all discerning fashionistas out there.

“Eurthlin only uses 100% PETA-Approved Vegan materials and is proudly registered with The Vegan Society. The bags are also ethically produced with care, with each piece sporting a GOTS-certified organic cotton lining made from natural seeds without the use of pesticides, a dust bag that has been made from recycled bottles and their mailer pouches are home compostable.”

For the fair-trade conscious too, the brand’s production facility has been certified by Brussels-based auditing firm Amfori BSCI – the leading business association for open and sustainable trade. Adding to their sustainable edge, Eurthlin has also committed to plant one tree in the Amazon for every piece sold in collaboration with OneTreePlanted.org to assist with this year’s globally highlighted reforestation.

Branding these beauties is of course the icing on the cake and you can add your piece of personalization through their online ordering service too.

Recommended

TRIBE: Nothing beats natural

Posted on July 16, 2019

Sourced from around the world, Dubai’s favourite eco-conscious interior styling store TRIBE is where I head when it comes to finding furniture for my new home.

This earthy hotspot is a treasure trove of handmade, sustainable and natural products that are crafted around the world and curated by Dubai based Jo England. Their network of over 1000 artists extends to over 25+ countries, believing throughout that each piece should be sustainably created and ethically sourced. Fair-trade is also a key measuring point for the TRIBE team and their artisans are assured fair wages.

In this day and age where conscious consumerism is in the spotlight finally, organic and natural materials are having a resurgence and outdoor-indoor furniture no longer needs an introduction. Having a place to breathe in the home is important too, so each piece is designed to bring a taste of the tropics to you, helping to create a really comfortable and creative space for you to enjoy. Their studio space allows for a little more freedom of expression too, with a dedicated customization technician to add a little more personality into your home.

I have some gorgeous pieces from TRIBE, like my bedroom headboard in rattan, but with my new space needing some more warmth downstairs too, I chose this gorgeous island hanging chair. Inspired by the beach and designed for swinging the afternoon away. Not only is bamboo a beautiful looking material, it’s also fast-growing, strong and easy to harvest… making it a super sustainable material source.

Focusing on social responsibility too which is of uber importance to me, TRIBE plant’s trees and supports reforestation. As well as sponsoring a unique organization in India, which educates children (as seen on Netflix in ‘Daughters of Destiny’).

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