Sustainable Style To Update Your Wardrobe
Elys Style Expert and Personal Stylist, Helen, shines a spotlight on the names to know in sustainable style.
As we strive for a more thoughtful, environmentally conscious approach to life, it’s our wardrobes in which we can make a big difference. If you love clothes, but you question their impact on the planet, it's time to make those small changes and step away from throwaway fast fashion.
The sustainable fashion offering at Elys continues to expand with more environmentally conscious brands so here I want to share with you three of my favourites in-store now: NRBY, Albaray and Aspiga. From the fibres used, to the sourcing of materials, manufacturing processes, and considered life cycle of garments, these names prove that great style can go hand in hand with a more sustainable way of dressing.
Liberty print silk dress, NRBY. On mannequin: Tiered dress, Aspiga
Wardrobe essentials by Albaray
Albaray is a sustainable womenswear brand created in 2020 when the all-female trio of founders with over 25 years experience in the fashion industry had the opportunity to reflect on their roles in the fashion industry and step forward to make a positive change. At Albaray, their mission is to create ‘considered clothing for modern lifestyles that stands the test of time, without compromising on quality’, all made with sustainability in mind.
“Thoughtful fashion designed for everyday” - AlbarayThe Eco Bit…
Albaray’s collections are made from responsibly sourced fabrics including Ecovero™ viscose, which meets strict environmental guidelines and is made from wood and pulp from certified and sustainably controlled renewable sources with a manufacturing process which generates up to 50% lower carbon emissions and less water impact compared to conventional viscose.
The organic cotton used by Albaray is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and not only has a lower environmental impact than standard cotton, reduces water usage, greenhouse gases and uses fewer chemicals.
With the production of denim creating a huge environmental impact it’s reassuring to learn that Albaray’s denim is made from 100% certified organic, responsibly sourced cotton and the fabric is treated using a sustainable laundry process, saving 65-80 litres of water per pair of jeans in an energy efficient factory using no hazardous chemicals.
Floral blouse and jeans, both Albaray.
Style Notes…
Albaray’s versatile styles are designed for every day and will stand the sartorial test of time from wear-anywhere viscose blouses to throw-on dresses and loungewear co-ords for downtime dressing. It’s worth noting that from a wearer point of view, viscose is a natural fibre that is soft against the skin with many of the properties of cotton and silk.
Striped shirt and jeans, both Albaray
Elevated casuals at NRBY
Helen wears: Liberty print silk blouse and khaki jogger, both NRBY. On mannequin: Liberty print silk dress and cashmere sweater, both NRBY
After a successful pop-up last season, NRBY’s sumptuous silks in bold yet timeless prints, cashmere knitwear and cotton basics are now a permanent fixture at Elys. Since launching in 2019, sustainability and ethical practices have been at the heart of NRBY from the small number of expert, often family-owned businesses which produce the garments, to bamboo paper hang-tags and the recycled and recyclable cardboard hangers on which the clothing is displayed.
“Our focus on fit and natural fabrics means that NRBY garments are about style, not fashion” - NRBY
The Eco Bit…
NRBY’s use of 100% natural fibres ensures that at the end of the garment life cycle they can re-enter the ecosystem thanks to their biodegradability. All cotton used is Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified, the cashmere is GOTS certified and, just like Albaray, the viscose used by NRBY is sourced from Lenzing™ (producers of Ecovero™).
One way to produce clothing in a more environmentally efficient way is to use ‘deadstock’ fabric: a phrase we’re hearing more often as brands strive to work in a more sustainable way. NRBY utilises this leftover or cancelled fabric sitting unused in a warehouse and, as it is already in the supply chain, it’s a super-efficient way of using what is already available.
Liberty print silk blouse and cashmere sweater, both NRBY
Style Notes…
Use neutral staples like the khaki jogger style trousers as a base to build your outfit around: wear with trainers and a sweater by day or dress-up with the printed silk blouse and bold pair of heels as styled above.
Everything is washable, which is always a hit with my clients (and me!) and the sizing is generous so if in doubt, size down.
All items, NRBY
Holiday-ready in Aspiga
Floral wrap dress, Aspiga
Since launching in 2005, Aspiga has focussed on sustainable and ethical fashion by putting people and the planet first, partnering with creators and suppliers in Kenya and India to create collections using natural, organic materials. Aspiga’s printed blouses and flowing dresses are the ideal addition to your summer wardrobe, created in lightweight fabrics.
“Working towards a more socially and environmentally conscious future, putting people and the planet first. ” - Aspiga
The Eco Bit…
Aspiga use organic GOTS certified cotton where possible and if unable to source organic cotton for particular items, they donate to Water Harvest, a program that provides life-saving water tanks for the most deprived communities in Delhi and Jaipur. The popular Lenzing™ viscose is also used in a capsule collection and not only are the fabrics used carefully considered but Aspiga also give back through various initiatives and charities as well as providing economic empowerment including giving loans to some of their small suppliers to build workshops and buy tools and machinery to grow their businesses.
Embroidered blouse, Aspiga
Style Notes…
Not just for holidays, wear Aspiga at home or away and mix-and-match with your wardrobe staples. Style the white embroidered blouse with jeans and sandals, pair Aspiga’s printed maxi skirts with a white tee, denim jacket and neat trainers, and top the wrap dresses with a blazer for a smarter look.
Helen wears: Wrap dress, Aspiga. On mannequin: Tiered dress, Aspiga.
Mix-and-Match Style
Work and rework your style with these sustainable outfit ideas featuring Albaray’s straight cut jeans in sturdy denim to wear on repeat along with NRBY and Aspiga.
Embroidered blouse, Aspiga; Jeans, Albaray
Liberty print silk blouse, NRBY; Jeans, Albaray
Striped shirt and jeans, both Albaray; Bag, Great Plains
Find Aspiga and Albaray online at elyswimbledon.co.uk and as well as in-store with NRBY in our Womenswear Department on the First Floor.
Book a complimentary styling session with Helen and the Elys Personal Styling team to tap into their in-depth knowledge of all brands in-store and show you the pieces which will suit you best as well as making more sustainable style choices.
Follow Helen @cocomamastyle on Instagram for more style inspiration.