We’re all aware of the problems that climate change poses to our world, with a big contributor being the emission of greenhouse gases. What you may not know is that the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters. An estimated 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from textile production alone. Luckily, there are a lot of amazing brands that do not contribute to this massive pollution and strive for a more sustainable future for fashion. So we’ve listed four fantastic brands here for anyone looking to build themselves a more sustainable wardrobe.
Rapanui Clothing
Made in a modern factory on the Isle of Wight, Rapanui Clothing is a very forward-thinking sustainable clothing brand. To avoid wastage even further Rapanui produces their t-shirts in real-time once an item is purchased, which means they never have the issue of producing more than they sell. Once the t-shirts are worn out by customers, they have the option to send them back to Rapanui so that the fabric can be used to make a new t-shirt. Rapanui is thereby creating a circular supply chain and countering the huge amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. With clothes for both men and women available in their online shop, it’s definitely one to check out.
Goat Organic Apparel
This Amsterdam-based clothing brand’s motto is “sustainability is not sustainable if it’s not accessible”. Goat Organic Apparel strives to fill the gap in the market for simple basic clothing that’s both sustainably made and still affordable. All their clothing is unisex. Transparency and honesty are important to the brand and they are upfront about where they produce their clothing, as well as what their t-shirts and hoodies are made of.
Shipping prices might be a bit on the high side with them being based in the Netherlands, but at the very least it is worth checking out their shop on your next trip to Amsterdam!
ArmedAngels
Based in Germany, ArmedAngels is a brand that continuously looks at ways to decrease its own carbon footprint. They aim to set an example for other companies by reducing their pollution through taking fewer business trips by plane and incorporating renewable energies in their headquarters. ArmedAngels’s emission decrease is not the only sustainable process of their clothing production, they also aim to fight ‘textile slavery’.
How and by whom a garment is made is just as much of an influence on the sustainability of a brand as with what materials the clothing is made. ArmedAngels aims to empower textile workers by donating to charities such as the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF). Although the shipping costs are again a bit high because the brand is based in Germany, it is very much worth looking into as they have a great collection of both men’s and women’s clothing.
Kuyichi
Dutch sustainable fashion brand Kuyichi was founded in 2001 after the founders took a trip to Peru. They were shocked by the pollution and poverty rampant in the cotton industry there and determined to change this, Kuyichi started to collaborate with the local Peruvian farmers to ensure that the farmers were being fairly rewarded for their work as well as that the cotton they produced was made fairly and organically. In addition to this, Kuyichi also works hard to combat the huge amount of waste that fast fashion brings with it by making its clothing timeless and unaffected by current fashion trends. Although based in the Netherlands, their women’s and men’s clothing can be ordered from the UK.
Small steps that can lead to big changes…
Climate change is a big issue and can only truly be combatted when the big and powerful on this planet help too. However, big changes always start with small steps, and investing your money into a sustainable fashion brand might be a good small step. Putting money into brands that care about our planet and its people, is the key to a sustainable wardrobe and progress in the industry.
Techwear is short for technical wear, and it is a type of fashion that revolves around maximising functionality and comfort. Due to this specific brief many techwear outfits incorporate clothing associated with militaries like cargo pants and chest harnesses for their utility like extra pockets. In the spirit of high functionality, most techwear outfits incorporate waterproof materials, a hood and multiple layers. Of course, the outfits vary with the seasons; it wouldn’t be very functional to venture out into a heatwave in heavy waterproof clothing. The outfits usually feature darker colours too.
Techwear has risen in popularity in recent years and has infiltrated popular social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. For many creators/influencers on these sites, their content revolves around showcasing their techwear looks such as @yijihoon and @xshad0wboii on TikTok and @greppigraphics on Instagram.
It can often be confused with darkwear and warcore but techwears highest priority is functionality rather than aesthetics. Darkwear places more emphasis on aesthetics than techwear, and warcore uses as much military inspired clothing as possible. There is a lot of crossover within these styles, so the confusion is understandable and some may argue that the outfits I discuss could be any of them.
Techwear retailers tend to be expensive, so it’s worth remembering that for some of your techwear wardrobe, you don’t necessarily need to shop at a techwear specific store. You could get it anywhere! For example, turtlenecks, caps, cargo trousers and boots are available in most clothing stores or online retailers (I got my first pair of cargo trousers from Amazon, my boots from Shoe Zone, turtleneck from Boohoo Man and my favourite cap from Romwe).
All the attributes detailed above make techwear perfect for winter! Multiple layers will keep you warm in those harsh winter winds and waterproof clothing will protect you from the damp weather. The popularity of face masks in techwear looks is also pretty fitting during a global pandemic and cold and flu season.
An Example Winter Fit To start with I would recommend a good pair of cargo trousers. They are comfy, functional and you will be warm and in no danger of running out of pockets. Next up, a comfy pair of trainers. Some people choose boots over trainers, but when traversing a city, especially if you rely on public transport, boots can compromise functionality by their cumbersome nature. In addition, they can be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time, especially when walking a lot. However, if you are reading this article from a secret bunker in the mountains or a forest, feel free to stick to a reliable set of boots!
Now let’s get into layering…
I would recommend three upper body layers to a winter techwear outfit. The first is a long-sleeved t-shirt, the second is a turtleneck jumper, and the third is a waterproof techwear cape/poncho. The multiple warm layers will be perfect for winter, and the cloak/poncho will add an extra layer of protection against the weather (bonus points if you can find one with a hood attached to it). After that, add gloves to your outfit to keep you warm and keep up the aesthetic. Many people go for motorcycle style gloves rather than woolly mittens, but there are plenty of other styles for you to choose from! I would just advise you not to go with a fingerless pair, which might compromise our winter look and the all-important functionality of the outfit.
See the examples below to help you make a decision:
You can accessorise this fit with a beanie for extra warmth or, if you prefer a darkwear aesthetic, consider swapping it out with a baseball cap. I would also recommend some attachable pouches for your poncho or cloak. Alternatively, you could go with some chest harness bags and/or a techwear style rucksack for functionality and style!
Like a dog, fashion is for life, not just for Christmas. Consequently, here’s how to alter your techwear look for the hotter seasons.
You can stick to cargo trousers if you like, but you may want to swap them out for cargo shorts in hotter weather. I recommend sticking to a baseball cap as an accessory for sun protection; however, a bucket hat could be a good alternative. Layering is less prominent in hot weather, and most techwear looks stick to black or grey t-shirts (long or short sleeves depending on personal preference and the weather) made from a thin, breathable material.
We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about techwear, its two offshoot styles and how to make your own outfit. For more great articles consider subscribing to The Renaissaint and following us on our social channels.
We are all familiar with the multi-million fashion business that stands today as Christian Dior. The infamous CD logo inevitably leaps to mind for many of us, I’m sure. Christian Dior is a revolutionary name in the fashion industry; a name which is exceptionally deserving and worthy of its icon status. In many ways, Christian Dior changed the way fashion is not only viewed, but also produced, having been the very first couturier to arrange licensed production of his designs.
We now know the fashion brand for the wearable designs that Maria Grazia Chiuri has brought to the table as its first female creative director. Her reinvention of Marc Bohan’s Dior Oblique pattern is unmissable. Whether it’s on the B23 high-top sneakers you cannot walk the streets and not spot, or on the book tote bag everyone is taking trendy holiday instagram pictures with, one thing is for sure – it is completely and undeniably popular.
Even through this brief discussion of the Dior Oblique pattern we can see just how influential and important every creative director’s contribution is to the brand. Thus, let’s embark on a journey through time and look at the creative director’s to grace the Christian Dior label.
Christian Dior (1946-1957)
Christian Dior started his well renowned fashion house in 1946 after having gained experience in the world of fashion alongside iconic names such as Robert Piguet, Lucian Long and Pierre Balmain. His first show as a fashion house founder took place a year later in 1947, and the ninety looks featured took the fashion world by storm. Dior’s creations were quickly labelled as the ‘new look’, readily sought out after the fabric restrictions of the war. His work rose to popularity when famous faces like Rita Hayworth, Margot Fonteyn and the Royal Family were spotted in the designs. His beautiful curvy silhouettes are some of the most noteworthy of his designs and remain a Dior staple in the creations of many of the creative directors to follow (Raf Simons to give an example).
Yves Saint Laurent found his first job in the fashion industry working alongside Christian Dior as his assistant. After Dior’s sad passing in 1957, the French fashion scene found itself in disarray; CEO Marcel Boussac wished to shut down the brand as a whole but was unable to due to the industry authorities’ denial. This meant that Yves Saint Laurent found himself creative director of Dior. He designed six collections as creative director: the first being a triumph in a time where the death of Monsieur Dior was still fresh in the public’s hearts. His third collection and thereafter made him, unfortunately, lose some momentum. He drew inspiration from Bohemian culture and attempted to move in a direction influenced by modernity and a ‘new age’. He attempted to introduce dark colours and fabrics like leather, textiles we otherwise now recognise as the signature YSL style. The French public did not view his distancing from bourgeoisie elegance in a positive light and thus, his latter collections received very bad reviews. Saint Laurent was called to go to the military after two years and six collections at Dior. Two years after that, the iconic Saint Laurent label was founded. Looking back at his work for Dior now we can appreciate his attempts to bring freshness to the industry as a couture genius perhaps just too ahead of his time.
Marc Bohan succeeded Saint Laurent as creative director at Dior. Arguably, Bohan had the greatest impact on Dior as a brand and most importantly as a business. He not only created the beloved Dior Oblique pattern that we previously discussed, but he also launched the brands very first ready-to-wear collection in 1970. Bohan also created a menswear line called Dior Monsieur, which stands today as Dior Homme. As for Bohan’s style, we can describe it as more conservative and simple, especially moving away from Saint Laurent’s more daring designs, but nonetheless breathtaking in their beauty.
Gianfranco Ferre took the role of creative director at Dior in 1989 once Bohan decided to move back to London. Having studied in the Architecture Department at The Polytechnic University of Milan, Ferre’s designs whilst at Dior certainly brought a more architectural look to the table. His collections showcased abstract silhouettes, displaying the beauty of movement in their voluminous structures and exaggerated lines and colour: the reason Ferre was nicknamed the ‘fashion architect’. Ferre’s exit from Dior came sadly as he decided to focus on his own brand.
The first ever Englishman to join the legacy of Dior, and perhaps our own personal favourite Dior era, John Galliano became creative director in 1997 upon Anna Wintour’s recommendation. His nationality proved to be a surprising issue amongst the public who were not happy at the fact that Galliano was English. Nonetheless, raising above all prejudice, Galliano, likened to Christian Dior by CEO Arnault, made a legendary impact on the brand. The pencil moustache, naked suit, genius rendered a complete brand revamp. His creative input gave the brand a radical shift from old- school, quaint elegance to a completely new lane for artistry with garments that blurred the lines between: past and present, fashion and sculpture, theatre and real life.
Every fashion junkie has undoubtedly watched the beautiful documentary Dior & I, which saw Raf Simons’ first steps as creative director and his attempts at modernising the processes of haute couture, alongside working on, and significantly succeeding in, his very first show. His work brought back the sophisticated and elegant look of the past, but with a new, fresh edge. His three year reign at Dior brought an increase in sales of 60%, however, unfortunately, he decided not to renew his contract and left to focus on his own brand.
As mentioned previously, Grazia Chiuri is the first ever woman to creatively direct and lead the Dior label by herself. She has unfortunately received some backlash, with critics commenting on her lack of creativity, suggesting that Dior had appointed the wrong designer for the role. The truth is, her designs prove wearability in a way not seen before by Dior. Some of her designs like the ‘we should all be feminists’ t-shirts are easily everyday attire. And maybe that’s what makes her collections special. Not only can her designs empower women in their everyday lives, but from a sales standpoint, her collections certainly do prove very successful.
It’s looking like it’s time….some of you may not be able to fight the calls to get back into the office after sitting in your pyjamas for the best part of 18 months. I know, it’s tough but on the upside there’s a reason for you to up your game and go back in style! So here’s 5 of the brands and products we’re loving at The Renaissaint to get you started!
You can’t go too far wrong if you’ve got as far as looking at Oliver Peoples for your sunglasses or specs. Their classic and refined designs rarely miss the mark. For both males and females they’re definitely another go-to brand you should have in your locker.
Sherlock Watcher Check By Percival Menswear – £219
For all the Macbook users out there, this simple and sleek case from Apple is a great addition. It’s a clean and classic design while also being lightweight. The charging slot for you to keep your laptop protected and packed up while also charging is a nice touch as well. Perfect, for charging without having to unpack everything.
Crafted from high-quality French leather with a soft microfibre lining that keeps your MacBook Air or Pro protected wherever you take it.
No matter what the dress code of your place of work there should be something to do it in style in the Signatures ranges for men and women by Reiss. Here are just some of the staples for you to check out: