Eco-friendly living has come a long way since the heyday of burlap totes and bamboo straws. Here are some top brands to shop now that are both sustainable and seriously stylish.
SARR.RAI
Thai brand Sarr.rai transtorms discarded glass bottles from Bangkok community space The Commons to use as “gems” in their edgy, eco-friendly jewellery. Handcrafted with 92.5 silver and biodegradable pearls by artisans
in Bangkok’s Old Town, these pieces are a stylish flex that says you care about the planet without sacrificing style. officialsarrrai.com; from Bt590
INDOSOLE
Each year, billions of discarded rubber tyres contribute to pollution, releasing toxic fumes when burned. Bali-based Indosole gives these old tyres a second life, upcycling them into stylish, eco-friendly, waterproof sandals. The soles are 100-percent recycled tyre, and no fuels are used in manufacturing. Indosole is a Certified B Corporation, so their social and labour impact is just as ethical and sustainable as the material they use.
indosole.com; from R459.000
SPACE AVAILABLE
Each year, only 10 percent of the world’s 6.8 million tonnes of plastic waste is recycled, but Space Available is flipping the script in style. Based in Bali, this eclectic team of scientists, designers and environmentalists
transforms discarded plastics into seriously cool, psychedelic-looking furniture and clothing. Chairs—made of 20 kilograms of recycled plastic—resemble clouds, turntable casings take on kaleidoscopic patterns, work pants are dystopian-utilitarian- chic. All mix local craftsmanship with bold, eco-friendly design.
spaceavailable.tv; from Rp630,000
BRAVE SHOES
At first glance, you may think the coolest thing about Brave Shoes is their funky space-agey design but wait until you hear that they’re made out of things like lime and banana peels and help reduce agricultural waste (and boost employment) in rural Thailand. Founded by two fashionable friends bored by the sustainable footwear options on the market, Brave’s quirky designs are made from recycled rubber soles, repurposed plastic heels, organic waste, and vegan leather from unused stock.
braveshoes.com; from Bt1.990
HARPER COLLECTIVE
Crafted in Italy from 70-percent recycled ocean plastic, Harper Collective is revolutionising luxury travel gear. Founders Jaden Smith (yes, that Jaden Smith) and Sebastian Manes invested years in research and development to ensure that production processes were both ethical and sustainable before launching the brand this summer. The result is a line of sleek, highly durable suitcases delivering on style and practicality while putting ocean plastics to good use.
harpercollective.co.uk; from US$790, available for shipping to Asia at selfridges.com
ANGUS TSUI
Hong Kong’s sustainable high-fashion king, Angus Tsui, has been fighting the good fight against fast fashion for years with avant-garde, eco-conscious garments that are made entirely of upcycled materials and deadstock fabrics. We love that his efforts don’t just stop at cool designs—he’s also passionate about education and mentoring young designers to prioritise sustainability.
angustsui.com/shop; from HK$1,480
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