On this blog, I talk a lot about making conscious decisions about what we consume, particularly when it comes to fashion. Recently, the Fashion Revolution has been gaining more and more momentum and challenging consumers to be more conscious that their clothes are made by human hands. Recently, I’ve partnered with an inspiring Paris-based start-up brand called Les Sublimes that embodies the socially-responsible consumption and sustainable practices that the Fashion Revolution is all about. Les Sublimes creates stylish wardrobe essentials without compromise. Every item is not only fashionable, timeless, and high quality, but all materials are produced responsibly and with integrity.
When you first make the switch from fast fashion brands to socially-responsible brands, it can be a little overwhelming to wade through all of the clothing brands out there, research their ethics, and determine whether or not they’re making a sincere effort to treat their workers with respect and provide them with a living wage. Much of the time, popular fast fashion brands “address” concerns about the conditions under which their clothes are produced by providing a brief, vague statement on an obscure section of their website about how they are working to improve sustainable practices and provide better wages for the garment factory workers. However, these brands rarely provide details about how they’re working toward these changes. In my experience, brands that are passionate and earnest about social change are forthright about it.
That’s what initially impressed me about Les Sublimes: their incredible transparency. Take a look at their website, and you’ll see what I mean. There’s no question what Les Sublimes stands for. For example, there’s a page on the website that details all of the materials they use, where they’re produced, and why those materials are better options for the planet. On another page, you can learn about Thierry and Madame Pérard – the owners of the multi-generation family business that produces the clothing – and how their business employs mothers and provides them with fair pay, health care, and training programs to help improve their skills. Les Sublimes even reveals how they distribute their profits, which is something I’ve never seen another company do.
Les Sublimes launched a campaign on their Indiegogo page today to raise $10,000 EUR to finish producing their first collection. This campaign is an opportunity to not only support their business but also to preorder the collection.
The collection consists of six styles, each of which is a classic wardrobe staple. My favorite items are the Stockholm Tee, the Buenos Aires Dress, and the Paris Tank (pictured, left to right). Future collections will complement this one and offer more seasonal colors or fabrics.
Each piece is easily styled, versatile, and suited to a variety of personal styles. I love the way the Pokhara Tee (pictured above) is styled with a leather skirt, but can also be worn with skinny jeans and a flannel. In the same way, the London Dress (pictured below) can be worn with a leather jacket and sneakers or with a fun hat and sandals.
More Cool Reasons to Support Les Sublimes:
- For every item sold, Les Sublimes and their partners provide 1 month of education to a girl in need. By providing education to young girls, the girls can gain the knowledge and skills to find good jobs and lift their families out of poverty. 1 month of education for 1 item sold? That’s pretty amazing.
- Not only are the pieces from the Les Sublimes Spring Collection made of eco-friendly materials, Les Sublimes seeks to reduce its waste by donating unused scraps to be made into new textiles. The clothes are also packaged using more sustainable materials than traditional packing materials.
- No animals suffer in the production of their clothes.
- All of the workers involved are treated fairly and with dignity.
- If you sign up for their rewards program, you can earn perks while giving back. For example, by joining the rewards program and referring your friends, you could earn $10 EUR off a purchase or provide reusable pads so that girls don’t have to miss school when they have their periods.
Overall, Les Sublimes is doing great things. Definitely check out the Les Sublimes website and their Indiegogo campaign!
– Lauren
*Photos courtesy of Les Sublimes.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post with some of my tips for shopping ethically on a small budget. Because I had so many tips, I decided to make my ethical shopping tips posts a multi-part series on my blog. That way, I wouldn’t dump a ton of information on you all at once, and also so that I could create an ongoing list of socially-conscious shopping tips that I can add to as I discover new ones. Last week, I went on vacation to Nashville, Tennessee and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get some shots for Part 2 of the series. So without further ado, here are some more ways I afford to shop ethical clothing on a student budget.
BLUESTOCKING 