Being passionate about fashion, and also being so lucky to work in the field, I find often my professional approach spills into my spare time. I unwind reading a glossy magazine on the sofa, but can’t help analysing the trends and, most of all, going through my mental archive of ethical brands, always trying to find a real alternative to the beautiful clothes I see on the pages.

I found this season my task has been made very easy, especially when looking at the Rebecca Street ‘Human Nature’ collection look book.

In the pages of Vogue UK, I saw an aesthetically gorgeous editorial focussed on spring coats, all made of light coloured, shimmery, brocade-like fabrics. The real sustainable alternative to these? Enter this amazing Rebecca Street number:

 

 

Another seasonal trend, as seen at Vuitton and Valentino among others, is for laser-cut patterns and lace.

Wouldn’t you just marvel at the intricacy of this delicate leather dress:

 

 

 

Rebecca Street’s expertise in luxury fashion spans her years of experience working with Alexander McQueen, Giles Deacon, and Mulberry.

But Rebecca’s own spiritual growth, when she became more conscious of human rights and the impact of humanity on nature’s resources, spurred her passion for a new considered luxury.

Rebecca has spent several years researching and studying the potential for luxury fashion to be ethical and sustainable, and set up the label in 2011 alongside American social entrepreneur Molly Hayward.

The aesthetic intention with this ready-to-wear line is to create garments that are exceptional in their design, cut, and execution.

 

The premier collection features silk and leather. Rebecca has developed her own silk jacquard in collaboration with a mill that has been trading in England since 1720. Their new machines use reduced and recycled energy and the final treatment of the dye water makes it crystal clear and non-polluting. Furthermore, the silks are printed digitally, which results in no pollution and reduced waste.

A traditional French mill makes the majority of the silk and is registered on SEDEX (The Supplier Ethical Data Exchange).

The third silk supplier is an Indian mill, which supports their local communities by setting up schools, sending bright students to University and putting money into hospitals.

No child labour is used and conditions in all mills and dye plants are checked and assessed regularly.

The leather is natural vegetable tanned in Italy, using none of the harmful chemicals used for conventional leather production.

 

All of Rebecca Streeet garments are currently produced in a small, skilled unit in London that is run efficiently as a small family business. This local scale production ensures a small carbon footprint.

 

Whilst current collections are being focused locally, Rebecca Street’s long-term goal is also to create jobs and opportunities for marginalized people in both the developed and developing worlds.

This vision was also recognised in 2011, at the launch of the collection, by the

Ethical Fashion Forum, which presented the label with a “One to Watch” Innovation Award.

 

all images courtesy of Rebecca Street