Online shopping reached new heights in 2020, and the fashion industry gained the shift to digital, too. However, like the rest of the world, Canadian consumers have become more aware of the impact of their shopping choices.
Almost half of the people who participated in an EY Future Consumer Index survey stated that the social and environmental impact of their products were significant drivers in their purchase decision-making.
As the fashion landscape changes, some brands have stepped up to create a more sustainable future moving forward.
So with this in mind, here are some names in fashion that have committed to giving back to important causes.
Lanius
Claudia Lanius founded the German brand Lanius, as she was learning about raw materials for more sustainable clothing. Armed with the knowledge of hemp’s sustainable qualities, including its fast and pesticide-free growth, Lanius created a line that donates to organic farming families in India.
Brands like Lanius encourage consumers to be more discerning with clothing materials. This should also influence how consumers can build their wardrobe more sustainably.
For instance, Toronto-based fashion brand, Encircled, states that building a more ethical closet need not involve starting from scratch.
It would be more responsible to keep what you love, donate the rest, and be mindful of future purchases, keeping in mind brands like Lanius, which use sustainable materials.
Adidas
Adidas has consistently given back to the community in various ways, and its recent initiative has done just that. Their most recent collaboration with Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be donating 33 signed pairs of the Adidas Forum Low, which will cost $1,000 each.
All proceeds will benefit the Skyhook Foundation, which Abdul-Jabbar founded back in 2009 to focus on giving opportunities to the LA youth.
The sneaker is super personalized, as it was hand-made with Kareem’s LA Lakers home jersey. The 33 limited edition pairs are, of course, inspired by his jersey number.
By partnering with a celebrated athlete such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Adidas is not only directly contributing to the foundation but also raising awareness for the issues it aims to address.
Miki Moko
When shopping ethically, don’t forget to include your accessories. Miki Moko is a fashion glasses brand with a unique sustainable fashion business model: they let customers choose how much they want to pay for their frames.
Half of what the brand makes goes to the Nepal Youth Foundation, which returns indentured girls to their families.
Accessories are often neglected because they are smaller and easily replaceable, but investing in good-quality pieces will be more economical in the long run.
Miki Moko is just one of the brands for accessories that do good, whether that’s using recyclable materials or ensuring part of their proceeds goes to a good cause.
Made Trade
Made Trade is a woman-owned, family-run company with the belief that we can all make the world a more beautiful place by holding ourselves to a higher ethical standard, or in their words, being “ethically elevated.”
They’ve curated over 8,500 goods for the modern wardrobe and home that are ethical, sustainable, and beautiful and are a member of 1% For The Planet, giving back to environmental causes that mitigate negative impacts on the planet.
For her and for him, for baby and pets, plus gorgeous gifts and homeware, Made Trade focuses on natural fibres, clean lines, and artisan craftsmanship guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Shop their latest green arrivals.
FEED
Some brands have simple advocacies that make their part of the world a better place, and for FEED, it’s all about contributing to the fight against world hunger.
By purchasing one Feed Kenya Bag from this brand, a customer would provide 370 school meals for children in Kenya.
The sustainable fashion brand has been steadfast in its mission since 2007. To date, they have provided 122,471,206 meals for children in need, working with brands like Ralph Lauren to create products like the Polo x FEED backpacks and caps that contribute to the advocacy.
Each bag is imprinted with a number indicating how many meals you’ve provided with your purchase, signalling the consumers’ active role in the brand’s altruism.
