There are multiple ways you can show your support this International Women’s Day (March 8th) and Women’s History Month – be it picking up a feminist book, or supporting female identifying creators.
Many of us are eager to revamp our wardrobes and wear something other than loungewear as we approach summer and the end of lockdown, so what better way to do so whilst supporting women’s businesses? Now more than ever is a vital time to be mindful of our privilege; to be making conscious choices about where we shop and where our money is going. Buying from a female-led fashion brand this International Women’s Day is a brilliant way to use your power for good. To make things a whole lot easier for you, I’ve created this list of 4 female-led fashion brands you should be aware of!
1.Tala
Founded by entrepreneur and Oxford grad, Grace Beverley, TALA is loud and proud with each of their sustainable practices. Going beyond merely maintaining their eco-friendly ethics, TALA constantly utilises their platform to educate thousands of people about a multitude of societal and environmental issues.
TALA’s pieces are sleek and stylish, and they don’t discriminate! Their pieces are made to be worn by the masses, complimenting and shaping any body type.
2. Wuka
Period pants might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to fashion brands, but these sustainable period alternatives are definitely something worth adding to your underwear drawer. Wuka is a female-led start up, founded by environmental scientist, Ruby, who grew up in Nepal (where shame about periods is widespread). They offer a range of different cuts and are size inclusive ranging from 2XS to 3XL!
Wuka often partner with environmental and women’s charities, donating their time, money and period pants to help achieve their missions. Presently, 1% of all their sales are donated to Surfers Against Sewage – a national marine conservation and campaigning charity that empowers communities to take action to protect the ocean, beaches and wildlife.
Pretty Lavish was launched by sisters Stephanie and Samantha Frost’s as means of bridging high street and luxury fashion. Today they are best known their occasion wear, luxury knitwear and modern bridesmaids’ collection.
Designed and mostly manufactured in the UK, their purpose is to reshape the comparative culture we live in, allowing women of all cultures, shapes and sizes to feel confident in their own skin. This affordable and stylish brand is now stocked on ASOS (where there is currently a sale).
Luxury jewellery has always felt like an indulgence unavailable to me as a low-income background student. However, Edge of Ember don’t buy in to this exclusivity, offering good quality AND sustainable jewellery that doesn’t break the bank.
Founded by Singapore native Lynette Ong, today Edge of Ember is an all-female operation based in Central London. They pride themselves on their ethical production practices, which they’ve maintained as they’ve grown larger and wider as a company.
Edge of Ember help their customers make empowered choices about fashion, for example their most recent collection – the Liberty Collection “inspired by the spirit of female empowerment”. What’s more, this International Women’s Day, they are supporting Women for Women International, with £15 from each sale of their ‘Fearless necklace’ going towards supporting a female survivor of war.
This list is by no means exhaustive, so do go on to do your own research to find female-led businesses near you and let us know your favourites!