Ethically Challenged?

Ethical fashion has had a hard slog, it's more expensive than your average high street offerings and has a reputation for being a bit Boho. Not that there’s anything wrong with looking ‘all Cornwall’ as my sisters and I used to say, but personally, it's not my go to style.

It was a trip to Africa, working at an orphanage where the kids and workers there had pretty much sweet FA in the way of material possessions, that got me thinking about where my clothing and style literally came from.  When I started earning a decent wage and as my responsibilities are relatively low (I’m talking mortgage and magazines rather than raising a family) I decided to try and do something about it.

£99.99

Not wanting my tops and dresses to have been made by 4yr olds in India, but equally unhappy with the shapeless or, if not unattractive, fairly mundane clothes I found that were fair trade actively looking for  ethically produced garments has been an uphill struggle. The list of shops I no longer frequent is getting longer and longer - so long Zara and Banana Republic its been emotional, so I was excited by the HandM Conscious collection.


First impressions were disappointing, the style of the collection seemed not to my tastes again, but then I found the Conscious Exclusive Collection and discovered that's a whole different bag of fish.  The pleated Ruffle top and Chiffon Dress are both romantic without being casual (or hippie-trippie as my sisters and I used to say.)

The website advises just how the items are ethical as well, for example my new belt is 'made of vegetable-tanned leather from cows reared for organic meat production on Swedish farms' cool huh?

That bustier silk top which may well slip into my basket as well is noted as 'made from organic hemp, mulberry silk and organic cotton' *Right hand reaches for credit card, Left had slaps it away*.

£34.99

There's also an embroidered skirt and some beautiful shoes, both of which are looking likely to be  purchased that could be worn as work wear or summer outfits, and that's not even half the collection. I've not even touched on the gowns that are available. The long jacquard-weave dress may be £150 but any high end high street dress would be more and here you have the added bonus of feeling virtuous whilst shopping, a feeling I've not had since I bought my first pair of Toms. PS I looked up jacquard as had no idea what it meant, am still not completely sure but I think its what makes it all bobbly-looking.

While this may not be the perfect set for everyone, that a high street store has both bothered and managed to produce a collection like this makes me very happy.  Finally Ethical doesn't have to mean 'without style'.   The collection is available from tomorrow, race you to the website!

All Images Courtesty of HandM - approved via twitter!