Fashion is a necessity, an art-form and an industry as well, but most importantly, fashion is a movement. It holds the ability to uplift, provides an outlet where creativity thrives, and brightens lives. This sector that is estimated to reach a turnover of 38.2 billion dollars by 2023, has supported numerous jobs globally, and fosters racial and cultural harmony by uniting people worldwide. As a powerful means of self-expression as well, fashion helps a person be their authentic selves and wear their soul on their sleeve.

 

However, the fashion industry also contributes a whopping 10% sector to the climate crisis, more than international flights and shipping put together. It constitutes a fifth of the global annual production of plastic, which is estimated to be 300 million tonnes. In addition, the sector exploits labour, rapidly pollutes and depletes natural resources, and uses unethical supply chains. The movement for sustainable fashion has rapidly expanded in recent years in an effort to bring about meaningful change in the fashion industry and globally to address the current climate emergency before it is too late by embracing accountability, optimising operations, transforming working conditions, and gradually eliminating waste.

 

Reading scores of stories and pages of statistics about the negative impact of fast-fashion sparked a major sense of urgency in the founders of AWare, a sustainable fashion and home decor label based in Belgium. They took the saying, “One man's trash is another man's treasure” very seriously and are utilising it as their own brand’s philosophy to make a difference. AWare thus produces apparel, footwear, accessories, and items for the home decor market in an environmentally responsible manner using materials that are found locally. Their mission is to demonstrate that clothing and home goods can be made in an ethical and sustainable manner without compromising on aesthetics and quality.

 

AWare takes deliberate decisions about who they work with, how they work & what materials they use. Their current collection offers bags, hoodies, t-shirts and sweaters for both adults and kids, in a wide variety of colours, styles and designs. Their products ship worldwide and are classified as Fair Wear (made with respect for both the planet and the people), made exclusively with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton from India, recycled polyester from China, recycled materials and other sustainable materials such as Modal®. The company takes great satisfaction in its production method, which generates zero waste.

 

After 5 successful years of making an impact with their apparel, the brand is now all set to launch its range of home decor items in the coming week. The collection is titled ‘René’, which symbolically means ‘reborn’ in French. Created using upcycled cloth cuttings, wood scraps, and recycled pottery items, the collection includes cushions, tablecloths, windchimes, dreamcatchers, lamps, and much more. The products are affordably priced, sourced ethically, and certified sustainable by various independent bodies and standards.

 

If you are interested in taking that first step towards saving the environment and looking good while doing it, visit AWare’s website, https://aware.fashion/, and commence your switch to sustainable clothing and home decor. You can also follow @AWareFashion on Instagram for updates. ‘René’ will be available on their website and in popular ecommerce platforms very soon.

 

SOURCES:

1. AWARE Fashion – Who made your clothes?

2. What is Sustainable Clothing? How to Make Your Capsule Wardrobe Eco Friendly. (minimalism.co)

3. Bing