From community-based partnerships that give back to those in need to eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, a new generation of mission-minded fashion brands is focused on improving the world we live in. We can all do our part to change the world, even in the choices we make with something as simple as our wardrobe. Check out how the brands listed below are making a difference.
1. BOMBAS
Birthed from the revelation that socks are the number one requested clothing item at homeless shelters, Bombas aims to make a difference by donating a pair to someone in need with every pair sold. Besides their charitable angle, the design is actually pretty innovative, boasting increased performance and comfort over your average sock. To date, over 5 million pairs have been donated.
2. HAVASOLE
The brainchild of former sneaker head Rikki Mendias, this LA-based nonprofit donates gently worn kicks to homeless individuals and at-risk youth. Since its inception four years ago, the organization has given out over 12,000 pairs of shoes in 20 cities. Nicknamed “The Sneaker Saint,” Mendias hopes to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent disease while fostering a sense of community along the way.
3. SABBAT X RELATED GARMENTS
The collection of undergarments is an ode to Grown-ish star Luka Sabbat’s Haitian roots. Designed in collaboration with his father, Clark and Related Garments founders Mike and David Appel, proceeds benefit HELP Haiti, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to deserving youth. Most Haitians are denied access to education, resulting in the lowest school enrollment rates in the Western Hemisphere. Sabbat’s initiative hopes to do its part by providing youth with an opportunity to fulfill their academic potential, become productive citizens and eventually agents of change who will promote a more just society in Haiti.
4. SHWOOD
Founded in 2009, the eyewear company’s original wood frames are designed from reclaimed trees. Determined to play their part in protecting the environment, the Portland, OR-based brand institutes daily operational policies targeted at minimizing their ecological footprint.
5. G-Star RAW Most Sustainable Collection
Earlier this year, G-Star RAW announced that Jaden Smith would soon be making his mark in the world of ethical fashion, teaming up with the brand’s “Head of Imagination,” Pharell Williams, to create an entirely sustainable line of denim. “The reason that I partnered with G-Star is because we share the same values: We’re both constantly innovating and committing to sustainability,” Smith explains. “They have the first pair of jeans created with no water wasted, cleanest indigo ever, 100 percent organic cotton. In 2050 there will be 50 million climate refugees, and that’s gonna be something that the next generation will have to singlehandedly take on. So it’s really important for me to raise awareness in this type of way because things are changing in the world and we need to change with it for the better to help combat what’s happening.”
6. Traplord X UNIFORM
A$AP Ferg‘s streetwear brand Traplord partnered with basics brand UNIFORM to release a lineup of utilitarian basics whose proceeds provide school uniforms to disadvantaged kids in Liberia. “Something as simple as a school uniform can impact an entire generation because many kids [aren’t allowed in school without them],” explains Ferg. “Coming from Harlem, I understand struggle and fighting to get something.”
7. Ministry of Tomorrow
This Eco-fashion house vows to end the slaughter of animals one bag at a time. Produced at Ministry of Tomorrow’s fair wage, eco-factory in Nairobi, Kenya, the selection of vegan backpacks, laptop cases and messenger bags provide a high quality alternative to leather. The lining is made from certified organic and fair trade canvas sourced from India featuring a Masai warrior print. “The design makes a statement that says we are fighting back, from the inside, and we do this by providing people a high quality alternative to leather,” explains founder Julian Prolman.
