Ethical fashion

There's a certain sensation you get when you find a "really good" new addition to your wardrobe, writes Observer Magazine's Lucy Siegle.

I am not a shopping addict or blind to the evils of consumerism. I'm an ethical dresser but one who refuses to compromise on style or give up loving fashion.

Until recently the phrase "alternative fashion" conjured up images of tie-dyed cloaks and knitted boots. But the new breed of ethical fashion companies are different. Case and point is provided by People Tree, an ethical label created by Safia Minney, whose eye for trends is right on the money. People Tree sources its threads from 70 fair trade groups in 20 developing countries and now has concessions in Selfridges.

And who knew that hemp could be so sophisticated? The current collection from Enamore (designed by Jenny McPherson) features cropped trousers, low waisted flares and dresses. At American Apparel the high quality ethically made cotton polo necks and t-shirts are perfect for this season's layered look. Gossypium is the name for fairly traded organic underwear, t-shirts, baby and children's clothes and is particularly good for sports kit.

Supporting fair trade and organic cotton and hemp labels is one way to clean up your closet, but it's not the whole story. Overall we need to look towards a new aesthetic, one where our own personal style is not reliant on uniform pieces, with such a limited fashion life. Nothing stays in vogue for ever, but creative recycling can extend a garment's lifespan. (Read about stylish second-hand clothes.)

For more good quality ethical or fair-trade items see American Apparel, Bishopston Trading Company, Ethically Me, Greenfibres, The Hemp Store, The Hemp Trading Company, Howies, Hug. Concerned about what's on your feet? See Vegetarian Shoes and Ethical Wares.

If you decide to make a purchase from the Natural Collection, Friends of the Earth will receive a contribution towards our work and campaigning.

This article by Lucy Siegle is taken from Earthmatters (Spring 2005), Friends of the Earth's supporter magazine.

See Lucy's weekly 'Ethical living' column in the Observer Magazine each Sunday - these are available to read at Guardian Unlimited.

For something a little unique, check out Equop. This fairtrade, organic clothing company produces 'limited editions' T-shirts and/or hoodies; members of the public send in designs, which are displayed on their website for vote by site users. When a design receives enough attention, they turn it into a limited edition, and the designer receives 25% of the profits - everyone's a winner!

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