Outsider's journey towards ethical excellence is not merely a recent development but a foundational principle embedded in its ethos in 2009. From the sourcing of materials to production processes and beyond, every aspect of Outsider's operations reflects a dedication to sustainability and ethical conduct. By meticulously selecting eco-friendly fabrics, employing fair labor practices, designing for longevity and minimising environmental impact throughout its supply chain, Outsider sets a commendable standard for the industry to follow.
Established in 1989, the Ethical Consumer Magazine has been researching and recording the social and environmental records of companies, and making the results available in an accessible format. The magazine covers a wide variety of industries and products and includes guides to their best buy recommendations for those that wish to shop more ethically.
We will continue to work towards improving the way in which we make our styles.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>The Outsider Satin Detailed Cardigan is more than just another cardigan; it's a fashion statement that seamlessly blends comfort and style. Let's delve into the key features that make this cardigan a classic and versatile piece:
Elegant Satin Details: The satin detailing on this cardigan adds a touch of elegance that sets it apart from ordinary cardigans. The subtle sheen and texture of satin beautifully contrast with the cardigan's merino wool jersey fabric, creating an effortlessly chic look.
Pockets for Functionality: It's not just about looking good; this cardigan is designed for practicality too. With two spacious front pockets, you can keep your essentials close at hand while maintaining a streamlined, uncluttered look.
Color Options: The Outsider Satin Detailed Cardigan is available in two classic and versatile colors: black and teal. These choices ensure that you can effortlessly coordinate this cardigan with a wide range of outfits and accessories.
The Outsider Satin Detailed Cardigan is truly a chameleon in the world of fashion, able to adapt to any situation. Here are some ways you can style this cardigan:
1. Office Chic: For a sophisticated workday look, pair the black cardigan with tailored trousers and a crisp white blouse. The satin details add a touch of luxury, making your outfit suitable for important meetings or casual Fridays.
2. Casual Elegance: Dress up your casual attire with the teal cardigan. It's the perfect layer for jeans and a simple t-shirt. The satin detailing takes your look from ordinary to extraordinary.
3. Evening Glamour: Whether you're heading out for a dinner date or a night on the town, the black cardigan is your go-to choice. Layer it over a little black dress for a classic and chic ensemble that never goes out of style.
4. Weekend Comfort: On chilly weekends, opt for the teal cardigan with your favorite leggings or cozy jeans. Its pockets make it ideal for a leisurely stroll, and its satin details keep you looking effortlessly put together.
The Outsider Satin Detailed Cardigan in black or teal is a classic and versatile piece that deserves a spot in your wardrobe. With its elegant satin details and practical pockets, it seamlessly blends style and functionality. This cardigan is not just an addition to your clothing collection; it's a statement of timeless fashion that adapts to any occasion.
Invest in this remarkable piece and unlock a world of endless style possibilities. Whether you're dressing up for the office, enjoying a night out, or embracing a casual day, the Outsider Satin Detailed Cardigan will be your trusted companion, proving that classic pieces never go out of fashion.
We are offering all our customers 50% off any order over £100 in January so if you see something you need, something you will wear a lot, mend and love, simply type code: 50FF at the checkout.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>Outsider was launched in 2009 to offer an alternative, to encourage more meaningful relationships with garments, designed for longevity. The continued growth of the fashion industry is causing more and more damage to the planet. So we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the Rule of Five as a valuable and achievable goal for all us fashion and planet lovers.
A 2022 report from the Hot or Cool Institute worked out that if fashion wanted to stay below the 1.5C target, then the top 16 countries in the G20 need to just - stop consuming. All the biomaterials, rental, resale, charity shopping, regenerative agriculture in the world is not going to get us there, they say - slowing down our buying habits will.
So, in 2024 if you’ve really only got 5 purchases for the year - what would you buy?
We suggest exploring some of our versatile designs such as the swing skirt, it can take you from desk to dinner to the dancefloor!
We are offering all our customers 50% off any order over £100 in January so if you see something you need, something you will wear a lot, mend and love, simply type code: 50FF at the checkout.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>We were thrilled to participate in the Regenerative Fashion Show, part of London Fashion Week 2024. It was an inspiring showcase of regenerative approaches to fashion design. An exciting conclusion to the Regenerative Fashion Conference organised by Safia Minney for Fashion Declares.
The show was styled, produced and curated by Lucy Tammam and her team at Atelier Tammam our longtime collaborators.
I loved seeing my Multi Shirt Dress included in the show and styled in a new way.
We love these gorgeous images from the event, as always these are a team effort, credit to:
Model @rebeccapagani_
Hair @sprezzaturaagency
Lead MUA @lois_barclaymua
Photographs by @Stevebestpics and @dvoraphoto
.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>As fashion lovers seeking a deeper connection with our clothing, we understand that the path to sustainability is paved with knowledge and understanding. These handpicked reads have been a source of inspiration and enlightenment, guiding us on our quest to embrace conscious fashion choices without sacrificing style.
From thought-provoking investigative journalism that exposes the hidden impacts of fast fashion to uplifting stories of individuals and brands creating positive change, these books have enriched our perspective on fashion's far-reaching implications. Together, they weave a narrative that showcases how fashion can become a powerful force for good – a tool to promote environmental stewardship, ethical production, and social justice.
Whether you're a seasoned advocate or a curious soul taking your first steps into the realm of sustainable fashion, this selection of literary gems is designed to spark curiosity, ignite passion, and leave you with a profound appreciation for the beauty of dressing with purpose.
So, grab your favorite beverage, cozy up with a blanket, and prepare to immerse yourself in the pages of these transformative books. Let's embark on a journey of exploration, enlightenment, and empowerment as we navigate the path towards a greener wardrobe and a brighter, more sustainable future...
by Kate Fletcher & Lynda Grose
This is one of the first books I read soon after I started my business and its just as valuable now as it was when it was first published in 2012. This book examines how sustainability has the potential to transform both the fashion system and the innovators who work within it.
by Timo Rissanen and Holly Mcquillan
An inspiring and valauble book to get you thinking differently about design and pattern cutting, it profiles the work of the authors as well as lots of other inspiring zero waste fashion designers. One of my favourite parts is the first chapter which highlights the many historical examples of zero waste fashion practice.
by Safia Minney
Regenerative Fashion presents a roadmap for new ways of doing fashion. To keep our planet safe, we must cut production and end our dependency on fossil fuels. By using natural resources, paying factory workers and farmers a living wage and scaling up craft production, we can not only rebuild soils, ecosystems and biodiversity, but also support decarbonization, regenerate communities and ensure a just transition for all.
by Tansy E. Hoskins
Fashion is political. From the red carpets of the Met Gala to online fast fashion, clothes tell a story of inequality, racism and climate crisis. In The Anti-Capitalist Book of Fashion, Tansy E. Hoskins unpicks the threads of capitalist industry to reveal the truth about our clothes. I read the first edition which was published in 2014, a revised ediction was release last year.
by Dr. Sass Brown
An inspiring book which showcases the creative potential of recycling and upcycling materials in fashion practice. In a fast-fashion world of throw-away clothing, it is the ultimate expression of the slow-fashion movement, with each piece individually conceived and crafted from scratch, using different materials each time. ReFashioned features 46 international designers who work with recycled materials and discarded garments, reinvigorating them with new life and value.
We'd love to hear what your favourite books on sustainable and ethical fashion are, let us know in the comments!
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>Last week Outsider's Founder and designer Noorin Khamisani spoke with BBC South about the Plastics Futures conference and the role of plastics in fashion. In her role as Senior Lecturer in Fashion & Textile Design at the Univeristy of Portsmouth, she is actively working with students to ensure the next generation of fashion designers understand how to design with ethics and sustainability in mind. In particular here she highlights developing biomaterials with students in the module Exploratory practice, which she co-teaches with Dr. Lara Torres.
You can explore more of Noorin's research into biomaterials in fashion in an educational booklet she co-developed: The Fashion Kitchen.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>Last week Outsider's Founder and designer Noorin Khamisani spoke with ITV Meridian about Fast Fashion. In her role as Lecturer in Fashion & Textile Design at the Univeristy of Portsmouth, she is actively working with students to ensure the next generation of fashion designers understand how to design with ethics and sustainability in mind.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>It has been 10 years since the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers lives and injured many more. This tragedy brought the dark side of the fashion industry to light, exposing the poor working conditions and low wages that are prevalent in many garment factories around the world. In the wake of this tragedy, the Fashion Revolution movement was born, and every year since then, people around the world have come together during Fashion Revolution Week to demand a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
The fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment and people's lives. The production of clothing involves the use of vast amounts of natural resources, from water and land to energy and chemicals. In addition, the industry employs millions of people worldwide, many of whom work in factories with poor working conditions and low wages. The fast fashion industry in particular has been criticized for its unsustainable and unethical practices, including the exploitation of workers and the dumping of massive amounts of clothing in landfills.
However, there is a growing movement towards ethical fashion, which prioritizes sustainability, fair labor practices, and transparency in the supply chain. Ethical fashion brands such as Outsider, use sustainable materials and production processes, pay their workers fair wages, and prioritize the well-being of their employees and the environment. In addition, ethical fashion brands often have more transparent supply chains, allowing consumers to know where their clothes come from and how they were made.
Here are some photos of the amazing people that make our clothing:
There are many benefits of ethical fashion, both for the environment and for people. First and foremost, ethical fashion is more sustainable, using fewer natural resources and generating less waste. This helps to reduce the industry's impact on the environment, from the production of clothing to its disposal. Ethical fashion also supports fair working practices, providing workers with safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionise. This can help to improve the lives of garment workers around the world, many of whom are women and children.
In addition, ethical fashion can be a way to express one's personal style while also supporting a more sustainable and just industry. There are many ethical fashion brands that offer stylish and unique clothing that is both fashionable and environmentally friendly. By supporting these brands, consumers can make a statement about their values and support a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
Fashion Revolution Week is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made towards a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry, while also recognising the there is work that still needs to be done. By supporting ethical fashion brands and demanding transparency and fair labor practices from all clothing companies, we can help to create a better future for the planet and its people.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
Here are some tips on how to make your Valentine's Day fashion choices more sustainable:
Choose clothes made from sustainable materials. Look for clothing made from organic cotton, bamboo, or linen. These materials are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals and are biodegradable, making them much better for the environment.
Opt for secondhand clothing charity shops, vintage shops, and online marketplaces such OWNI are a great way to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces without contributing to fast fashion and overconsumption. We work with OWNI to create our Resale section.
Support companies that use eco-friendly practices When shopping for new clothing, look for companies that use sustainable production methods, such as water conservation, reducing waste, and using environmentally friendly dyes.
Consider timeless styles. Invest in classic, timeless styles that won't go out of fashion, rather than trend-driven pieces that may only be worn a few times before they're discarded. This not only helps reduce waste, but it also means you'll get more wear out of your clothes and won't have to keep buying new pieces every season.
Gift experiences instead of physical gifts Instead of buying a physical gift, consider gifting an experience, such as a concert, a cooking class, or a spa day. These gifts create lasting memories and reduce the impact of consumerism.
In conclusion, incorporating sustainability into your Valentine's Day fashion choices is a small but meaningful way to show your love for both your significant other and the planet. By being mindful of our choices, we can help to create a future where love and the environment can coexist happily.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>
Lovely to start the new year with a feature in Hello Fashion magazine.
Cottage Industry Creatives, making our studio spaces work at home.
Featured alongside two other amazing designers Saywood and Frances Costelloe.
Get your copy of the magazine this month in your local newsagent.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>We’ve teamed up with @owni.app to encourage you to find the things you need secondhand this weekend.
As an ethical fashion brand, we can’t afford to compete with the brands offering up to 99% (!) off their Black Friday lines. Where we do stand out is having a dedicated pre-loved platform for you to always shop pre-loved Outsider for less. It’s the perfect place to find archive items you missed the first time round or buy a piece more at your price point.
Black Friday goes against everything we stand for which is buying less and buying better. By offering year-round savings on Pre-loved Outsider, you can really take your time building your pre-loved wardrobe and return any items you don’t love .
So instead of having a Black Friday sale, we’re offering free delivery on our resale platform between today and Cyber Monday. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing pre-loved first and for supporting our small business for a second time.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>We are big fans of the not-for-profit organisation, Fashion Revolution which was formed in response to the Bangladeshi industrial disaster at Rana Plaza. This podcast was created to “explore the hidden stories behind the clothing we wear” through the lens of transparency. The three-part podcast series Who Made My Clothes? takes a closer look at the living and working conditions of garment makers and explores ways of improving these conditions by way of investigations and interviews.
Conscious Chatter is hosted by Kestrel Jenkins and focuses on the intersection of inclusivity and sustainability. This exploration brings new meaning to sustainable and ethical fashion through the examination of how “oppressive systems impact the sustainable fashion space”. Conscious Chatter opens the door to conversations about our clothing and the layers of stories, meaning, and potential impact connected to what we wear. We love the fact that it allows us to learn more about the fashion industry and how we can all play a part in positive change in the future.
A podcast about fashion sustainability and conscious living hosted by women of colour. Bianca Foley and Charlotte Williams explore sustainable fashion terminology and the different “aspects of living a conscious lifestyle” through a series of in-depth interviews with experts in sustainability and ethics. Now in its fifth season the episodes cover a wide range of topics, from clothing rental, textile innovations and the B-Corp certification to consumerism, climate justice, and much more.
Clare Press a well-known fashion journalist who interviews an eclectic mix of ethical fashion experts. Clare does not shy away from the big issues and is joined by changemakers like authors, designers, researchers, journalists, and activists to discuss topics like garment worker rights, fashion’s role in climate change, and what a post-growth fashion future would look like.
Sustainable Fashion Forum founder Brittany Sierra is the host of this podcast which features interviews with industry insiders like Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Laura Balmond and Marie Claire’s Julia Gall. Each episode unpacks burning questions about topics such as greenwashing, transparency, the rise of resale, and misinformation.
Ruth MacGilp and Alice Cruickshank, host this UK-based podcast. It breaks down topics like inclusivity, transparency, representation, cultural appropriation, the sharing economy, and second-hand fashion and includes interviews with thought-leaders like Maxine Bédat, Ayesha Barenblat, Lauren Bravo, and Mikaela Loach.
This podcast is hosted by Beata Wilczek of the consultancy Unfolding Strategies. Each episode is a dialogue between Beata and a guest with the focus on the discovery of new, exciting voices in the fields of fashion innovation, design, research, and education (although we have to declare a private interest here as Outsider's founder Noorin Khamisani was a guests in one episode).
We are pleased to announce that we have joined MarketSq, a wonderful website that functions as a unique community of makers, merchants, and curators. The site brings together independent lifestyle, wellness, home and food brands plus more; a wonderland of handpicked small businesses with hundreds of products with something for everyone and any occasion.
We love that MarketSq puts independent businesses at the heart of everything they do. The discovery, sharing, and supporting of small brands puts business back in the hands of merchants and makers.
Explore our collection and many other beautiful items on: https://marketsq.shop
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>
But how? By signing up to Outsider RESALE, you get your own digital wardrobe which houses all of your past purchases from us. When you sell these items on, we add all the original product details to your listing so you just have to update the condition. Anything you buy from our pre-loved platform will automatically be added to your digital wardrobe, so you can resell in a simple click. Now our clothing can be circulated again and again, moving from one digital wardrobe to the next.
Got something you want to sell? Here’s how to get started.
1) Create an account using the same email address you used to purchase from Outsider
2) Head to your digital wardrobe, find the item you want to list and click ‘sell’.
3) Add an extra photo and select the condition - we’ve already added the product title, size, original images and description for you, and recommended a price!
4) Once you’re happy with your listing, click ‘sell’. Congrats on listing your first item!
5) When you sell an item, we’ll send you a pre-paid shipping label to print and arrange an at-home courier collection. We’ll pay you 5 days after the buyer has received your item, minus 20% in fees.
If you’re not ready to part with your Outsider purchases, there are plenty of gems already uploaded to our platform, including a number of one-off samples. There are also a few items from our second and third collections available right now, but once they are gone, they are gone! Until perhaps they get relisted for resale in the future.
Start selling on Outsider RESALE here.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>Second Hand September is a campaign to encourage people to buy only second hand items for 30 days in the month of September.
You can use the hashtag #SecondhandSeptember with any second hand item you buy and post a photo on social media.
Read more about the campaign here.
Here's some helpful tips from Fashion Revolution on taking care of your secondhand clothes:
Whether it's the 1st, the 21st or even the 30th, make your pledge to shop second hand for 30 days.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
As a natural next step in the evolution of the brand, we have partnered with OWNI to launch Outsider's RESALE platform. This is a dedicated space for you to sell pre-loved Outsider items that you no longer wear or that no longer fit. Alternatively you can also shop archival and sample pieces for less. When you buy from the page, you can trust that all items were bought from Outsider and are sustainable in origin. The beauty of the platform is that all the information you need to sell items is pre-loaded in your digital wardrobe with us so that you can resell with a click of a button. Plus, for every second hand Outsider item you sell, we’ll reward you with a 10% off voucher.
We’ve launched this resale site to become more circular, to track the items we sell and keep them in circulation for longer. The longer we use existing garments the more sustainable they are across their life cycle.
According to reserach conducted by WRAP, in the UK alone there is over £30 billion worth of unused clothing in homes ready to be resold. Sadly, 350,000 tonnes of this is discarded into landfill each year, and a greater amount exported to markets in the global south destroying ecosystems and native industries. Take control of the end life of your products, and prevent waste by selling them through our Resale site.
We are delighted to invite you to check out the platform, list anything you no longer wear and to shop pre-loved Outsider.
Give it a try and we would love to hear your feedback.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>We asked Tamara to answer a few questions...
Tell us a bit about yourself:
"I’m a designer and an artist living in Dubai. I’m very interested in exploring materials and forms in my work and in creating pieces that provoke our senses and memories. I use an array of experimental techniques and processes. Through objects and installations, I build a hybrid ecosystem, with creations that are somehow unfamiliar, although somehow if one looks closely enough, all too familiar.
I’m also a proud cat mom of Mars and Venus, my two adopted cats from Dubai.
When I’m not making or experimenting (which is very rare), I love travelling, reading, watching films; both good and bad ones."
What do you wish the fashion industry would do differently in the future?
"I wish the fashion industry would better support smaller brands and independent designers."
What is your favourite thing about the Outsider Maxi Shirt Dress?
"I love the form it creates when I wear it, it's quite sculptural in a very flattering way. I also love the fabric and the colour. It's a very easy piece to wear."
Thank you so much Tamara for sharing photos of you wearing your dress and working on your stunning pieces.
To see more of Tamara's work follow her on Instagram: @tamarabarrage
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>
We are proud to share that Outsider has joined Fashion Declares and signed their open letter.
What is Fashion Declares? 🌏
Fashion Declares is a bottom-up movement designed for people at any position within the fashion industry to create a network of individuals across the sector.
Key leaders across the fashion industry have joined forces to launch this new grassroots movement to accelerate change in one of the most polluting and unjust sectors in the world.
They include: Safia Minney MBE, founder of pioneering sustainable fashion brand People Tree; Tom Berry, global director of sustainable business at FARFETCH; Mike Barry, former director of sustainable business at Marks and Spencer; Debbie Luffman, product director at Finisterre/ThinkCircular and Hubbub and Mariusz Stochaj, head of product and sustainability at Continental Clothing as well as Ben Tolhurst, Director of Business Declares.
The goal over the next three years is to get 50,000 individuals to become ‘members’ of Fashion Declares by signing the Open Letter here and so pledging their support for five radical commitments that could rapidly transform fashion.
These are:
Safia Minney says, “These bold commitments reflect the need for rapid and fundamental changes in fashion. We have a handful of years to avoid the catastrophic impacts of global warming and we need wide-ranging and urgent action across the sector. This needs to include individuals working at every level in fashion, from designers to finance people, and from retailers to influencers. While this industry is a huge contributor to the climate and ecological crisis, we also believe it is a creative and innovative sector with drive and passion. We can do more than just negate our impact – fashion can take a leading role in tackling the crisis and become a significant force to transform mindsets and lifestyles.”
Early signatories include: Vincent Stanley, Head of Philosophy, Patagonia, US; Christine Goulay, Global Director, Pangaia B2B, PANGAIA, France; Lauren Bartley, Sustainability Director, GANNI, Denmark; Sel Kofiga, Founder, The Slum Studio, Ghana; Kalkidan Legesse, Founder, Schwap and Sancho’s, UK; Javier Goyeneche, CEO, Ecoalf, Spain; Patrick Grant, Director, Community Clothing, UK; Nishanth Chopra, Founder and Director, Oshadi, India; Kathleen Talbot, CSO, Reformation, US; and many more at
Tom Berry says, “Fashion needs to change. And to achieve any significant change, all companies and all employees within those companies need to play their part. There aren’t any other movements in the fashion industry working bottom up, engaging all of the different people in the industry who can and need to contribute.”
Debbie Luffman says, “It won’t take a single brand or supplier, it won’t rely on a magical fibre or technology. It will require all these moving parts and humans to come together to create a positive fashion ecosystem, rather than an industry.”
Mike Barry also recognises the distinctive approach of Fashion Declares, stating, “We cannot transform fashion’s footprint through a few good people sat on the edge of the business, we need everybody to get involved.”
Lauren Bartley of GANNI is supporting Fashion Declares because, “To stand a chance at making the Fashion industry socially and environmentally sustainable, collaboration coupled with concrete measurable action are imperative and the Fashion Declares movement can play a crucial role in delivering that.”
The timing of the launch comes as 2022 sees intense focus on the fashion industry. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority is targeting fashion with a greenwashing probe, while the Environmental Audit Committee is expected to deliver its follow-up report on ‘Fixing Fashion’. At COP26, the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action saw signatories commit to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Safia was inspired to launch a movement by conversations with over 100 leaders in fashion who have contributed to her forthcoming book ‘Regenerative Fashion’. “I was struck by how deeply we care, how we want to learn, share best practice and new thinking,” she says. “The window to stay within 1.5 degrees is closing fast; we must act now. Fashion Declares is about every individual in this industry realising they have a role to play in the rapid and just transition needed to redefine fashion so it operates within planetary boundaries and shares the benefits more fairly.”
Find out more here: https://fashion-declares.org/
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>The mainstream fashion industry is built upon the exploitation of labour and natural resources. Wealth and power are concentrated in the hands of a few, and growth and profit are rewarded above all else. Big brands and retailers produce too much too fast, and manipulate us into a toxic cycle of overconsumption. Meanwhile, the majority of people that make our clothes are not paid enough to meet their basic needs, and already feel the impacts of the climate crisis - which the fashion industry fuels. As global citizens, we all have the power to take action.
Our founder Noorin Khamisani is currently a Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth and has organised a series of events for Fashion Revolution Week alongside Dr Lara Torres and a group of Fashion & Textiles students.
The online panel discussion is open to the public and will ask an important question:
“What are the regenerative, restorative and revolutionary new fashion systems?”
Thursday 21st April 6.00pm-7.30pm - ONLINE
With guest speakers:
Bel Jacobs FRSA, Former fashion editor, climate campaigner and animal rights activist.
Dr. Sass Brown, Author of Eco Fashion and Refashioned, Course Leader, Sustainable Fashion, Kingston University.
Beata Wilczek, Head of Digital Sustainability & Social Justice, The Dematerialized and fashion educator.
Moderated by Dr. Lara Torres & Noorin Khamisani.
Register online here to join the discussion.
This Fashion Revolution Week, join us in reimagining a just and equitable fashion system for people and the planet.
]]>
We are in very good company!
They look at affordability, buying second hand, and indicators of an ethical fashion brand to look out for, and more!
Outsider is particularly highlighted under the indicator: Timeless clothing that lasts and they include a quote from our Founder Noorin Khamisani.
Established in 1989, the Ethical Consumer Magazine has been researching and recording the social and environmental records of companies, and making the results available in an accessible format.
Outsider. Sustainable and ethical fashion since 2009.
]]>Many people today consider themselves to be eco-concisous when purchasing clothes. As awareness of sustainability and ethical issues in the fashion industry has grown so more and more of us can make better choices when shopping. Some of us are also aware of the materials we choose when buying clothes, knowing the background and the environmental effects helps us to choose wisely.
The environmental footprint of a garment don't end with production, it continues in use phase, depending on how you treat your garments. The ecological and water footprint of a garment are affected by many factors From fibre to finished product, the effect of how you wear, take care and wash your clothes. We all wash our clothes, some of us more than others. A lot of the garments washed on a regular basis are not even dirty, we need to consider airing out or spot cleaning small stains where possible.
(Images from Fashion Revolution)
When it comes to laundry the water consumption is obvious, the amount of water used during one wash can be up to 170 liters, depending on the machine. An important thing to remember if you want to decrease your water footprint when it comes to laundry, is have an eco washing machine, using less water during a wash. You can also extend your knowledge about materials, and decrease the footprint that way. This will make you aware and you’ll know what to choose next time. When producing a t-shirt made with conventional cotton, 25.000 liters of water is used. There are a few unconventional cotton growing methods to reduce the water footprint. Choose organic cotton, GOTS certified ideally (all our cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard certified). You can also decide on other less water-consuming materials.
Why is it important to value the water we have?
Freshwater is scarce and there are parts of the world today that are lacking water. Our annual supply of water is limited and humanity has already exceeded the sustainable limit of water usage. This is not just about water to relieve thirst and to wash clothes, but for the earth, where water is an essential part for a living and prosperous world.
Washing with chemicals?
Today there is a plethora of detergents to choose from, some more friendly than others. There is a wide range of dangerous chemicals to sort out from your daily laundry.
In regular detergent there is a few active and inactive ingredients. The most important ones to keep track on is the inactive ones, they do not contribute when it comes to making your garments clean. These ingredients are made synthetically, and their key role is to change how the detergents look, smell, and how long the product is valid. Active ingredients are the ones making the garments clean, ABS (alkylbenzene perfluorooctane) and LAS (linear alkyl- benzenesulfonates) are two common chemicals. There are a few aspects and problems with these artificial chemicals, since they have a clear connection with excrete carcinogenic particles and are a big threat to the environment. It doesn't end with the active and inactive chemicals, it’s also important to keep an eye on bleaches, phenols, napthas, petroleum distillates, phosphates and all of the different artificial sentences. Most of these chemicals has a negative effect on both human, animals and nature. It causes allergies, are hormone disrupters and toxins waters. This makes it important to make an active choice when buying your detergents and be aware. To make it slightly easier, remember to look for detergents with as few ingredients as possible, and chose alternative eco brands.
Remembering to take care of your clothes in the right way, will make them last for a longer period of time. This includes not washing them to often, too warm or with dangerous detergents and fabric softeners. If always including these aspects, you will not just be taking care of your garments, but yourself, future generations, animals and nature. So next time when you are buying products or do your laundry, think twice.
Easy ways to decrease your water footprint:
Outsider. Ethical & Sustainable Fashion since 2009.
]]>When the current fashion system insists on continued overconsumption, it is revolutionary to simply buy less and wear what you have more. Another step is to rent some garments rather than owning them.
So we are happy to share some styling inspiration with you curtosy of Catalina Nini. Here are some of the looks she posted on Instagram, created with Outsider pieces she rented via Reason to Rent. We also took the opportunity to ask a few questions about her thoughts on sustainable fashion.
Here's Catalina showing three ways to wear our merino wool wrap dress:
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you do...
My name is Catalina, I currently live in Liverpool and I love clothes. Who doesn’t after all? But (fast) fashion on the other hand, I can’t stand it. While breaking up with fast fashion seems like mission impossible, finding your personal style plays a huge role. I like to believe I am a grown up now and that I know my style.
Charity shops, online second-hand, vintage shops, sustainable and slow fashion brands are my go to option. I am currently working on rebranding my blog which used to be my fashion journal. Bringing more educational content seems so much needed.
Why is sustainability and ethics in fashion important to you?
When it comes to sustainability, we need to understand the essence. Sustainability means to support life. In order words, to LIVE. Now, how we all want to co-exist and behave it`s another story. However, exploiting people, animals and the land is not responsible at all.
Sustainability has a meaning for me because I grew up with the concept. We all have, at some point. When eating a meal prepared by our parents/ grandparents we didn`t refer to it as organic or bio, we called it simply just food. Passing down clothes from a generation to another and borrowing clothes from our siblings, or relatives was normal. We relied on energy, but we used it less.
We take the Earth for granted when in fact it is not even ours. We inherited and we must keep it alive so we can all thrive.
What are your top tips for people hoping to engage with fashion in a more sustainable way?
My relationship with fashion has changed over time and being sustainable educated played a huge part. In the past, I used to think quantity is important. I was also ignorant about who made my clothes or what was in them. Polyester, polyamide, polypropylene? But the dress is so pretty!! Therefore, for a long time, I accumulated too many pieces. Further, I didn`t know what my style was or how garments should fit me. On the other hand, when you distinguish between I LIKE, I WANT and I NEED you are on the right path.
My mum introduced me to second-hand shopping when I was a teenager, a habit that stuck with me since. Certainly, I would never get bored to look out for treasures. I stopped buying souvenirs when travelling. Instead, I visit local second-hand shops, vintage boutiques.
Last April, Fashion Revolution came up with the hashtag #loveclotheslast. If you are not going to wear, love your clothes and repair them, don`t bother to buy them. I learnt to shop with intention and also responsibly. You can do it too. Rent, buy second-hand instead of new, look after your garments, mend, and take your clothes to the tailor. If you want to buy new, look after natural fibres, and brands that care about their workers.
What attracted you to Reason to Rent?
I was one of the ambassadors that helped Reason to Rent to raise awareness on their crowdfunding campaign until they launched officially. I have never rented clothes, therefore I was curious to give it a try. For a long time, I had this misconception that you need to own clothes. Instead, you can rent clothes you will only wear once, such as festive and holiday pieces.
What was the experience with Outsider pieces?
Discovering small and ethical brands on Reason to Rent was a big surprise and this made it different from the other clothing rental companies. Renting Outsider pieces was exactly what I expected. I have discovered versatile and good quality clothes that stand the test of time. Yes, trendy pieces are fun but when you know your style and you want to build up a wardrobe for years you definitely need to think long term.
Being an Outsider feels great by the way.
And here's four different ways to wear our organic merino wool culotte trousers:
Outsider. Ethical & Sustainable Fashion since 2009.
]]>Although clothes rental is already well established in the high-end, wedding and fancy-dress sectors, it is currently taking its first steps into the wider market.
In 2018 the founder of Outsider, Noorin Khamisani, completed an MA in Fashion Futures at UAL London College of Fashion (LCF). For her final project, she researched clothing design specifically for the rental market.
While researching Europe’s existing clothes lending libraries she learned that successful rental garments had four major qualities; they were:
- designed for longevity,
- made from high quality, durable materials,
- adaptable, either in styling or sizing
- easy to clean and wash
The majority of Outsider’s designs already followed these principles, so when the new monthly subscription service Reason to Rent came calling we were able to immediately supply them with a selection of our styles. You can find out how the service works at https://reasontorent.co.uk/.
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At Outsider we are passionate about raising awareness of issues surrounding sustainability, it's been in our DNA since we launched in 2009. So we were really inspired to see one of our customers wearing our organic cotton shirt dress while taking part in activism in response to the climate crisis.
Here we ask Jane Tavener about herself and Extinction Rebellion.
Outsider. Ethical & Sustainable Fashion since 2009.
]]>Linen is a plant based natural fibre, it's made from the stem of the flax plant which blooms with the beautiful blue flowers you see above.
Unlike other crops, every part of the flax plant is used. For example flaxseeds and linseed oil are some of the by-products of flax production. They have huge health benefits thanks to their richness in omega-3 fatty acids.
Flax also grows naturally and does not require chemicals to be processed into a textile unlike conventional cotton. It is also resilient and is able to grow on a majority of soils.
Flax fibres are so sought after because they are recyclable, biodegradable and carbon positive. So they actually absorb more carbon dioxide in the growth phase than they release during processing.
We have some lovely new linen styles available for you to enjoy. Both made from a knitted jersey fabric which means creasing is nothing to worry about.
Features a flattering V neck and half sleeve, pockets hidden in the side seams and a lightweight lining. This is the kind of dress you can easily dress up or down, day to night with a simple change of accessories.
With a racer back and cute front pocket, this quirky future classic is a fun addition to your summer capsule wardrobe. Great for layered looks in the city or for a trip to the beach.
Both of these styles are from our friends at About. They make innovative high quality leisurewear. They focus on both ethics and sustainability in their factory in Lithuainia. The factory uses renewable energy sources and holds the SA8000 certificate of social responsibility. To add to this, they are also members of the Greenpeace Detox programme, which unites brands committed to eliminating toxic chemicals from all stages of production. The latest Greenpeace audit confirmed their waste water was so clean it complies with the norms of drinking water!
We are listed on this great directory we thought might be of interest to our lovely eco-fashionista readers.
The Livewell Directory can help you find local, organic, free-range, ethical, responsibly sourced, sustainable and planet friendly products under the categories: Food, Retail or Wellbeing.
Enjoy!
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Here is Bonnie in our merino wool maxi dress in black, we took the opportunity to ask her a few questions.
Tell us a bit about yourself...
What Inspired your ethical and eco approach to fashion and style?
What are your top tips for eco-fashionista's?
Join London's favourite sustainable couturier Ms Tammam as she hand picks a selection of the best indie eco designer talent to bring you the ultimate party dress extravaganza this festive season. This selection includes Outsider of course.
You will find one of a kind couture pieces, unique ready to wear party dresses, sumptuous knits, tantalising tailoring, perfect gifts and fabulous accessories all in time for the festive season.
Grab the one of a kind pieces and ultimate bargains at our first dibs event on Thursday 22nd November. Never fear if you can't make the start, we'll be re-stocking the boutique throughout the sale - we never run out of fabulous fashion!
Be inspired at Drink Shop Draw, the best life drawing and fashion illustration class in Bloomsbury (with shopping time if you wish) on Thursday 29th November - tickets booked separately.
As always with Atelier Tammam, it's not just about buying clothes... you are encouraged to bring your pre-loved dress to fix up with Splendid Stitches' party dress SOS on Saturday 1st December.
Atelier Tammam stylists will be on hand throughout the sale to ensure your purchases will fit and flatter - say "so long" to wasteful unwanted shopping, let no clothes go unworn again!
Find a dress that's for life, not just for Christmas...