There may still be uncertainty surrounding the summer months right now, but why not be inspired by these sustainable, summer-friendly brands that are sure to last you multiple seasons? The possibilities are endless with these Latin-owned brands, with long-lasting, versatile, and joyful pieces that are bound to make great additions to a capsule wardrobe. These brands have a strong vision for a socially sustainable future, using their businesses to contribute to the betterment of all.
Check out some of our favourites below and link any additions in the comments.
Farm Rio
Farm Rio is a brand pioneered by a group of creatives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Starting in a local independent fashion market called Babilonia Feira Hype, the founders launched a clothing line that embodies Rio’s feminine spirit and vibrant colours.
Their nature-inspired designs are intended to create happiness in the wearer and those around. Each item celebrates Latin culture, planning to ‘inspire positive transformations in everyone and everywhere.’
Since starting the brand 23-years ago, Farm Rio remains true to its sustainable aims, helping to protect the ecosystems that inspire them by planting trees in the Amazon rainforest with each purchase. As of May 2020, they have planted over 50,000 trees with the organisation One Tree Planted, which prides itself on ethical practices by ensuring all farms are Fair Trade Certified, and a minimum of 25% of its farmers are women.
Soraya Hennessy
Focused on sharing the culture, the creative energy, and the beautiful work of South American artisans with the world. Soraya Hennessy brings vibrant, modern pieces that blend ancestral traditions and artisanal practices with bold western influences.
By carefully distilling the age-old traditions of their Wayuu ancestors, mother-daughter duo Soraya Pena Hennessy and Soraya Salas work together with expert weavers in Colombia and Venezuela to create exquisite mochilas and accessories whose mystical colours and patterns transport the wearer to a far-off land.
At TNE, we love their ethos of empowering Artisans and slow fashion, going against the mass-production model favouring slow, artisanal practices. Soraya and her team have a deep respect for their heritage and aim to create a positive vision for the future. They also provide a stable source of employment to over 40 families, championing a more sustainable, environmentally responsible production process. Could we love them more?
Meche Correa
Meche Correa is the creative director of her brand, who embrace the label of ‘sustainable luxury’. This represents her philosophy of an ethical and responsible lifestyle and the importance of preserving and caring for our planet. The brand is inspired and committed to maintaining creativity and contemporary design while remaining authentic to her native cultural heritage. They ensure that work remains a source of pride, wellbeing and development for all the artisans and craftspeople who are part of the team.
Simonett
This brand creates garments and accessories to breathe life into our ever-evolving wardrobes, with silhouettes defined by fluidity, remaining wearable throughout the different seasons and transcending trends.The manufacturing process means that clothes withstand the test of time to focus on their commitment to the planet and the people who make their clothes. With social, environmental and economic sustainable developments and complete transparency in their supply chain, Simonett is looking to the future.
Palma Canaria
Mother and daughter duo, Mónica Arbeláez and Juliana Quintero, are passionate about design, with a strong admiration of craftsmanship and manual work. Palma Canaria creates handmade accessories from natural fibres designed to exude luxury while allowing artisans to transmit their culture and stories in their craft.
They write:
“Every decision taken at Palma Canaria symbolises our commitment to redefining fashion’s future. We are firm believers that modern luxury is rediscovering craftsman traditions in a luxurious and modern way.”
Selva Negra
“Celebrating personal identity through our Latina heritage with colour vibrancy, expressive design and ethical practices.”
Founded in 2016, Selva Negra is rooted in ethical practices and uses ethically sourced materials. The brand prides itself on production transparency and zero-waste packaging and donations to nonprofits that align with their brand values, including Planned Parenthood, Wildlife Conservation, and National Immigration Justice, amongst others. Their website notes their firm belief in ‘building a better community starts with companies making a conscious effort to participate in the betterment of humanity.’
Cuyana
Welcome to Fewer, Better Things is the motto that guides Cuyana. Creating timeless collections with attention to detail and high-quality materials means these clothes will last. With a culture of empowerment at the heart of this business, we’re excited to see more wins for Cuyana.
Caralarga
Caralarga is a textile design and production workshop inspired by the raw materials of nature to preserve their essence and transform them into high-quality pieces. The primary resources that Caralarga repurposes are raw cotton yarn and textile waste, discarded due to weaving errors. It was the discovery of discarded raw materials that inspired the team to work with waste to create unique, timeless and sustainable pieces of jewellery and clothing. The brand refers to themselves as the defenders of originality as they maintain a deep respect for the work of textile designers and artisan’s creativity.
Hiptipico
Based in Panajachel, Guatemala, Hiptipico is an ethical fashion brand empowering indigenous artisans. The brand reflects a dedication to preserving indigenous culture and creating dignified job opportunities through the promotion of traditional art forms. Their ultimate aims are to create a sustainable avenue for quality artisan products to reach the global fashion marketplace, empowering local entrepreneurs, families and communities.
