Maurice SkinnerIt’s no secret that looking your best in Japan is of the highest priority. Keeping a sleek appearance depicts you as professional, clean, mature, or just plain handsome. However, as we all may know, apparel has its dark side when it comes to fast fashion and unethical means of procuring raw materials. Fortunately, Japan is seeing an exponential boom in ethical and sustainable fashion. Here are a few ethical fashion brands that will help you stay awesome and keep up with current trends.
UNDERSON UNDERSON
With two stores in operation in both Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, UNDERSON UNDERSON is laying out the ethical fashion game like no other.
What makes its apparel so unique? Traditional Japanese paper (Washi) is used within their fine selection of apparel. The UNDERSON UNDERSON clothing line is free from additives such as silicone and even synthetic chemical dyes. Moreover, UNDERSON UNDERSON puts a lot of effort into providing products that are sustainable for the environment. The company’s clothing also uses traditional methods of Japan.
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There is a wide assortment of fashionable apparel to choose from. Whether you’re searching for undergarments, jackets or sweaters, UNDERSON UNDERSON has you covered. Furthermore, the company goes through great lengths to make sure the procurement of raw material and items are from Japan, which helps give its clothing a sense of style specific to Japan. Whether you’re looking for a jumper or a mask to stay safe in the times of a pandemic, look toward UNDERSON UNDERSON to not only aid you in sustainable purchasing, but also to help you keep it classy.
Plasticity
Plasticity is bringing its customers something special by tackling the discarded umbrella situation in Japan. According to the company’s website, approximately 80 million transparent umbrellas are thrown away throughout the country each year. It is an obvious problem, and Plasticity is doing its best to solve the issue.
Although it is difficult to recycle transparent plastic umbrellas, the company has developed a method to breathe life into the material. Furthermore, the material used for Plasticity’s upcycled products still retains many of the same qualities that are unique to the tool’s original material, such as rainproofing.
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What type of products can one make out of transparent vinyl umbrellas, you ask? The company offers a wide selection of tote and shoulder bags, brimming with illustrious and bright designs. Fortunately, due to the wide-ranging assortment of colors, shapes and artistry, there will be something for everyone.
Takurajima Senkou
Takurajima Senkou creates and sells beautiful and vibrant clothing that include natural dyes. All of the work and dyes homemade by its founder Chiharu Ogomori overseeing the project. Ogomori founded a small dyeing workshop in 2001 and has since made clothing that is both ageless and genderless. Furthermore, the dyes used to make the clothing at Takarajima Senkou are natural and come from Japan, Bangladesh, India and other parts of the world.
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Chiharu Ogomori’s vision is quite simple. She wants to make apparel for people to discover the value and charm of hand-dyed garments through the process of wearing them on a daily basis. Ogomori believes that this is a sustainable method to increase support for traditional craftsmanship.
As seen in the collection, much of the company’s clothing can be worn by any gender. It helps to break the shackles of general standards for female and male wear. By doing so, it broadens opportunities for others to experiment with beautifully handcrafted clothing.
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Takaurajima Tenkou also states that because the clothing dye is natural, they are more susceptible to fading due to sunlight. However, the company explains to its customers that clothes are just like plants. With a bit of nurturing and care, the clothing will continue to blossom the longer they are used.
Megumi Project
Megumi Project is taking the upcycling trend to heart and turning old discarded clothing, specifically kimonos, into something beautiful. The company provides bags, scarves, journals, and an alluring selection of handcrafted accessories.
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What is fascinating about the Megumi Project is where the proceeds go to after each purchase. The Megumi Project provides empowerment to women who were directly affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. This is an opportunity for those working under this project to learn new skills, receive an income, as well as nurture their creativity. The project comprises workers who hail from both Japan and the United States.
This is a place handcrafts beautiful products both for men too. Neckties made from old silk kimonos are available, and each of them incorporates a sleek design that also aligns with the Japanese tradition.
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Ayuwa
Last but not least is Ayuwa. Ayuwa’s clothing brand is based on empowering women while also creating ethical clothing. The clothing company is also going above and beyond through a donation of 500 yen with each purchase. These donations go to child support activities, which will aid in the enablement of creativity and strength in children countrywide.
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The shop caters to fashion for women and has a large assortment of stylish dresses, tops, and skirts to choose from. Since 2016, Ayuwa has also been very active in its community by participating in local events, scouting for interns from various universities, as well as participating in workshops to help increase recycling and reduce pollution. If you wish to shop ethically without sacrificing in fashion sense, Ayuwa has just what you’re looking for.
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