Conscious consumerism is on the rise and here to stay. Ethical brands are finding their footing online, with the ability to reach a global audience, maintain a strong story and being involved in their customers conversations.
It’s our philosophy at MATTER that everything you choose to buy is a vote in the direction of the world you want to see. I truly believe that the world would be a better place if we asked where and why, something is made, and that the value of an item is seen not only in the final product but also in the process, and its provenance. Of all the guiding principles on how to effect change through your purchasing choices, I think the most enduring one is, buy what you’ll love into the future. Buy something that you’ll still hold dear in 5 years, that will still matter to you, that you’ll take care of. Buy something that represents what you want the future to look like.
Reposted via Lightfoot Travel
Here are the online fashion brands that are bound to make their way into your heart (and wallets).



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Twin Within
Twin Within is an online brand based in Singapore by Icelandic designer Kristin Mariella. All necklaces are hand-crafted, fair-trade and made by single mothers with the help of a peace organization in the hills of Tagaytay, Philippines. It’s the perfect balance of modern, simple and iconic design blended with a social impact story that never compromises quality. Plus their necklaces make every outfit work.
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Nisolo
Meaning ‘not alone’, this focused and inspiring brand creates leather shoes and accessories with its artisans in Peru. Beautiful products, an easy online interface and a passionate mission to be game changing and life changing, it’s a fashion brand transforming the industry norm and committed to transparency.
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Reformation
Signing up for its newsletters is reward in itself. Each mailer coming with tips on how to lighten our individual footprints on the planet. With every piece made from textile waste and sustainable fabrics, the brand’s tagline ‘killer clothes that don’t kill the environment’ is a clarion call to all those who love edgy yet classic cuts, but want them out of an eco-ethical factory (think wind power, LED lighting, zero waste, female employment, above benchmark wage, the works…)
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United By Blue
For every product sold, this brand removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways. Focusing on outdoor apparel and their customers’ love for the wilderness, they’ve been combining great storytelling, moving photography and of course, excellent product along with a clear mission since 2010.
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Accompany
Artisan made, fair trade, philanthropic – this ethically edited multi-brand site is a feast for those with compassion, wanderlust and an eye for beauty. Where every purchase has a purpose and story, it’s hard not to find something that you won’t love whether it’s a basket from Rwanda or bracelet from Colombia.
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Warby Parker
The golden child not only for social businesses and ethical brands but also for e-commerce in general. This game-changing company showed us how we can shop for stylish prescriptions under $100, and what a socially motivated brand could look like. Every pair of glasses bought helps someone else in need of sight, and yet this is not something the brand uses to abandon in their marketing, preferring to let their products shine instead.


