SUSTAINABLE FASHION – KALITA
One of the biggest misconceptions with sustainable fashion is the lack of luxe factor, with consumers conjuring up images of frayed hessian sacks, shapeless designs and sludgy brown or green tones. Thankfully – or depressingly – due to the crisis reports highlighting the damage fast fashion is having on the planet, designers are cottoning on (pun intended) to newer ways of working, from material innovations, improved working practices and concrete sustainability policies that’s seeing more sustainable fashion brands emerging that give back to the planet while providing the all important luxe factor. Resortwear label KALITA has sustainability at its core: founded by Kalita al Swaidi in 2016, the collections are not just elegant, they are thoughtful in both design and what each piece can give back to Mother Earth. The label is also committed to being a part of the 2% of the industry who can say that they know and participate in an honest production process with their partners, ensuring the brand’s ethical practices are treated with respect and compassion. Crafted from billowing layers of organic fabrics – cotton and silk habotai both feature – the use of eye-catching colour has become a signature, and is created using hand dyes that go back into the ground. Spotted on Chloe Delevingne – who paired her green Peresphone dress with leather biker boots to a recent party – to Vogue stylist Pippa Vosper (who wore her white Aphrodite dress through pregnancy and beyond) KALITA reaches further than your typical resortwear brand. “It’s actually how I live”, Al Swaidi explains. “I need my travel wardrobes to be easy, versatile, look totally effortless, and truth be told – every single piece has to work hard. Practicality is essential. Evening dresses that are slightly wrinkled from a long flight when they come out of a suitcase can be easily steamed in a hot shower. Each dress can go from the beach to cocktails.” Destined for balmy beachside bars, a sun-soaked garden party and anywhere in between…these are our favourite picks that you can shop on MWHQ now.
