New Season
BONDI BORN
Mattie Underwired Bikini Top
£130
Responsible Beachwear Brands to Know Now
Feature: Long Read
Words by ELEANOR HIBBERD
A year of reflection has given many of us a new, conscious outlook on life – whether in the way we travel or our fashion choices. From championing craft and sustainable materials to seeking out pieces that are ethically made, we’re actively on the hunt for a wardrobe that does good as well as looking it. So, with summer in full swing, look no further for the beachwear brands making waves in the world of responsible fashion.
Bondi Born
Australian label Bondi Born takes an elegant and ethical approach to resortwear. The majority female-operated brand holds a B Corp Certification, meaning it meets rigorously high production and environmental standards in a consciously managed supply chain. Sustainably made materials – including its signature Sculpteur™ fabric, which can last up to 10 times longer than standard swimwear materials – translate into figure-sculpting one-pieces, sets and breezy beach staples.
Inès Bressand
After falling in love with the art of basket weaving, Inès Bressand spent three months learning the craft from artisans in Ghana before founding her eponymous accessories label. Today, her sculptural bags are a summer mainstay thanks to their unique, organic structures and simple leather detailing that puts craft centre stage. Each one is woven by skilled Ghanaian women, who are employed on a self-organised working system.
Peony
Named after the flower that signals the start of summer, Australian label Peony is a fashion eco-pioneer. Swimwear is made from recycled and sustainable fabrics – including abandoned fishing nets upcycled straight from the ocean – while beachwear stars natural fibres, selected for their reduced environmental impact. Dreamy one-pieces and bikinis are printed with vintage florals and bright gingham, while effortless dresses and separates embody the joy of summer holidays.
ATP Atelier
Sustainability is the heart of Stockholm’s ATP Atelier, founded with a mission to create beautiful shoes that leave a positive footprint. Each pair is handmade by craftspeople in Tuscany, using leather reclaimed from the food industry that’s treated with biodegradable vegetable tannins. ATP Atelier’s aesthetic is one of considered minimalism – expect pared-back sandals with all the chic hallmarks of their Scandi heritage. This is footwear that will age beautifully over time with you.
Sir.
Nowhere does beaches, or beachwear, like the land Down Under. Aussie brand Sir. is committed to a responsible future through an ethical supply chain that minimises waste. Working to a made-to-order model, Sir. donates any excess stock to charitable organisations such as Dress for Success and Thread Together. Bringing timeless style to the sand, classic black and white swimsuits are offset by darkly romantic florals, while organic linen maxi dresses are perfectly cut for ease and elegance. You’ll reach for these silhouettes year after year.
Eliurpí
Hold onto your straw hats! Hailing from a small, independent boutique in Barcelona, Eliurpí – the brainchild of designer Elisabet Urpí and photographer Nacho Umpiérrez – is renowned for its fabulous handwoven hats, which have captured the hearts of fashion editors and influencers alike. Wooden brims, grosgrain ribbons and an eye for style and proportion puts this brand head and shoulders above the rest. Even its vessel-like straw bags are crafted using millinery techniques, in order to achieve their signature sculpturesque shapes.
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