Simply put, fast fashion is bad for Mother Earth. Whether it’s a contribution to landfill or the poor treatment of factory workers, the fashion industry is responsible for massive pollution, waste and violence. With a vibrant thrift scene and a host of creatives crafting their craft, Denver is quickly becoming a hub for slow, sustainable and ethical fashion. Many stores in Denver remain committed to the slow fashion movement.
Photo courtesy of Eli and Barry’s online store
Eli and Barry
Lowdown: Eli and Barry is a sustainable fashion company based out of the Globeville Riverfront Arts Center. FOUNDER Lily Schlosser sought to join the fight against fast fashion to prove high-quality basics made with care from sustainable means. Schlosser designs and designs each piece with simplicity in mind. With this simplicity, the company seeks to stand against the harmful effects of fast fashion by making pieces that will last.
Where to buy: Although Eli & Barry does not currently have a storefront, their collection can be shopped online and on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of False Ego on Facebook
False ego
Lowdown: False ego is a sustainable streetwear brand with a flagship store in RiNo / Five Points. False Ego is no stranger to Denver’s enduring fashion scene. In fact, the founder Jevon Taylor is often a driving force behind it. Since the beginning, Taylor has operated with education at the center of his efforts: he now uses his storefront to host meetings and events that discuss waste in the fashion industry. False Ego products are made from organic cotton, packaged in eco-friendly materials and sourced from a company that recycles textiles.
Where to buy: Their flagship store is in RiNo / Five Points at 2590 Walnut St. Denver.
Photo courtesy of sheenamarshall.com
Sheena Marshall
Lowdown: Sheena Marshall sells handcrafted custom jewelry in Denver. The company’s jewelry is designed and handcrafted by Marshall himself. This process not only ensures that each of her pieces is unique, but the practices she uses when processing each piece minimizes waste and recycles leftover materials into future jewelry. This sustainable process extends to Marshall’s metal practices. It uses precise measurements and sends its waste to the supplier to be recycled.
Where to buy: Sheena Marshall’s handmade collection can be purchased at her online store.
Photo courtesy of judithandjoeshop.com
Judith & Joe
Lowdown: Judith & Joe combines classic and sustainable style with modern and sustainable practices. The brands that the company sells are initially heavily researched by the owners, Sarah Graf and Brandee Castle – every product comes from brands whose process is either ethically sourced or sustainably made. The company remains transparently committed to the people and the factory: their pieces center around affordability and style alongside slower, more ethical fashion.
Where to buy: Judith & Joe has an online store and a storefront in 3040 Blake St. #100,
Denver.
Photo by topodesigns.com
Topo Designs
Lowdown: Topo Designs sells outdoor clothing and accessories with a prime location in RiNo. Their gear is colorful, durable, and made with ethically sustainable materials. Topo Designs products are made from natural materials using technologies oriented towards reducing energy consumption. founders Jedd Rose and Mark Hansen remain committed to reducing waste and the use of harmful chemicals in the manufacture of clothing – they are also committed to the ethical treatment of the people who make their products. Not to mention, their equipment is built to last. In an effort to reduce waste, they use sustainable materials and offer a repair program to ensure their products last.
Where to buy: Their flagship store is in RiNo at 2500 Larimer St. #102, Denver. They also have an online store, a location in Fort Collins, and two stores at Denver International Airport.
