We speak to some of Hong Kong’s most eco-conscious fashion insiders to find out their favourite fall fashion trends for 2019, and where we can shop sustainably for them without contributing to fast fashion’s profligate practices.
Fall Fashion Trend: Utility Uniform
Utility clothing is a perennial favourite: easy to wear, almost universally flattering and cool without looking like you gave it too much thought. According to Christina Dean, founder of Redress, the environmental charity reducing fashion’s waste, and upcycled fashion brand, The R Collective, this season we’ll see this trend progress into more of a smart casual uniform.
Dean suggests you either combo a utilitarian jacket with a relaxed oversized skirt, or go head-to-toe utility in a boilersuit or some overalls. If your utility-inspired outfit feels too masculine, try pairing it with lighter fabrics, such as a silk shirt or simple cotton tank.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR IT SUSTAINABLY:
The R Collective uses materials from preloved luxury items, repurposing them into eye-catching designs like this limited edition ruched utilitarian jacket.
Also from The R Collective, this avant-garde jumpsuit is made from upcycled denim and can be customized to fit your style with a cross circular ring belt design.
Fall Fashion Trend: Bold Accessories
Whether it’s statement earrings, a headband in a vivid hue or a handbag that turns heads, this season is all about dressing up. Chloe Zhang, founder of ethical fashion website, Supermint, says colourful accessories are the quickest way to dial up the glam.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR IT SUSTAINABLY:
For your quick colour fix, try these statement earrings by Shanghai jewellery designer brand Hawa. Each pair of these geometric beauties is individually crafted from leftover leather.
Hair clips are THE accessory of the season. These colourful clips from eco-conscious accessories brand, Machete, are made with cellulose acetate, a natural and renewable material that’s an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based materials.
Fall Fashion Trend: Tailoring
Tailoring has always been a timeless trend but this season expect to see an explosion of power suits and tailored coats. Fanny Moizant, co-founder of Vestiaire Collective, a luxury online retail store that sells pre-owned designer fashion, says, “This look is perfect for work – chic and polished with just the right amount of masculinity to help you feel confident and poised.”
No need to shy away from distinctive fabrics and intense hues; tailored pieces in wool, tartan and silks will help you stand out from the crowd this fall even on the dullest day.
WHERE TO SHOP FOR IT SUSTAINABLY:
It doesn’t get more classic than this pre-loved tailored houndstooth coat by Celine, available from online circular fashion platform Vestiaire Collective.
Everlane is an American clothing retailer practising “radical transparency” by providing a full rundown of the ethical factories and workers that make each and every garment on their platform. Their tailored trousers are on trend and fully traceable.
Fall Fashion Trend: Knitted Co-ord
Make a final break from that suffocating summer heat by going head to toe in matching knitwear. “I think this is a really comfy way to look like you made more effort than you did. I did so many of these this season,” says Charlie Millar, a knitwear designer and blogger who designs for ASOS and Topshop. An already-built outfit that’s ready to wear, a knit co-ord requires minimal styling for maximum effect – perfect for the lazy fall fashionista.
To make this look work, Millar suggests pairing it with statement shoes or jewellery to make an impact. “The outfit is like a blank canvas so you can have fun with accessories.”
WHERE TO SHOP FOR IT SUSTAINABLY:
If price is no object, this cashmere-silk sweater dress set from Gabriella Hearst hits the mark and also gives back; Hearst works with a women’s co-op in Uganda to support local artisans in her knits.
ASOS has a line of super-cozy knitwear made with recycled yarns made from melted down plastic bottles that would otherwise just end up in the landfill.
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