Image: Reversible Shearling Coat by Marfa Stance, Danny Boiler Suit by LF Markey, Polo Neck Bodysuit by LF Markey
As we emerge from winter into spring, sustainable fashion stylist Alice Wilby delves into the world of transeasonal style with an editorial featuring key pieces from brands who actively encourage us to build slow, sustainable wardrobes.
It’s no secret that the way we produce and consume clothing is out of control. Fashion has gone into overdrive and well defined seasons have been replaced by weekly and daily drops, resulting in a constant and overwhelming variety of choice. Even for the conscious consumer, the never-ending merry-go-round of looks is dizzying and disorienting.
With each season, new trends and style rules bloom, only adding to the confusion. But if you’re searching for a calming, sustainable solution, look no further than the the transeasonal wardrobe. Because let’s face it, outside of the constructed language of fashion, rewearing pieces throughout all the seasons is already the way most of us dress. Fortunately many sustainable brands understand this, creating key collections of classics that carry over the seasons and provide the antithesis to trend-driven shopping. It has never been easier to curate a wardrobe that will last through the seasons.
Image: Pink Coat by Teatum Jones, Dress, Stylists Own, Shoes by Vivobarefoot
LF Markey
No garment says freedom and female empowerment quite like the jumpsuit. I’ve styled Esme in one of LF Markey’s trademark styles. Widely loved for their utility styling, slow sustainable approach to fashion and emphasis on ethical manufacturing, LF Markey’s boiler suits are the ultimate in fashionable anti-fashion. Transcending all ages, genres and genders, there is an all-in-one out there for everyone. And once you find the right style and fit, it will see you through season after season.
Marfa Stance
Longevity of product is the key to building a sustainable wardrobe and when you couple this with versatility you are on to a winner. Designed to function in multiple ways, a Marfa Stance coat will see you through ever changing seasons and occasions. I’ve styled Esme in three different elements of their buildable, mix and match coats. Choosing which elements you ‘build’ your modular coat with enables you to add a personal element to your garment: something I feel always inspires deeper emotional investment in our garments. It is is crucial for building long lasting relationships that inspire us to sustain our clothes. In recognition of their innovation and commitment to ethical, social and environmental behavior, Marfa Stance has been awarded the Eco-Age Brandmark.
Image: Signature Buildable Parker by Marfa Stance, Classic Hoodie by Riley Studio, Utility Tailored Trousers by Marfa Stance, Shoes by Vivobarefoot
Riley Studio
Luxury basics is a well worn phrase in fashion, but Riley Studio has taken it to the next level by crafting gender-neutral classics from recycled and organic materials. These are simple, elegant pieces that won’t date and are built to last, forming the cornerstone of any treanseasonal wardrobe. I’ve styled Esme in their Classic Hoodie, made from a mix of recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton.
Vivobarefoot
Born out of the barefoot running movement and a passion for connecting humans to nature, Vivobarefoot are a lifestyle brand on a mission to get us up off the sofa and out into the big wide world. Originally created as a trail running shoe, their brand has expanded to make the barefoot lifestyle part of the urban adventure. Vivo is on an ever growing journey to sustainability. Their Ultra Blooms I’ve styled here are made from repurposed algae and the Primus Lite II Recycled, is a leather-free shoe made using recycled plastics and bio-based materials. They also offer a repair service for their hand cut collection.
Image: Classic Trench by Isabelle Fox, Chloe Jeans by Mother Of Pearl, Classic Hoodie by Riley Studio, Ultra Bloom Trainers by Vivobarefoot
Isabelle Fox
Made in the UK in limited runs, Isabelle Fox’s timeless pieces are often crafted from deadstock fabric that is destined for landfill, simply because it’s out of season. So it’s ironic that the silhouette of the coat I’ve styled for this shoot is a classic example of how to nail trans seasonal style.
Mother of Pearl
I’ve styled Esme in the Webb Coat and Chloe Jeans from Mother Of Pearl’s core collection. Built around the concept of ‘seasonless staples’, MOP’s core edit is the epitome of transeasonal style. This edit is available all year round on their website, a point of sale that is becoming more and more commonplace for brands who are committing to helping their customers build sustainable wardrobes and intrinsically understand this way of shopping and styling is reflective of how the modern woman curates her style. The Webb wool coat – from sheep to manufacture – was made in one country and the Chloe jean is made from organic cotton, woven and spun in a single country too. Keeping production and manufacturing local like this dramatically lowers the carbon footprint of each garment.
Teatum Jones
Feminine, quirky and elegant, Teatum Jones have created a culture of cherishing and reclaiming fabric and never throwing textiles away. So each season their left-over material is measured, coded and stored, to enable them to easily incorporate it back into the next collection. The suit that we’ve styled Esme in, is made from reclaimed fabric sourced from British Wool Mills. Wool is a wonderful material to wear in any season as it’s natural fibers mean it keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Making it a perfect interseasonal staple.
Image Credits
Stylist: Alice Wilby, @alicewilby
Photographer: Liam Arthur,@liamarthurphoto
Hair and Make-Up: Sjaniel Turrell, @sjaniel
Model: Esme Ham At Hive Models, @orangelenselady
Stylists Assistant: Mao Miyakoshi, @mao_ethical_stylist
Photographers Assistant: Sam Royston, @samroystonphoto
Creative Concept: Alice Wilby and Sjaniel Turrell at A Novel Approach, @novel_beings
Read our Bringing Business to Life interview with Marfa Stance founder Georgia Dant.
Discover the best ethical coats and jackets for women.
See Rosanna Falconer’s take on what dressing sustainably means in 2020.