Armed Angels: Stylish & Sustainable Fashion

Ethical fashion is finally making it into the mainstream, which despite the cynical view that it's becoming a faddy trend, I think is a brilliant step towards a fairer fashion industry for everyone. So when John Lewis, one of the biggest and best British retailers, decided to start stocking sustainable fashion brand Armed Angels, I couldn't help but celebrate.

ARMEDANGELS aims to be the ultimate eco and fair fashion brand. On the human side, they are dedicated to providing safe working conditions, good wages and fair opportunities to all the people throughout their supply chain.

In terms of environmental issues, the ARMEDANGELS is striving to be sustainable without compromising on style. The brand uses eco-friendly textiles in every collection, including organic cotton, mulesing- & chlorine-free virgin wool, recycled polyester, tencel, modal and linen.

But don't just take their word for it, ARMEDANGELS is a member of certified organisations that regularly audit clothing companies to comply with their guidelines, including GOTS, Fairtrade, PETA and the Fair Wear Foundation.

One thing I really appreciate in a fashion brand is the packaging it arrives in; not just how it looks- which should carry every attention to detail that the garment itself has- but also how it aligns with the ethics of the brand. Nothing irks me more than ordering from an 'ethical' company and receiving a product wrapped in layers of toxic plastic. This organic cotton knit dress, adorned with a coral and fuschia brick print, was delivered in a box made from actual grass. The 'Grassbox' is a super sustainable alternative to traditional cardboard, and it was even reinforced with 100% recycled plastic packaging too.

I decided to pair this maximalist midi dress with equally bold palm leaf dangly earrings by print design queen Mica Peet, along with some chunky boots and my old oversized denim jacket. Finally, the look was finished off with an accessory from another fabulous ethical fashion brand, Wyatt & Jack, who make upcycled bright and bold bags from old deck chairs and bouncy castles.

Want to check out the ARMEDANGELS designs for yourself? The German ethical fashion brand now stocks a capsule collection of womenswear at John Lewis in Edinburgh, right at the heart of the exciting new St James Centre development!

Let me know what you think of this outfit in the comments, or tweet me @urbanityblog!

`Outfit details

Midi dress: Armed Angels (gifted) Denim jacket: Monki (second hand) Heeled boots: Topshop (second hand) Tote bag: Wyatt & Jack (gifted) Leaf earrings: Mica Peet