Shop These Independent Brands For Ethical Festival Fashion

Monika Young

Summer is almost here, and festival season is just around the corner. It’s a time to let loose in the sunshine (hopefully), discover new music, dance to old favorites, and have fun with our festival wardrobe. However, as we become more aware of the impact our choices have on the planet and the people on it, it’s important to consider how we can approach festival dressing. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to embrace it while still being eco-conscious. As a fast fashion addict turned slow fashion designer, let me walk you through my recommendations on how you can do festival fashion ethically, so you can look great and feel good about your choices.

MONIKA THE LABEL

A cheeky self plug, but I can’t talk about festival fashion without talking about my slow fashion brand, Monika the Label.

I began my career as a fashion buyer in Berlin. After witnessing the impact of fast fashion firsthand, I made it my mission to contribute to the fashion industry in a better and fairer way. In 2020, I founded Monika the Label, which focuses on season-less collections, environmentally-friendly fabrics, and local production. Music also plays a special part when it comes to my designs.

Inspired by the best parts of the ’70s and the badass women of rock and roll, I design sustainable clothes for wild-hearted people who want to make a change and feel pretty damn cool when they do it. The label is strongly influenced by vintage fashion and silhouettes, which I’ve updated with a modern twist.

Our pieces are also predominantly named after powerful female music icons who have inspired me over the years, including the Haim sisters, Stevie Nicks, Patti Smith, and Florence Welch. What was once a male-dominated corner of music is now being taken over by these women, who are proving that rock belongs to them. We can only hope that festival line-up bookers can recognise this too one day.

I’ve also been lucky enough to see some of my designs worn on festival stages such as Latitude, Barn on the Farm, Reading + Leeds, and Sziget. Big thank you to Izzy Bee Phillips of Black Honey and Cate Canning for choosing to wear Monika the Label when performing at these festivals!

SUSAMUSA

Lace is expected to be a popular trend at festivals this summer. It’s a timeless classic that’s perfect for a more understated yet daring festival look. One brand you can turn to satisfy your lace needs is Susamusa, a brand that began on Depop selling vintage clothing. After struggling to keep up with demand for her incredible vintage picks, founder Asal Tehrani started creating her own original designs for the brand. Fortunately, these designs were an absolute hit and now count the likes of Bella Hadid as a valued customer. I’m obsessed with her most recently released Roya Dress (picture 3), which comes in black, white, and red. Now to choose which colorway to add to my basket for this summer!

POSTER GIRL

I recently discovered Poster Girl on Tik Tok and fell in love with their insanely creative pieces within an instant. Poster Girl is a London-based brand that was founded in 2017 by Francesca Capper and Natasha Somerville. The two designers met while studying womenswear design at Central Saint Martins and went on to gain experience at major fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Alexander Wang, Vivienne Westwood, and John Galliano. Poster Girl’s designs are a nostalgic reflection of the designers’ upbringings, but with a modern twist. Their collection includes retro silhouettes, modern high-neck tops, mini dresses, elongated gloves, and wrap skirts, all in saturated colorways with cutout detailing. The perfect concoction for festival season.

EASY TIGER

Easy Tiger is an incredibly vibrant and colourful fashion brand that specialises in festival wear. With a unique style that combines bold patterns, bright colours, and eye-catching sequins, Easy Tiger has become a go-to for festival-goers looking to make a statement with their fashion choices. Their collection of cowboy hats, jackets, and dresses are the perfect way to stand out from the crowd!

The brand has gained a dedicated following over the years thanks to its playful designs and commitment to quality and community. All of their pieces are made with care using high quality materials, ensuring that they not only look great but are also built to last. Which is what we love to hear considering our clothing can get quite the battering over the course of a festival! The brand is also committed to sustainability, works with small family run factories and uses eco-friendly materials wherever possible.

ELSIE AND FRED

Elsie and Fred was founded in 2015 by siblings Natalie, Ryan, and Leanne in their hometown of Coventry, UK. Their vision was to create a brand that caters to people who want to express their individuality and aren’t scared stand out from the crowd. Elsie and Fred’s aesthetic is all about bold colors, clashing prints, and unconventional designs. Festival season is truly Elsie and Fred’s time to shine as their collections feature everything from neon crop tops and sequin skirts to oversized denim jackets and platform shoes. In addition to their commitment to sustainability, I also really admire how Elsie and Fred prioritise inclusivity in their designs and marketing. My personal favourite from their collection is the Bonet Maxi Dress & Tiger Print Dungarees.