Ethical Fashion in Full Bloom: 10 Designs Inspired by Flowers

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul – Luther Burbank

Flowers have played a significant role in the natural history of our planet and in our lives as human beings.

Did you know that tulip bulbs were more valuable than gold in Holland during the 1600s? There are over 250,000 species of flowering plants. And they’ve existed for millions of years!

So I think it’s fitting to incorporate this wonder of nature into our lives – in an ecochic way of course 🙂

Elle Evans – Wilderness Knotted Bikini

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Sophie Costello at Pantomime Photography

There are so many things I like about this bikini. As a born and bred North Queensland girl I’m partial to lush tropical prints. However, if I did want to mix it up, both the top and bottom are both reversible with vibrant papaya orange on the other side. Elle Evans swimwear is made in Melbourne from regenerated ECONYL® lycra sourced from plastic waste dredged from the sea.

AIAYU – Flower Boyfriend Shirt

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If you’re anything like me, you like to keep cool and covered from the sun when the weather heats up. This cute and roomy boyfriend shirt is made from 100% certified organic cotton.

Liz Earle – Neroli Necklace

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When thinking about ethical fashion, we can sometimes forget to consider the values behind our jewellery. This Neroli flower necklace is crafted by artisans in Lima from certified Fairtrade vermeil gold

Braintree – Lipski Bamboo Top

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This eye-catching scoop neck top looks so vibrant, it reminds me of that golden hour of light just before sunset. It’s made from a combination of bamboo and certified organic cotton.

Reformation – Bertie Dress

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I really like this twist on the LBD. It’s the kind of dress I would get a lot of wear out of! According to Reformation the creation of this dress created less CO2 and waste than the industry standard.

Bibico – Summer Day Skirt

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For some reason this just strikes me as a happy skirt 🙂 You could dress it up or down depending on your choice of top and shoes. Bibico prides themselves on working with producers they know well and who look after the people who work for them.

16Seven – Long Line Floral Tee

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I’m partial to a good long tee! This one’s made from Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic single jersey and sports a hand-painted floral print by artist Sarah Campbell. All of 16Seven’s pieces are made in London by people paid a Living Wage.

Kowtow – Love Letter Dress in Botanical Print

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For me, this dress mixes cutting-edge design with a nostalgic quality. It’s made from 100% certified fair trade and organic cotton voile. Not only are the dyes used free from toxic nasties, but Kowtow’s dyeing unit is powered by rice husks, a renewable and non-polluting form of energy!

Mata Traders – Charlevoix Dress

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Yes, this dress is pretty. And yes, it’s made by a fair trade women’s cooperative in India. But do you want to know my favourite thing about this dress? Two words…hidden…pockets!

People Tree – Summer Girl Tee + Lauren Skirt in Coral

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I’m loving this combination of tee and skirt, both with a floral theme. The quirky and slightly edgy tee is made from 100% organic Fairtrade certified cotton, crafted by artisans at Assisi Garments in India. The woven organic cotton skirt was made by a social enterprise working to empower disadvantaged women of the slum communities of Mumbai.

Do you have a favourite piece of floral fashion? Share it in the comments below 🙂


Featured image: Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands by Kendall Benton-Collins | All other images are via the brands. Kindness by Design did not receive any compensation for mentioning the brands above.

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