Everything's gone green

Gone are the days when smart shopping meant bagging the latest Chloe-inspired dress for a fiver at Primark. Consumers are questioning the serious social and environmental issues involved in 'throwaway fashion'

We present to you our favourite ethical brands that have injected a whole heap of sex appeal into the green plight.

'As consumers we have a powerful voice that can change the ways of conventional retailers,' says Safia Minney, founder of People Tree. 'We want products that are made without exploiting workers or the environment, and we want big business to get the message.'

From designer catwalk shows to organic cotton tee-shirts, the fashion conscious have finally found a conscience. And as Tamsin Blanchard says in Green is the new Black, her new book on ethical fashion: 'It's perfectly possible to combine high principles with high fashion.' Our ethical fashion guide shows you how...

Our favourite ethical brands

1. Katharine Hamnett

It's impossible to talk about ethical fashion without mentioning Katharine Hamnett. Referred to by Vogue as 'The Queen of Green', the legendary designer has been campaigning for ethical fashion and a more environmentally friendly clothing industry since the late eighties.

'People are finally realising what we consume decides the future of the planet,' says Hamnett, who has reissued her iconic slogan tee-shirts.

2. People Tree

Ethical fashion pioneer Safia Minney founded People Tree in the early nineties. 'We've spent years building up relationships with our producers and creating a whole Fairtrade process,' she explains.

'Most large companies' top priority is to make the maximum profit. Our mission is to use fashion to improve people's lives.' With their Topshop collaboration and celebrity fan club, People Tree has definitely improved our lives.