Hello my dear friend and welcome to our second instalment in out Top 5 Series, a whole bunch of blogs that will be looking at some of our favourite topics and themes here at 3things, focusing on the top dogs of each one.

Today’s topic? In celebration of Fashion Month here on this little old website of ours we are having a look at fashion designers that have the best accessory of all, ethics! From Australia to America, we have turned our eyes to the catwalks of the world to find five designers who not only focus on making some pretty spiffy looking clothes, but pieces that take into consideration that sweatshops, unfair working conditions and harming the environment for the sake of couture is just about the most unfashionable thing you can do.

 5. Cue/Veronika Maine – Although not quite up there amongst the likes of Chanel and Giorgio Armani when it comes to haute-couture status, these Aussie sister brands should certainly still receive one big pat on the back. Not only has these two widely liked and sold across the country but their items have the Ethical Clothing stamp of approval as well. With most of their stuff made in Australia, they ensure fair wages, working conditions and jobs for your fellow countrymen/women, hurrah!

4. ALAS - What is an ethical fashion countdown without a bit of sleepwear? Although many of us are fine with an old t-shirt or two when it comes to PJs, there are certainly some lovely alternatives out there for those who want to step it up a notch. Lucky for us, some of it has been made by designers quite conscious of doing the right thing by the planet. Amongst such designers? Certainly those behind Aussie jim-jam’s brand, ALAS. Simple yet cute, not only is their stuff made from either Fair Trade certified or GOTS cotton, but even their packaging is comes from recycled materials.

3. Christopher Raeburn – One cool young designer, Christopher Raeburn uses old military fabrics found throughout Europe, giving them a new life as part of his designs. Stating that his decision to recycle old military cloth was not an intentional moralistic move but a welcomed coincidence nonetheless, Raeburn is proof that ethical style can be easier than we think. He did after all, not even know he was a bit of a recycling star until someone else pointed it out!

2. Collette Dinnigan – This Aussie designer proves that rocking it when it comes to high fashion does not have to cost the environment or people’s working rights. Not only has she earned spots on the catwalks of the world, had Miranda Kerr model her stuff but she has also gained accreditation with Ethical Clothing Australia as well.

1. Vivienne Westwood – Still making it happen as a fashion designer at 71, Vivienne Westwood does so whilst still caring for the world and those in it. Her latest venture? A collection of bags made from recycled roadside advertisement banners in Nariobi Kenya in creation with disadvantaged women there. With the bags allowing the women to earn much needed income and gain a sense of independence, Westwood’s work is just one fine example of how fashion can not only be fun but forward think as well.

Feature Image - Charity Shop Challenge by hellojenuine

Second image - Paris Runaway 7 (Collette Dinnigan) by Chealse V