Poster child for sustainable fashion?

Put that billboard up!

Life long partners, Karen Stewart and Howard Brown, launched Stewart + Brown in 2002, and since have held themselves to high standards of sustainability. By raising the bar, and the industry’s level of what it means to be a long-lasting company, they pioneered a new definition of a truly beautiful garment.

The result? Rich fabrics, ethical practices and classic, seasonless designs.

100% of their cotton is organic–a difference you can feel (and so can the land it’s grown on).

They use low impact reactive dyes that bond to cellulosic (plant based) fibers easily, leaving waste water cleaner, but never compromising color.

Most of their production is done domestically. Yet, they are also practical, and when a textile or production process cannot be feasibly sourced in the US, they seek out the most ethical option overseas.

Regardless, if it’s domestic or overseas, all production is done under fair trade conditions.

“We created Stewart+Brown to fill the void of sophisticated, eco-friendly collections at affordable prices,” Howard explains. “We pride ourselves on unique designs and environmentally friendly, non-exploitive business practices.”

The success and long-time standing reputation of their brand can be attested to the fact Stewart + Brown are no newbies to the fashion business. Together the duo has worked in companies like Anthropologie, Free People, J. Crew and Urban Outfitters, so they know the underpinnings of a life-style brand. But their label is set apart from the brands they worked for. They’ve taken the best of their professional experiences to found their sustainable company.

Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2011, Stewart+Brown was honored as “Best Sustainable Fashion Brand” by the prestigious WGSN Global Fashion Awards.

The label also reaches out to community organizations and is an on going supporter of Teens Turning Green, an group dedicated to educating the next generation on sustainable practices.

By thinking big, Stewart + Brown have made a big positive impact. As they continue to inspire others to do the same, it’s heartening to think all this change happened through a clothing label. Fashion is no longer in vain.

 

Shop Stewart + Brown here