Consciously craving…sustainable trends
Fads and fashions seem intrinsically throwaway by nature, but it is possible to switch things up for a new season in an ethical and ecological way
As the seasons change and the world adapts to an increasing awareness of environmental consciousness, autumn 2023 brings with it a genuine array of sustainable trends. From beauty and fashion to travel, art and interiors, this season encourages a shift towards mindful consumption, innovative materials and responsible and inclusive practices.
Beauty
Autumn 2023’s beauty trends continue to embrace the philosophy of ‘less is more’ by focusing on clean and sustainable beauty. Natural, organic ingredients take centre stage, with brands investing in creative eco-friendly packaging solutions and cruelty-free practices. As consumers, we will be on the lookout for ethically sourced skincare products, vegan make-up and refillable packaging that helps reduce waste.
Additionally, emerging brands are blending ancient traditions and natural raw ingredients with modern science, exploring the power of botanicals and emphasising the importance of self-care rituals that nurture both the body and the planet. Seabody is a luxury Kerry-based wellness and beauty brand harnessing the power of seaweed. Co-founded by gene and cellular therapeutics doctor Helena McMahon, the brand has recently been awarded the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark – the only Irish brand to now hold this certification. seabody.com
Established by Dublin herbalist Feebee Foran, Forager is an Irish skincare brand making natural balms and creams from ingredients such as daisy, chickweed, yarrow and lesser celandine – wild plants which grow in abundance in both rural and urban settings but which are often overlooked as weeds. forager.ie
Fashion
The fashion industry continues its move towards circularity with sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp and innovative materials like Piñatex™ (made from pineapple leaves) and Tencel™ (from sustainably harvested wood pulp) dominating the runways – see Stella McCartney’s Eco Alter Mat products aka vegan leather in response to the traditional animal counterpart. In addition to that, we are watching designers increasingly incorporating upcycling and recycling techniques, breathing new life into discarded garments. Vintage and pre-loved fashion also continues to thrive, providing unique, timeless pieces with a lower environmental footprint.
Bon + Berg is a new kid on the Irish fashion design block. Its innovative underwear products are made from a super-soft material called Micro Modal. Micro modal is produced using a complex purification process, in which wood chips from responsibly harvested beech trees are converted into cellulose, which is later woven into a luxurious fabric. A large percentage of the FéRí collection is made in Ireland, using locally sourced materials. Irish linen, vintage, upcycled and dead-stock fabrics, trims and locally made covered buttons are some of the elements used by the brand’s founder, Faye Anna Rochford.
Travel
Sustainable tourism practices are gaining prominence, with travellers seeking authentic experiences that respect local cultures and minimise their impact on the environment. Eco-lodges, off-grid retreats, eco-conscious tour operators and even eco-certified hotels offer immersive experiences that connect travellers with nature. Responsible wildlife encounters and community-based tourism projects are key considerations for conscientious adventurers who seek to leave a positive legacy behind.
Breac.House is a peaceful retreat in northwest Donegal where you will find custom-crafted oak beds, pure Irish wool duvets and hand-woven Donegal tweed throws made by a local artisan weaver. Its private off-grid wood-fired sauna and a plethora of seaweed baths are the cherry on top. breac.house
After a rigorous two-year assessment process, Armada earned B Corp status for exemplary performance across five categories: environment, community, workers, customers and governance, becoming the only hotel in Ireland to hold this globally renowned accolade. B Corp recognises companies that use business as a force for good, meeting high ethical and environmental standards and positively impacting workers, communities, customers and our planet. armadahotel.com
Art
Through their creativity, artists are amplifying the message of sustainability and encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world and with each other. With diversity on the rise, the National Gallery of Ireland’s It Took a Century: Women Artists and the RHA, aims to showcase women’s membership of the Royal Hibernian Academy from the election in 1923 of the first woman member, Sarah Purser, to the first woman president, Abigail O’Brien, in 2018. As part of the RHA bicentenary celebrations, the exhibition, which runs till 22 October and is free, will combine a historic survey of the past 100 years together with a presentation of work by current woman members of the Academy. nationalgallery.ie
Interiors
This season’s interior design trends focus on creating harmonious habitats that blend aesthetics with eco-consciousness. From repurposed furniture and energy-efficient lighting to organic textiles and low-VOC paints, sustainable choices are at the forefront. Biophilic design principles flourish, incorporating greenery and natural elements into our homes, connecting us with nature even in urban settings. Irish store Home STREET Home (homestreethome.ie) promotes the beauty of the reclaimed world and the inventiveness of modern upcycled designs. This is a born sustainable business, offering a vital link in the circular economy between consumer and recycled, salvaged materials.
Conscious Convert is a thoughtfully-designed organic lifestyle brand of smart-living homeware essentials – supporting an ecosystem of care for the future of our world and the social and health welfare of the makers from sowing to sewing. Its collection is designed in Ireland and created in Portugal and is certified by the leading standard in organic cotton, the GOTS® (Global Organic Textile Standard). consciousconvert.com
Autumn 2023’s sustainable trends invite us to redefine our relationship with beauty, fashion, travel, art, and interiors. By embracing ethical practices, conscious consumption and innovative materials, we can align our personal style and preferences with the values of environmental stewardship.
@iampatkane
