The Thoughtful Shopper: 6 sustainable fashion arrivals we’re loving this spring

Thoughtful Touches

The latest must-have accessory on our radar this season is the frequently sold-out Triangle Scarf from South Korean designer Rejina Pyo. Thanks to a fresh restock, it’s back on the market in colourways like mint green, baby blue, and red. Crafted from responsibly sourced Alpaca wool from Peru, this soft knit scarf is part of the designer’s expanded knitwear accessories, and is reflective of Pyo’s sustainability credentials which include using luxury materials that involve minimal water and energy usage. rejinapyo.com

Sleep Tight

New to the sleepwear offering of Copenhagen lifestyle brand Tekla is a selection of boxer shorts and short-sleeved t-shirts in new colourways, plus the addition of long-sleeved T-shirts. The boxer shorts are crafted using Tekla’s high-quality lightweight cotton poplin cut with a unisex, relaxed fit, while the t-shirts are made with 100 per cent organic soft cotton in a medium-heavyweight jersey knit. And, being a B Corp business, Tekla has reached the highest order of social and environmental certifications – something we can all get behind. Prices from €55, teklafabrics.com

Homegrown Design

2023 was a whirlwind year for design duo Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney. After ending their seven-year successful partnership with Dunnes Stores, the pair announced their new collaboration with Kilkenny Design which launched in October with ready-to-wear, accessories and homewares. Their second collection, Ostara, inspired by the pagan goddess said to symbolise the warmth of spring, has just launched and includes capes, long-line cardigans, slouchy V-neck sweaters and colour-blocked crossbody bags. An energising mix of bold blues and bright greens, supporting this homegrown brand will pay dividends in more ways than we think. kilkennydesign.com

Bag It

Now in its third edition, Arnott’s ‘Pitch’ initiative invites Irish start-ups to pitch for their chance to win a mentorship scheme with Arnotts, alongside securing a €10,000 business development fund. Eco-innovative vegan leather accessories brand KALO were announced this month as the Pitch ‘23 winners. Created by Kate O’Neill and Michael O’Malley, the Dublin-based brand launched in 2022 with its debut ‘Everything Bag’ crafted from a leather-like material made from apple waste and lined from recycled bottles. Available in black, pink and bright orange the crossbody bag comes with two interchangeable straps in thick woven and thin styles, and is joined by the the ‘Essentials’ shoulder bag and hairbands made from recycled polyester. wearekalo.com

Wrapped Up

New to Magee’s spring offering is this wool-blend wrap jacket in an oat and white houndstooth colourway, and it speaks to all of the hallmarks of the heritage label: timeless, easy-to-wear styles in classic cuts and colourways. Slow fashion by default, the fifth-generation family business is a masterclass in its field with its offering of premium investment pieces for men and women woven in Magee’s Donegal mills. Magee1886.com

Finishing Touches

Launched in 2015 by Gemma O’Leary, Inner Island is a consciously curated jewellery brand based in Kilkenny. And while sustainability is key to the brand, its designs have an easy appeal for their polished, clean-cut feel. On our wishlist this month is the Ammil necklace which drapes on the décolletage for the perfect evening wear option. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled silversmiths using recycled gold and silver, while all packaging is fully biodegradable and recyclable. innerisland.ie