Welcome to Citizen Femme’s March 2024 Sustainable Edit, showcasing the sustainable collectives on our radar this month.
Including female-led businesses, vegan hotel rooms and non-toxic, refillable candles, these are the names making a positive change this March.
JEWELLERY
SHYLA
London-based jewellery designer Alice Blofeld named her brand after a charity leader she met in India, inspired by her profound mission to empower women. SHYLA’s pieces are made by a small female-led and family run business in India, and the company support several small charities in the country too. Providing some of India’s poorest women with access to education and skills training, SHYLA’s support helps them create sustainable livelihoods. Alice’s designs are driven by a love of vintage jewellery, and are made from ethically-sourced or recycled metals and natural stones – her entire operation dedicated to sustainability. Made by women, for women and supporting women, SHYLA’s high quality jewellery pieces are modern heirlooms with a conscience.
BEAUTY
Eym
Eym is a candle brand that is good for the planet, perfect for gifting and great for your mood. Founded by Poppy Wall when she was pregnant with her first child, Wall was inspired to create her range of 100 per cent natural, refillable candles after reading about the potentially toxic chemicals released by some synthetic candle brands. The range of scents aim to supercharge our emotions too – and they work. Our top pick is ‘Create’ which we light when we want to hit our deadlines; the blend of citrus and black pepper is designed to help give you (back your) brain power. Becki Murray
STAY
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is proving that veganism and sustainability can go hand-in-hand with luxury. In response to the increasing number of guests opting to lead vegan lifestyles, the hotel is expanding its finest Arabian hospitality to offer the region’s first vegan rooms. Six rooms in the West Wing have been furnished with non-animal-based products and use bamboo tablecloths and napkins; minibar offerings include vegan wine; vegan in-room amenities are by Palatino Hospitality; 100 per cent plant-based bathroom amenities are by VOTARY; and exclusive vegan-certified spa treatments including facial, body treatments and massages are offered. These special rooms also have a bespoke plant-based in-room dining menu. Paving the way for a more sustainable luxury market, this five-star hotel in the UAE is a successful example of style and sustainability colliding.
FASHION
Sessei
This Parisian fashion house was born from a desire to create timeless clothing that is both chic and ethically minded. Founder, Meryl Chiche inherited her love for beautiful, quality items after working as an auctioneer, before turning her hand to designing for women who – like herself – love beautiful clothes that are ethically made. Every detail of Sessei’s creation process follows sustainable practices; shirts are handcrafted by Portugal’s best tailors and made with European fabrics, each carefully-selected for their quality. Her latest shirt, the Unisex, was inspired by her husband-to-be; Meryl wanted him to be able to wear the quality shirts she produced, and so subsequently created the flattering fit for both men and women.
EAT
Scully
Acclaimed chef Ramael Scully draws inspiration from all corners of the world for his eponymous London restaurant, fusing Asian, Middle Eastern and European culinary influences for exceptional dishes. Chef Scully aims to be as close to net zero as possible, and uses fermentation as the main way to achieve this. Many dishes on the menu include ingredients that have been fermented from days to years and include everything from homemade spices, pickles and preserves through to oils, animal fats, dairy and sprouts – you’ll see these on working display as you enter the restaurant.
Lead image: SHYLA
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