Welcome to Citizen Femme’s August 2024 Sustainable Edit, showcasing the sustainable collectives on our radar this month.
Including sustainably-mined gemstones, non-alcoholic organic wine and luxury eco-lodges in Kenya, these are the names making a positive change this August.
JEWELLERY
ATHARI
ATHARI is a London-based fine jewellery brand redefining traceability in the gemstone supply chain. As a GIA gemologist, founder Victoria identified a huge issue in the traceability of commercial gemstones and created her brand to change that. Her first collection uses aquamarines from the world’s first female-run mine, with each piece mined and made entirely by women. The name ATHARI means “impact” in Tanzania’s native language Swahili, and embodies the very essence of fine jewellery – an ode to exceptional gemstones and the marvels of nature. Her passion for ethical sourcing meant she created a collection that could be fully traced, from the mine to the finished pieces, guaranteeing the ethical provenance of both the gemstones and the gold by personally sourcing everything from origin. All ATHARI stones are guaranteed to be conflict-free and untreated, and the empowering impact they can have on lives and local communities makes them all the more special.
BEAUTY
Emma Lewisham
A lot of beauty brands talk about being ‘sustainable’ but not many of them have a fully in-depth (and public) sustainability strategy like Emma Lewisham. A leader in ‘circular beauty’, whereby resources are consistently recycled to ensure zero overall waste, the natural ingredient-led company boasts 100 per cent recyclable packaging, is approaching 100 per cent traceability of ingredients, and has a society-positive outlook that supports gender equality and the end of modern slavery worldwide. Of course, it matters that the products work too. And, with a legion of celebrity fans, the proof really is in the serum (and the moisturiser). Expect some of the industry’s most proven ingredients, such as peptides and hyaluronic acid, to help give your complexion a youthful-looking glow that works for all skin types. Becki Murray
STAY
Wayfairer’s Eco Gold Lodges
Advocates of responsible travel, Wayfairer Travel – a tailor-made travel agency – has launched an ‘Eco Gold by Wayfairer’ category in Kenya that offers elite luxury experiences in the East African country, honouring responsible tourism without sacrificing comfort. Acknowledging the growing market of HNWIs looking for eco-friendly tourism, Wayfairer has curated an exclusive edit of partners that adhere to a specific set of requirements hinged on three fundamental pillars: management and efficiency; conservation and preservation; and community and social impact. This criteria includes everything from reducing carbon emissions, proactive water conservation, and the exclusive use of local and organic supplies for meals and amenities. The Ngare Serian Camp in Masai Mara is one of nine eco-lodges and top of our bucket list. This unique retreat – accessible only by a rope bridge – offers an off-grid feel with no wifi available. The four luxurious tents use 100 per cent solar power and natural materials, while providing unobstructed views of the Mara River (where hippos can often be found wallowing).
FASHION
ESCVDO
This Peruvian luxury brand is rooted in sustainability and an appreciation for Peru’s ancestral textile heritage and traditions. Founded by sisters Chiara and Giuliana Macchiavello over 10 years ago, the brand employs local artisans across the country, shining a spotlight on their talent for knitting, weaving and embroidery – all achieved entirely by hand. ESCVDO is committed to supporting local craftsmanship and communities in Peru and employs 300 skilled artisans, 95 per cent of them women, providing a platform for them to develop and preserve their skills. The brand’s beautifully crocheted dresses are works of art and use fabrics that are traceable and responsibly sourced, deserving a special place in your holiday wardrobe.
DRINK
amie
London-based drinks brand amie was dreamt up during lockdown and is now a hip, vegan, direct-to-consumer wine label that is known for its seriously good French rosé. Based on increased demand for non-alcoholic wines, this month sees the launch of their aime non-alcoholic sparkling rosé – the perfect drink for those who are sober this summer. The wine is light and crisp, and made from grenache grapes in the South of France, with peach characteristics to pair perfectly with light salads served al fresco with friends. All aime’s wines are organic, so the grapes are grown without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilisers, resulting in a healthier environment – and a healthier drinker. amie have also partnered with charity: water and for every order placed on their website, amie donates £1 to the charity.
Lead image: Athari
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