Summer Shopping
Four Eco-Friendly Stores You Need to Know About

by Dr. Marchette Richardson-Smith
Copa Style Magazine Fashion Events Correspondent
Purchasing sustainable clothing has become trendy and exciting for several reasons. Firstly, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, leading to a greater demand for eco-friendly products. Sustainable fashion addresses this concern by offering organic, recycled, or upcycled clothing, reducing waste and pollution. Additionally, these garments often come with a story or mission, creating a sense of connection and purpose for the buyer. Walk with me as I tell you the story of four outstanding retailers. It is time to excite your fashion taste buds and do a little shopping.
Reformation (https://www.thereformation.com/
Yael Aflalo, a former model, and the visionary behind Reformation, was deeply influenced by her parents' clothing store in downtown Los Angeles. Her passion for sustainability led her to launch her fashion line, YaYa, in 1999. In 2009, she rebranded as Reformation, a brand that continues to create products with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Starting with vintage items from a small storefront in Los Angeles, the brand quickly grew, expanding their team, broadening their product lines, and introducing new merchandise. Their commitment to sustainability only grew stronger. In 2013, Reformation embraced technology by launching an online store, making their merchandise available worldwide.
Yael Aflalo, a former model, and the visionary behind Reformation, was deeply influenced by her parents' clothing store in downtown Los Angeles. Her passion for sustainability led her to launch her fashion line, YaYa, in 1999. In 2009, she rebranded as Reformation, a brand that continues to create products with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Starting with vintage items from a small storefront in Los Angeles, the brand quickly grew, expanding their team, broadening their product lines, and introducing new merchandise. Their commitment to sustainability only grew stronger. In 2013, Reformation embraced technology by launching an online store, making their merchandise available worldwide.
In 2014, they introduced their Bridal line, offering more sustainable and stylish wedding options such as [specific dress name]. By July 2019, Reformation expanded globally with its first international store in Toronto, followed by another in London in September. By 2021, Reformation's commitment to sustainability was officially recognized with a certification from the Change Climate Project, affirming that its products have been 100% carbon-neutral since 2015. Today, Reformation is known for crafting effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure while pioneering sustainable practices, focusing on people and progress at every stage. The dresses worn by the author, such as [the Jeanette Knit Dress, the Ellison Denim Midi Dress, and the Sebastien Linen Dress], can be found at Reformation.
The Phoenix (https://www.thephoenixdc.com/
The Phoenix, a beloved family-owned establishment in Washington, D.C., has been a beacon of sustainable fashion since it first opened its doors in 1955. Bill and Betty Hays, the founders, started the store with a thoughtfully curated collection of global and sustainable fashion, jewelry, and home goods. They traveled annually to Mexico with their family to select clothing and artwork for their Georgetown storefront. By 1980, their son John Hays and his wife Sharon took over the business, expanding the shop's selection to include a more diverse clothing brand. They remained steadfast in their commitment to sourcing ethical and sustainable designers and artisans. Today, John and Sharon's daughter, Samantha Hays Gushner, carries on the legacy of The Phoenix.
More than ever, they are dedicated to sourcing local and global sustainable goods. Their commitment to sustainability and close relationships with designers and artisans ensure that their products come from responsible, eco-friendly partners. Collaborating with over one hundred eco-friendly designers, they offer a fantastic selection of apparel, accessories, jewelry, kitchen and dining items, home and garden décor, art and objects, and bath and body products. Whenever I visit The Phoenix, I am like Alice in Wonderland, so many unique possibilities dance right before my eyes. I remember one time when I was shopping for an intelligent leisure suit, a summer frock, or bath oils, and I found the perfect [specific product]. No matter my need, I know it will be met at The Phoenix.
The Phoenix, a beloved family-owned establishment in Washington, D.C., has been a beacon of sustainable fashion since it first opened its doors in 1955. Bill and Betty Hays, the founders, started the store with a thoughtfully curated collection of global and sustainable fashion, jewelry, and home goods. They traveled annually to Mexico with their family to select clothing and artwork for their Georgetown storefront. By 1980, their son John Hays and his wife Sharon took over the business, expanding the shop's selection to include a more diverse clothing brand. They remained steadfast in their commitment to sourcing ethical and sustainable designers and artisans. Today, John and Sharon's daughter, Samantha Hays Gushner, carries on the legacy of The Phoenix.
More than ever, they are dedicated to sourcing local and global sustainable goods. Their commitment to sustainability and close relationships with designers and artisans ensure that their products come from responsible, eco-friendly partners. Collaborating with over one hundred eco-friendly designers, they offer a fantastic selection of apparel, accessories, jewelry, kitchen and dining items, home and garden décor, art and objects, and bath and body products. Whenever I visit The Phoenix, I am like Alice in Wonderland, so many unique possibilities dance right before my eyes. I remember one time when I was shopping for an intelligent leisure suit, a summer frock, or bath oils, and I found the perfect [specific product]. No matter my need, I know it will be met at The Phoenix.
Aday (https://www.thisisaday.com/collections/all
Aday is a retailer on a mission to innovate and create super comfortable, long-lasting fabrics with minimal environmental impact. They prioritize sustainable and durable materials, including recycled, regenerated, biodegradable, and bio-based fibers. Their approach, which includes renewable fabric manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing and finishing, and advanced performance properties, is at the forefront of sustainable fashion. They often substitute virgin fibers with recycled ones of equal or better quality. Notably, 77% of their styles are crafted from recycled, regenerated, and natural materials.
They have bestsellers crafted from custom-developed recycled scuba made with REPREVE® polyester created from recycled post-consumer plastic, plant life basics made from TENCEL™ Modal sourced from beechwood trees in a closed-loop production process (so that no waste is generated from the production process, including materials, energy and water), as well as a Bio fleece designed to reduce microplastics, made from TENCEL™ on the inside which biodegrades within 90 days, even in marine water. Aday creates beautiful, sustainable clothing, such as the blue suit highlighted in the article, loving my suit.
Aday is a retailer on a mission to innovate and create super comfortable, long-lasting fabrics with minimal environmental impact. They prioritize sustainable and durable materials, including recycled, regenerated, biodegradable, and bio-based fibers. Their approach, which includes renewable fabric manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing and finishing, and advanced performance properties, is at the forefront of sustainable fashion. They often substitute virgin fibers with recycled ones of equal or better quality. Notably, 77% of their styles are crafted from recycled, regenerated, and natural materials.
They have bestsellers crafted from custom-developed recycled scuba made with REPREVE® polyester created from recycled post-consumer plastic, plant life basics made from TENCEL™ Modal sourced from beechwood trees in a closed-loop production process (so that no waste is generated from the production process, including materials, energy and water), as well as a Bio fleece designed to reduce microplastics, made from TENCEL™ on the inside which biodegrades within 90 days, even in marine water. Aday creates beautiful, sustainable clothing, such as the blue suit highlighted in the article, loving my suit.
Sezane (https://www.sezane.com/us/collection)
The sustainability-focused fashion brand Sézane, launched in 2013, originated from founder Morgane Sézalory's idea to sell vintage clothing from Paris through her website, Les Composantes. As demand increased, Sézalory began designing new pieces with a vintage feel, eventually transforming the venture into Sézane. A key aspect of Sézane's appeal is its close relationships with Europe-based factories responsible for over two-thirds of its production. This allows Sézane to offer high-quality products at more competitive prices than its rivals. Shoes, one of Sézane's best-selling categories, exemplify the brand’s commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship. Sézane was one of the first fashion brands to achieve B Corp certification in 2021. By 2022, it had reduced its total carbon footprint by 22% and recycled over 13,000 pieces through its in-house recycling program. The brand's strategy of small-production batches has helped eliminate excess inventory. The brand is doing exceptionally
The sustainability-focused fashion brand Sézane, launched in 2013, originated from founder Morgane Sézalory's idea to sell vintage clothing from Paris through her website, Les Composantes. As demand increased, Sézalory began designing new pieces with a vintage feel, eventually transforming the venture into Sézane. A key aspect of Sézane's appeal is its close relationships with Europe-based factories responsible for over two-thirds of its production. This allows Sézane to offer high-quality products at more competitive prices than its rivals. Shoes, one of Sézane's best-selling categories, exemplify the brand’s commitment to quality materials and craftsmanship. Sézane was one of the first fashion brands to achieve B Corp certification in 2021. By 2022, it had reduced its total carbon footprint by 22% and recycled over 13,000 pieces through its in-house recycling program. The brand's strategy of small-production batches has helped eliminate excess inventory. The brand is doing exceptionally
I purchased two pieces from their website: The red Agnes Jacket made from viscose, cotton, and polyester and the Catalina Jacket made from viscose, acetate, metallic polyester, and polyamide.