Milkmaid numbers to floating sleeves à la Stevie Nicks, bold clashing animal prints to ch-ch-ch-cherry bombs, these are just some of the seventies hallmarks to make their way into the brand's first collection, proving that that slow fashion couldn't be quicker off the mark.
So, how does Monika The Label ensure they keep their carbon cowboy boot-print low, and ethical standards high?
The design process takes up to six months from conception to creation, with each collection adhering to a ‘seasonless’ approach
As maintained by their sustainability policy, “Protecting the planet is a pretty big deal. So we take it seriously”. The design process takes up to six months from conception to creation, with each collection adhering to a ‘seasonless’ approach. This means each piece is designed for a lifetime of love and wear. Take the Camille slip dress, she stands loud and proud with just a sandal in summer, but come autumn, can be cosied up with a roll-neck and leather jacket. Then of course there's the signature Monika Crew Neck; this is going to be your Mars Bar tee ("...Work, Rest, Play").
Most of the pieces are made out of a Regenesis Light Satin, an OEKTO TEX-certified material made from recycled plastic bottles, with additional silk satin and pure organic cotton jersey on occasion too
At the factory, it’s strictly ‘good vibes only’. Working in close connection with a North London manufacturer, the Monika The Label team ensure that workers are both paid and treated fairly, while also helping to reduce their carbon emissions by not sourcing manufacturing internationally.
In terms of the clothes themselves, most of the pieces are made out of a Regenesis Light Satin, an OEKTO TEX-certified material made from recycled plastic bottles, with additional silk satin and pure organic cotton jersey on occasion too. Reading that aloud makes me feel very Elle Woods.
Monika The Label opt for digital printing, using Azo dye-free inks that are water-based and non-toxic
Unlike traditional textile printing which is unsuitable for fashion manufacturing due to the quantity of waste and chemicals involved in the process, Monika The Label opt for digital printing, using Azo dye-free inks that are water-based and non-toxic.
What's more - any excess fabric is either donated to charity or used to create statement scarves and scrunchies. Because we all know scraps are the best bits, right?
Monika The Label is available to purchase via their website, and Wolf & Badger - an online stockist who pride themselves on taking the effort out of sourcing sustainably and ethically produced jewellery, fashion, accessories, homeware and beauty, without compromising on quality and design.
All images courtesy of Instagram