In recent years, the fashion industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainable fashion, driven by a growing awareness of environmental and ethical concerns. At the forefront of this movement are visionary women who have established fashion brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices, ethical production and social responsibility.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re going to look at some sustainable fashion brands that have seen huge success led by women around the world. We’ll also explore the rise of sustainability in this industry and the influence these women have had on it.

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion encompasses practices that reduce environmental impact and promote ethical treatment of workers throughout the supply chain. This approach contrasts sharply with fast fashion brands, which often prioritise rapid production and low costs at the expense of the planet and labour rights.

There has been a significant rise in consumers and fashion entrepreneurs challenging the concept of fast fashion and finding new ways to incorporate ethical practices into their buying habits and business strategies.

From eco-conscious materials to fair trade collaborations, sustainability is no longer just a niche concept but a growing movement within the fashion industry.

Beth Pettet, head of fashion brands at John Lewis & Partners said there has been a rise in “brands who now don’t even consider entering the market unless their product has a net-zero contribution to the planet.” Sustainability has become almost a necessity for any budding fashion brand looking to make its mark on the world.

Pioneering Women in Sustainable Fashion

Let’s take a look at a few women-owned fashion brands that are doing exceptional work to protect the planet and make people look good doing it.

1. WE ARE KIN – Ngoni Chikwenengere

Founded in 2018, WE ARE KIN is another sustainable fashion brand focused on size inclusivity and ethical production. British-Zimbabwean designer Ngoni Chikwenengere was frustrated with the environmental impact of fast fashion and sought to create a made-to-order business model that minimises waste.

The brand produces garments only when they are ordered, reducing excess stock and fabric waste. Additionally, it prioritises the use of deadstock fabrics, ensuring that no new materials are wasted in the process. WE ARE KIN challenges the traditional overproduction model and emphasises thoughtful, slow fashion.

2. Stella McCartney – Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney launched her eponymous brand in 2001 with a commitment to sustainable fashion and ethical luxury.

The brand is known for avoiding leather, fur and animal-derived products, using instead organic, recycled and plant-based materials. By innovating with materials like Mylo (a mushroom-based leather alternative) and recycled polyester, the brand significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions.

McCartney, a lifelong vegetarian, was inspired by her upbringing and the desire to merge high fashion with sustainability. As one of the leading sustainable fashion brands, she continues to push for eco-conscious luxury without compromising on style.

3. Eileen Fisher – Eileen Fisher

Founded in 1984, Eileen Fisher is a brand synonymous with timeless, minimalist designs made from organic and responsibly sourced fabrics.

The company has made strides in circular fashion with its "Renew" programme, allowing customers to return worn garments for resale or recycling, preventing tons of textiles from ending up in landfills.

Fisher was frustrated by the lack of simple, high-quality clothing so she built a business model centred on sustainability and longevity. She remains a strong advocate for women in the fashion industry, championing ethical production and social responsibility.

4. ZAZI Vintage – Jeanne de Kroon

ZAZI Vintage started its fashion journey blending sustainability and women empowerment in 2017. The brand partners with women-led cooperatives in India and Afghanistan, preserving traditional craftsmanship while creating stunning, ethical designs.

Each piece is crafted using handwoven fabrics, repurposed materials and natural dyes, minimising the environmental footprint. Founder Jeanne de Kroon was inspired by her travels and the artisans she met, aiming to bridge ethical fashion with social impact.

Through ZAZI Vintage, she uplifts marginalised communities while promoting a slower, more conscious approach to fashion.

5. By Rotation – Eshita Kabra

A revolutionary ethical fashion brand, By Rotation, is a peer-to-peer clothing rental platform launched in 2019. The brand encourages consumers to rent rather than buy, reducing textile waste and overproduction.

By facilitating shared wardrobes, the platform significantly cuts down on garment production, extending the lifespan of fashion pieces. Eshita Kabra, the founder, was inspired by her personal struggles with fast fashion waste and wanted to create a more sustainable way to enjoy fashion.

By Rotation has become a leading women-owned business in the sustainable fashion space, proving that technology and community can drive eco-friendly change.

6. Common Objective – Tamsin Lejeune

More than just a brand, Common Objective is a platform designed to help fashion professionals implement sustainable practices.

Founded in 2016 by Tamsin Lejeune, the platform connects designers, retailers and suppliers, fostering a community committed to ethical fashion. It provides educational resources and business support to help brands transition to more sustainable models. Lejeune, with a background in sustainable fashion, saw the need for industry-wide change and created a resource to support ethical businesses.

Her work amplifies the impact of women in fashion and encourages brands to embrace sustainability.

The Influence of Women-Owned Sustainable Fashion Brands

The impact of these fashion brands owned by women extends beyond their product lines. Their influence can be seen in:

  • Eco-conscious production: Many sustainable fashion brands prioritise organic fabrics, water-saving techniques and fair trade sourcing. By opting for biodegradable and non-toxic dyes, these brands ensure minimal environmental damage while still creating high-quality products.
  • Ethical labour practices: Many of these fashion brands have a core value of ensuring that garment workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. By partnering with artisan cooperatives, fair trade organisations and ethical manufacturers, these brands contribute to economic empowerment and improved working conditions.
  • Innovative materials: Brands are increasingly using biodegradable, plant-based or upcycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint. From pineapple leather to fabric made from algae, women-led brands are spearheading the use of cutting-edge materials that redefine sustainable fashion.
  • Fashion as activism: Many women founders use their platforms to advocate for stronger environmental policies, gender equality and ethical consumerism. They engage in public discourse, collaborate with sustainability advocates and raise awareness about the true cost of fast fashion brands.
  • Community-driven business models: Many of these brands invest back into the communities they work with, supporting women artisans and small businesses worldwide. Through fair wages, educational programmes and local employment opportunities, they uplift women and encourage self-sufficiency in traditionally underrepresented communities.

International Women’s Day is an important time to recognise the effort and impact women have on the world. These few women listed in this article represent the hard work and dedication women have to protecting the planet in their endeavours and leading the way in sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

By supporting sustainable women’s fashion brands that prioritise ethical practices, consumers can contribute to something much bigger each time they purchase an item of clothing.