We all love a little luxury now and then! But when it comes to achieving your favourite runway looks, it can be difficult to find brands that meet your values.
High-end manufacturing standards are often not as impressive as the designs would suggest. Take a look at our Good On You ratings and you’ll see for yourself that most luxury brands are off the chart TERRIBLE and we avoid them big time!
We know you still want to look fabulous, and you’re absolutely entitled to it. But if you want to feel at ease with the purchases you make, take a look at these ethical alternatives to luxury brand items you may be coveting.
Perri Cutten instead of Prada
Not only does Prada
get Good On You’s lowest ranking – namely because they have communicated nothing about environment policies or human rights – but to make matters worse, the dress to the left also costs an astounding US$1273 (AU$1646)! Now if you compare with Perri Cutten’s 
black dress to the right that is rated “Great”and only costs $329, the choice between the two isn’t hard to make.
The Ark instead of Yves Saint Laurent
We love a nice neutral shirt that you can wear in both casual and corporate environments. What we don’t love is the shirt to the left, which is from Yves Saint Laurent , a brand that Good On You recommends to avoid, and costs US$1850 (AU$2392). Instead, opt for the gorgeous ivory shirt to the right by The Ark . Good On You rates this Melbourne-based brand “Great” and the chic shirt is only $279!
Warby Parker instead of Ray-Ban
Sadly the best-selling sunglasses brand out there is not so cool after all. Ray-Ban isn’t disclosing any evidence on what they are doing for people and the planet, so Good On You says that it’s just not good enough. So instead of going for the $339 Ray-Ban Clubmaster to the left, how about going for the suave $145 Ellison by Warby Parker to the right? Not only will you look drop-dead classy, but you’ll also be making a great choice by going for this option. With every pair of sunnies Warby Parker sells, they promise to make a monthly donation to their not-for-profit partners. The donation not only covers the cost of the glasses sold, but allows the organisation to train people in developing countries to give eye exams. Lastly, they can then sell glasses at an extremely cheap rate.
Woolerina instead of Dolce & Gabbana
Is there anything more comforting than snuggling up in a cosy warm jumper in winter? Why yes, yes there is. You will feel so much better about yourself if that jumper is the one to the right by Woolerina for $99 instead of the one to the left by Dolce & Gabbana for €705 (AUD$1026). Whereas D&G is rated “We Avoid”, Good On You rates Woolerina as a “Great” brand to buy. This is thanks to Woolerina’s ethically-sourced merino wool and respect for labour rights. Shout out to this NSW brand for representing a wide range women’s body types!
Otto & Spike instead of Burberry
Scarves have to be the best accessory out there: they add a splash of colour to any sober outfit and they keep you nice and toasty all day long. Burberry scarf to the left looks like the type of scarf you could get a lot of wear out of. Even if that was the case, not many of us can afford a $715 cashmere scarf (eep!). If that didn’t put you off enough, Good On You says that Burberry doesn’t do enough to address its impact on people, the planet and animals. We suggest you go for the funky Otto & Spike scarf to the right instead. First, this scarf is made from premium surplus Australian and New Zealand lamb wool. Second, it’s only $70. Third, this scarf is called Badabing! Come on, who doesn’t want a scarf that’s called Badabing?
Scanlan Theodore instead of Hermès
Black, leather ankle boots is the type of footwear you can wear every single day of your life. They work well with casual and corporate outfits; you can wear them with a pair of jeans or with a nice pencil skirt and stockings. As with the Burberry scarf, paying US$1100 (AU$1423) for the Hermès booties to the left cannot be justified even if you can wear them with every outfit. Ditch the uber expensive boots Good On You recommends to avoid, and go for the sleek Scanlan Theodore to the right. Not only do they cost half the price (literally), but their ethical efforts have earned them a “Great” rating!
Matt & Nat instead of Louis Vuitton
Knowing that Louis Vuitton is ranked as the most valuable luxury brand in the world, it is appalling that they only managed to receive our lowest ranking. Don’t waste $4200 on the Louis Vuitton bag to the left, instead go for the vegan leather Matt & Nat bag to the right.
Alexandra is a graduate in Public Affairs and International Relations. She recently moved to Sydney from the beautiful French-speaking province of Quebec, Canada and is still adjusting to the Australian sun!
Featured Image via Favim
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