Daniel RidingRapanui are an award winning eco-fashion brand from the Isle of Wight, described by the Guardian as “Bang on Trend”. They have an ethos that focuses on fair trade fashion making sure their pieces are made out of sustainable fabrics that don’t harm the environment. they use ethically accredited factories that are powered by wind and solar energy – and by using cutting edge ‘eco-textiles’ Rapanui creates products that have a unique natural softness and feel when worn. The result is clothing that looks great, feels great and improves the world we live in.
In a few short years, this exciting new brand has already made a substantial contribution to sustainable fashion and created real change in an industry with a shady reputation. Mart Drake-Knight, designer, sums up Rapanui:
“Fashion is like no other medium, in that you literally dress yourself in what you believe in. Rapanui gives people a choice to vote with their wallet for ethical fashion. We want to use the power of fashion to make eco cool, and design traceable, transparent products that let you shop quickly with a conscience.”
Rapanui was founded in 2008 by Rob and Martin Drake-Knight, now aged 25 and 27, with £200 savings. They now employ 10 staff in their office on the beach in their home town of Sandown, on the Isle of Wight. There’s a skate ramp in the office and a coffee shop out the front. The founders still find time for fishing during lunch breaks and when the waves are up in Sandown Bay you’ll find them in the water – just to the left of the pier.
However much they focus on eco-fashion and sustainability, is the product any good? the answer is yes, and yes again! There seems to be a focus towards the printed tee and these are hot right now. The lookbook of images shows off the clothes and their message of environmentally friendly fashion. We encourage you to take a look at their site and invest in a few pieces, because at the same time your are investing in the environment too. Check them out here.