Since its inception in 2009, Shoko has remained committed to being a sustainable and ethical clothing brand for women. Founded in Greece by Daniela Koch, the brand’s core mission revolves around responsible production and environmental consciousness. With a made-to-order business model, Shoko minimizes waste while ensuring that each item is crafted with intention. Their innovative approach extends to packaging, using compostable materials and environmentally friendly tags embedded with seeds of basil and tomatoes—encouraging customers to plant and nurture their own green space.
What truly sets Shoko apart is its dedication to supporting local communities. Operating in Athens, the brand minimizes its carbon footprint by sourcing materials and production locally—avoiding the environmental toll of international shipping. This proximity also fosters close-knit relationships with local artisans, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions. From the skilled hands of cutters and sewers to the creative minds behind the photography and design, every member of the Shoko team plays a vital role in creating high-quality, ethically made clothing that’s as kind to the planet as it is to its people.
clothing production in India. Though still a high school student, Felder began to devise the clothing brand Bearbottom Clothing as a solution to fill the void of quality jobs and basic necessities like clothing. In 2014 Felder launched his brand and immediately gained significant traction on account of Bearbottom’s sustainability and heart-warming mission. His mission was to produce sustainable menswear that was also ethically made. He planned to create this impact by donating a school meal and clothing to children in Bangladesh for every purchase made. He was extremely successful in creating this impact as he has now donated over 700,000 meals and 100,000 pairs of shorts to Bearbottom partner communities. This is incredibly inspiring to me, as Felder used his creativity and innovative mind to love people well. Everything about Bearbottom is ultimately driven by a desire to create a positive impact in communities that are in need. What a wonderful mission and quality product.
Understanding her customers’ desire to own her ceramic creations, she created Grumpy Kid Studio; a fully functioning pottery business that is distinctively trade-marked by little grumpy faces on each piece. On account of launching this business and growing her outreach beyond social media users, Zhu’s pieces are now displayed in houses across the world and her brand has grown exponentially. Garbo Zhu is especially inspiring to me, as a young creative who deeply loves fashion and art, because she built a space where the two can coexist. Additionally, I am also encouraged to explore the ways I can use my creative drive to connect to a niche group of art and fashion lovers.
