LABEL LOVE: AlterEgo

As you know, I have a particular affinity for brands with a conscience, companies and individuals who are trying to preserve the earth, giving back to local communities and supporting traditional craftsmen and weavers who are slowly, but steadily, dying out. As fast fashion receives more and more backlash for its heavy carbon footprint and the sweatshop like conditions in which it’s usually produced, ethical brands are coming into the foreground. The second brand to feature in my LABEL LOVE series is called AlterEgo.

On my recent travels to Sri Lanka, I had the pleasure of taking a few pieces from this label for a spin, and they were absolute perfection for the warm weather. All made from handwoven fabrics and organic dyes, the easy to wear silhouettes and neutral colours made it truly effortless casual dressing.

This brand by Vishwa Sorathia aims at producing fair-trade and sustainable designs using the traditional embroideries and weaves of India. Not only does sourcing materials from local weavers and artisans who are getting less work each passing day give back to society, it also helps preserve the traditional techniques and crafts of our country which are otherwise at risk of being forgotten.

I chose a pair of blue and white striped organic cotton pants (seriously so comfy!), a pinstriped white kimono style dress that I paired with a belt, and a loose cream colour shift dress with interesting contrasting flared sleeves in emerald green. The designs are edgy while still retaining the wearability quotient that women desire, and the fabric is breathable, keeps you cool and also feels great on the skin. I have extremely sensitive skin that turns red and itchy with something as small as a tag in the wrong place, and I wore these outfits through the day in the hot Sri Lankan sun and humidity with absolutely no problems.

In this article, I’ll be showing you how I styled the two dresses to match my own personal aesthetic. The third look with the striped pants will feature in a special guide about the Dutch colonial town of Galle, Sri Lanka (coming next week).

I’ll be back next week with a great little travel piece just for you!