Eileen Fisher

Eileen’s regenerative wool line has been a go to for the REV team in these colder months, and I am in love with their v neck jumper and pencil skirt as go to pieces for comfortable yet elegant entertaining pieces. Eileen Fisher strives to continually improve the environmental impact of its materials and processes. They are designing a circular system and moving away from the take-make-waste manufacturing model toward one that reuses, replenishes or regenerates the resources involved. A wonderful line to invest in for the Holidays and beyond!

Olistic The Label

These pieces from Olistic are perfect investment pieces for a special occasion! We especially love the Hanami Printed Dress for a pop of colour, to brighten up our winter wardrobe! The collection is designed with eco-friendly materials such as peace silk, wood fibers and upcycled luxury dead stock. Inspired by biomimicry, their collections are created from 100% natural and organic-certified fibers. They support a European production by realizing their entire wardrobe in a family workshop in Portugal.

Swedish Stockings

 Swedish Stockings, one of our newest lines have a beautiful collection of conscious, luxury hosiery. Their pieces are perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth to your everyday winter outfits, or some sustainable chic for a special occasion! Currently, their collection consists of more than 80% recycled materials which includes recycled polyamide, elastane and nylon. All their beautiful tights are knitted in a handful of small factories across Italy, who adhere to high ethical, social and environmental standards. 

Skydiamond

Founded by Dale Vince OBE, Skydiamond is the world’s first carbon-negative diamond. Driven by sustainability, using technology and innovation to discover creative solutions to inspire ‘another way’, they alchemise their diamonds by harvesting carbon from the atmosphere to hold it forever in a diamond. They then combine carbon with hydrogen from rainwater captured in the Cotswold countryside. Their Skydiamond’s are certified, chemically identical to the timeless diamonds we all know and love!

Dal The Label

For the perfect work to party transition, Dal The Label is the dream for stylish yet sustainable dressing that easily goes from day to night. The Dal wardrobe was designed with ease and timelessness in mind, to flatter the female figure whether expertly styled or worn with minimal intent. They work exclusively with small factories based in their home of Los Angeles, remaining diligently hands-on throughout the manufacturing process.

HERD

And of course some cosy pieces are essential for this holiday season! If you’re a regular reader of our editorials you’ll know how much we adore HERD, who have a beautiful collection of ethical, regenerative knitwear, busting with character! The inspiration for the Fleetwood Jumper fairisle is taken from the landscape of the Northern Uplands – a layered vista of hills and fells, drystone walls, ancient weather-worn trees and source springs trickling down through heather and rock. Bursting with character – these ethical knits are made from HERD’s very own fully traceable, super soft, Blue-faced Leicester sheep wool.

What Makes Billy Tannery Sustainable?

REV's Top Picks -

The Journal

The Journal is an A5 leather bound notebook journal with refillable pages made from recycled leather fibres. Handmade in Leicestershire from sustainable goat leather produced in their small-batch tannery.

The Fauna

The Fauna is a beautifully balanced everyday handbag to wear crossbody or shoulder style. Designed in collaboration with British Pasture Leather, it combines deer suede and cattle leather that promote positive environmental and welfare practices.

The Ziptop Backpack

The Ziptop Backpack leather zip top backpack, a smaller, lighter-weight version of their signature Roll Top bag. Handmade in Somerset from their exceptional bark tanned goat leather.

The Zip Tote

The Zip Tote is their new leather tote handbag with added zip. After hundreds of requests for a compact version of The Gote with a closure, the wait is over.

Donation to DIRT

Supporting DIRT is a clear way to state an intention for a more sustainable Earth. Regenerating soil is one of the most important actions to be taken in the face of climate change. DIRT work with Biodynamic agriculture which is a powerful nature-based solution for farming and the processing of farm grown materials. Their goal is to bring fashion’s sourcing power behind soil regeneration globally. Their mission is to grow and process all fashion’s raw materials biodynamically. https://www.dirt.charity/donate

Billy Tannery

In 2016, building on centuries of local leather knowledge Billy Tannery transformed a farm building in the Midlands into their own small-batch tannery – the first of its kind to be built in this country for well over 50 years. Today their collection of handmade leather goods puts their vegetable tanned goat and deer leather centre stage. At Billy Tannery, they produce leather as it should be. Tanned entirely in Britain from a previously wasted food by-product, using bark extracts and their innovative microtannery process that recycles 90% of the water and turns waste into compost.

Our Top Picks:

The Fauna – A beautifully balanced everyday handbag to wear crossbody or shoulder style. Designed in collaboration with British Pasture Leather, it combines deer suede and cattle leather that promote positive environmental and welfare practices.

The Zip Tote – The Zip Tote is their new leather tote handbag with added zip. After hundreds of requests for a compact version of The Gote with a closure, the wait is over.

Maison Made

The First Demeter Certified Biodynamic® Luxury Skincare Line! Maison/Made is a skincare atelier dedicated to quality and sustainability. A pursuit to provide support and efficacy to the skin through superior Biodynamic® products. Biodynamic® is not only the most difficult regenerative agricultural certification to achieve, but also the most sustainable method of producing the highest quality plant material.

$10 from every sale of Extrait de Maison Rejuvenating Face Oil goes to DIRT Charity.

Olistic the Label

Founded as the first French sustainable luxury brand, Olistic offers a new sustainable definition of the feminine wardrobe, combining minimalist silhouettes with a contemporary bohemian touch. The collection is designed with eco-friendly materials such as peace silk, wood fibers and upcycled luxury dead stock. Inspired by biomimicry, their collections are created from 100% natural and organic-certified fibers. They support a European production by realizing our entire wardrobe in a family workshop in Portugal.

5% of all profits made from Arizona’s edit goes to DIRT Charity.

Oio Lab

Oio Lab is the effect of conscious synthesis. The result of their unique combinations are effective beauty products. They connect organic plant extracts with active ingredients offering clinically proven results. An unmet level of curiosity and the urge to deliver innovative solutions with scientific research. They consciously control every single detail in the process of production, because they care about the environment that surrounds us.

2% from each sale goes to DIRT Charity.

Only Essentials

Only Essentials create timeless luxury essentials in ethical wool that is as soft on you as it is on the planet. Their New Zealand Merino is ZQ Certified which ensures it is grown and certified to the highest of quality, meets environmental sustainability benchmarks, and adheres to animal welfare and social responsibilities. Certified ZQ growers are required to provide and care for their animals in accordance with the five basic freedoms, ensuring this Merino is mulesing-free.

5% of all profits goes to DIRT Charity.

Donation to Landworkers Alliance

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Donate to support their union of farmers, growers, foresters and land-based workers to build a future where everybody can access local, healthy, affordable food, fuel and fibre from producers they can trust. https://landworkersalliance.org.uk/donate/

Shop their 2025 Calendar – A Year On The Land

Wilder Botanics

Wilder Botanics is inspired by co-founder Rachel Landon’s 20 years of clinical practice as a naturopath and herbalist and her husband Charlie’s deep-rooted curiosity and love of naturally derived formulations. Wilder is unique in intention, using centuries old naturopathic techniques of infusing, macerating, drying, and tincturing, keeping the methods and stories alive for generations. Their products are created from 100% natural, organic and careful wild crafted herbal ingredients.

Herd

HERD is a pioneering sustainable luxury yarn and knitwear brand. By sourcing fibres directly from a collective of farmers and harvesters they maintain control of creating superior wool. Their signature Upland Yarn is made from 100% Bluefaced Leicester fleeces within just 150 miles of the farms in Yorkshire, North West England, where the climate provides perfect conditions and abundant rich green grass.   HERD is proudly additive free, each exquisitely hand-finished piece made without toxicity. Seasonless luxury bursting with character to love forever, and 100% naturally biodegradable when returned to the soil; a truly circular, regenerative ethos.

3% of all sales from the Fleetwood collection goes to DIRT Charity.

We’re thrilled to be launching TUDI on Rev! Could you share a bit about the inspiration behind TUDI and how it came to life?

Thank you! We’re just as excited to be launching TUDI on Rev! For a long time, I wanted to put my long-held interest in design to life, but it had to be something meaningful—not just another product for the sake of it. So, I decided to create something based on family tradition and in a material I know very well—cast iron. I knew this material had a lot of potential for cookware; it’s more durable than any other material and was once a staple in every kitchen. In recent decades, however, we got rid of it in exchange for super cheap and low-quality aluminum pans. Since 2021, we’ve been working to bring this vision to life, officially launching our website on July 25th, 2023. Our journey began with a single cast iron pan in two colors—cobalt blue and black, with cobalt blue quickly becoming a core part of our brand identity.

What does sustainability mean to you? 

Sustainability is important to me personally and to the brand. From the very beginning, I had the idea of creating products that are actually needed—rather than creating a need for a new product. I have a love for materials, discovering those that are the most durable and age the best. With high-quality materials, we can create kitchenware that will last for generations. Design is also very important; we don’t follow trends but rather focus on colors and shapes that are classic and timeless. Of course, we also consider every step of our production process—we manufacture in Poland, source everything in the EU, pack only in paper and recycled plastic, and treat sustainability as a continuous effort to improve how we do things.

What sets TUDI apart from other cookware brands? 

What sets us apart is definitely durability. We take the time to deeply explore materials and discover how to use them most efficiently. Currently, we offer cast iron and wood products—oak and walnut—but we plan to introduce more materials to create additional products for the table, both for cooking and serving meals. All of them must be durable and high-quality, with our classic but bold designs. We’ve also taken a different approach to our brand image compared to other cookware brands—we are very active on social media, promoting a lifestyle that stands for coziness, togetherness, and creating memories. We view TUDI not just as products, but as tools to build connections with people. We aim to inspire people to celebrate breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.

Is TUDI cookware all non-toxic? And why is cast iron such a good choice for people concerned about making sure they are cooking with a safe material? 

Our cookware is made from cast iron that is then coated with enamel. Enameling is one of the oldest methods for protecting cast iron and other materials from rust, using natural ingredients like clay and sand. The enamel coating is similar to glass, making our cookware 100% safe for cooking. Unlike popular teflon pans, which can start releasing chemicals into food after about two years of use, enamel-coated cast iron is designed to last a lifetime.

What has been your proudest achievement so far?

I am very happy that in just a little over a year since our launch, we’ve had the chance to experience many great things. We’ve worked with amazing chefs and cooking bloggers, organized fantastic events with beautiful table settings, and were featured early on in Vogue Poland and British Vogue. However, what I am proudest of is definitely how our customers have reacted to the brand—sharing how much they love the products, sending photos, sharing meals, and telling us how they’ve started cooking more.

We love that your products are all made in your home country – was having a localised supply chain important to you? 

Yes, it was very important! Manufacturing locally is always the most sustainable option because it reduces the need for extensive shipping, saving energy that would otherwise be wasted. Moreover, overseeing production that is located far away, often in Asia, is never truly hands-on—it involves video calls, phone calls, and emails. I wanted the opportunity to see the production in person on a daily basis and ensure that the products are made in a good environment by fairly paid workers. Most of our production is done within my family business, with a small portion handled by smaller local suppliers, and I build relationships with all the people involved in the brand.

What challenges have you faced while building TUDI and what lessons have you learned in the process? 

Oh, I learned a lot! I definitely expanded my technical knowledge and learned about materials and all the details that come with them. But I loved the process! I also started cooking more myself, as I find our products really inspiring, and I wasn’t that excited to cook before. Besides, I learned patience—some things just need time. If you want quality, it’s better to wait than to settle for mediocrity.

In an ideal world, where do you see TUDI in 5 years time?

We want to expand our portfolio and share more amazing, though less popular, materials with the world! Of course, all our products will follow the same principles—they need to age well, be of high quality, and serve a functional purpose. We aim to create kitchen staples. In time, we may explore products for rooms beyond the kitchen and dining room, but for now, we want to bring you all along on this journey—exploring our kitchens, improving our cooking skills, and learning how to find more joy in food!

When it comes to food, cooking and the kitchen, what is something we can all do individually, to live a more sustainable lifestyle?

There are definitely many things, but I can share one that I did that started my sustainability journey. I reviewed everything I had in my kitchen and realized that I didn’t need 40% of it. These were items I hadn’t used in months and was unlikely to ever use again. It made me realize how unconscious I had been when buying things for my home. Every product takes resources, and resources are limited, so we really need to think before buying anything. I think the kitchen often accumulates a lot of unnecessary items—like quirky problem solvers that nobody actually uses, such as tools made specifically to peel a mango or a pineapple. Of course, sustainability is a long and complex subject, but I think the most important thing is not to get overwhelmed, but to start somewhere. That kind of realization and self-review is usually a great first step toward becoming more focused on it.

And for a bit of inspiration for all the foodies out there – what’s your favourite nourishing meal to cook using TUDI cookware? 

My favorite is definitely a Sunday morning shakshuka breakfast. I love lazy mornings when there’s time to celebrate food and enjoy time with loved ones. Cast iron is especially great for dishes that involve both frying and baking, like shakshuka. It’s quite simple, but aren’t all our comfort foods simple?

Where to eat in Midcoast Maine:

Brooklin General Store

If you are looking for a wonderful breakfast sandwich, conscious grocery staples and a shop that is dedicated to interesting and sustainable finds, Brooklin General Store is one of my go to’s. They are committed to using local ingredients from small producers as much as possible. It’s a treasure trove for Maine goods!

Primo

One of my favorite farm to table restaurants of all time! Chef Meliisa Kelly trained under Alice Waters, one of our most iconic podcast guests. Of her boss at Chez Panisse, Melissa says, “I didn’t have a style when I got there. By the time I left, I did: simplicity, seasonality, freshness.”

The menu changes every day to ensure that the highest quality ingredients are being served. Melissa has spent the last 25 years expanding the farm situated on Primo’s 4.5 acres. What started with a greenhouse, 2 acres of organic gardens, and 2 pigs has evolved to include broiler and layer chickens, ducks, guinea hens and 12 pigs. At peak season about 80% of the ingredients used in the Primo Kitchen are sourced from the farm. The choice to open a restaurant in Maine was driven by the fact that Maine has the largest Farmer and Garden Association (MOFGA) and the proximity to the coast for seafood.

Tinder Hearth

If you are looking for the most perfect loaf of organic sourdough, this is where to go. People travel far and wide for their breads, pastries and pizzas. They were even listed by the New York Times as one of the best places to eat in America. That being said you would never know it when you walk onto the family farm and old barn for informal eating and coffees. Their pizza nights often have live music and children playing whilst people sip organic wine. It’s simply a must for any foodie in Maine.

Where to both stay and eat:

Aragosta

If you are looking for fine dining and fine accommodations with a dedication to the Maine coast, this is the place for you. Aragosta’s expansion at Goose Cove allows for a holistic representation of the ethos that drives Chef Devin Finigan. A Downeast sense of hospitality cultivated in collaboration with local farmers & foragers, in the place she calls home. This is a beautiful place to stay, relax and eat well with an ethos that matches the beautiful aesthetic.

The Lost Kitchen

You have probably heard of Erin French and the Lost Kitchen due to it’s incredible success and the impossibility of getting a reservation…you have to send a postcard and hope to get picked! But wonderfully she has now opened a farm shop, farmer’s market and cottages at the Mill for people to engage with the mission in an easier, beautiful way.

Brooklin Inn

My favorite place for date night of all time. Between the adorable English style pub downstairs that takes me right back to London times, the outdoor setting in the field and the beautiful dining room with a working fireplace there is not a space that isn’t romantic or fun to sit. Their celebration of all things local and seasonal make it a great place to eat, and they have sweet rooms upstairs that are perfect for a couple of nights to explore the area.

Where else to stay in Midcoast Maine:

Sunny Brook Cottage

This cottage has been highly recommended as one of the cutest Airbnb’s in Midcoast Maine, filled with antiques and you get to enjoy the farm life! 

Where to stop in Midcoast Maine:

Farnsworth Museum

This is arguably one of my favorite museums as it’s small, hardly ever crowded and filled with many Maine artists and in particular the Wyeth family who have done incredible work when it comes to celebrating the natural beauty of the land here.

Blue Hill Wine Shop

Don’t let  the name fool you, even if you don’t drink wine this store is so worth a stop and if you do, you will fall in love! The Blue Hill Wine Shop feels like something out of another time, where store owners actually know their customers, dogs wonder around freely, and on cold and rainy days there is a wood stove burning for comfort whilst you shop. Also, if you are looking for organic, biodynamic and dry farmed wines the majority of their selection encompasses these values. Add on a beautiful selection of local flowers, produce and cider makers – there is something for everyone!

Blue Hill Books

I have always been a reader, and as the world has become increasingly digital and disconnected I find myself craving tangible, physical connections. Blue Hill Books is where I go to find this oftentimes on the weekend. The staff know every book you might be looking for, and if they don’t have something will order it in so you can avoid shopping on Amazon. It’s a serene, inviting place full of knowledge and a wonderful space to spend a couple of hours. There are chairs all around for you to sit in and read, which is encouraged.

Hitchfoot Farm

The beauty of this recommendation is that you can shop online! Bess of Hitchfoot Farm is a dear collaborator for us on sustainable living at Rêve En Vert, and we love directing people to her annual tulip bulb sale in the Autumn, or to stop at her beautiful farmstand in the summer for the most incredible fresh flower arrangements. One of the most gorgeous small businesses in Maine!

Firstly we are so happy to have your range on our e-shop. For those who aren’t familiar with HOTEL, MIKE could you tell us a little bit about the brand?

We are so excited that we can now be found on Rêve! HOTEL, MIKE is a bath and body brand designed with the environment at heart. Cold process is a core principle of the range and the products have all been formulated with a careful selection of fermented, upcycled and biotech active ingredients to help minimize resource usage and environmental impact. Duality is the thread that weaves our identity together. We combine the world of biotechnology with living nature in an elevated yet playful way.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability at means finding new ways to interact with the planet harmoniously. It is not about striving for perfection. But instead attempting to be the best we can be, continuously evolving alongside innovation to create a positive difference. The environment is at the heart of all that we do, whilst never compromising on quality, performance or aesthetics.

What was the inspiration behind ?

The name was inspired by the nato alphabet. ‘HOTEL’ represents the H of my first name and ‘MIKE’ represents the M of my last name. I wanted the branding to be colorful and exciting inline with its quirky title. I have always loved Matisse paintings and we used his work to inspire the bold graphic shapes on the bottles. They are representative of the tags used to label the ingredients we collected to develop the formulations.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in establishing?

As a small brand you have big, grand visions but not always the means to support these dreams. Suppliers having high costs and MOQs has held us back. It goes back to my previous point, you have to do the best you can with what you have in front of you at the time. Prioritize your non-negotiables and be adaptable with the rest.

Has there been a highlight in your journey so far? If so – what was this?

It has to be the day HOTEL, MIKE launched. The journey there was full of highs and lows, but I couldn’t believe my vision had become a reality (with the help of many others along the way)! Experiencing customers getting excited about the products that were once only ideas is a feeling I will never forget. 

What does the production processes look like when creating the best bath and body products for the environment? 

Biotechnology: In very simple terms is a process used to produce lab-made ingredients that serve as a sustainable alternative for natural ingredients. The planet’s resources are finite, biotechnology allows us to recreate powerful nature-identical alternatives in a lab without negatively impacting our planet and oceans.

Fermentation: A process in which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria convert carbohydrates, such as sugar or starches, into smaller compounds, such as alcohols or acids. Fermentation is a way of being able to obtain large quantities of the same molecules we usually harvest from plants without destroying ecosystems. 

Upcycling: Recreates value from non-commercially used ingredients or byproducts from industry.

Cold pressing: A greener production method whereby cosmetics products can be emulsified at room temperature without the need to heat ingredients.

We’ve noticed all of your products are made in England – was this important to you when building your brand? If so – why? 

Having the HOTEL, MIKE products made in the UK has allowed me to be very involved in the production process. Whilst also supporting local suppliers and reducing our carbon footprint.

Are there any other sustainable aspects of you’d like to talk about?

At HOTEL, MIKE we know there is always more we can do to have a positive impact on our planet, meaning we are constantly evolving. We are trying where we can at the moment though and there are sustainable parts of our identity that are worth mentioning:

–  The products have been produced in a factory that uses 100% renewable electricity.

–  The bottles are made from aluminum, which is an infinitely recyclable material.

–  You can combine the HOTEL, MIKE oil with the HOTEL, MIKE salts to make a scrub, with the idea being you buy less.

What does the future hold for ? Could you share some goals? 

It is still early days, however, we envisage becoming the destination for other exciting products beyond bath and body. Think candles, incense and home fragrance…let’s see!

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How & Where To Start

The key to become plastic free is taking small steps of change in how you consume. Starting with making no-plastic-choice is the way to bring about great change in a very short period of time for you. Kitchens are the heart of homes and our lives. Bringing about sustainable change to your kitchen is the perfect place to start. It will in time flow through the rest of your home and life and all those living in your household.

A plastic free kitchen is a process.

Namely because plastic is everywhere. And also (sadly) ubiquitous with our contemporary food produce. So much of it already comes wrapped or boxed in single use plastic. However, it doesn’t have to be like this, starting small is so important so as not to feel overwhelmed. Work on bringing in the change in batches, so you are able to phase old habits and bring in your new green ones. Over a relatively short period of time, you will see your kitchen go plastic low and then ultimately become completely free.

Change happens by doing.

And now more than ever is the time to start doing things different, we are living in a time where change is being thrust upon. So take this chance to make a change to how to make your kitchen plastic free, learning with our actionable steps on how to switch from single use food packaging right through to the larger cleaning supplies, we have lots of really simple and inexpensive changes you can make to your home, which will make a great difference to your weekly plastic waste, to hopefully reducing it completely. 

At REV we continue to promote the importance of our caring environment as one of the key takeaways from this current health global crisis in how we approach and view our environment. Caring for it in a far greater and greener way is going to be a very big takeaway for us here at REV. So below, I’ve pulled together an approach of how to begin the process of going plastic free. 

Splitting the kitchen up into manageable parts means you can tackle each area with ease.

The Sink

Somehow the sink is always full, right? Getting those plates and pots all sparkling is important. But it’s important we wash up in the most eco-way as possible.

Plastic free bottles:

Get one, get two bottles, we like to buy glass ones and source an eco-friendly supplier for both dish and hand soap so you can work on refill options. We love Kinfill as they are super chic and have a variety of aluminium refill bottles colors as well as their glass bottle cleaner kits and especially their Tidy Kitchen Bundle.

Plastic free sponges:

A hidden secret in every sink, full of plastic (usually a foam from polyurethane – as it’s used) it brings down sending plastic particles into the water cycle – ultimately ending up in our oceans.  Go for eco sponges and wooden scrubbing brushes but make sure the brush is made from natural fibres. 

Plastic free scrubber:

We think coconut fibre ones are great. 

Everyday Items

Plastic free kitchen utensils

Replacing out all plastic cooking utensils and plastic cooked non-stick pans is a process. But one you can start easily. As and when you purchase new equipment for the kitchen do look out for stone or metal pans – and if you are able to purchase one with mental handles and knobs even better. Investigating in a top-notch cast iron frying pan is a great kitchen investment and will be a trusty friend for many years, its great asset is that over time it naturally forms a non stick surface – which is fabulous as we try to move away from the plastic “polymer” based coatings. Also, make sure all your colanders, sieves, chopping boards and utensils are wood or metal.

Plastic Free cleaning hardware

Another area to think of is all the cleaning kitchen hardware like dustpans, brooms, brushes and floor mops – much of what is sold today is all made solely from plastic. However, there are now increasing eco options  – so investing in a wood or metal is a great environmental call as they last longer and are a great addition as you make the shift to a green kitchen.

Plastic Free Trash

As for dealing with waste, splitting up your rubbish is so important. Between organic (veg and fruits skins), dry and wet. Of course, always split you waste for recycling between cupboard, glass and metal. Make a simple switch to non plastic alternatives to trash bags such ones from paper (newspaper or recycled paper) or biodegradable (just make sure they are planted based) ones.

Food and Drink

This is the biggie. An area that requires you to think creative and really work on developing new habits to replace ones that contemporary society has pushed upon us. The simplest way to stop plastic is to stop buying it. Actively choose to only buy loose vegetables and fruit, take glass or reusable containers to your local delicatessen or butcher or fishmonger. If your local traders are still using plastic and encourage them to think of looking into more sustainable methods, there are many options out there.

Plastic Free Food Storage

Buying in bulk and then storing in larger containers and having glass jars and jam jars for your dry goods is a great way to start. Ditch the clingfilm and aluminium foil for baking paper. Also investing in a packs of natural waxed cloth is an excellent tip when it comes to covering food.

We also recommend making the switch to glass milk bottles, either through your local delivery service or market – reusing glass bottles is far better for the environment. Have a look at this site for options of your local milk delivery. We must become far more comfortable with the reusing of glass bottles, jars and containers.

Another top tip is metal food boxes – known in the Indian Subcontinent as a ‘tiffin’ these are round stackable boxes, which are super easy for packing your lunches or weekend picnics. Your local Indian supermarkets will surely offer you a range of stainless steel tins.

Plastic Free Fruit and Veg

Try (I know not always possible) if you are able to. I recommend getting as much produce from a local greengrocery, farm or farmers market – this not only supports small farming enterprises, it tastes fab you’re eating what’s grown locally and in flow with the season, but also much massive on transportation coats in terms of carbon emissions but also plastic packaging.  

A weekly box delivery is another great option and there are many services to recommend. See some of our favorites here:

Riverford

Oddbox

Abel and Cole

Local Farm Box

Fern Verrow

A Plastic Free Kitchen In Summary:

Top Buys for Creating a Plastic Free Kitchen

– Glass jars

– Beeswax wraps

– Cloth napkins

– Wooden dish brushes

– Reusable food storage bags

– Glass spray bottles 

– Reusable coffee filters

Useful links:

Eco Vibe for many household items.

Peace With The Wild also for household bits.

Find beeswax wraps here.

Safe Baby Toys

You’ll never find nasty chemicals in any of Pure Earth Collection’s toys. Everything is free of formaldehyde, BPA, phthalates, EVA foam, and polycarbonate. It is hard to believe that some conventional children’s brands make products with these chemicals. Kids put everything in their mouths! These conventional toys can be made of polyester plush. Which sheds thousands of micro-plastics into the environment. And of course into baby’s mouths as they are sucked or chewed on. That’s why Emma created toys that are made from 100% cotton plush on the outside. With safe and nontoxic dyes that are filled with biodegradable bamboo. Everything is machine washable, so you can wash them as you like without worrying about micro-plastics seeping out! If you are looking for sustainable baby products and toys, this is a good place to start.

Bush Baby Teether –

One of the main things I’ve been “warned” about, is just how difficult teething can be. Both for baby and parent. I will 100% be using the Bush Baby Teether as it’s made from organic cotton and natural Maplewood. That has been treated with organic coconut oil – a wonderful anti-inflammatory. It is designed to last, and you can even continue to treat the wood with coconut oil as needed! A major plus that they are just so cute…

Sensory Toys –

Like all of Pure Earth Collection’s toys, their sensory toys are made from organic and natural fabrics that are 100% safe to be sucked on! These toys are made from a super-soft velour fabric. In interesting, contrasting colors, and they rattle and crinkle – keeping babies entertained for hours! They also come with loops to attach to buggies or chairs while out, so they can join you anywhere.

Safe and Sound Sleep

You only have to look at the reviews on Pure Earth Collection’s sleeping bags – they are five stars for a reason…

Tropical Nights Summer Sleeping Bag –

Perfect for temperatures over 20 degrees, the Tropical Sleeping Bag is made from 100% modal fabric with safe and non-toxic dyes. It even has a seat belt picket for nighttime journeys! As little one’s can easily overheat, it is so important to have a lighter option for those hot nights, so they can sleep uninterrupted! The modal fabric gives maximum thermoregulation and is actually naturally cooling on warmer evenings.

All-Season Bamboo Sleeping Bag –

This bamboo sleeping bag is made from both organic bamboo wadding and organic cotton to create the most comfortable place for your baby to sleep. It is perfect for temperatures ranging between 13 and 27°C, so it can be used through almost all seasons (in the UK). Their all-season sleeping bags come in a few styles: their ‘standard’ option is with a seatbelt pocket and detachable comforter, or they have their ‘simple’ version without these add ons, making it more affordable if you don’t need those extras. It also has a two way zip for seamless night time nappy changes!

PVC-Free Play Mats

Rocky Road Play Mat

Coming in two sizes, Pure Earth Collection’s natural play mats are the perfect base for a play area. So many play mats are full of toxic chemicals and are made of either EVA, PVC, or polyurethane foam – all of which are horrible for the environment and our health. Their mats are made from natural rubber foam and cork that are sustainably sourced from the sap and bark of living trees. The cork top is naturally antibacterial and is a super easy surface to clean after crafts. I think it is the perfect baby mat because it is padded enough to cushion any falls but firm enough for stability for early walkers. You can also roll it up very easily and move it around the house. Parents can even use them as yoga mats too!

Organic Clothing

Organic Jackets – 

Designed to grow with your child, Pure Earth Collection’s jackets are made to last as they have added length and foldable sleeves so you can alter the size as your little one grows. The jacket is made from organic materials and is so unbelievably soft! It is the perfect jacket for summer evenings or as an extra layer on cold winter days.

Organic Robes – 

The brands kids robes are so loved, that the brand decided to make adult versions – now you can match! Like their jackets, the robes are also designed to last years and grow with your child. They are lined with a super soft velour, making them perfect to lounge in after an evening bath. Each size works for at least two years!

Where to Find Pure Earth Collection

You can find out more about the brand and shop their collection on their website and follow them on Instagram

Find other related content here

Disclosure: We at Rêve En Vert believe that promoting like minded companies, individuals and charities is one of the fastest ways to effect meaningful change within conscious consumerism. Whilst this partnership is paid and we may take some compensation from purchases made through the links on this page, we want to ensure you that we only ever work with and recommend companies that adhere to our high standards of responsible business and sustainable production. 

Ingredients To Avoid

Now is a great time to focus on natural and organic ingredients whenever you can! By doing so, you can make sure that you’re using products that are free from harmful chemicals.

A Few Ingredients To Check Your Skincare For:

• Aluminum (Found in antiperspirants) 
• Formaldehyde (Used as a preservative in synthetic skincare) 
• Chemical Sunscreens (Opt for mineral-based or natural sunscreens) 
• Retinoids (Found in anti aging and acne treatments) 
• Parabens (Used as preservatives in synthetic skincare) 
• Phthalates (Used in as fragrance ingredients in synthetic skincare products) 
• Glycolic Acid (AHA found in exfoliating treatments)
• Salicylic Acid (BHA found in acne or exfoliating treatments, its best to avoid using in high concentrations) 

Opting for clean, pregnancy safe skincare supports the welfare of you and your baby. Many people find green beauty products during this time and keep using them!

Changes In Your Skin During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can greatly affect the skin’s look and feel. Some women get a radiant pregnancy glow. Others may have sensitive skin and face issues like acne or dark spots. Blemish or acne-prone skin is common. This often happens because of high androgen levels. These hormones can make sebaceous glands produce more oil. More oil can clog pores and cause breakouts. Hyperpigmentation can happen due to hormone changes. Too much melanin in the skin causes this.

Our bodies are amazing. They nurture and grow new life. However, they also change physically to support a baby’s growth and development. Most Mums get stretch marks during pregnancy. This happens because hormonal changes impact the skin’s elasticity and collagen production. We want to emphasize that stretch marks are normal. They remind us of the body’s resilience and adaptability, as well as the journey of motherhood. Embracing them is important. Pregnancy safe skincare can help you this.

A Gentle Routine And Lots Of Hydration

Our top two tips for skincare during pregnancy are to stay hydrated and use gentle products. Hormone changes, especially higher estrogen and progesterone, can impact your skin’s moisture barrier. It’s also common for your skin to become a lot more sensitive. Some products you used before pregnancy might be too harsh for your skin now. We recommend using gentle, hydrating products. Choose ones with natural ingredients that won’t irritate your skin.

Our Favourite Brands For You During Your Pregnancy

Bathtime Skincare: Wilder and Well Kept 

Taking baths during your pregnancy can be a wonderful way to relax and reduce stress levels. It can provide relief from any aches, pains and swelling, as well as being a great way for your body to absorb moisture, helping to hydrate the body.

Wilder’s Healing Spirit Soak is a blend of Vetiver and Rose Geranium. Its heavenly scent uplifts and heals the spirit. The Pink Himalayan Salts and fine French Kaolin clay cleanse and nurture. Wilder’s unique 42-day double-infused Calendula oil soothes the skin. It also helps release stagnant energy from the solar plexus, our powerhouse chakra linked to the adrenals. A truly healing experience.

A popular choice for bath time during pregnancy is Well Kept’s Natural Bath Oil in Drift. Just one or two drops let you enjoy aromatherapy’s benefits easily. It’s made with a coconut oil base to help hydrate your skin and a soothing blend of bergamot, rose and clary sage essential oils.

Skincare For Your Body

Wilder Botanics

After a bath, moisturizing is a great treat. So, when you have some extra time in the evening, enjoy this little luxury. We love Wilder’s body oils! The Flower of the Sun Body Oil offers great woody and floral nourishment. But our favorite is the Goddess of Protection Body Oil. Who wouldn’t want to feel embraced and protected by a loving skincare Goddess? This is oil is infused with Sea Buckthorn and the protective powers of Wilder’s unique 42 day double infused Sencha Green Tea oil. This soothing blend revives the skin, especially if it’s damaged by things like central heating or the sun. It restores both body and mind with earthy, uplifting notes of Bergamot and Vetiver.

The Golden Secrets

The Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil by The Golden Secrets is perfect for prenatal and postnatal moms. It’s made with effective, organic ingredients like cocoa seed butter, olive oil, and tamanu. These also include frankincense, sweet orange oil, and vitamin E. They protect against damage and quickly absorb into the skin. This forms a barrier that keeps moisture in. It helps soothe itchy, tight skin and reduces stretch marks. It encourages natural elasticity and boosts skin regeneration for a smooth, clear and ageless glow.

Use the code ‘REV15’ for 15% off your first purchase with The Golden Secrets!

Be Here Farm + Nature

Taylor, our Head of Brand Partnerships, used Be Here Farm + Nature during her pregnancy. She loved it! Their collection consists of whole medicinal foods and botanical plants. Each item is planted, nurtured, grown, and harvested by hand. They do this in the wild and on their 300 acres of family land in Saint Helena, California. No lab-made ingredients or preservatives are used, just biodynamic olive oil, raw honey, and sea salt.

Their Lavender Hydrating Essence uses all-natural ingredients. It’s perfect for giving your skin a hydration boost, especially during pregnancy. Lavender is calming and soothing, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Its antimicrobial properties fight acne-causing bacteria. This helps manage and prevent blemishes, especially during hormonal changes. Its calming and relaxing scent can help to reduce stress, anxiety and promote better sleep. It can be applied liberally to your body and face! We also love the Restorative Body Serum by Be Here Farm + Nature. It’s made with wild St. John’s wort, German chamomile, and stinging nettle. These ingredients blend into olive and avocado oil, which nourishes your entire body.

Facial Skincare

Irene Forte

Irene Forte offers a lovely range of gentle skincare products. They use natural ingredients grown on an organic farm at Verdura Resort in Sicily. Each product is clinically approved for sensitive or dehydrated skin. We love their Aloe Face Cream. It boosts skin hydration thanks to pro-vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and aloe leaf juice. Organic olive oil, shea butter, and avocado oil help restore the skin’s barrier. They also protect and keep moisture levels intact.

Their Rose Face Oil is also included. It’s a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum-oil. This oil nourishes the skin and helps restore its barrier. Plus, it boosts the skin’s natural vitamin E levels. This blend of nutrient-rich oils—avocado, sweet almond, sunflower, olive, and jojoba—hydrates and smooths the skin. Meanwhile, wild rose conditions and protects it.

Team Dr Joseph

Team Dr. Joseph’s skincare products are handmade in Italy. Skin experts, herbalists, and cosmetic formulators create these products for specific issues. They use natural raw materials. This includes wild growth collections, plants from organic farming, and refined botanicals. These ingredients have proven clinical effectiveness. They provide products for sensitive and reactive skin, especially during pregnancy.

Team Dr Joseph’s plant based and organic Skin Calming Cream is ideal for reactive, stressed, sensitive or dry skin. Made using rhodiola, St John’s wort, panethnol and shea butter, it works to reduce redness, irritation while strengthening and rehydrating the skin’s natural barrier. Throughout your pregnancy, changes in hormone levels and physical discomforts make it challenging to get a restful night’s sleep. One of the areas that may be particularly affected by lack of sleep is the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to dark circles, fine lines and puffiness. The Hydrating Eye Cream is ideal for adding an extra boost of moisture to the under eye area, helping to hydrate this area of sensitive skin, reducing puffiness and improving the appearance of dark circles.

FāTH Skincare 

FāTH Skincare launched in 2021 and is made with the world’s finest botanical ingredients, free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance and synthetic preservatives (the ingredients you want to avoid during pregnancy). Their range is professionally formulated by a small team of chemists specialised in herbalism, emulsification and skincare delivery systems. 

The Infinity Cream is an overnight treatment that aids the skin’s natural regeneration processes for smoother, firmer and brighter skin. The use of camellia seed oil makes it super moisturising with high levels of plant collagen that improve the appearance of fine lines and ward off hyperpigmentation. The borage seed oil helps to rebuild the skin’s natural barrier while sea buckthorn oil promotes elasticity and brightness! Also featured is The Mage Oil, a deeply nourishing and restorative oil made with botanical ingredients such as pomegranate seed oil, cypress leaf oil, prickly pear oil and arnica extract. The combination of these natural ingredients work to retain moisture, improve discoloration while helping the skin’s natural rejuvenation process!

Skincare for you and your little one

Mini Bloom has a carefully curated line of mother and baby friendly skincare products. From seed to skin, Mini Bloom offers only the most effective, safest ingredients for your baby and the Earth. Their products are free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, toxins, synthetic fragrances or harsh ingredients, and use plant-based, natural and organic ingredients with your baby and the planet in mind. These are 100% non-toxic, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-developed, tested and approved as well as being certified cruelty-free.

Featured here is the Mom’s SOS Essentials Kit. This includes the Toot Toot Balm, a relief cream which instantly calms irritated skin and provides a thick barrier of protection against diaper rash. This magical cream deeply yet gently nourishes any irritations with butters, oils and botanicals, providing soothing relief to sore skin. The Hallelujah Nipple Balm, also included within the kit, is specifically developed to soothe dry, cracked and sensitive nipples. Infused with hydrating oils, nourishing butters and botanical extracts, its skin nurturing and ultra calming! It’s also worth noting our USDA-certified nipple balm doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding, and also works wonders to treat chapped lips and dry cuticles! 

Mini Bloom’s sulfate free 2-in-1 Fresh N’ Clean Hair and Body Wash is also filled with nourishing botanicals including aloe leaf, chamomile extract and lavender leaving the hair and skin cuddly soft, smooth and hydrated.

Choosing gentle and safe skincare products during pregnancy prioritises the well-being of both you and your baby.

Skincare is also a great self-care ritual and can offer you a new sense of confidence during this transformative journey!

We hope that this editorial has been helpful for any expecting Mammas!

Irene Forte and Her Travel Guide to Sicily

Irene has spent a lot of time in Italy, particularly Sicily over the years. We asked her to share her insider tips of sustainable, things to do and see!

First a big thank you to Irene and a bit more about her and her natural beauty brand.

Irene is the founder of Irene Forte. An Italian natural beauty brand that uses all that Sicily has to offer! Each product is carefully curated using natural ingredients grown on a beautiful organic farm at Verdura Resort in Sicily, free from any chemical interference. The brand uses natural ingredients. These include organic olive oil, hibiscus, and rosemary. Then carefully blended with the icy fresh mineral water from Sicily’s mountainous Madonie Regional Natural Park. This produces products that deliver extraordinary benefits without compromising your skin. 

Irene Forte uses each ingredient in line with the ideals of a Mediterranean diet. For good health, and to provide the skin with a wealth of vitamins. As well as fatty acids and antioxidants to nourish, rejuvenate and protect the skin. Committed to environmental responsibility, they plant thousands of new plants and botanicals each year. They also have a rainwater harvesting system and solar panels. This ensures their production has a positive impact on the environment.

I first stepped foot in Sicily itself in 2003 when I explored the area that later became Verdura Resort, home of the organic farm from which our principle ingredients are sourced. When the resort opened in 2009, I devoted a year to working there. During which I fell in love with the people, the culture, the food and the natural spirit of the island. Sicily been at the crossroads of so many civilisations, so there’s so much to see.

You also have mountains, islands, sea and even a volcano in the landscape – it’s nature at its finest. The people are the very best hosts and have retained a strong sense of family tradition. While the food is all about organically farming the highest quality ingredients cooked in the most deliciously simple way. When I travel to Sicily, I feel like I’m going back in time – to an eco-friendly, natural way of doing things.  

– Irene Forte

Places To Stay in Sicily:

Verdura Resort

This is my absolute favourite place to go, located on the south west coast of Sicily. This resort is on 230 hectares of olive groves and Sicilian countryside, bordering 1.2 miles of coastline. I worked here, have our organic farm here, it’s home to our biggest Irene Forte Spa, and I also did my wedding here – this is why it’s extra special to me. 

In terms of sustainability, Verdura has a 360 degree approach; I have just shared a few examples. There is a water harvesting system at the resort which provides water to all of the farm and estate. Thousands of new plants and trees are planted each year. There are also solar panels. The organic farm (which is also where I source the ingredients for my skincare from) supplies 0km ingredients to the resort’s five restaurants.

In the restaurants, where ingredients or produce don’t come from the farm, they come from other local suppliers. Fish is caught daily. The Geraci water served throughout the resort comes from the Madonie Regional Natural Park in the North of Sicily (and also in our skincare). The wine list features an extensive selection of Sicilian wines from both larger vineyards such as Planeta, Di Giovanna (which is in our skincare) and more niche producers in Etna. The 4000 square metre Irene Forte Spa at the resort focuses on sustainability, just like our products, and is indeed accredited by the Sustainable Spa Association.

Villa Igiea

Perched amid terraced gardens and palm trees, offering panoramic views of the bay of Palermo, this is a turn-of-the-century iconic property. Every effort has been made to preserve the hotel’s unique heritage by involving the local community and drawing on its expert knowledge and talent. Not only in design, but additionally in the building’s actual construction, local workers and artisans from the region were employed. The furnishings are all made in Italy – and many in Sicily – to support local enterprises and artisans. For example, every maiolica tile was either reclaimed or custom designed by Scianna Ceramiche, the oldest artisanal producer in Bagheria, east of Palermo. 

I also have a very fun, quirky Irene Forte Spa there, which also focuses on sustainability. All my Irene Forte Spas promote the local community. Sicilian ceramics feature throughout. Sicilian hand-made bells start and end our spa treatments made by hand at a bell foundry near our farm, and we also use volcanic stones gathered from Sicily’s Mount Etna by an artisan in many of our treatments.

Dimora delle Balze

This is a very cute 11-key boutique hotel on the other side of the island by Noto. It’s a C19th estate, romantically located in the heart of the countryside. There is an organic farm, and thus you also get 0km food here. It’s also only a 5 minute drive from the Vendicari Nature Reserve. Located between Noto and Marzamemi, the Vendicari Nature Reserve is the ideal place for nature lovers – you can do beautiful walks here. It’s a true wildlife oasis covering more than 1,500 hectares. You can see wonderful species of migratory birds such as flamingos, herons and storks.

Tonnara di Scopello

Once a tuna fishery, the old fishermen’s houses have been transformed into three apartments. With Respect to the place and its history, you won’t find TV, telephone lines or air conditioning. However, you will be surrounded by nature and crystal clear waters. There is a museum where you can examine the tools necessary for tuna fishing, the warehouses that still house the original fishing boats and the buildings where tuna was processed. It is located by the Riserva dello Zingaro, 1600 hectares of untouched nature with incredible trails.

Things To See and Do in Sicily:

Caltabellotta

30-minutes from Verdura Resort, Caltabellotta is a beautiful town built on the hill in the rock face. I love the romantic Norman Cathedral at the top – I got married there (which makes it extra special to me). The 360 degree views from there are unrivaled. There is also a beautiful hike you can do to the Norman Cathedral.

The Valley of the Temples

40-minutes from Verdura Resort, The Valley of the Temples is certainly the most important testimony of the ancient, classical culture of Sicily. It brings together the temples of gods, goddesses, as well as the area of the necropolis and sanctuaries outside the walls. It is really a magical place to visit. You can have a sunset picnic at the valley of the temples.

Monreale Cathedral & Cloisters

just outside of Palermo, the cathedral and cloisters at Monreale are frequently cited as the island’s greatest Norman buildings- and with good reason. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals and cloisters I have ever visited. The interior mosaic decoration is just breathtaking. 

The Cappella Palatina

In Palermo, this chapel has often been described as ‘mini Monreal’ – and indeed, it’s a mini version of Monreal, with the same breathtaking mosaic decoration.

Ortigia

the island of Ortigia is one of the most romantic places I have ever been. It is walled all the way round, with the sea gently lapping the medieval brickwork. The streets of Ortigia are narrow, with charming little restaurants and cafes throughout. The heart of Ortigia is Piazza del Duomo which features the church which was built on the site of an ancient Greek temple; parts of the temple can still be seen, and it’s just incredible.

Mount Etna

It’s quite a fun experience to hike to the top of an active Volcano. Here, you might have the chance to see the lava flows, while enjoying a sea view over the Mediterranean. While I’ve never been during the winter, there’s also the option to ski then, which would be quite amazing. Generally speaking, because there is such incredible nature in Sicily, there are so many hikes (I’ve shared two nature reserves above, but there is also the incredible Torre Salas Nature Reserve located 30-minutes from Verdura, a wonderful bay covered by lush vegetation and white rocks. This is top of most people’s things to do in Italy list, so it can’t be missed if you find yourself in Sicily.

The Best Places To Eat in Sicily

When looking for things to do in Sicily and Italy as a whole, food is usually top of the list.

Both our Sicilian properties (Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort) have amazing, 0km and locally sourced food, created by Italian chef Fulvio Pierangelini. So, these two places have to be my favourite two. 

However, I would recommend going to the Bar Turistico in Palermo for arancini- a tiny bar (cafè) right next to Villa Igiea and very popular in town for the best arancini.

You can also get a delicious cannolo at Piana degli Albanesi in the province of Palermo; their cannoli are quite big,with a light but crunchy crust, and a super fresh ricotta cream.

In Caltabellotta, there’s a delicious family-run restaurant called MATES; you can expect all the Sicilian classics, such as Pasta alla Norma, in this cute little place. 

You can also do a great wine tasting at both Di Giovanna (that produces vegan and organic wine) and Planeta vineyards.

If you like this Sicily Travel Guide…

And found lots of ideas of things to do in Sicily, check out our other travel guides to Italy and similar destinations:

A Guide to Villa Lena’s Agriturismo Hotel in Tuscany

Copenhagen travel guide

Lisbon travel guide

What inspired the creation of Dāl The Label, and how did the brand’s vision come to life?

The creation of Dāl The Label was inspired by a deep desire to merge fashion with sustainability. The idea stemmed from recognizing the fashion industry’s significant environmental impact and wanting to create a brand that not only offered stylish and contemporary clothing but also prioritized ethical practices. The vision came to life through extensive research, collaborations with like-minded individuals, and a commitment to crafting garments that reflect both quality and consciousness.

As a mother of two, the need for practical yet stylish clothing became even more apparent. Quality garments for the independent, conscious woman that help her feel confident and comfortable all day are very rare. This personal experience underscored the importance of creating a brand that addressed these needs. Dāl The Label was born out of this necessity—to provide versatile, high-quality clothing that supports women in their busy lives, allowing them to move seamlessly from one role to another without compromising on style or comfort. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that every piece is made with the environment in mind, offering women a guilt-free choice in their fashion decisions.

Given your background in fashion, how did this influence your decision to start your own brand? 

Given my background in styling and publishing in the editorial world, I gained a deep understanding of branding and marketing, which was instrumental in creating my own brand. My experience in fashion allowed me to see the industry from multiple angles, identifying both the creative and business aspects necessary for a successful brand.

Entering motherhood highlighted the scarcity of quality garments for independent, conscious women that offer both confidence and comfort throughout the day. This personal journey emphasized the need for versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing. Dāl The Label was born from this realization, aiming to provide women with high-quality pieces that support their busy lives without compromising on style or ethical values.

At what point did the sustainability aspect become a focus for you? Is this something you have always felt passionate about?

Sustainability became a focal point for me during my early years in the fashion industry. I witnessed firsthand the environmental and social impacts of conventional practices. This awareness gradually transformed into a passion for creating a brand that could make a positive difference. While I have always had an affinity for nature and ethical practices, working in the fashion industry solidified my commitment to sustainability.

The popular oversized linen shirt and linen drawstring pants

What are Dāl The Label’s values? And how do you present these to your audience so they feel connected to the brand?

Dāl The Label’s core values include sustainability, ethical production, quality craftsmanship, and transparency. We present these values to our audience through our marketing materials, social media platforms, and our website. We share stories about our production process, highlight the natural materials we use, and feature the artisans behind our products. By doing so, we foster a sense of connection and trust with our audience. Allowing them to feel personally invested in our brand’s mission.

Could you share more details about your design and production process, and highlight what aspects are most important to you?

Our design process begins with a focus on timeless, versatile pieces that can be worn across seasons. We prioritize natural materials such as organic cotton, linen, and sustainably sourced wool. Our production process is anchored in ethical practices, with a commitment to fair wages and safe working conditions. We collaborate with local artisans and manufacturers to ensure that every piece is crafted with care and precision. The most important aspects to us are sustainability, quality, and ethical production.

What challenges have you faced in building Dāl? And how have you overcome or navigated through these? 

Launching a self-funded brand like Dāl has been incredibly challenging. Ensuring consistency and maintaining high standards is tough, especially when producing everything locally, which can be costly. One of the biggest hurdles was finding a dedicated team that truly understands and embraces our designs and mission. It took over three years to assemble a team that aligns with our vision, but this persistence has been crucial to our success. Through unwavering commitment and careful selection, we have built a foundation that upholds the values and quality we strive for at Dāl The Label.

Following on from this – what is a key lesson you’ve learned from your experience in building Dāl The Label?

A key lesson learned is the importance of staying true to your values and mission. In the face of challenges and setbacks, it’s crucial to remain committed to the principles that define your brand. Authenticity resonates with customers, and building a brand with integrity fosters long-term loyalty and trust.

As we approach our two-year anniversary, we are still learning and growing. We are proud of what we have achieved but are driven to accomplish even more. Our dedication to the earth guides every decision we make, ensuring that everything we create is intentional, not just about selling clothes. This commitment to sustainability and purposeful design continues to shape our journey.

Can you share a memorable moment or milestone from your journey with Dāl – is there a particular aspect of the brand you are particularly proud of?

One memorable milestone was the launch of our first collection, which was met with overwhelming support and positive feedback. Seeing customers embrace our vision and values was incredibly rewarding. Additionally, being recognized by the press and getting stocked in a few boutiques around the country was a significant achievement for us as a small brand. Building our little organic community has been immensely satisfying, and we are excited to expand and reach different regions around the world

What is your favorite piece from your collection and why? 

It would have to be our signature linen blazer. The first piece we introduced and now part of our core collection. This blazer is unique because it combines a structured, oversized fit with natural linen, lined with tencel, and complemented by coconut buttons. Finding the right blazer made of pure, untreated linen that still maintains structure is incredibly rare. Making this piece a standout in our collection. It has become our bestseller. Achieving our goal of creating a versatile piece that can be worn all year round and still feel timeless.

What does the future hold for Dāl The Label? Do you have any long term goals?

The future for Dāl The Label includes expanding our product range while continuing to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Long-term goals include increasing our use of innovative, eco-friendly materials, and expanding our reach globally. We aim to be a leader in the sustainable fashion movement, inspiring more brands and consumers to adopt mindful and responsible practices. We also remain committed to our mission of always keeping the modern woman in mind, ensuring she feels elegant and comfortable at all times.

How would you encourage people to shop more mindfully and sustainably? 

We encourage people to shop more mindfully and sustainably by always communicating with our audience to shop responsibly. One key tip is to embrace outfit repeating; you don’t need five different white t-shirts. Instead, invest in a capsule wardrobe and in quality pieces that are seasonless and long-lasting. By choosing versatile, well-made items, you can create a stylish, functional wardrobe that reduces waste and promotes sustainability.

Palihouse Hotel Location:

Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite places in the world to visit. In a perfect world I would probably live there. Just two hours up the coast from Los Angeles, SB is the perfect seaside escape. The town is famous for its laid back energy, beautiful shops, amazing wine tasting, and stunning beaches. I’ve always stayed out of the town itself, but then I discovered the Palihouse Hotel right on the flats of Santa Barbara. The hotel is located on a quiet side street. Just a short walk away from the town’s busy center – the perfect location in my opinion.

We parked our car in their underground parking. We had just spent the last few days road tripping around the coast and wanted a car break. The Palihouse has quick fast charging EV ports, where we left our car for our entire stay. The hotel really enables you to ditch your car and explore the whole city by foot. Travel can become very unsustainable when you need to drive + taxi everywhere, constantly.

Palihouse Hotel Rooms:

The 24 room hotel was once the Santa Barbara School of the Arts. Even though beautifully remodeled the hotel still amazingly honors the historical Spanish colonial architecture and style. I checked into the Apartmento. Their biggest room with my husband and toddler, and the sheer amount of space the suite offered was a treat. We had two balconies, a big bedroom and a living room with a work space. Also a big and simply stunning bathroom, with a separate but adjoining powder room. Everything about the hotel is incredibly considered. Staying at the Palihouse feels very different to staying at a big resort.

Palihouse Hotel Food:

Their menus are full of seasonal and plant based options. Using local and vibrant ingredients. Possibly a cliché order but their avocado toast was one of the best I’ve ever had! The bathrooms are filled with large Diptyque products. A brand that just in 2023 shifted their whole design and formulation approach to become much more sustainable and more responsible. They even received the Ecocert Certification. Palihouse also participates in the Clean The World Programme. M eaning certain products around the property are collected, sanitized and recycled to be used by vulnerable communities.  This ensures little waste with a wonderful giveback element.

Where To Stop En Route:

Next time you are considering a trip to Santa Barbara, leave your car at the Palihouse and explore the whole town by foot…

Natural Wine Tasting (5 minute walk away) – Au Bon Climat

For Farmers Market Inspired Asian Fusion – Sama Sama

For Organic Coffee – Handlebar Coffee Roasters 

Head to the Saturday Farmers Market

Visit our boutique in Santa Barbara