“If you’re into fashion and love supporting emerging designers, you’re more than likely aware of the impact of fast fashion in a society as consumer-focused as our own. And there’s no denying that you can still do your bit for the planet and remain stylish in the process, you just need to know where to look! In a bid to open up my eyes to the world of ethical fashion, I discovered Hannah and her brand oren, who gave me all the answers I was looking for. “

In a world where fast-fashion and quick consumerism is at an all-time high, attitudes towards fashion are quickly becoming more and more disposable – and with the 2nd largest pollutant on our planet being clothing, companies are turning to unethical methods of production to churn out garments at cheap as chips costs. 

So how, as a consumer, do you shop ethically? As a buyer and lover of the fashion industry, it’s crucial to opt for more eco-conscious and ethical brands when sifting through designers to wear and support. Avoiding fast-fashion labels like Shein, dishing out dresses for as little as £3 a pop, is a start, but taking the time to do your research to find designers who source non-exploitative methods of production or re-salvaged materials is a great way to ensure good ethics are at the forefront of your style. 

I caught up with Hannah to discuss the launch of her brand oren, who has been recycling fabrics to create her vision since last year. Focusing on re-salvaged materials, Hannah takes inspiration largely from nature, with intricate designs embodying the movement of the natural world while being heavily “influenced by alternative, subversive, deconstructed, post-apocalyptic looks and 90s/early 00s fashion” – a unique style she has established for the oren audience.

Considering the environmental impact of the fashion industry is at the forefront of her brand, as Hannah works largely with deadstock, industry surplus or re-salvaged fabrics – something that she describes as extending her respect of the earth by ensuring sustainability and longevity throughout her work. Her designs encompass her love of the natural world, with an over-arching theme touching on ethereality and natural beauty while using soft curves that expose areas of her models’ skin when worn - connecting the human body with her interpretation of the natural world in this way.  

“A large collection of my ‘spine’ designs follows a similar pattern, inspired by leaf veins and above ground plant root systems to create an ethereal look.”

Hannah proves that in a world where there is a growing obsession with quick-fire purchases and one-off, disposable looks, wearing re-purposed garments does not mean skimping out on a quality design. Tens of billions of garments ending up in landfill every year seems unavoidable when the industry demands consistent business from the consumer. This feeds the idea that fashion should be cheap and shouldn’t last a long time - and with fast production for fast consumption, comes fast waste. Even high-end brands have fallen victim to their products not lasting much longer than one season anymore. 

But, supporting a smaller brand like oren ensures your garment has been meticulously constructed and cared for, with a design truly unique to the brand. Hannah even suggests how using re-purposed materials has opened her creativity and stretched her skillset in a way that may otherwise not be explored if her garments weren’t from recycled fabrics.

“Working with what you can find encourages your mind to adapt and reconstruct the material you’re working with, similar to what nature has done for an eternity.”

Although, it is difficult to consistently be able to make mindful decisions regarding every aspect of your style. Even Hannah herself admits to occasionally having to purchase a small amount of fabric from a UK-based supplier – though with time, “my goal is to source similar recycled/salvaged alternatives”. Despite this, she stresses how important it is for the industry to use recycled materials, and even though this can seem a challenge to some designers, she embraces the creativity it invites.

“I think, at least for upcoming designers, aiming to use recycled/salvaged materials/methods and being mindful of how much waste you create/resources you use, is a step in the right direction.” 

The principles of oren bring attention to the earth and its finite resources, and Hannah sheds light on the path of the fashion industry becoming increasingly more destructive as it progresses to keep up with growing demands. For the future of oren, Hannah wishes to use it as a larger platform to inspire and encourage other up-and-coming designers to truly express themselves through their designs, and not fall risk to the destruction of fast fashion.

To support oren, go to their website at orenn.bigcartel.com or follow their Instagram @o___ren.