By: Seraphina Quinn
As the fashion industry evolves, a new wave of brands is proving that style can go hand in hand with responsibility. For today’s consumers, “fashion with purpose” means seeking out brands that prioritize sustainability, compassion, and ethical production without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. In this article, we spotlight four brands—No. 49, Diane Kroe, Segan, and Jummobi Apparel—that demonstrate how fashion can be a powerful tool for positive change.
No. 49
No. 49 (cover image) brings both sophistication and sustainability to the premium handbag market. No. 49 appeals to a diverse audience, from those wanting classic staples to fashionistas experimenting with bold and trendier looks. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its choice of materials, such as recycled materials, apple leather, bamboo leather, and Raffia—each selected for its lower environmental impact compared to conventional leathers. Designed with durability and timeless appeal, these handbags stand as high-quality investments, encouraging consumers to purchase fewer, longer-lasting items. Beyond material choices, No. 49 actively contributes to environmental initiatives, removing two pounds of ocean-bound plastic with every sale and offsetting carbon emissions through strategic partnerships. This holistic approach to sustainability positions No. 49 as a brand that delivers on both style and environmental responsibility, offering conscious consumers an elegant way to support ethical fashion.
Diane Kroe
A veteran in the fashion industry with over 25 years of experience, designer Diane Kroe is celebrated for her versatile, inclusive, travel-friendly clothing that reflects a commitment to sustainability and functionality. Known for her multi-way garments, Kroe designs each piece to be styled in multiple ways, allowing customers to build an impressive variety of looks from a single item. This approach is ideal for travelers on-the-go and minimalists who aim to reduce wardrobe waste and prioritize quality over quantity. Produced using luxurious, easy-care fabrics, each piece embodies the essence of slow fashion with careful attention to quality craftsmanship and durability. Diane Kroe’s design philosophy aligns with her “less is more” mindset, creating timeless, versatile clothing that helps customers cut down on overconsumption while enjoying adaptable, elegant pieces that meet the demands of a modern, conscious lifestyle.
Designer Diane Kroe is known for slow fashion clothing that can be worn in multiple ways
Segan
Here’s one for the anti-fashion crowd—the ones who crave style without the clutter and trends without the emptiness. Segan offers a fresh approach to sustainability by focusing on quality over quantity, challenging the fast fashion cycle of accumulation and trend-chasing. Known for its sleek handbags and minimalist accessories, Segan prioritizes materials that support circularity and reduce reliance on new resources. The brand uses MIRUM®—a plant-based, plastic-free leather alternative crafted from natural rubber, plant oils, and upcycled fibers—as well as upcycled metals and recycled cardboard. True to its mission, Segan limits its product range, with each item designed around a meaningful story rather than fleeting trends. This approach reflects their belief that a life free of clutter and rich with purpose brings genuine joy. Segan holds PETA-Approved Vegan and Fair Trade Workplace certifications and is pending B Corp Certification, though it values transparency with its audience as its highest standard. With a cool, edgy vibe and an intentionally layered website experience, Segan emphasizes exclusivity and encourages consumers to rethink the meaning of fashion on a shared planet.
Jummobi Apparel
Jummobi Apparel is a Southeast Asian Indigenous brand blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable, vegan fashion. The brand is known for its use of the waist loom weaving technique, an intricate, heritage-based method that the designer incorporates into modern designs to honor their cultural roots. Exclusively vegan and committed to slow fashion, Jummobi emphasizes handcrafted, durable clothing made from ethical materials, ensuring each piece respects both the environment and the artisans involved. Driven by a mission to empower Indigenous women and support animal welfare, the brand combines social responsibility with cultural celebration, delivering unique, high-quality clothing that embodies both tradition and contemporary style. Jummobi offers a thoughtful alternative to fast fashion, demonstrating how fashion can honor heritage, promote ethical practices, and appeal to the modern, eco-conscious consumer.
These brands show that the future of fashion lies in purpose-driven design that considers environmental impact, animal sentience, and social responsibility. From innovative materials to preserving heritage, to versatile, timeless pieces, No. 49, Diane Kroe, Segan, and Jummobi Apparel set the standard for what vegan and sustainable fashion can achieve. As more consumers embrace this approach, these brands pave the way for a fashion industry where style and purpose work together in harmony.
Published By: Aize Perez
