SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Izzy Lane’s Ethical Knitwear

There is something idyllic and old-worldish about Isobel Davies‘ collection of knitwear. Which seems fitting considering its beginnings. Several years ago, Davies discovered two harsh realities in the world of sheep: first, that sheep in Britain were slaughtered for being lame, too small, or missing a pregnancy, etc. and the second, farmers were burning wool rather than selling it because it wouldn’t make any profit. Davies wondered how the industry that helped to push British industrialization had practically been eliminated. So in 2002, she saved her first 4 sheep, and since then has worked to build a business focused on animal friendliness and sustainable practices. Today, Davies’ UK-based label, Izzy Lane, offers wonderfully classic, yet still contemporary, knitwear collections that are also oh so ethically conscious.

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Wensleydale Asymmetric Cowl Neck Jumper in Purple Slate £249.00 (left) Shetland Trapeze Coat in Brown Herringbone £365.00 with Wensleydale Accidental Scarf in Sea Blue £120.00 (right)

Davies has said in an interview that she “can’t do anything without deep conviction.” When it came to creating the Izzy Lane label, she had two non-negotiable factors: the first to treat the sheep humanely and the second to keep the business of making clothes local. That said, it is no surprise that the label has recently received the Designer of the Year Award from the RE:Fashion Awards and is a winner of the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Good Business Award 2008.

Currently based in Richmond, Davies lived in London for many years and couldn’t resist producing clothes that would bring a bit of the rustic Romanticism reminiscent of the English countryside to the polished looks of the urban dweller. The Fall look book features familiar textures and patterns, like herringbone and the criss-cross of knits, with contemporary silhouettes, like large cowl necks and tailored cuts. Offering rich, bold hues alongside essential neutrals, all the pieces are sure to provide longevity while providing a stylistic punch that makes you look and feel good.

All pieces can be purchased online through the Izzy Lane website, which also offers vegan accessories.

+ Izzy Lane

+ RE: Fashion

+ RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

izzy lane, isobel davies, ethical knitware, ethical wool, sustainable style, sustainable wool clothing, sustainable knitwear, ethical fashion, animal friendly clothing, animal friendly fashion, vegan fashion, vegan clothing Wensleydale Five-Button Cardigan in Cement £295.00 (left) On him: Shetland Roll-Neck Sweater in Green £148.00, On her: Wensleydale Accidental Scarf in Sea Blue £120.00, Wensleydale Boyfriend Cardigan in Chestnut £267.00, Wensleydale Box Cardigan in Natural £145.00, and Shetland Pleat Front Skirt in Hopsack £179.00 (right)

izzy lane, isobel davies, ethical knitware, ethical wool, sustainable style, sustainable wool clothing, sustainable knitwear, ethical fashion, animal friendly clothing, animal friendly fashion, vegan fashion, vegan clothing see above (left) Shetland Empire Coat in Brown Herringbone £395.00, Cashmere Cut-Away Waistcoat in Dirty Pink £125.00, Cashmere Slouchy V-Neck Sweater in Gray £175.00 (right)

Top image: On him: Wensleydale Ten-Button Cardigan in Moss £295.00, Cashmere Simple Round-Neck Sweater in Taupe £148.00; On her: Shetland Empire Coat in Brown Herringbone £395.00, Cashmere Cut-Away Waistcoat in Dirty Pink £125.00, Cashmere Slouchy V-Neck Sweater in Gray £175.00