Ehop Marketplace is changing the online shopping landscape for good
Ehop Marketplace and other online hubs of its kind are a concept that’s pretty new to the e-shopping scene, but nonetheless dire in times when supporting slow fashion and sustainable consumption is so vital.
Due to online retailers like Asos, Boohoo, Missguided (and unfortunately so many more) our perception of online marketplaces has become automatically hazed with a not-so-green lens. That’s why, at first glimpse, platforms like Ehop look unsustainable whilst selling on-trend, quality designs at affordable prices.
More than ever before it’s important to take a closer look at the platforms available to us. By reducing consumers' reliance on unethical brands via a platform accessible to everyone, Ehop and similar hubs are forever changing the negative stigma surrounding online marketplaces whilst also tirelessly supporting the work of up-and-coming brands - giving designers a platform to promote and sell their work to adoring consumers.
Ehop Marketplace has recently celebrated its first 7 months as a sustainable online sanctuary for eco-conscious consumers *hip hip hooray*. During this time Ehop has garnered over 13k views selling the unique garments of the talented and true-to-self designers of tomorrow.
The ethereal, ethical space of Ehop Marketplace not only brings thoughtful brands together in one space to sell kind clothing, but connect these slow brands with conscious shoppers who are looking for a bible-like haven to go back to time and time again.
As a brand that champions clothes made ethically and sustainably, Celeste and Ehop not only make sustainable fashion more accessible, but passionately informs others of the ways in which you can make your wardrobe more environmentally friendly.
“Marketplaces like mine provide platforms for truly sustainable apparel, which high street brands have proved themselves to be incapable of,” Celeste said before adding that Ehop enjoys stimulating much needed conversation about the damaging environmental effect of fast fashion.
“I’ve been lucky enough to do a fashion degree which has enabled me to learn more about the unsustainability of the current fashion industry,” Celeste added. “Even prior to starting Ehop, supporting sustainability has been huge for me,” she said.
At Ehop Marketplace shoppers are able to browse four clothing categories: independent designers, sustainable materials, second-hand designer and vintage. “Up-and-coming independent designers upcycling apparel features gorgeous pieces made from discarded materials on our website and esteemed sellers of vintage and second-hand list quality pre- loved fashion,” Celeste informed.
“I’ve been so impressed with Ehop’s amazing slow fashion sellers and designers, their ethos, and their innovations!,” Celeste beamed whilst adding, “They’re all so determined on finding new ways of making apparel sustainable, through materials, design and durability whilst always creating unique fashion that can be loved for decades.”
Ehop shines a spotlight on sellers who respect the environment. Let’s meet some of them, shall we?
Nikol Penova sporting her own knitted creation - the trending pink sand balaclava
Penova Knitwear
Penova Knitwear is a slow fashion brand that believes thoughtfully sourced materials and ethical production is the best defence against fast fashion. Every Penova piece is designed and knitted by hand by Bulgarian creative Nikol Penova, using a mixture of stitches, colours and eco, natural yarns. Each piece is often made without a pattern, making them one of a kind.
Initially inspired by grandmother who is undoubtedly the base of her passion for knitting, Nikol is also passionate about sustainability. “I want to show how knitting can be an affordable, long-lasting part of slow fashion,” founder Nikol noted before adding, “We all need to steer away from fast fashion, mass consumption and reduce our waste in every aspect of life.”
Raggiann
Ann Knapman (AKA Raggi Ann) crafts pre-loved, mixed textiles into wondrous, one-of-a-kind garments. Aiming to breath love back into the unloved in a bid to challenge our current society’s ‘waste culture’ head on. Ann’s clever eye for fabric & texture contrasting, combined with her love for artist Antoni Gaudi is what gives way to Raggi Ann’s unique, bold aesthetic.
Raggiann modelling her own, handmade honey candy patchwork jumper
Sourtai’s latest creations captured for @ZebraKnits by @Plasmainvitro
Sourtai
Sourtai has been challenging the toxic ethos of junking items once out of style, feeding their childhood fantasy of living in Mad Max. The act of having to scavenge what was once in landfill to create outfits that would sustain their priority of covering bare skin from the fiery heat of the post-apocalyptic sun. Reaching the limits of their creativity by patching and sewing together what was left of the modern world.
They believe that nothing can truly be disposed of, having landfill is such an unnecessary and outdated approach to waste management. They feel that we need to once again find true meaning & values to all material things. Have it serve a durable purpose that will last many life times. Kill throw away mentality caused by globalisation from the west and its exploitation through capitalism, a beast slowly destroying my home in the global east. "