Five Ethical & Slow Fashion Brands You Need to Invest in For Spring and Summer 2025
I’m writing this from New York City in the middle of Fashion Week, where fresh snow coats the streets—but it’s never too early to start planning your summer wardrobe. As someone with a deep love for all things tropical (shoutout to my West African roots), I thrive in the sun, on the beach, and wrapped in warmth. This summer, I’m gravitating toward sequins, short hemlines, and open-backed silhouettes. The Pisces in me is enchanted by Venusian imagery—think Aphrodite emerging from her shell—so whether you’re jet-setting to Europe or Africa, dancing until sunrise in Ibiza, or simply dressing to impress for a girls’ night out, I have the perfect lineup of ethical and slow fashion designers to keep on your radar this spring and summer.
Kílẹ̀ńtàr
When building your warm-weather wardrobe, start with African designers—true experts in textiles and weaving. If you want style and comfort in the heat, turn to the people who do it best. First up: Nigerian brand Kílẹ̀ńtàr. Founded by Michelle Adepoju, Kílẹ̀ńtàr is for those who love to command attention with bold, statement-making pieces. Each collection draws inspiration from various African cultures and historical periods, offering something for everyone. And if you happen to spot me in Accra this summer on a yacht, draped in the Ase Corset & Ruffle Mini Skirt set—please, mind your business. Thank you!
ASTA REsort
Among fashion insiders, Asta Resort is a cult favorite—so if you haven’t heard of it yet, I won’t hold it against you. However, I can’t promise to defend you if you don’t check them out after this. Founded by sisters Helena and Jasmine Ammitzboell, the brand has captivated style icons like Hailey Bieber, Margot Robbie, and Bella Hadid with its impeccable craftsmanship, particularly in beading and embroidery.
Asta Resort embodies effortless European glamour, seamlessly blending vintage-inspired silhouettes with modern sensuality. Their Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Paris Crush, will debut with its first drop this Sunday, unveiling a dreamy lineup of resort wear that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Amalfi or Santorini. Think delicate lace, shimmering embellishments, and silhouettes designed to move with the breeze—pieces meant for sipping limoncello by the sea or turning heads on a moonlit terrace. If you’re looking to invest in timeless vacation staples, this is one brand you won’t want to overlook.
Idah
I’ve adored this brand for quite some time, and I’m genuinely amazed that Zoe Alakija’s work has been flying under the radar for so long. It’s rare to find a designer whose entire collection feels like it was made for you, but Alakija’s pieces have that magic. Designed in London and Lagos ateliers, her creations are the epitome of ethereal elegance—each one sculpted to celebrate the female form with a level of craftsmanship that feels almost mythical.
Her designs exude an effortless sensuality, making you feel like a modern-day mermaid, whether you’re dancing under the stars at a beach club or hosting an intimate rooftop dinner party in the city. Alakija has an intuitive grasp of draping, texture, and movement, allowing each piece to flow with the body in a way that feels both powerful and graceful. She doesn’t just design clothing—she crafts an experience, one that invites you to embrace your confidence, step into your femininity, and revel in the beauty of self-expression.
Christie brown
This Ghanaian brand holds a special place in my heart and is one of my most treasured recent discoveries. Founded in 2008 by Aisha Ayensu, Christie Brown is named after her grandmother, a seamstress whose legacy lives on through the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship. More than just a fashion label, Christie Brown tells a story—one that echoes the vibrant energy of women selling richly woven kente in the bustling markets of Accra and Kumasi, a sight that feels both familiar and deeply nostalgic.
What sets Christie Brown apart is its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. The brand’s signature use of traditional West African patterns is reimagined with a romantic, contemporary twist, creating pieces that feel timeless yet fresh. As someone incredibly proud of my African heritage, wearing Christie Brown isn’t just about style—it’s a connection to home, to history, and to the generations of strong, creative women who came before me. I can’t wait to incorporate some of these stunning designs into my wardrobe as a beautiful reminder of where I come from.
Staud
Anyone who knows me knows just how much I adore STAUD. The Los Angeles-based brand has been a staple in my wardrobe for years, and if you’ve ever spotted me out and about, there’s a good chance I was carrying their iconic Tommy Beaded Bag—the same one that took over summer two years ago. I love it so much that I even gifted a matching one to my best friend (because some things are too good not to share).
Founded in 2015, STAUD has built a reputation for effortlessly cool, vintage-inspired pieces that strike the perfect balance between playful and sophisticated. While their accessories have long been my go-to, I’ve recently found myself drawn to their ready-to-wear collections, and this summer, I’m making it a point to add a few key pieces to my wardrobe. With their impeccable tailoring, rich textures, and signature pops of color, I already know these will be the kind of pieces I reach for all season long.
Final Notes
I hope this guide gives you the perfect inspiration as you start curating your spring and summer wardrobe! Warmer days are just around the corner, and there’s no better time to invest in pieces that make you feel confident, stylish, and true to yourself. Whether you’re drawn to bold statement looks, timeless elegance, or effortlessly cool resort wear, these brands offer something special for every kind of it girl.
Beyond aesthetics, choosing ethical and slow fashion brands means investing in quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability—supporting designers who are redefining fashion with purpose and intention. As we move into a new season, I encourage you to think about the pieces that truly resonate with your style, the ones that will stand the test of time and become staples in your wardrobe for years to come.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how you style your spring and summer finds! You can keep up with us on Instagram @itgirlarchive_ for more fashion insights, trend updates, and exclusive features. And if you ever want to connect, share your favorite brands, or ask for styling advice, feel free to reach out via email—I’d love to chat. Here’s to a season of impeccable fashion, confidence, and self-expression!