Boho & sustainability: why our fashion choices matter

More than designs, there is one aspect in fashion that is just as important but often an afterthought: sustainability. The fashion industry produces so much waste every year, especially with the rise of fast fashion. You can minimise this and help Mother Earth by being conscious of your purchases. We’ll share with you what’s up between boho & sustainability: why our fashion choices matter and what you can do as a bohemian-lover.

The interlink between boho fashion and sustainability

So you may be wondering what’s the connection between boho & sustainability: why our fashion choices matter.

Boho fashion is all about being carefree, laidback, and creative. But boho is also more than just a trend or style in fashion. It is also a way of living — one that is concerned about the environment, supports ethical production practices, and is conscious of consumption habits.

As a lifestyle, boho prefers and promotes eco-friendly materials such as natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and leather. Not only do these have a lower environmental impact than synthetic fabrics, but they are also known for being durable and of quality.

Since the bohemian style transcends time, investing in pieces that do not easily show signs of wear and tear is key. These garments are often crafted by brands that support slow and sustainable fashion such as Cienna Designs. Clothing and accessories that truly last a lifetime!

Bohemian style maxi dress

The environmental + ethical cost of fast fashion

You probably have heard countless times about fast fashion. With fast fashion, clothes are designed to go with current trends, produced in large volumes, and distributed widely. Typically these are pieces that easily come and go. What’s popular in fast fashion now might be out of style in the next few weeks, thus, “fast”.

While these clothes are sold at a relatively lower price, they carry a heavier environmental and ethical cost.

Did you know that Australia sends 85% of textiles purchased to landfills annually? This happens because patrons of fast fashion buy trendy garments only for them to discard their clothing once the fad dies out. Likewise, fabric scraps that are cut during production end up in the same landfills.

Apart from this environmental cost, fast fashion’s affordability is also at the expense of the laborers who mass-produce these items. To be able to keep their prices at a minimum, many fast fashion brands resort to unethical labor practices. Workers in sweatshops are often overworked and underpaid.

True enough, fast fashion provides a cheaper clothing alternative. However, this begs the question: at what cost?

So, what can you do? Always bear in mind the interlink between boho & sustainability: why our fashion choices matter. More than channeling the bohemian vibe through clothes and accessories, you can embody the carefree yet consumption-conscious boho lifestyle.

Do this by ditching fast fashion trends. Instead, support homegrown brands that have sustainability and ethics at the heart of what they do.

Handcrafted: the bohemian way

If you’re looking for a conscious alternative to fast fashion, then you’re in the right place. Here at Cienna Designs, we pride ourselves in our sustainable and ethical practices. We make sure that we design and make each piece with a love for art, fashion, and the environment in mind.

We have tapped local communities in Indonesia to handcraft our knit selection. Through this partnership of 15 years and counting, these artisans were able to showcase their craft and at the same time, augment their income.

Blush Wrap Mohair
Blush Wrap -Mohair
Blush Wrap -Mohair
Blush Wrap -Mohair
blush wrap
Blush Wrap -Mohair
Blush Wrap Mohair
Blush Wrap -Mohair
Blush Wrap -Mohair
Blush Wrap -Mohair
blush wrap
Blush Wrap -Mohair


Knits are great for staying warm during the cooler months. Our range of knit products such as this Blush Wrap are usually made from mohair acrylic blend, making our pieces warm and incredibly soft to wear. Oh, and have we mentioned these aren’t scratchy on your skin? This chic wrap is also crafted through traditional knitting machines.

Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf Mohair
neck scarf navy
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf – Mohair – Assorted
Neck Scarf – Mohair – Assorted
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf - Mohair - Assorted
neck scarf taupe
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf Mohair
neck scarf navy
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf – Mohair – Assorted
Neck Scarf – Mohair – Assorted
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf
Neck Scarf - Mohair - Assorted
neck scarf taupe


Aside from the superb craftsmanship that is put into creating these pieces, you also enjoy durability. Knits and accessories like this beautiful Neck Scarf are sure to last in your wardrobe even after multiple uses! Not to mention, this lightweight mohair piece doubles as a shawl as well. Versatility and quality — key elements of boho & sustainability!

The true essence of bohemian fabrics

As a conscious lifestyle, boho also leans toward natural and organic fabrics in clothing and accessories. This traces back to the style’s roots. The bohemians, a group of artists, intellectuals, and non-conformists, wore flowy and loose garbs that were mostly out of natural fabrics.

Besides its origins, natural fabrics are also more environmentally friendly production-wise. These fabrics are also popular because of how comfortable they are to wear and their durability. So, what are these organic materials?

Cotton

Lightweight and breezy, cotton is a popular textile across all fashion styles. Cotton is also among the fabrics often used in bohemian clothing. After all, it perfectly embodies the laid-back vibe of boho style with its soft and flowing structure.

Besides its origins, natural fabrics are also more environmentally friendly production-wise. These fabrics are also popular because of how comfortable they are to wear and their durability. So, what are these organic materials?

Cotton bohemian style top with jeans


This fabric also makes lovely basic pieces such as the Bella Cotton Top. It’s simple but has a classic charm. Comfy and cute? Something you should definitely include in your wardrobe!

Jamie Shirt
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton
Jamie Shirt - Cotton


Not just for plain pieces, cotton can also make your fave patterns. Don’t you love the casual feel of this Jamie Shirt? A breathable fit for warm seasons and a comfy partner in the cold.

Silk

There’s truly something about silk that makes anyone who wears it look luxurious and posh. The luster and shine of this organic fabric effortlessly attract attention. To add, it’s also great for creating billowing clothes that flow and drape wonderfully.

When incorporated into a piece, silk absolutely adds elegance and seamlessly elevates it. Case in point: this Roxy Silk Jacket made of silk, black satin, and the most beautiful embroidered details we’ve ever seen!

Silk and satin jacket with bohemian style embroidery
Silk and satin jacket with bohemian style embroidery

Slow fashion at Cienna Designs: the sustainable turn in boho fashion

Cienna Designs understands the link between boho & sustainability: why our fashion choices matter. We make it a point to give our lovely boho ladies the best quality pieces that are versatile in styling and also durable.

More than that, we take pride in our environmental and ethical practices — living up to the core of boho style.

We rounded up some of our favourite pieces that put together the principles of slow fashion and the aesthetic of bohemian style.

Waffle Jacket
Waffle Jacket - Rust
Waffle Jacket - Rust
Waffle Jacket
Waffle Jacket - Rust
Waffle Jacket - Rust


Made from 100% cotton, this Waffle Jacket is pretty when worn over a dress or a top + jeans or top + skirt combo. It can also double as a top. Copy this style by pairing it with a lovely patterned skirt. Aside from its versatility, we love its rust colour and the coconut button that closes it up.

Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho
Stripe Poncho


Ponchos took the fashion world by storm a few years back, yet it is here to stay and slay! When you’re feeling cold and want to carry a blanket around, then a poncho is your best friend. A stylish mohair knit like the Stripe Poncho will add flair to your fit while keeping you snug.

Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho
Nia Poncho


Ponchos come in different shapes and patterns, but we love ‘em all! This Nia Poncho is a crowd favourite with its boxy shape, fashionable polo neck, decorative tassels, and a lovely mix of earthy tones knitted seamlessly. Team this wool poncho with denim jeans for a casual chic look.

Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue
Stevie Skirt Denim Blue


A maxi skirt is one thing that we never miss in our list of boho must-haves. It ticks all the boxes of bohemian style: flowing, comfortable, and with enough room for movement. This Stevie Skirt in Denim is our bestseller as it puts different layers of boho patterned fabric together. Tres chic!

It’s important to grasp the relation between boho & sustainability: why our fashion choices matter. Ladies who are into bohemian style must also know the principles associated with this fashion style. As boho lovers, we should not just be stylish. Being conscious of our fashion decisions and showing support for slow fashion will help us truly live up to the boho lifestyle.

For slow fashion that will certainly give you a bang for your buck + timeless bohemian designs, check out our curated selection at Cienna Designs. When you shop in our online store, you also get to enjoy AfterPay on all items, free shipping for orders $150 and up, and our warm customer service! ;)