As chosen by MC's fashion editor Penny Goldstone, contributing fashion editor Sarah-Rose Harrison and sustainability editor Ally Head.
Looking for ethical gifts that both look good and do good this Christmas? Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve rounded up the very best ethical gifts available to buy RN for you.
This year, we launched the Marie Claire Vintage Edit – an industry first secondhand resale platform where you can discover and shop pre-loved designer styles, all powered by Hewi.
Think of it as your one-stop-shop for all the best vintage, secondhand and pre-loved sustainable designer buys, in partnership with Vanish.
Buying secondhand is one of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint for a number of reasons: as well as prolonging the life of old items and stopping them from going to landfill, buying vintage also means fewer polluting resources are being used to make new clothing.
The following ethical gifts have been handpicked from the Vintage Edit by fashion editor Penny Goldstone (@pennygoldstone), contributing fashion editor Sarah Rose Harrison (@sarahroseharrison) and sustainability editor Ally Head (@allyyhead).
If ever there was a year to take stock of where your Christmas spending’s going and who it’s benefiting, let’s be honest, it’s 2021. So before you make a last-minute present dash to an online megastore, shop our edit of the gorgeous gifts that are both good for the planet and the people who make them.
25 ethical fashion gifts, as chosen by our editors
Acne Studios tan bertine stretch leather ankle boots, £249
If you've been looking for timeless heeled ankle boots for a while now, these might be it. The smooth leather and chic cognac shade make it the perfect timeless pair. - PG
Stella McCartney Check Accordion Trench Coat, £895
For those sustainable fashion lovers in your life, this is the perfect gift. Stella McCartney championed sustainability long before any other designers got the idea, and the timeless appeal of this coat makes it the perfect forever piece. Circularity at its best. - PG
Saint Laurent Black Patent Opyum Loafers, £500
These iconic Saint Laurent shoes with sculptural logo heels will get everyone talking at the office Christmas party. - PG
Fendi Zucca Vintage Long Zip-Around Wallet, £475
Small leather accessories are always a safe bet for those tricky members of your family you don't know what to buy for. Especially if said accessories happen to be designer. - PG
Max Mara Black Wool Crew Neck Jumper, £78
Max Mara is known for its high quality, timeless designs, and this black wool crew jumper is no exception. It's the perfect foundation for any capsule wardrobe. - PG
Gucci Supreme Monogram Baguette Shoulder Bag, £400
Baguette bags are everywhere this season, and this gold number by Gucci will make for the perfect party bag. - PG
‘S Max Mara Pure Virgin Wool Grey Coat, £319
It's no surprised Max Mara is in this gift guide twice, since the Italian designer label always produces the finest pieces. It's well known for its coats, so this wool number is a must have, at a bargain price. - PG
Chanel Vintage Classic Lambskin Black Double Flap Bag, £4,695
The Chanel double flap bag is one of those rare finds that not only looks timeless, but holds its monetary value over time. In fact, Chanel handbags have been known to make a better investment than gold. - PG
Chanel 2006 Black Fantasy Tweed Jacket, £1,000
It doesn't get much more classic Chanel than a tweed jacket. While on the higher end of the price list, this jacket will absolutely hold its value. - PG
Bottega Veneta Black Mesh & Leather Square Toe Chain Pumps, £525
These cult Bottega mesh heels with gold anklets were an instant sell-out when they first launched a few seasons ago, so now is your time to own a piece of fashion history. - PG
Rotate Birger Christensen Vintage Sequinned Patchwork Dress, £95
There's few pieces more joyful than a sequinned dress. This patchwork style is saturated with sparkles in a playful patchwork formation. Try yours layered over a rollneck with chunky knee-high boots or solo with mules. - SRH
Jimmy Choo Vintage Madalie Leather boots, £420
Jimmy Choo's Madalie boots are a classic style you'll reach for season after season. Crafted in Italy from soft, supple leather. Wear yours with everything from fluid midi dresses and denim. -SRH
Rixo Vintage Megan linen and silk crop top, £63
Our Editors always turn to Rixo for playful pieces, like this checked top. Ideal for elevating your go-to jeans, pair with white denim in summer. - SRH
Gucci Vintage Watch, £592
There's few gifts more timeless than a watch. The unique face on this vintage Gucci style is sure to put a smile on your loves one's. - SRH
Chloé Leather and Suede Aviator Coat, £495
Chloé's Aviator coat provides just as much warmth as it does elegance. - SRH
Hermes Vintage Reversible Leather Belt, £600
Hermes' belt fastens with the houses iconic 'H' buckle. Ideal for cinching around coats and jumpers as well as the traditional belt loops of denim this reversible style lets your loved one choose from tan or black leather. - SRH
Bottega Veneta Vintage 2000s Intrecciato Bag, £1,725
The signature intrecciato weave remains one of Bottega Veneta's most long-standing house codes - it's refined, elegant and instantly recognisable to those in the know. Your loved one will LOVE this. - SRH
Christian Dior Vintage Clip-On Earrings, £408
Embossed with the motif of the house of Dior this vintage earrings are from the early 90s. - SRH
Chanel Vintage CC Teddy Jumper, £990
Few things are better than vintage Chanel. This festive red intarsia knit sweater is gorgeous and the perfect gift. - SRH
The Row Vintage Fisherman Sandals, £300
Expertly woven in Italy to a minimalist design that remain in tune with the label's DNA. The Row's fisherman sandals are shaped with a buckled strap and a chunky sole for a balanced silhouette. Ideal gift for a loved one who missed out on a pair this Sping. - SRH
Balenciaga White Sleeveless Embellished | £95
This Balenciaga silk top is a bargain at just £95. Pair with a tailored pair of trousers and stiletto heel for a simple yet elegant day-to-night look. - AH
Burberry Pre-Owned 1990s House Check logo patch handbag | £741
Simple yet chic, this handbag will last a lifetime and never go out of style. - AH
M Missoni Emerald Green Knit Sleeveless Top | £60
Gorgeous for spring or autumn over a long turtle neck, you'll wear this timeless knit time and time again. - AH
Chanel Pre-Owned 2000s logo-print padded jacket | £1670
Make a statement with this 70's inspired Chanel jacket. Perfect dressed up or down. - AH
The Row Zipped 1 leather ankle boots | £1,495
These The Row zipped boots in espresso are iconic. Plus, they're brand new and have never been worn. - AH
