Fun, exciting, happy clothes are at the heart of Lisou. And so is sustainability. Founded by Rene Macdonald in 2018, the print-packed clothing brand is designed to make you smile. With each style designed by Rene to make a statement, while also giving back to the community in Tanzania, Africa where she grew up, it’s all about buying into a small business that does good. 

Donating proceeds of collections towards education and medicinal needs for young people, partnering with local schools and planting trees to offset the brands’ carbon footprint are some of the initiatives the label has. Not only is Lisou a go-to for carefully made pieces with a punchy, vibrant attitude, the brand makes clothes for women, and supports them throughout.

Here, Rene shows the Stylist readers the spring/summer 2021 collection launching this week, and explains why shopping small makes a big difference. 

Rene: Growing up in Africa, I was always conscious of sustainability. Long before recycling became a global issue, we were already doing it. 

 I think an absence of what you need forces you to reuse and repurpose everything. I also grew up with every item of clothing becoming a hand-me-down and it’s still something I do to this day.

I think we have a way to go before we reach true or complete sustainable fashion. The important thing is for everyone to do their bit. This isn’t an issue that is going to be resolved overnight.

To get people to make investment pieces instead of fast fashion is all about educating the customer and being transparent about how their items are made. 

We need to learn about slow fashion and change our mindsets from the immediacy and constant demand for newness.

Well, I think sustainability and a return to slow fashion are essential to create change within the industry. I also feel that there should be less collections produced a year. There’s a huge amount of pressure as a creative to keep designing multiple collections. Obviously deadlines need to be met but constantly creating newness takes it’s toll on the creative side, too. 

Try to buy from independent brands – they produce smaller volumes and are more likely to work with smaller producers. Personally, I love to buy from family run businesses like Summerill & Bishop who Lisou has a new table linen collaboration with. 

With a family run business you know that their heart is in their product because they truly love what they do. My final hack would be to look at the care label and find out what fabrics have been used to make your product.

I’m a big fan of Daisy from @igotitfromthecharityshop. As a lover of charity shops and vintage, I really connect with her.

Sustainable Shopper edit by Rene:

Images: courtesy of Rene/ Lisou/ Anoushka Beckwith