When it’s your job to write about fashion, there’s nothing better than when an opportunity presents itself to talk about a brand that not only makes great pieces but also does good for the planet. We're all aware of the impact fast fashion has on the environment, so when Allbirds reached out asking if we’d like to work with them, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. For those unfamiliar with Allbirds, let me bring you up to speed.
A B Corp brand making waves in eco-conscious footwear, its founders hail from California and New Zealand, the latter of which is known for wool production. It was here where the brilliant idea to use merino wool and its fantastically sustainable production methods as a primary material for footwear came about; a practice that had generally never really been done before. Allbirds makes trainers that are quite frankly the most comfortable shoes you can wear, and it offers a range of casual and athletic styles created with plant-based or renewable and recycled materials.
In the past 15 years, sneakers have become an essential part of almost every person’s wardrobe. Thankfully, we're no longer in an era where "smart" shoes are required for the office or bars and restaurants. In fact, quite the opposite. Nowadays, wearing, say, court shoes or loafers is a style choice, not a formality, and there are very few situations where a clean pair of trainers isn't appropriate.
As a fashion editor, people often ask me about my favourite brands, must-have pieces and trending styles, but no question comes up as much as recommendations for quality, timeless staples that won’t break the bank. For trainers, Allbirds is such a great option—perfect for a multitude of occasions (ticking off errands, going to work, casual lunches with friends, walking or running), Allbirds has styles for everything and everyone, with the bonus that they’re sustainably-minded. How many other brands can boast all that?
Allbirds recently started a social campaign with influencers in their community, asking them to spotlight places or initiatives in their local area, to encourage us all to embrace the brilliant things we have close to home, and extra points if these establishments have a focus on sustainability too! When they tasked me with the same thing for this shoot, my mind was bubbling with different spots on my doorstep. I’ve lived in many areas of London but settled in East London around eight years ago. From Hackney to Walthamstow and now Leyton, I’ve hopped about a bit and enjoyed each neighbourhood for different reasons. But one of the things I love most is the sheer number of independent establishments around me—shops, cafes, restaurants and even gyms.
As we’re now well into spring, I’ve been considering the footwear staples I need in my capsule wardrobe. Sure, I’ll always want sandals and heels for occasions like weddings, but I'll always have space for a selection of sneakers. Considering my schedule and the activities I most regularly spend my time doing, I’ve put together three looks around three Allbirds signature trainers. I’ve styled them into outfits and spotlighted them in my chosen establishments or areas that help me reduce my environmental impact, even if just by a little. Enjoy!
THE COURIERS
Style Notes: What I love about the Couriers is their vintage-inspired design. The retro shape and bi-colour style have an almost '70s feel, which pairs so well with denim. There are multiple colourways to choose from, but as a lover of neutrals and an owner of quite a minimalist wardrobe, this cream and white pair spoke to me the most. As they feel quite premium, I wanted to showcase how I’d elevate them from an everyday jeans look to one with a skirt and a "nice top", which is a good example of the type of outfit I’d wear for work when I have a day of meetings. My styling tip for wearing these with dresses or skirts: if it's a mini length, pair your Couriers with socks, but if it's long like my skirt here, go for ankle socks (or none at all) to show a little skin.
My styling tip for wearing these with dresses or skirts: if it's a mini length, pair your Couriers with socks, but if it's long like my skirt here, go for ankle socks (or none at all) to show a little skin.
When Allbirds first told me about its Explore What's on Your Doorstep campaign, the first place that came to mind was big. Beauty in Hackney. Right in the heart of Victoria Park, one of my favourite spots in East London, big. Beauty's product offering is not only incredibly gorgeous, it's almost completely plastic-free. Be it home fragrance from Earl of East, bodycare from Mirror Water or skincare by Votary and Haekles, if they stock it, it's almost a given that it's good. What's more, its interiors have the same eco-philosophy—with seaweed curtains, cork furnishings, salvaged materials and second-hand furniture, it's a sustainably sourced haven!
If you're thinking these Courier trainers look right at home here, that's because they too are made with the planet in mind. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, bio-based nylon, Tencel Lyocell ripstop, natural rubber and sugarcane-based SweetFoam®, each fabric component has been considered in order to create minimal impact.
THE TREE FLYER 2
Style Notes: Allbird's Tree Flyer 2 is one of its main running shoes. The thick sole gives that much-needed support with added traction and "bounce". Whereas some running shoes can be tricky to put on, the Tree Flyer 2 has a front pull tab that lets you easily glide your foot in and out, and whilst I wear them for running in terms of exercise, I also love them for running errands.
In case you missed it, athleisure is still a huge trend; oversized sweatshirts, leggings, track pants and sports socks have had a place in our wardrobes beyond the gym for years. Although I wouldn't necessarily go to the office in my gym kit, I definitely incorporate certain elements of this casual athletic style into my everyday outfits, and this look is a great example. As the weather warms up, what I want to wear most is shorts and a T-shirt, but at times it can feel too underdressed. This is where I apply the rule of high-low styling. Adding a blazer, leather bag (instead of, say, a cotton tote) and jewellery make it feel smarter, and opting for a sporty sneaker keeps everything appropriately casual yet cool.
In case you missed it, athleisure is still a huge trend; oversized sweatshirts, leggings, track pants and sports socks have had a place in our wardrobes beyond the gym for years.
When I first moved to London, one of the things that stood out was the amount of fruit and veg shops. I couldn't believe just how many corner shops had baskets of loose fruit and vegetables, and usually a better selection than in the express supermarket chains. With huge bunches of herbs, single chillies and a variety of in-season produce, you can buy exactly what you need, and you don't have to waste what you don't. Everything is also (for the most part) unpackaged, so you can control the amount of unrecyclable plastic you're purchasing and then needlessly throwing away. There are lots of these shops in Leyton, and whilst I'm not saying they're plastic-free (far from it!), they do allow me to curb the waste I'm producing, and—if nothing else—I feel good purchasing from local, independent business owners rather than large-scale companies that have a huge carbon footprint.
TRAIL RUNNERS SWT
Style Notes: In the same way that athleisure has been huge for a few years now, we've also witnessed the birth of "gorpcore". Booming for some years now, this aesthetic relates to the emergence of functional details and styling choices of clothing designed for the outdoors. We all know that sports like surfing and skateboarding are eternally cool, but activities like hiking and climbing have become just as popular (if not more so), which has had a huge impact on streetwear trends. Hiking footwear, technical fabrics and garments with breathable, practical details have become go-tos, and as such, the Trail Runner SWT trainers are one of my favourite shoes by Allbirds. The ripstop fabric, grippy treads and sock-like upper design feel like a nod to gorpcore, so whether you're planning on trekking this summer or not, these sneakers are definitely a fashion-forward option.
And with their style credentials comes their sustainability credentials, too. From its FSC-certified TENCEL Lyocell and ZQ Merino-Wool-blend upper to its bio-based details and even shoelaces made from recycled plastic bottles, each material and element has sustainability as its core. They also come in multiple colours (I love the khaki style with camo print too), but this black and white colourway also has the flecked sole, which feels a little Scandi. To match the hue, I've paired them with my favourite straight-leg, dark-wash jeans and added a pop of colour with the pink knit and socks.
The ripstop fabric, grippy treads and sock-like upper design feel like a nod to gorpcore, so whether you're planning on trekking this summer or not, these sneakers are definitely a fashion-forward option.
The main spot for cute cafes and independent shops in Leyton is Francis Road. There are so many fantastic spots that I frequently visit on the weekends and in the evenings in summer. There's family-run Yardarm, a deli and wine bar which serves natural and organic wines and baked goods, whilst Dreamhouse Records is my go-to for new and secondhand vinyl, and I love Perky Blenders coffee, a favourite roastery in East London. Also on Francis Road is Edie Rose, my favourite florist in the area. Not only does it create stunning fresh flower bouquets, but also offers bunches of dried flowers, which are a great sustainable option. It goes without saying that supporting local, independently-run businesses is a more conscious way to shop; not only are you reducing your impact by purchasing closer to home, but you're also more likely to be buying items that are made with a more ethical, shorter supply chain and supporting people who really appreciate your custom.
DISCOVER MORE ALLBIRDS
Discover more from Allbirds here.
