When it comes to stylish active wear, the Australians have mastered it down to a fine art. From Bondi to Brisbane, to Byron Bay and beyond, beaches and brunch spots are awash with women in their finest sports stuff. Whether downward-dogging, coastal walking or smoothie sipping, Aussies are known for their love of stylish sportswear that can transcend from an early morning work out to late night cocktails with friends. When it comes to aesthetics, First Base is indisputably one of our favourite lifestyle labels. But their new organic cotton range proves the brand ethos runs much deeper.
First Base is leading the way with a commitment to sustainable and ethical production practices. Image © First Base
Founded in 2013 by Allison Cotton, First Base was born out of her love for style, surf and sports culture. Wanting to design a stylish sportswear brand, Allison looked to her home – Sydney’s beloved Bondi Beach – for inspiration, and so created an iconic yet understated collection. Loved by locals and coveted by active wear aficionados worldwide, First Base has built a loyal following of like-minded women who want to look stylish while they sweat.
We were lucky enough to be invited along to the First Base launch of their new organic cotton line. Held in their concept store in the heart of Bondi, the space boasts changing-room lockers, gymnastic rings and the sports-centre style silver benches, all of which perfectly compliment the stylish and urban sportswear hanging from the rails.
The new range organic cotton range on display at the First Base pop up in Bondi. Image © First Base
With a mouth-watering breakfast on offer – that consisted of berry and chia parfaits and glowing green smoothies – we were able to peruse the new collection of organic cotton before hearing from Allison on her inspiration behind the new range.
The new First Base organic cotton basics range. Image © First Base
It was just eighteen months after launching First Base that Allison began to conduct research into ways in which she could enter the ethical and sustainable fashion space. While she admits that from a business perspective it may not be a profitable choice, it’s certainly a more humane one. Allison explained that, although it may feel like we as individuals can make little difference to the planet, all it takes is one person to lessen global impact.
First Base organic cotton basics are ideal to take you from the plane to the studio. Image © First Base
In addition to phasing out non-organic cotton in favour of cotton that is both organic and ethically sourced, First Base have also implemented biodegradable bags into their shopping experience, further proving the brand’s commitment to helping save the environment.
A little First Base flair in their new organic cotton range. Image © First Base
The new organic cotton range will no doubt cement First Base’s position as a forward thinking sustainable brand in what is often a throwaway market. A carefully edited collection offering staple items including tanks, crew neck tees and dresses, the clothes are classic, the cuts stylish; the ethics on point. So if you want to up your sustainability game without sacrificing style, and you are looking for the perfect outfit to take you from workout to brunch; the First Base organic cotton collection is most certainly where it’s at.
Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster and a qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and love for life.
Lucy has her own blog, The Unlikely Bookworm and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.
