In an age of fast fashion, one brand swims against the tides in hopes of influencing the industry with a business known for its ethics. 'Kowtow' is a Chinese expression of reverence and deep respect - is something company’s founder Gosia Piatek has for the way clothes are made. Kowtow only uses cotton grown by farmers who are certified Fairtrade by the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO).

All fabric is dyed using Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) approved dyes which are free of hazardous elements such as nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals. Employees at their factory in India receive paid holiday leave, sick pay, medical insurance, subsidies lunches, overtime pay, free transport services to the factory and a fair living wage. Since its inception in 2006, Kowtow has garnered fans internationally for its well designed, minimalist style of ethically produced, eco-friendly basics. In 2012, they were the winners of the Green Lifestyle Awards for the fashion.