Orange Harp: Mobile Ethical Fashion

Orange Harp is a shopping app that specializes in fashion for the conscious consumer. The startup launched in May of this year with the purpose of making it easy for people to buy from brands that support fair working conditions, protect the environment and contribute to different charitable causes.

The 3 main principles behind Orange Harp’s vision are:

Design, which you will notice once you see the quality and craftsmanship behind each product.
Community, supporting brands that give back and live up to fair standards towards people and animals.
Planet, caring for the shipping materials and production methods that are more eco friendly.

Orange Harp Ethical Fashion App

Orange Harp’s range of products includes: cruelty-free beauty products, organic cotton garments, shoes and handbags made with recycled materials and fair trade fabrics. Many of the products are made in the USA, in part to make it easier to examine the brands and because of the additional accountability in terms of labor rights that companies are subject to in the US.

With many new labels in the conscious space facing tough competition and limited funding, Orange Harp offers an alternative to expand their marketplace and create their mobile presence, since many of these brands don’t have the ability or resources to develop their own app.

We talked to founder Anbu Anbalagapandian and she answered some questions for us.

Interview

What is the main premise of Orange Harp and how is it different to other shopping apps?

Orange Harp connects people with brands making impeccably-designed products with a deep commitment to the community and planet. We’re the first mobile app to combine storytelling and socially-conscious shopping. We also give instant feedback to people on what cause their purchase supports.

How does Orange Harp help the world of fashion be more ethical?

There is a misconception that socially-conscious fashion is boring or expensive or both. We break this misconception and introduce people to incredible products at great prices.

We’re bringing more awareness around the supply chain and the making process. Our brand partners have proven that it is possible to create stylish, socially-conscious fashion and build a successful business. This shows that there is a real demand from consumers and the big brands won’t have a choice but to follow suit in the near future.

How did you find the designers featured on the app?

Each brand has a unique story. We find them through our thorough research, referrals — from our users, our current brand partners, ethical fashion bloggers.

If an independent designer wants to sell their products on Orange Harp, what conditions do they have to meet?

We handpick brands based on 3 factors:

– Impeccable design of the products using natural or recycled materials

– Care for communities by giving back and upholding fair standards for people and animals

– Follow best practices that don’t harm the environment

We also make it a point to talk to the founders and learn about their inspiration and process. We make it mandatory for our brand partners to keep their supply chain, manufacturing process, and working conditions transparent. We’re thrilled to have partnered with brands that go the extra mile to be socially conscious in various ways.

What are your favorite 3 items on Orange Harp right now?

The Valdy – Festive Women’s pair of socks from Mitscoots

Travel Document Organizer from Pura Botanica – to carry my passport and boarding pass in style

Lapis Le Petit Medaillon Necklace from Lovehewn. Simple and elegant.

You can download the app for iOS here and learn more about Orange Harp at orangeharp.com