No, Axes Femme does not fit the typical fast fashion model. Unlike fast fashion giants that release new collections weekly, the brand operates on a slower, seasonal cycle and focuses on original, vintage-inspired designs rather than quickly replicating fleeting trends.
However, while it avoids the overproduction model of fast fashion, Axes Femme suffers from a significant lack of transparency regarding its ethical and environmental practices. Its supply chain is opaque, and it has made no public commitments to sustainability, making it difficult to recommend for conscious consumers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its practices.
Axes Femme’s business model is more aligned with boutique or slow fashion brands than with high-volume fast fashion retailers. It prioritizes a unique aesthetic and craftsmanship over mass production and rock-bottom prices.
Axes Femme’s ethical performance is difficult to assess due to a near-total lack of transparency. While there are no major reports of labor abuse, the brand provides no evidence to verify that its workers are treated or paid fairly.
With most manufacturing based in China and other Asian countries, Axes Femme relies on third-party suppliers where labor conditions can be notoriously poor. The brand provides no specific data on factory wages or working conditions. Without disclosures, it's assumed their suppliers adhere only to the local legal minimums, which in some regions fall below a living wage.
This is the brand’s greatest ethical failure. Axes Femme does not publish a supplier list, share audit results, or hold certifications like Fair Trade or SA8000. This complete opacity makes it impossible for consumers to know where or how its clothes are made.
Axes Femme uses animal-derived materials like wool and silk in its collections. However, the company provides no information about the source of these materials and is not certified by animal welfare bodies like the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). There is no evidence of exotic skin use or deliberate cruelty.
Axes Femme has virtually no public sustainability initiatives, goals, or data. Its avoidance of a high-turnover model is its only positive environmental attribute, but it takes no proactive steps to reduce its impact.
The brand uses a mix of natural fibers like cotton and wool along with synthetics like polyester. However, it provides no data on the percentage of materials that are organic, recycled, or otherwise sustainably sourced. It does not carry certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or OEKO-TEX.
Axes Femme does not publish any data regarding its carbon footprint, water usage, chemical management, or wastewater treatment. It has set no targets for reducing emissions and is not engaged in any climate initiatives.
There are no programs for garment take-back, resale, or recycling, and the brand does not report on how it manages unsold inventory or textile waste from production. Its packaging practices are also undocumented.
The brand has no published sustainability goals, progress reports, or partnerships with environmental organizations. It provides no evidence of any long-term commitment to improving its environmental performance.
While Axes Femme avoids the destructive cycle of fast fashion overproduction, its passive approach to ethics and sustainability, coupled with a severe lack of transparency, makes it a poor choice for conscious shoppers.
Axes Femme earns a C because while it has not been implicated in major labor scandals, its complete opacity offers no assurance of ethical conduct. The brand appears to meet minimum legal requirements but provides no evidence of an active commitment to fair labor, living wages, or supply chain accountability.
The brand receives a D for sustainability due to its absolute lack of environmental effort. Its only merit is its slower production model. Without any published data, clear goals, use of sustainable materials, or circularity programs, there is nothing to suggest the brand is taking its environmental responsibility seriously.
If you love the vintage-inspired, romantic aesthetic but want a brand with stronger commitments to people and the planet, consider these alternatives:
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is a B Corp that offers vintage-style dresses and separates made with Fair Trade and GOTS-certified organic cotton. Its supply chain is transparent, and it guarantees fair wages for its makers.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation offers modern, romantic pieces and is a leader in transparency, publishing detailed impact reports. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and uses over 90% sustainable materials like TENCEL™ and recycled fabrics.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Thought creates timeless clothing using natural and sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, and TENCEL™. The brand is committed to ethical production, including a strict code of conduct for its suppliers and a focus on circularity.
Shop now at wearethought.com
Known for its ethical production since 1988, Komodo focuses on vegan and eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, ramie, and linen. The London-based brand ensures fair treatment of its factory workers in Nepal, India, and Indonesia.
Shop now at komodo.co.uk
Oak + Fort creates affordable, minimalist designs intended for longevity. While its transparency could improve, it has made commitments to increasing its use of recycled materials and reducing waste in its supply chain.
Shop now at oakandfort.com
Axes Femme's higher prices reflect its use of more intricate designs, detailed craftsmanship, and a business model that produces fewer garments per year. Unlike SHEIN's mass-produced, trend-driven items made from the cheapest possible materials, Axes Femme invests more in the quality and originality of each piece.
There is no evidence that Axes Femme uses real fur in its products. Its collections often feature faux fur trim, but the brand has not been associated with the use of real fur, leather, or exotic animal skins.
Currently, there is no public information to suggest that Axes Femme is working to improve its practices. The brand does not publish reports or updates on social or environmental initiatives, so it is impossible to track any progress over time.
