Ad | When it comes to sustainable dresses that blend craftsmanship, comfort and timeless elegance, ASPIGA London is a brand worth discovering. Their collections move seamlessly between the seasons – smart enough for events, relaxed enough for holidays, and always grounded in ethical production. I’m not always a fan of the styling in their shoots but they do seem to lean towards a more mature demographic – which is why I overlooked them for many years.
As a B Corp-certified label, ASPIGA brings peace of mind to conscious shoppers who value beautifully made clothes with integrity.
I recently tried their pieces – the Navy Linen Shirt Dress and the Pippa Long Sleeve Cotton Dress (in Petite) as part of my Summer Event Season Edit and the Lilah Velvet Maxi Dress for my Winter Event Season Edit to see first-hand how they perform in real life and across different occasions.
Aspiga Brand Overview
Founded in 2006 by Lucy Macnamara, Aspiga started as a small artisan enterprise in Kenya and has since grown into an internationally recognised name in sustainable fashion.
The brand champions traditional craftsmanship, natural fibres and responsible production, creating versatile staples for women who appreciate quality, authenticity and effortless polish.
No brand is perfect, and whilst Aspiga is B-Corp certified (in 2022 and again in 2025) it only scores “It’s a start” on Good On You (GOY) for its use of animal products and lack of animal welfare policy. Aspiga have yet to complete the Ethical Brand Directory assessment yet – I’ll update this review as soon as it’s complete.
I am a firm believer that we have to look past systems that do not consider the bigger picture – yes Aspiga score low on GOY due to it’s use of animal derived materials, such as wool and leather. A great part of their business model is about supporting the livelihoods of the makers in Kenya and this helps preserve traditional craftsmanship and empower local communities.
This review features products gifted to me by Aspiga as we explore a partnership. As with all my reviews, it reflects my honest, first-hand experience after months of testing. My opinions remain completely independent and reflect my genuine experience wearing and styling the pieces.
The Winter Edit: EleganT DRESSES for Winter Event Season
For winter event season, I explored Aspiga’s colder-weather offering — looking for pieces that felt elegant, comfortable and versatile enough to restyle throughout festive celebrations. One dress immediately stood out: the Victoria Round Neck 3/4 Sleeve Stretch Corduroy Dress.
Although I didn’t try this piece personally, it’s one I would genuinely recommend. The soft corduroy adds texture and depth, giving all-black or navy outfits a more elevated feel. The fact it’s also available in a petite length makes it even better, as short women can finally enjoy a true midi that falls in the right place. I definitely have my eye on this one – I have always loved the Vampire’s Wife signature style of dress – and this is a great sustainable alternative.
The Victoria Dress is a winter classic — timeless, warm, easy to style and a great investment if you prefer dresses that work for both day and evening. Swap knee-high boots for heels, add tights or statement jewellery, and you’ve instantly restyled it.
ACCESS THE INNER CIRCLE
Exclusive ‘Inner Circle’ access to Style & Identity Tips, Luxury Retreats, Sustainable Luxury Brands and more…
But the piece I did test — and loved — was the Lilah Velvet Maxi Dress. Kindly gifted by Aspiga, this deep-blue navy velvet dress is elegant, comfortable and warm, the kind of winter dress that feels luxurious without being fussy. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed wearing this for Christmas cocktails – and I’ll be reaching for this all season.
Velvet has never been my go-to fabric. I’ve always avoided it on my lower half for fear of adding bulk, but the Lilah dress completely changed my mind. The cut is sleek, the drape flattering, and the fabric surprisingly lightweight. Made from renewable tree pulp, giving the dress movement and softness without the stiffness of traditional velvet.
It’s proof that Aspiga can deliver winter occasionwear that feels sustainable, elevated and confidence-boosting in equal measure.
Tried & Tested: Deep Blue Velvet Maxi Dress
The Lilah Velvet Maxi Dress brings a very different energy — elegant, warm and refined. The deep navy shade is instantly sophisticated and the soft velvet creates a luxurious feel that’s perfect for winter event season. Despite my long-standing hesitation with velvet on the lower half, this dress surprised me with how sleek and elongating it felt.
Lilah Velvet Maxi Dress – Regular Fit
The Lilah Dress is incredibly comfortable — warm without being heavy, soft against the skin and noticeably more breathable than traditional synthetic velvets. The fabric blend (76% viscose, 24% polyamide) gives it a fluid drape that skims the body rather than clinging to it.
This makes it particularly kind to 40+ bodies, offering shape and confidence without restriction. The simplified silhouette means you can style it up or down effortlessly: metallic heels for festive parties, strappy sandals for winter sun, or boots for evening dinners.
It’s elegant, wearable and feels quietly luxurious — the kind of winter dress that makes sense for real life, not just photoshoots.
How the Lilah Dress Stands Out
- Deep, rich navy velvet with a soft sheen
- Sustainable viscose made from renewable tree pulp
- Elegant drape that elongates the body
- Warm, comfortable and ideal for winter events
- Works beautifully with minimal styling and simple accessories
Best for: Minimalists, Classic Archetypes, petites and regular heights, and women wanting winter elegance without sequins or fuss.
THE SUMMER DRESS EDIT – TIMELESS Dresses for Summer Event Season
I’d chosen two dresses for summer event-season occasions, one for the F1 Grand Prix and another for Blenheim Palace’s Salon Privé. I was seeking pieces that looked refined yet breathable, but with more styling potential that meets the eye.
Unfortunately a postal delay meant my dress arrived after F1, but once in hand, I filmed a styling reel showing how to wear the linen shirt dress three ways – proof of its timeless versatility.
The linen shirt dress is a classic. Timeless. If you lean towards timeless styles and understated elegance – a simple shirt dress is a must!
You can see how I styled the shirt dress in a reel I created here > robertastylelee
The block printed Pippa dress was not my usual style, but I loved that it had a story, being block printed by hand in Jaipur. It is made from 100% organic cotton and the deep V-neckline and Broderie Anglaise trim details just added interest that my usual plain outfits often lack. Summer always brings out my free-spririted archetype and a little bohemian energy.
Tried & Tested: Blue Navy Linen Shirt Dress Perfect for Wimbledon
At first glance, this dress captures everything I love about a classic silhouette: a structured collar, button-through front and soft self-tie belt. The 100 % linen fabric feels crisp and cool – ideal for daytime events or travel. Think Meghan Markle at Wimbledon vibes: simple, elegant and quietly confident. But I soon discovered it had even more sustainable styling potential and could be worn in even more ways.
ASPIGA Linen Shirt Dress – Fabric, Fit & Feel
- Fabric: pure linen, breathable and naturally sustainable.
- Fit: true to size but with no give, so not the best option if you fluctuate in size or prefer extra ease. The linen will soften with wear.
- Comfort: structured at first; comfort increases after washing and steaming.
- Packaging: recyclable and minimal, reflecting ASPIGA’s B Corp commitment.
The only real flaw? The button spacing. When seated, the skirt gaped enough to flash a hint of thigh – not ideal for curvier figures. A simple hook and eye clip or an underslip would solve it easily. Aspiga explained they do offer a service where they can make small alterations to counter things like this.
Why the Linen Shirt Dress Stands Out
- A timeless silhouette that transcends trends
- Natural, breathable linen
- Endless restyling potential across seasons
- Ideal for work and special events
Best for: Minimalists and Classic Archetypes who value structure and simplicity with subtle flair.
🔗 Shop the Blue Linen Shirt Dress
Tried & Tested: Block Printed Deep V-Neck Occasion Dress `
The Pippa Dress brings a completely different energy – romantic yet practical. The blue-and-white block print immediately caught my eye. It’s fully lined cotton, giving modest coverage while remaining airy. The petite cut finally delivers that elusive maxi-length I can wear with flats.
Pippa Long Sleeve COTTON MAXI Dress – Petite Fit
The Pippa Dress feels particularly kind to age 40+ bodies – the cotton has just enough room to breathe, expand and move without restriction. The plunging neckline flatters the bust while allowing for bra-friendly options (a rarity in summer styles).
Originally I planned to wear this for Salon Privé, but the weather had other ideas. But it’s now ready for my next warm-weather event – or possibly a winter-sun holiday. I’m even tempted to source a second one on Vinted and experiment with a halter-neck up-cycle, the fit is incredibly flattering – even if it covers almost all your skin.
WHY the Pippa Dress Stands Out
- Natural cotton with artisanal block print
- Fully lined for structure and coverage
- Petite length perfect for women under 5’4″
- Plunging yet tasteful neckline
- Forgiving fit for real bodies and perimenopausal comfort
- Works for special events with heels and headpieces or sandals at the beach
Best for: Hourglass figures, petites, and women seeking flattering coverage without bulk.
🔗 Shop the Pippa Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
ASPIGA Materials & Sustainability Credentials
ASPIGA favours natural fibres such as linen, organic cotton and eco viscose. Their B Corp certification verifies transparent supply chains, fair wages and responsible production. At least, as much as we can trust any certification – see my post about B Corps here.
Many pieces are crafted using heritage techniques like hand-block printing, supporting artisan communities while maintaining modern quality standards.
They do use leather, so for vegans this might not be acceptable for you. However, many of their products are free from animal products. It depends on how you feel about supporting a brand that uses animal products, even if they have vegan options.
I have not gained confirmation regarding their leather and if it is approved by the Leather Working Group.
Private Style & Identity Consultation
Begin your next chapter with clarity, confidence and a refined personal style – guided by an expert who understands who you are and who you’re becoming.
Is ASPIGA Worth It? A Price-Per-Wear Perspective
With dresses ranging roughly from £120 – £250, Aspiga sits in the affordable investment space – particularly fair given the fabric quality and timeless design.
If you wear a £250 dress ten times a year over five years (50 wears), that’s around £5 per wear, exceptionally good value for a sustainable wardrobe investment.
Their dresses feel versatile enough to earn their keep year after year.
Conclusion – ASPIGA Delivers on Elegant Sustainable Dresses
Aspiga proves that sustainability doesn’t have to sacrifice sophistication. The Linen Shirt Dress offers polished structure for smart casual or formal settings, while the Pippa Cotton Dress brings relaxed romance with polish and practical ease. The Lilah doesn’t disappoint – it delivers on comfort and class, a very effortless elegant option for Christmas event season.
Aside from minor fit quirks, all pieces reflect thoughtful design and ethical integrity — clothes made for real women, real lives and changing seasons. Whether you’re dressing for a boardroom lunch, the F1, a wedding or Christmas Gala, ASPIGA provides timeless style options with a conscience.
