Rivers Run Deep

Amy Powney is a busy bee! After nearly two decades steering Mother of Pearl into a benchmark for conscious luxury, the designer and activist has launched her own venture, AKYN, intent on pushing fashion’s sustainability conversation further, on her own terms. Along the way she’s been the subject of the documentary Fashion Reimagined and given a TED Talk on fixing fashion’s broken systems—cementing her as one of the most compelling voices in the movement to marry ethics with aesthetics. Now, in her latest project, she’s lending that hard-won expertise to a collaboration with Finisterre, the Cornish-born brand that has been pioneering sustainable outerwear and cold-water surf gear since 2003.

There are collaborations that feel engineered for hype, and then there are collaborations that make perfect, almost poetic sense. The new Amy Powney x Finisterre capsule collection falls firmly into the latter. It’s not just another seasonal drop—it’s a reminder that the future of fashion lies in thoughtful design, responsible production, and pieces that women can truly live in.

Amy Powney, long a voice for sustainable practice in luxury fashion, brings her quietly radical philosophy to Finisterre, the Cornish-born label built on cold-water surf and coastal resilience. Together, they’ve created a 17-piece collection that is as versatile as it is responsible, designed for women navigating life between city pavements and coastal paths. The collection is aptly anchored by the campaign line “all rivers lead to the sea”—a lyrical reminder that our choices are all interconnected, our impact flowing inevitably towards the same destination.

What strikes me about this partnership is its authenticity. Neither Powney nor Finisterre are newcomers to sustainability. Amy’s work—from her No Frills line to her documentary Fashion Reimagined—has made her one of the most respected advocates for ethical fashion. Finisterre, meanwhile, has been embedding sustainability since its beginnings, with technical pieces designed to weather both storms and trends. This capsule isn’t lip service; it’s a continuation of values that have been lived, tested, and refined.

And yet, ethics alone don’t make a great wardrobe. What makes this capsule sing is its wearability. Take the Waterproof Parka, reimagined with storm-ready detailing but chic enough to slip over tailored trousers in the city. Or the Quilted Liner Jacket, a military-inspired staple that layers as effortlessly over denim as it does under a winter coat. Then there are the Fisherman knits—voluminous yet refined, designed to cocoon us through long commutes or windswept weekends. Even the High Neck Tee and Pleated Trousers prove that foundational pieces can marry durability with femininity, becoming the quiet anchors of a wardrobe.

Powney herself has spoken about designing for the “many layers and passions” of women’s lives, and that intent resonates in each garment. In an era when fashion so often pushes us towards overconsumption, here is a collection urging us to invest in fewer, better pieces that transition with us—from morning meetings to seaside escapes, from one version of ourselves to another.

The palette is equally considered: earthy moss, deep-sea blues, and muted neutrals that slip seamlessly into what we already own. It’s not about dictating a new uniform; it’s about expanding the possibilities of our existing ones. These are pieces that ask to be lived in, layered, reimagined—garments that encourage longevity not just because of their fabrications, but because of their timelessness.

And yes, sustainability remains at the heart. From Tencel® and NetPlus® fabrics to recycled fills and organic cottons, the materials are carefully chosen for lower impact. Even more, the collaboration includes a donation to Thames21, the environmental charity working to protect London’s rivers—a fitting extension of the capsule’s ethos.

In today’s fashion landscape—one still caught between the demands of speed and the urgency of planetary care—this capsule feels like a beacon. It’s not about sacrifice or compromise. It’s about proving that sustainability and desirability are not mutually exclusive. I've always loved Patagonia the brand for what it stands for, but when I enter a store, the womenswear leaves a lot to be desired in terms of cut and silhouette. This, now, is my new Patagonia.

The Amy Powney x Finisterre capsule is, quite simply, good fashion: clothes we’ll want to wear daily, crafted with respect for the environments we move through and the ecosystems we depend upon. In a world where all rivers lead to the sea, perhaps it’s time our wardrobes led us, finally, towards something better.

Shop the collection HERE