The Rise of Eco Fashion
Sustainable Eco fashion is a new and growing trend where fashionistas are adhering to the philosophies of sustainability and upcycling by repurposing materials in sustainable but wearable designs. According to Earth Pledge, "At least 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles and 25% of the world's pesticides are used to grow non-organic cotton. This causes irreversible damage to people and the environment, and still two thirds of a garment's carbon footprint will occur after it is purchased." Within the Eco fashion industry, products are all created with the social responsibility to reduce the fashion world’s carbon footprint and support environmentalism. According to the Vogue’s May 2007 issue, sustainable fashion appears not to be a short-term trend but one which could last multiple seasons. This trend is becoming more and more popular with companies strongly publicizing their eco initiatives and with the public using this as a reason to support their wares.
Eco fashion is much more than duct tape dresses and trash bags refitted in fabrics, it uses all sorts of materials like parachutes, military blankets, wood chips and shower curtains to create couture that is wearable to the more avant-garde designs. Below are some great companies that are making eco fashion a viable way to be environmentally conscious instead of the more experimental outfits Lady Gaga would be more likely to embrace.
Goodone
Goodone is an eco-smart company designing clothes that reflect contemporary London through conscious, modern design. This British retailer has made a line from reclaimed dead stock, end of toll fabrics and up-cycled knits mixed with natural fibers. The Shoulder Jumper above is a chic piece any women would love to wear and packs the eco punch by being made of up-cycled knits and organic cotton/wool. Goodone says they “believe that an intelligent approach to design
Oskar Metsavaht is the founder of e-Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness for sustainable human development; he is also the creative mind behind green brand, Osklen. This environmental thinker creates fashionable clothing and shoes for both men and women that range in materials from fabrics to high-tech fibers and the finest silks. Some of his more interesting designs include fish skin and recycled plastic water bottles, materials for shoes and pupunha wood for belts.
Prancing Leopard Organics is the perfect brand for all your active and loungewear needs. This yoga doing duo created Prancing Leopard to fit the need of organic active wear that was both stylish and comfortable for all fitness activities that also migrate into everyday life for the busy multitaskers. These clothes were specifically tailored as more appropriate to practice holistic yoga than confining synthetic yoga clothing designed for sport. This comfortable active wear is made from sustainable fibers and supports organic and sustainable farming practices.
UK designer Christopher Raeburn creates very stylish menswear but you’d never guess that it was crafted from unusual reclaimed military materials like wool blankets and parachutes. He became known for his re-appropriation of military fabrics and one iconic jacket from de-commissioned parachutes. Raeburn really does embody the environmental spirit with his use of reclaimed materials in ways most would have never initially thought possible.
Bibico
Bibico keeps things simple with their motto, “Pure. Simple. Style”. They keep it simple with basics in neutral colors that are ethically made, stitched, woven and knitted from 100% natural materials in fair trade cooperatives. Dress up their light summer dress by pairing it with great accessories or throw one of their knits on to keep warm on a wintery day. These are fresh, natural and simple designs to be worn every day.
Check out Eco Fashion World's website for great brands, articles and shopping guides, keeping you green friendly and stylish!
Check out this great post on eco fashion and some of the wild ways designers are manipulating their upcycled textiles.
