Fashion comes and goes, but the environment is here to stay. So then why do humans use up the earth like it’s going out of style?
Thankfully, that reality is quickly changing. Many consumers these days are choosing environmentally friendly products and green products when faced with the option. This is especially becoming true of consumers in the fashion industry. Sustainable fashion is starting to dominate clothing racks and hangers across the world. People realize that the clothes they wear make a statement not only about who they are, but also what they believe in. This is a generation that understands the world can’t change by itself.
There are a lot of people out there interested in wearing eco-friendly clothing, but unsure which brands to turn to. There’s also a misconception that sustainable fashion is all hemp and handmade, and not fashionable.
This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. The demand for organic and eco-friendly clothing is bigger than ever right now. The clothes are hip, trendy and “eco chic.” Here’s a list of trustworthy companies and designers that are not only bringing fashion forward, but also social responsibility. Each one is making a difference in its own unique way. Check it out:
Stella McCartney is famous for her sleek designs on the runway. But not many people know that her brand was a pioneering force in sustainable fashion and vegan fashion. McCartney’s clothing and accessories have a strict “no animal” policy.
Edun was launched by U2 singer Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson. The company puts together high fashion and fair trade. Edun has created employment deals in developing countries in Africa like Kenya, Uganda and Tunisia to manufacture its clothing.
Feral Child produces one-off, high fashion out of New York. They manufacture locally and get rid of production waste responsibly, either by recycling extra fabric or donating it to schools.
For every pair of TOMS shoes sold, a new pair of shoes is given to a child in a developing country. When TOMS sells a pair of eyewear, part of the profit is used towards eye care like prescription glasses or exams for people in developing countries. They also recently announced the expansion of their One for One program. Every purchase of a bag of TOMS coffee will provide clean drinking water to one person for a week.
tentree is the leader in casual lifestyle apparel that is both fashionable and sustainable. For every piece of clothing sold, ten trees are planted in developing countries around the world. We ensure that every tree planted is a local species already growing in the area and will have no adverse effects on the local environment, as well will provide both seasonal and full time employment for locals in the area.
Becoming “eco chic” only takes a little research into the companies and brands you want to support. Ecouterre and Magnifeco are both popular blogs dedicated entirely to sustainable fashion and eco clothing.
Being kind to the environment doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With all the environmental issues our world is facing today, organic clothing is the right kind of fashion statement.
Photos: http://www.stellamccartney.com/experience/en/the-collection/spring-2014/ http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2014/ready-to-wear/edun
