In recent years, there’s been a growing collective awareness of the need to push for more sustainable fashion. Stores, labels, and designers have been creative with their collections as they strive to reduce waste, introduce new sustainable materials, and bring eco-friendly styles to the world’s runways. Here’s a closer look at the important moves companies, designers, and consumers are making towards more sustainable fashion on the runway.
1. Sustainable Fashion Takes the Catwalk by Storm
It was hard to miss the recent wave of eco-conscious fashion dominating the runway. Designers – both up-and-coming and veteran alike – are increasingly making use of sustainable materials in their creations, as fashion week audiences got to witness first-hand. Popular fabrics spotted on the catwalk included:
- Organic Cotton – a renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic option that requires considerably less water, chemicals and land radiation- less than tradition cotton.
- Tencel®Lyocell – a manufactured material made from wood pulp that features a lower CO2 footprint than other traditional fabrics.
- Bamboo – one of the few grasses that can be harvested year-round without the risk of depleting the land.
The increased use of sustainable fabrics has led to a lowering of prices for eco-friendly fashion. This proves to be a major benefit for more conscious consumers, who are now able to purchase environmentally friendly clothing items more regularly, ultimately helping to promote sustainable fashion into the mainstream market.
What was once considered a niche is now firmly integrated into the world of fashion, and is a testament to the industry’s constant evolution to become more in tune with the times – and the planet.
2. Rethinking the Planet: Exploring Ethical and Eco-Friendly Collections
In this day and age, it is imperative to think sustainably and ethically about the planet. As fashion companies seek to produce collections that are in some way eco-friendly or ethically sourced, many new influencers have stepped onto the fashion scene. These influencers believe that in order to find beautiful, wearable garments with an ethical conscience, you need not limit yourself to big brands or labels.
One option is upcycling clothing, a process that turns second-hand or vintage garments into something entirely new. Upcycling can be as simple as trading old jeans for a fresh pair of cut-offs, or a more ambitious DIY project such as creating an eveningwear gown out of upcycled t-shirts. By breathing new life into pre-loved clothing, we divert potentially harmful items from landfills, and endow past fashion with a new relevance.Win-win.
Recycled fabrics are also gaining traction in the fashion world – think rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) and materials made from water bottles, recycled cotton and other fabrics that have been diverted from landfill and oceans. These materials are being woven into beautiful fabrications for everyday fashion. And, where possible, natural alternative fabrics are being used, including hemp, linen and bamboo.
- Upcycling – transforming second-hand or vintage garments into something entirely new.
- Reclaimed materials – fabrics such as rPET, or recycled cotton, which have been diverted from landfill and oceans.
- Natural alternatives – such as hemp, linen and bamboo.
By opting for upcycled and recycled fashion, we ensure that our wardrobe is evolving with modern sustainable fashion trends, while being kind to the planet. It is time to rethink the fashion industry and give it a sustainable makeover. And who knows, our recycled pieces might just create a wave of eco-friendly fashionistas!
3. Crafting a Sustainable Future: How Fashion Brands are Creating Greener Garments
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Despite consumer demand for greener and sustainable garments, there is still a long way to go in order for fashion to become truly sustainable. Fortunately, fashion brands are now taking the necessary steps to create more environmentally-friendly products.
- Recycled Material: Many fashion brands are now using recycled materials to make their garments. Recycled materials such as recycled polyester, cotton, and wool are being utilized in the production of clothing. This reduces the amount of new materials needed, helps keep costs down, and reduces waste.
- Sustainable Dyes: Many fashion brands are also moving towards more sustainable dyes and processes. Natural dyes, low-impact dyes, and other eco-friendly processes such as acid and stone washing are becoming increasingly popular. This helps reduce toxic pollutants in the environment and keeps the fashion industry from further damaging the planet.
- Animal-Friendly Fibres: Animal rights are becoming more and more important in the fashion industry. Companies are moving away from using animal-based fibres such as leather and fur, and instead looking at alternative plant-based fibres. These fibre options not only look great, but also reduce the amount of pollutants in the environment.
The fashion industry has a long way to go in order to become truly sustainable. However, with these steps being taken by fashion brands, we can start to see progress being made in the right direction. Consumers have a large role to play in creating a greener future – by supporting sustainable fashion brands, consumers can help make fashion greener and more ethical.
4. Fashioning a Greener Tomorrow: Making Sustainable Styles Mainstream
We’re living in an era where sustainability has never been more important for the fashion industry. Eco-friendly and green materials such as organic cotton or lyocell are becoming more popular, and customers are increasingly looking for more sustainable styles when shopping for their fashion needs. The goal should be to make sustainable fashion the new mainstream and replace traditionally used fabrics with more eco-friendly options.
- Encourage designers to create more environmentally conscious collections.
- Encourage transparency and better labeling of product ingredients and materials.
- Develop technologies that reduce the consumption of energy and water as well as the carbon footprint of the industry.
Finally, it is important to remember that sustainability is not a finite goal; it is an ongoing process that requires constant effort to create meaningful change. By encouraging ethical clothing brands, educating customers, and implementing sustainable design techniques, we can help make sustainable styles the new normal.
The cutting-edge world of sustainable fashion is increasing in popularity and inspiring awe in viewers of the runway around the world. From innovative materials to edgy silhouettes, sustainable fashion is taking high fashion to a new level. We’re proud to be part of this eco revolution and look forward to seeing what designers dream up next.
