Daring Designers – Pioneers of Sustainable Styling

^ special thanks to guest writer Eve for her take on how to be ‘fashainable’

For many who choose to take a more sustainable outlook on style, their choices at the mall can become a little limited. Synthetic fabrics in bright hues will be shunned by eco-friendly and energy efficient converts thanks to the effects toxins and waste have on the environment, while vegans will shun anything with a hint of animal by-product in the vicinity – bye bye leather shoes and purse! However, there are a growing number of designers out there “cottoning” on (geddit?) to the sustainable fashion trend, and not all products which are earth-friendly will break the bank. Many, in fact, are hitting hot trend blogs across America thanks to a combination of their sassy style and bargain prices.

Just like wider fashion, choosing a sustainable style which works for you is all about checking out the portfolios of various designers and then picking pieces which suit you. Mix, match, cut, sew, whatever you like – your sustainable style could well become the hottest look this Spring/Summer.

Picking your Pieces
Before committing to any purchase it is important to question whether it fits with your sustainable plan – not all stores and websites come with Modavanti.com’s badge system to tell you which categories a piece falls under! For example, while a pair of shoes may be organic and vegan, they will not necessarily fall under the USA-made umbrella, while a reclaimed leather clutch is a prime example of recycled materials which will still not sit well with vegan ethics. Therefore, clueing yourself up about the fortes of certain designers is probably the most logical first step.
For an organic shoe lover, Mink Shoes can certainly be recommended. Cork soles and organic canvas make up the vegan-friendly design, with owner Rebecca Mink’s location in Southern California doing it for those who love their all-American apparel. Levi’s Brand Denim is more of a household name which is doing its bit for the environment rather than a bespoke eco designer, but with large fashion houses being encouraged to cut down on waste and quit using toxic dyes, simply being a big name in fashion is no longer a guarantee that the designer is sacrificing Mother Earth for a pastel shade. Yet while traditionalists looking for a mass produced eco item will be tripping over themselves for these trendy pants, fans of handmade or ethnic pieces may wish to search elsewhere.

Organic Organizations
Increasing numbers of bodies within the fashion industry have recognized a very public swing towards sustainability, with the result that a number of groups have sprung up to promote this eco-friendly move. Most do not deal solely with the fashion industry and cover all areas of retail needing a gentle reminder of our planet’s plight, including electronics and food.
The Fair Labor Association, for example, has worked since 1999 to improve the lives of millions of workers, and is made up of various socially responsible companies, colleges and civil society organizations. As well as campaigning with fashion brands to provide better working conditions and fair wages for all workers regardless of background or country, it provides educational materials for students wishing to become more eco-friendly. Similarly, the Sustainable Fashion Apparel aims to educate and convert existing brands, but rather than focusing on workers it measures the environmental and social performance of apparel using the Higg Index.

Remember your Rights
It can be all too easy to fall into the trap of believing businesses supporting eco fashion are warriors of the people who will treat every customer like gods. Unfortunately, while these businesses may be a little more focused on saving the planet than others, they are still businesses and as such need to make a profit – meaning that returning items and getting a refund will be no different than in the usual mall stores. While retailers will usually refund or exchange faulty goods, the waters of fashion can be murky as there is no guarantee you didn’t rip or damage clothing between taking it from the store and returning it. Checking the Consumer Action Handbook for advice if you are in any doubt as to your rights is recommended – after all, what’s hotter than an eco-conscious shopper who knows the law of the land, right?! Eco fashion is all about being educated, style smart and streetwise. So keep on-trend today by hitting up the hottest new designers and getting your foot in fashion’s edgiest door.