From upcycling tweed to repurposing plastic, sustainable fashion events are on the rise as green designers champion an eco-friendly approach to fashion. These events celebrate the efforts of aspiring eco-designers, making sustainable and ethical approaches to fashion more accessible than ever before – drawing in both like-minded creatives and eco-conscious consumers.
1. A Celebration of Eco-Friendly Designers
- Christopher Raeburn: Established in London in 2008, the eco-friendly designer Christopher Raeburn has been leading the charge for sustainable fashion for more than a decade. His collections are made using deadstock fabric, meaning fabrics created for previous collections but no longer used, creating minimal eco-impact. Every season, the designer puts a spotlight on a different global cause, always bringing attention to a different environmental issue.
- Mud Jeans: Celebrating sustainability, ethical production, and circular-economy fashion, Mud Jeans has been a leader in the industry since their launch in 2013. Signing the Detox commitment, they guarantee the absence of hazardous chemicals in their production process, and go the extra mile to ensure that everything from the fabric to the packaging is environmentally friendly.
- Stella McCartney: Pioneering a new era for eco-friendly fashion, Stella McCartney has been pushing the boundaries since her namesake label was launched in 2001. She was one of the first to tackle the challenge of creating vegan alternatives to traditionally non-vegan materials. Her unique fabrics are carefully designed to be more hardwearing, reducing water usage and waste while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- David McCreight: Established in 2018 by David McCreight, this independent fashion label is all about sustainable, ethical practices. Cutting down on garment waste, their collections are produced using a minimalist, no-waste design process. They also go to great lengths to ensure that their packaging is eco-friendly and plastic-free.
2. The Rise of Sustainable Fashion Events
continues as eco-friendly initiatives and global concerns spark talks of sustainability and conscious consumption.
The new era of fashion events ensure that cultural dialogue and innovative collaboration are taking place in regards to modern fashion, such as events like Copenhagen Fashion Summit, EcoChic Design Awards and the Green Carpet Challenge.
For example, The Copenhagen Fashion Summit is a massive two-day event which enjoys an international reputation as a major event for sustainability in fashion. Participants, leading companies, opinion formers, influential personalities and thinkers come together to share insights, ideas and solutions.
The EcoChic Design Awards has also emerged as a frontrunner in sustainability in fashion, with a mission to create the industry’s new talent of pioneering sustainable fashion designers. They hold annual auditions around the globe to scout talent. The event provides a platform for pioneering designers to make their mark in the fashion world.
Additionally, The Green Carpet Challenge initiative is a global platform to encourage and celebrate conscious consumption. They are an eco-awareness platform that calls for more sustainability, ethics and social responsibility in the fashion industry.
These fashion events have helped to create a new wave of sustainability-driven fashion. Each of these events bring something unique and innovative to the fashion agenda. They are redefining and revolutionizing the world of fashion.
3. Designers Committed to Eco-Friendly Creation
Designers are a key player in the sustainability movement. Like scientists, engineers, and activists, designers are a necessary component of environmental protection. The fashion industry has massive carbon output and contributes to environmental degradation, yet designers have the ability to play an integral role in turning the tide toward sustainability.
From upcycled materials to the use of non-toxic dyes and fabrics, designers who take the initiative to reduce their carbon footprint contribute to the future of creating sustainable fashion. Here we take a look at three of the most committed eco-friendly design houses.
- Stella McCartney – A leader in sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney has long been an advocate for animal rights and clean fashion. McCartney’s designs are crafted from alternative fabrics, such as hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, and polyester derived from recycled plastic.
- Bodkin – Bodkin is an eco-friendly design house that creates unique pieces from vintage and deadstock fabrics. All Bodkin garments are crafted within 40 miles of their New York City studio, making the company one of the leading spokespersons for localized and sustainable fashion.
- Reformation – Reformation upcycles vintage and deadstock fabric to create its collections. With educational aspects to their operation, Reformation aims to be 90% sustainable by 2021, and this design house also offsets any carbon emitted from their facilities.
As designers and consumers become more conscientious of their environmental impact, eco-friendly design houses will continue to grow and spread their sustainability message. By making conscious choices and supporting sustainable designers, we can put a stop to the destruction of our environment.
4. Green Living Through Sustainable Glamour
In the age of Instagram, there’s no shortage of glamorous looks and aesthetics that anyone can replicate. Unfortunately, the excess and waste associated with these trends make them unsustainable and detrimental to the environment. Here are some creative tips to make fashion and beauty part of a greener lifestyle:
- Upcycle garments – Making use of vintage and preloved clothing rather than buying new pieces is a great way to keep your style unique without creating excess. With a bit of imagination and a few tools, your wardrobe can be stylish and sustainable.
- Choose natural materials – Organic and breathable fabrics are much nicer to wear, and don’t require the use of harsh chemical dyes and treatments. Where you can, opt for clothes made from natural materials such as silk, cotton and linen. Plus, you can avoid the high-water costs associated with some fabrics, like polyester.
- DIY cosmetics – Making your own beauty products can be fun and rewarding. Natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter can be used to create everything from moisturisers to lip balms. This not only keeps your beauty routine sustainable but your money in your wallet too.
- Shop ethically – If you can’t make it or buy second-hand, look for manufacturers who are mindful of the environment. Some brands even offer options to repair, reuse or recycle their products. Also, be sure to avoid materials that use animal by-products or involve animal cruelty.
Living green and sustainably shouldn’t limit your glamour. In fact, it should open up more creative and meaningful ways to show off your style and appreciate the beauty of the environment. After all, fashion and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
5. Fresh Trends in Eco-Fashion Events
Eco-fashion is a growing area of the fashion industry, and eco-fashion event trends are becoming increasingly popular. Many people are looking to make their mark in fashion with sustainability, and these events are just the tip of the iceberg. Here are 5 :
- Climate-Conscious Runways – Eco-fashion events are prioritzing reducing their environmental impact, with sustainable sourcing, renewable energy, and plastic pollution reduction taken into account. Climate-conscious runways include items designed with sustainability in mind.
- Fashion With a Purpose – Eco-fashion events are placing an emphasis on giving back to the environment. Events are now partnering with local charities, and encouraging designers and attendees to create and wear items that promote sustainable causes.
- Collaboration between Brands – Brands are teaming up to create and showcase sustainable fashion lines. By pooling their resources, brands can have a bigger impact on the eco-fashion scene and create one-of-a-kind pieces.
- In-Person Shopping Events – Shopping events that are eco-friendly and focused on sustainable fashion are becoming a popular trend. Events are aimed at providing shoppers with an in-person experience that is both enjoyable and sustainable.
- Sustainable Designers – Eco-fashion events are seeing an influx of new sustainable designers. These designers showcase collections that marry fashion and sustainability in creative ways, and are gaining traction amongst sustainable shoppers and industry elites alike.
These 5 are just the beginning of what is to come. With more and more fashion-lovers looking to make more sustainable choices, these trends are sure to continue developing and gaining popularity in the future.
Sustainable fashion events give us a chance to enjoy fashion with a conscience. By celebrating sustainable and green designers, we can support those companies that are taking extra steps to make a difference on this planet. In the long run, these events can help build a greener future for everyone. After all, fashion is not only about looking good – it is also about feeling good.