Live, Breathe and Dress Green: Eco-Fashion Today

By Imann Gad

It is 2009, and the world of fashion is going green. Who would have imagined that organic cotton, pesticide-free cotton, and bamboo would become popular amongst fashion designers today? The “Go Green” campaign is going strong, and many are trying to get in where they can fit in.

Simply put, the term “eco-fashion” is defined as any style of clothing that uses environmentally sensitive fabrics and responsible production techniques. Clothing put into the “eco-friendly” category are usually garments made from organic raw material or reusable materials.

Who would have thought that wearing a sweater made out of reusable material would be trendy? Well, some did. In 2005 “eco-fashion” really hit the scene in New York City’s Fashion Week after EarthPledge, a nonprofit organization, teamed up with upscale fashion designers to promote a special runway event called FutureFashion.

Following FutureFashion, many non-profit organizations have teamed with fashion designers to promote and campaign environmentally friendly clothing. Early this year, The Environmental Justice Foundation internationally campaigned to clean up cotton productions. Designers such as Luella Bartley, Christian Lacroix and Betty Jackson created a collection of exclusively designer t-shirts that were produced on organic cotton.

Another interesting fact is the process behind creating a garment. Approximately 15 percent of the fabric is wasted in the pattern cutting process. Designer Mark Lui who pioneered the “Zero Waste Fashion,” said that “wasted material is bad for the environment.” There are other designers who think that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That seems to be what shoe designer Nina Dolcdetti had in mind when she began creating her shoes from second hand fabric and leather.

The going green campaign is very strong today. As we enter a new year, more people will take the steps and initiative to promote an eco-friendly world. I never thought I would see the day that eco-fashion would enter the fashion scene. Yet, it’s happening in a way I didn’t think possible. Eco-friendly behavior is revolutionizing how we see fashion. Not only can fashion be haute couture in how it’s made but also through the materials that are used for the creation. This is definitely a way of the future for how we envision fashion.