Eco Chic Runway Shows at NYFW
The Bel Esprit showroom and Nolcha, the online fashion portal partnered to create the first Ethical Fashion Preview during New York’s Fashion Week, which took place a couple of weeks ago. This event spotlighted fashion designers whose work uses eco-friendly products and processes while respecting fair trade and fair wage principles. Below is information on some the participating eco-friendly fashion designers:
From Germany, room to roam designer Akela Stoklas and her design team, fuse creativity, curiosity and boldness with certified organic materials and quality construction. The result is a cutting-edge and precision-executed urban collection upholding the philosophy of ecological and fair trade fashion.
Based in the Netherlands, the Van Markoviec team of Kasia Markowska and Zuzia Andziak transform luxurious organic fabrics dyed with plant pigments and high quality fair trade production, into innovative and avant-garde designer sportswear with surprising details. Van Markoviec creates design that is a favourite of editors, buyers and consumers while maintaining their commitment to sustainability.
France is represented by Article 23, using only organic and natural materials, and producing their collection in fair trade cooperatives in India that support disenfranchised women. The sportswear collection infuses classic silhouettes with a retro style creating a chic, clean and high class tailored look.
London couturier Elena Garcia draws inspiration for her collection from a new theme each season, and sculpts her designs from hand-felted, hand-dyed organic and natural fabrics. Elena Garcia reinvents silhouettes with uniquely placed pleats, gathers and closures, creating true eco-luxury.
London designer Emesha Nagy launched her new company at the Ethical Fashion Preview. Using only organic and natural fabrics and fair wage production in her native Hungary, Emesha’s collection mixes the classic with the avant garde; luxurious fabrics are cut, draped and pleated to give unique volume and shape.
L’Shandi designer Lara Akinsanya is from the Washington DC area, but her collection originates in her native West Africa. Lara uses fair trade African Lace and hand-woven cotton Oke fabric to support and develop the textile industry, and will shortly begin the manufacturing of her collection in fair trade collectives in Africa. The bright, colourful dresses in beautiful silhouettes easily transform from day into after 5.
Alberto Parada, also from the Washington DC area, creates fine jewellery with “everyday elegance,” a timeless yet modern style. Blending diamonds and brilliant semi-precious South American stones with various tones of 100% recycled and reclaimed 18K gold. Alberto is known for the high quality of his materials and extraordinary craftsmanship in his custom-made pieces.
Philadelphia designer Poonam Singhal is expanding her successful ready to wear with Ojasvy, a collection of designer cocktail and after 5 dresses and accessories. The vibrant colors of the silks are vegetable dyes, and the dresses are produced in fair trade cooperatives in India. The collection features hand-beading and hand-embroidery giving the elegant dresses added glamour.
Moonlight jewellery combines recycled sterling silver, semi-precious stones, vintage glass and lead-free crystals bringing romance to modern expressions. Renaissance patterned wire is sculpted into contemporary, flowing ribbon shapes, and simple wire is transformed into Victorian and Baroque motifs. Hand-made in the United States, each piece is individually crafted, giving a unique quality to each necklace or earring.
Kudos to Nolcha and Bell Esprit for leading the charge and granting a stage for designers with a commitment to respecting the planet and its inhabitants. Let’s hope eco friendly fashions make their way to every major fashion event in the future.
The liveeco team
