SA designer and creative force behind lifestyle store, LUNAR, Karen Ter Morshuizen, talks about her inspiration and why you don’t have to be a “hippie” to be eco
Written by: Jessica Solomons
Karen and her husband, Paul, opened up one of South Africa’s first lifestyle stores committed to creating more eco-conscious and socially responsible fashion. Since its launch in 1994, Lunar has grown in popularity with local celebs like Louise Carver supporting the brand. Now with her designs already hanging on the rails of a small Parisian store, Karen is setting her sights on other European cities, dreaming of one day having Lunar stores across the world.
Her clothes are easy on the eye and easy on the environment, but Karen’s eco-designs are created out of her love of nature, not as a marketing tool.
“I have a keen interest in the ‘green’ movement when it is honest and not used as a money making tool. When Lunar was launched, I never used the nature-inspired aspect as a marketing tool. It was simply a bonus that it has now become a trend that everyone seems to be pushing.”
She doesn’t consider herself a purist by any means, but Karen’s love of nature does inspire her to be a more eco-conscious creative.
“I hate waste and as a result of that I design, produce and retail my products in the most effective way I can. If we want to continue to live this beautiful life we need to be aware of how much of an impact we leave behind. Socially responsible products, in my opinion, should be of utmost importance to South Africans.”
Karen’s muse has always been her natural surroundings.
“I find beauty in the small things. Things that have existed around us forever and yet continue to overwhelm our senses.”
Since Lunar’s arrival on the scene it has been crowned one of SA’s top eco-brands.
“When I started my aim was to make beautiful, simple garments using natural fibres and dyes. Our clothes are not only organic, but some are also recycled. Another way in which I strive to be a responsible designer is by following my own socially responsible business practices and, wherever I can, working with suppliers whose business practices I respect.”
Karen’s commitment to helping improve the environment extends into her personal life too.
“I try doing various things to reduce my carbon footprint from recycling to buying organic food – which in fact benefits me as much as it does the environment!”
Her advice to women looking to make more eco-conscious fashion choices is three fold.
- Read the label. Often something that is marketed as organic is only 5% organic. Depending on your standards, you might walk away feeling cheated or perhaps you’ll think 5% is better than nothing.
- Always buy quality clothes in natural fibres that you can wear for years. The purity will instantly make you stand out and you’ll be wasting less.
- When you can, try avoid buying cheap, disposable fashion. The fewer people supporting the market, the smaller it will become.
The liveeco team
