The textile and fashion industry is often in the news due to the unsustainable, quick and cheap way they produce garments. Luckily, there are many eco conscious designers and brands who are turning away from sweatshop labour and carbon intensive production methods. An increasing number of prominent designers, politicians and business owners are looking into the business practices of their suppliers, which is a big leap in the right direction for the industry.
“When I’m buying a suit, I ask myself how I can track the production conditions,” said Gerd Mueller, Germany’s Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development in his address at Green Showroom and Ethical Fashion Show opening on Berlin Fashion Week 2015.
Here are a few eco fashion trends to keep an eye on:
Swimwear from….waste?
Swimwear powerhouse, Speedo, has just launched a new line of swimwear that is made from ECONYL Nylon 6, which is a type of fabric made from end of life waste material like abandoned fishing nets and carpets. According to Speedo, this material is very durable and it’s designed to resist deterioration and maintain its shape 5 – 10 times longer than swimwear made from traditional materials. ECONYL Nylon 6 is also able to resist chlorine, tanning lotions and stretching. Find out more about this new eco swimwear here.
New animal prints
Mixing nature with fashion is a key upcoming trend. Besides the classic leopard print that is back in fashion, some of the other up-and-coming prints will be giraffe and butterfly prints this summer. Fashion trend forecasters predict that tribal prints and ethnic patterns in muted autumn colours will be a big trend next winter.
An alternative to conventional leather
Many high-end designers and big brand names like H&M are finding new, more sustainable ways to give people the accessories and clothing items they want. Brands like Nike, Dior, and Prada are using fish skin (which is usually just discarded) as an alternative to leather for shoes, bags and iPhone covers.
These are just some of a few ways that unexpected fabrics are being developed and will continue to impact the fashion industry in future!
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