Sustainable fashion is on the rise at New York Fashion Week, on and off the runways.
From innovative recycled materials saved from landfill to organic cotton and wool produced without the chemicals or environmental pollution to production that also benefits workers in struggling countries, big-name designers are venturing into new realms to create beautiful and socially conscious clothing.
Here are a few eco designers that caught our attention:
CrOp by David Peck – Called “Coming Home,” the fall 2012 collection was inspired by Peck´s interest in past family generations. Never afraid to use color–and a lot of it–Peck´s love of vibrant prints is his signature.
Images via Treehugger
At The GreenShows, a platform for promoting modern sustainable fashion, wool reigned supreme. The looks ranged from textured and funky to slick and glamorous; all striking, and all adhering to a number of manufacturing criteria set forth by The GreenShows, including: The use of organic/natural textiles; recycled/reborn fabrics; vegan/cruelty-free materials; fabric waste reduction; eco printing; local production; craft/artisan employment; fair/ethical trade practices; and resource-efficient methods.
“This is a very special moment in the history of The GreenShows. We are delighted to offer our designers this terrific opportunity to showcase their beautiful apparel and accessories. Our mission has always been to present trend-setting, ethical and sustainable luxury design to the elite fashion community.” – Harvey Russack, Owner & CEO, The GreenShows.
Images via Treehugger
John Patrick Organic – Patrick collaborated with Raleigh Denim on a North Carolina-crafted selection of jeans, made from everything from organic cotton to recycled TV dinner trays.
Images via Ecouterre
M. Patmos where bright knitwear, multifunctional garments, and textured layering pieces are the sound of the season. Though roughly 40% of the collection is made in the USA, M. Patmos works with female artisans in Nepal and Bolivia who apply their handwork techniques to the collection and she also employs a Japanese Zero-waste seamless knitting technology. This season brought collaborations with luxury footwear brand Monolo Blahnik–a continuation from spring 2012–on vegetable-tanned leather footwear and handmade jewelry collection by TenThousandThings.
Images via Treehugger
