The emerging trend towards eco-friendly lifestyles and responsible use of natural resources has reached the fashion industry. This trend is certain to continue, due to the undeniable fact that the world has limited natural resources and a rapidly escalating consumer population. As more and more people become aware and concerned about the environment, they’re looking for ways to support it, and the ever-competitive fashion designers and innovators must in turn find ways to supply products that conform to the new standards being set in their industry.
The clothing and textile industry is probably the third or fourth largest worldwide, and issues of both human rights in the labour market and environmental impact of production are being addressed by many organizations. In the fashion industry, everything from jeans to lingerie and jewellery to footwear, plus cosmetics and other beauty aids are ‘going green’. In textile production, materials made of organic substances are being used to create totally desirable garments, with the keywords ‘organic’ and ‘luxury’ forming the mottos of leading designers around the world.
Just for starters, the use of organic cotton, hemp, wild silk and bamboo is coming into vogue. The idea that clothing made from completely organic materials was shapeless and unflattering has been beautifully debunked with some of the new designs by such prominent names as Dorothy Perkins in the U.K. and Levi Strauss in the U.S. Other countries, notably India, China and Africa are becoming involved in the green movement, with increasing emphasis on organic products and fairer labour laws.
One example of the wave of eco-consciousness is the Ethical Fashion Show, which has now become a yearly event in Paris. The show is meant to supply a forum where both established designers and up-and-coming newcomers can exhibit and trade information. It’s a very interesting challenge for everyone in the industry as they try to meet the changing demands of their customers. Clothes have to look good – that’s still a big #1. Artistry and style are major components in any successful line of clothing, but now the eco-challenge is making itself felt as well.
The fashion world is rising to the challenge with such items as organic cotton tee shirts sporting environmental messages and ultra-chic dresses made strictly from recycled vintage clothing, but these represent only a very small aspect of the whole picture that is developing. All over the world, leaders in the fashion industry are beginning to take steps towards creating new and enticing products that are satisfactory to all sides of the ‘ethical fashion’ issue.
Resources: Ethical Footwear
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