Articles & Resources

Green Fashion
by Rachael Wang

Evidenced by newsstands last month, the fashion world finally seems to be coming around. With both Vanity Fair and Elle touting the cause, it would be something of a style-suicide not to embrace the newest incarnation of black: green.

Spearheading the movement is none other than Bono, U2's hyper-activist front man. A collaboration with his wife, Ali Hewson, and New York clothing designer, Rogan Gregory, resulted in Edun. The self-proclaimed "socially conscious clothing company," launched last spring at Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York, among others, and has since accrued quite the cult following. The real achievement here lies not in the speed or magnitude of the company's success, but, as reported in Vanity Fair, in its ability to seamlessly "bridge the worlds of fashion, environmentalism, and human rights." The line boasts ethically sound and locally-run manufacturing facilities in India, Africa, and South America in addition to its use of organic materials. But the real anomaly with Edun is that the clothes stand on their own, appealing to style sophisticates regardless of environmental claims.

Following suit is Loomstate, one of Rogan Gregory's denim projects with Scott Hahn, which takes the organic commitment to the next level. Manufacturing is inspired by traditional American methods used at the turn of the 19th century with a focus on craftsmanship, function, and quality. The line, carried by Havana Jeans and Barney's, consists exclusively of cotton (albeit 100% organic) Americana staples like jeans and t-shirts. But don't be fooled by their minimalist approach and crunchy sounding "commitment to treading lightly on the earth." Slip into a pair of these jeans and suddenly being eco-friendly means looking extraordinarily cool.

Next up is American Apparel, the Los Angeles based company known for pioneering the standard of social responsibility in the workplace. It has recently added environmental ethics to its resume with the creation of the Sustainable Edition. Here select styles are offered in certified organic, which means ultra-soft tanks, track jackets and onesies for babies that won't contribute to the environmental crises. Additionally, American Apparel recycles over a million pounds of fabric scraps each year.

Carol Young's clothing company, Undesigned, breaks through the eco-friendly denim standard, offering more whimsical and runway-worthy pieces. In addition to organic and recycled cottons, Young calls upon the environmentally sustainable textile, Tencel. Working with this man-made fabric helped her to execute the fluid and distinctly urban looks which earned her spring 2006 collection such rave reviews. Her comprehensive women's line proves that rigid ethical standards don't necessarily equate to a stylistically restrained aesthetic. Instead, Young seems to be freed by the constraints of her sound textile choices and, like all great artists, she is inspired by the challenge.

Maybe we're not all artists, but that doesn't mean we can't be inspired by a little environmental challenge. Besides, it should be obvious by now that it's hip to be aware. So, get with it already.

www.edun.ie
www.loomstate.org
www.americanapparel.net
www.undesigned.com
www.eartheasy.com/wear_tencel.htm