Sustainable Fashion 101: How Designers Are 'Greening' Fashion?
Fast fashion may have enjoyed popularity for a long time, but now its moment of glory is coming to an end. Sustainable fashion has now taken center stage, and it is on the way to become the only fashion format that is accepted by society at large.
Back in 2016, Emma Watson was amongst the first celebrities to choose an environmentally friendly dress for the Met Gala. She chose a sleek monochromatic gown woven entirely of special yarn extracted from plastic bottles.
This was a collaboration between Calvin Klein and the Green Carpet Challenge to raise awareness about the significance of sustainable fashion practices.
Today, the fashion industry is on the cusp of an eco-friendly renaissance that can change the game for every niche in the design and fashion industry.
But before we recognize the efforts taken for the initiative, let's take a minute to understand what sustainable fashion means.
What Is Meant By Sustainable Fashion?
Essentially, sustainable fashion can be defined as the products that have been manufactured and marketed in the most sustainable way.
It takes the environmental and socio-economic aspects into account and allows the stakeholders to improve the complete product life cycle. It benefits those involved in the creation of the goods and also those who use them.
The philosophy of sustainable fashion revolves around 'reuse, reduce, and recycle.' This perspective aims to minimize the damage to the environment and helps manufacturers make informed decisions about the natural resources, energy sources, and social benefits for everyone involved in the process.
How Are Designers 'Greening' Fashion?
Since a larger audience has become environmentally conscious about the astounding impact of fast fashion, countless small companies and brands have chosen to opt for more environmentally friendly concepts and production practices.
Apparently, green is the new color for all fashionistas!
Designers are looking for organic materials to build products that are built from upcycled goods. From cacti being used to produce leather to pineapple leaves being used as fabric, the thought has come a long way.
How Could Fast Fashion Make A Difference?
Looking at the current statistics of sales and waste production, it is evident that even the eco-conscious designers cannot make a big difference until the highest fashion profiles introduce a 'green' philosophy to their production.
This means that Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Gucci, and Versace must all take a collective step towards embracing non-plastic fibers. Because that is the only way, fashion can truly go green.
Unless we make green the new black, the future for sustainable fashion may be left swaying. But even in such dubious circumstances, there happens to be a ray of hope.
What Does SHANPAULO Do To Stay Green?
When Shannon and Paulo decided to start ShanPaulo, they had only one thing in mind; every bag designed by the company must give back to the environment in some way.
From the use of organic materials to uplifting the artists who make each premium bag, ShanPaulo ensures that the eco-conscious thought is followed like a mantra.
The founders wanted to empower all the women involved in making, selling, and marketing the exuberant pieces. The brand continues to reuse and upcycle materials to make each bag.
The returns from each sale are used to help low-income families bounce back to a healthier level of income and social support. The company plays a small yet significant role in greening fashion in the country.
Have a look at the exquisite collection of bags and collect your favorite designs for the cause of sustainability!
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