Submitted by: theFlist
Apr 22 2008

Eco Fashions Minus the Granola from The F-list by Leesa Butler

Here’s a frightening stat: regular cotton is the second most pesticide-laden crop in the world - four of the top nine pesticides used on cotton are classified as cancer-causing chemicals. Kind of makes you itch in your t-shirt, doesn’t it? Thankfully today’s designers and manufacturers are beginning to focus on sustainability in their collections. Some turn to organic cotton, which is not sprayed with any toxic chemicals or fertilizers, others to eco-fabrics. Lyocell is a newer fabric that’s resulted from recent textile technology. It’s made from wood fibre using a recyclable organic solvent. Other fabrics include bamboo, silk and linen, one of the oldest textiles in the world. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable and regenerates after cutting. As a fabric it is fast drying, moisture wicking and thermal regulating making it a popular choice for active wear. People are supporting the evolution. Some fashion weeks have begun to slot eco-shows into their calendars. New York showed off eco-couture care of top names like Marc Jacobs, Yves St. Laurent and Rodarte in their Future Fashion Show last February. Toronto’s Fashion Takes Action showcased a group show at last October’s L’Oreal Fashion Week. Designers each presented three looks using fabrics donated by Syka, a renowned textile supplier. Many designers aren’t jumping onto the green bandwagon for show, rather they promote it as an essential part of their brand’s existence. This Earth Day we celebrate seriously current, sustainable style. Check out a few of our favourite Canadian eco-friendly designers. While it was never mentioned in the show, Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell is as much an eco-warrior as a designer. He used raw silk in jewel tones, organic wools, organic cotton-bamboo blends and organic denim in his Fall 2008 collection. A Vancouver-based company we have featured before on the F-list, Elroy Apparel, takes their eco-stance seriously making it their mandate to provide women with stylish yet sustainable designs. Montreal’s Second Clothing recently launched their eco-denim line. The collection combines ecological and organic fibres with new technologies to produce a garment that is 40% eco-friendly, the most Earth-conscious denim option on the market. Preloved was an early adopter of sustainable fashion. Realizing that vintage and used clothing could be reworked into hip outfits, founder Julia Grieve and designer Peter Friesen embarked on an ecological adventure that has evolved into a major presence in the fashion scene. For sustainable accessories look to Matt&Nat.; This Montreal firm led by vegan designer Inder Bedi promotes a “positivity message” by making cruelty-free fashion. Not a stitch of animal products are used in their vegan leather bags and purses. Fashion Takes Action will return this summer for another inspiring evening of environmentally friendly design. Stay tuned to the F-list for where and when!

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