I want to thank my sister Patricia for inspiring me to write about how the fashion industry is moving forward to being sensitive about the environment, waste and the future. The Fashion industry is the #1 polluting industry in the world. I do believe there is hope and the industry is addressing this. Levi’s is one company that gives me hope and inspiration. In 2009 they introduced a care tag all about our planet. It was an initiative to educate consumers on how to clean their clothes with less environmental impact. They also encouraged customers to donate used jeans to Goodwill versus throwing them out. In 2010, I was pleased to read about Levi’s decision to ban sandblasting which causes major health and safety risks to their factory workers. In 2012, Levi’s introduced sustainable-fit jeans made with recycled bottles.
My most recent trip to Paris to do a trend report on home and fashion as well as the visit the trade shows. I was thrilled to see first, Merci boutique, dedicate their entrance to recycled and vintage fashion. Then at TRANOI, the leading fashion show in Paris, for the first time a whole tent was dedicated to eco-conscious designers. This was truly an epic moment for me to see and also meet with some of the designers dedicating their talent to making our world a better place.

Eileen Fisher was very instrumental in executing the #wastenomore tent at Tranoi. She created the zero-waste initiative called “Waste No More” which is merging architects with designers and ethics with business. The mission is to bring more awareness to the importance of being more conscious of the massive environmental impact that the fashion industry continues to have on the planet. In 1984, Eileen Fisher saw the need to create garments made to sustain the test of time and protect social and environmental rights. She created a buy-back program that has collects garments and recycles them. After some deep research into sustainable Fashion companies today I have found the majority of them are in Europe. We need more American companies getting involved in fair trade and sustainability.

WHERE TO BUY CHIC SUSTAINABLE FASHION

TWINS FOR PEACE

This is one of the designers at Tranoi. The company started as a philanthropic project with a canvas shoe that has grown in the past 5 years to include clothing.  Their mission is to improve lives of those less fortunate. Take time to look at their website and see how they are making our world a better place.

AMOUR VERT

Made in the USA using non-toxic dyes, sustainable fabrics, organic cotton and
recycled polyester. Amour Vert philosophy main focus is zero waste. For every tee you buy, they plant a tree. Their partners American Forests. The collection is beautiful, chic, trendy, timeless pieces that are affordable.

ARMEDANGELS

This German company is convinced that we can save the environment by creating sustainable clothing. Their motto is “Made by Humans”.  They are one of the biggest sustainable brands in Europe.

EILEEN FISHER

Eileen Fisher has been to forefront of sustainability and fair-trade in the Fashion Industry. Although her designs are expensive they are worth it. As her detail to quality, fit and longevity in every piece is evident. She always has a sale on her website seasonally with some beautiful pieces discounted 50-70% .

HOPEMADE

Hopemade is a fair trade home decor, handbags and gift company. They work directly with artisans to preserve cultural heritage and create the quality of life for indigenous communities in Colombia. They produce high quality product under a fair trade framework.

ORGANIC

In 2004, John Patrick launched Organic which was his featured fashion label. His focus was to design clothing that were made of organic material using fair labor practices and ecological awareness. I am very much a fan of his tee-shirts. The quality and fit is amazing. They are worth the high price averaging $80.00 as they will last a few years. Honestly, the quality is so much better than any tee-shirt on the market.  Highly recommend to never put them in the dryer as it will breakdown the fiber and longevity of the tee-shirt.

A few more companies I love…not sure if you can get them in the USA.
However, worth checking out the founders stories and follow their growth!

IZZY LANE

Izzy Lane is a voice for animals in the fashion industry. While creating beautiful fashion, Izzy is a powerful platform which raises awareness for
animal rights.

“CHANGE YOUR LIFE TODAY.  DON’T GAMBLE ON THE FUTURE, ACT NOW, WITHOUT DELAY”…SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR