Global warning, increased pollution and waste, are some of the factors that are making the world move towards a more conscience, eco-friendly way of living. The fashion industry has caught on too with the emerging trend of sustainable fashion.There are multiple arguments about what exactly defines sustainable fashion. To sum them all up and put it simply, sustainable fashion is about creating processes (from growing raw materials, such as cotton to the actual finished product such as clothing) and products that aresocially responsible and impact the environment in a positive way.
With the rise of fast fashion, every year lots and lots of textiles and garments are thrown out or wasted. Most of this waste ends up as landfills or is resold as second hand clothes in underdeveloped countries. It is this problem that led to the beginning of the sustainable fashion trend. Sustainable fashion uses two simple methods (which are being adapted by most fashion companies and designer’s globally) of recycling and up cycling. Recycling is something that’s been around for quite sometime, but how exactly does the fashion industry make use of it? The answer is very simple, designers and fashion companies work with waste products like plastic, paper or even metal. Things such as plastic are broken down to create new yarns, which are spun into fabric or if it’s a material like paper or metal, it’s simply refashioned. This second process of refashioning is popularly known as upcycling. Upcycling is all aboutmaking new garments or products from old or already existing materials. It is usually done at the stage of the manufacturer (by using leftover fabric from mass produced products) or at the post purchase stage (where a customer has purchased and used a product, but now wants to discard it for various reasons). By helping to reduce waste and pollution, these two processes are truly transforming the global fashion industry into a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible industry.
Recycled Plastic and Paper Bags
(Image Source : http://www.thefashionpolice.net )
In India, this trend of sustainable fashion has begun to create a revival revolution of sorts. With one day being purely dedicated to sustainable fashion in each of India’s biggest annual fashion weeks (Lakme Fashion Week and Amazon India Fashion Week), sustainable fashion is slowly beginning to emerge into the spotlight. The trend is taking Indian fashion back to its roots, helping to revive age-old craftsmanship, traditional techniques, and local textiles. Many local designers are working together with local artisans and weavers with the help of sustainable methods to create innovative and unique products. This method acts as a win-win for both the designer as well as the craftsperson, as it helps revive dying arts and crafts, and also brings to center stageexquisite handcrafted products. So, the best part about sustainable fashion is that it not only looks fashionably good when worn but also feels good (since it is eco friendly and a compassionate investment).
Sustainable fashion by Indian label Ka-Sha by KarishmaShahani
(Image Source : http://showtime.arts.ac.uk )
Up cycled Designs by Doodlage another Indian sustainable fashion label
(Image Source : http://lakmefashionweek.co.in )
On a last note, this new trend of sustainable fashion is definitely here to stay. Across the globe, large fashion companies and designers are creating sustainable fashion lines through methods like up cycling and recycling of raw materials. Closer home, in India, there are many designers taking the sustainable route (by revisiting our roots) with fabrics like khadi and local handloom weaves. With all these developments, the future of sustainable fashion is looking bright.
To stay up to date with this trend of sustainable fashion, here are three style ideas (available on The Loom) that are not only good for you but also for the environment!
Organic Cotton: Light and easy to wear organic cotton dresses are super comfortable and stylish.
Organic Cotton dress
(Image Source : the loom )
Khadi: Khadi Garments are great for every season.
Khadi Kurta and Pants
(Image Source : The Loom )
Handloom Weaves: Handloom weaves like Ikat create unique patterns that are sure to stand out!
Ikat Handloom Cotton dress
(Image Source : The Loom )
-Arzoo B. Dhanda
