Ethically woolly – what’s the problem with sheep farming?

Unfortunately, the image of the cared-for sheep leaving its lush pasture to submit to a skilled, respectful shearing is far from the reality of where most of our woollies really come from.

Young designers celebrate sustainability in fashion design

Emerging Asian and European designers are 'cutting the waste out of fashion' with support from a prestigious sustainable fashion design competition. The EcoChic Design Award, now in its fifth year, highlights and supports up-and-coming new designers working in Asian and European markets toward reducing textile waste. China alone produces approximately 20 million tonnes of textile … Continue reading Young designers celebrate sustainability in fashion design

Two very different approaches to recycling natural fabrics

The potential for recycling won't on its own make fashion sustainable. Putting months-old purchases in a charity or recycling bin won't undo the waste of resources or make up for any human or environmental cost involved in their manufacture. That said, buying recycled is a great way to avoid adding to a growing problem. UN … Continue reading Two very different approaches to recycling natural fabrics

The problem with plastic

Plastic is used for everything from building materials through drinking bottles to medical disposables. PVC (recycling type 3 plastic) has been used in pipes and cables, food wrapping and retail packaging, credit cards and car upholstery. In fashion it's created imitation leathers and shiny waterproof fabrics for everything from saucy fetish wear to homely shopping … Continue reading The problem with plastic

Is there a cashmere sweater among your Christmas gifts ?

If there was a cashmere sweater among your Christmas gifts, you may now be enjoying its tactile warmth, or perhaps wondering at what cost this luxurious garment was produced. Strong, light, and incredibly soft, quality cashmere is a downy underfleece grown by a specific breed of goat for extra insulation in winter. Known in China … Continue reading Is there a cashmere sweater among your Christmas gifts ?

Encapsulating sustainable fashion: Singlestream

Two successful North American eco clothing designers, Kathryn Hilderbrand and Aiste Zitnikaite, recently chose to combine their distinct aesthetics and spark each other's creativity by collaborating on a small capsule collection to highlight a shared agenda. Hilderbrand, as GreenLinebyK of Massachusetts, started selling her womenswear and kidswear in 2010, handmade from all natural, organic and … Continue reading Encapsulating sustainable fashion: Singlestream