ECO CHIC LABELS!

Do you think these collaborations from fashion, mid-range and high-end  is a sign of fashion moving towards a more eco-friendly future?

Iconic French fashion house YSL have  begun to implement fair-trade practices,  with the creation of the Muse 2 artisanal bag. Working with women from the Gafreh organisation in Burkina Faso, the Muse 2 bag is made completely from recycled materials, specifically plastic and cotton. So far only 60 pieces have been made and are available exclusively from the YSL Paris store.

We LOVE Christian Louboutin’s eco-trash pumps

These Ecotrash pumps from the haute French shoe and bag designer’s spring/summer 2011,a promise that no two will look alike because, yes, they’re made from reclaimed materials.

Alberta Ferretti & Emma Watson to People Tree

Alberta Ferretti and Emma Watson in the Pure Threadscapsule collection. “This collection is completely organic, from the picking and spinning of our cottons to the washing, weaving and dying of our textiles” Ferretti said. The collection contains 5 pieces: two dresses, one shirt, one pair of shorts, and one maxi skirt. Inspiration was taken from style icon Jane Birkin with the skirt being tired and the denim shorts and dresses having detailed embroidery and lace. In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily Emma said she was pleased “that a luxury brand such as Alberta Ferretti has decided to create ecological clothes. I believe this is a big step forward for all of the international fashion industry, but also an important step for an increased sensitivity to the problem of ecology.” Also, part of the proceeds will go to People Tree, a charity that Emma designed a line for last year, and who promote fair-trade practices.

H&M... Conscious

H&M’s SS 2011 Conscious Collection hit stores and picked up on the all-white trend seen at Dolce and Gabana’s SS 2011 show. Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s head of design says “shades of white are the season’s biggest fashion trend. White creates a romantic feel, but it is also the basic colour in a sporty, relaxed style and in a preppy tailored look for men”. The women’s collection has touches of lace and Broderie Anglaise on blouses, tunics and t-shirts. While dresses and skirts are tiered, giving a floaty, ethereal feel to the collection. There are also hints of blush, cream, nude and grey, with one of the best pieces of the collection being a tailored blazer – perfect from desk to dinner.

Johansson also said eco fashion is “not just about organic cotton anymore, the possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco smart materials are huge now.” There is a distinct focus on sustainability too, and the way materials are cultivated that are used in clothing. The H&M collection uses materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, recycled polyester, wool, polyamide or cotton and organic linen. Organic cotton is cultivated without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers which means that it is less polluting for the environment.