Feature
Sustainable Design: The Rise of the Eco-Friendly Designer
Sabah Karimi
The murmurs and rumors that green really is the new black filtered throughout the crowds at New York Fashion Week, and a turn towards the environment with eco-friendly fashions and sustainable design has hit the top spots on many designer radars. Public angst about global warming, sweatshops, fair trade practice, and animal-friendly business practices has generated a need for a shift in perspective. From the effects of global warming, to trade and business practices that make many of the world’s most coveted goods, a focus on the environment has reached the top of the agenda for many industries.
While handmade crafts and boutiques that focus on sustainability have become unique segment of the fashion and lifestyle market, eco-friendly fashion is going mainstream with the help of designers and runway showcases that deliver a fresh, even compelling message. While clothing execs and buyers are hoping that the niche organic apparel department continues to grow, designers are turning their sights on fresh and inventive ways to make use of natural clothing, patterns, fabric, and drawing inspiration from nature.
Sustainable design is lending a helping hand, stretching out into the areas of food, beauty products, and interior design; today’s leading brands offer organic materials and nature-based ingredients for thousands of products. In hopes of bringing nature home in more ways than one, specialty and luxury goods are taking on a shade of green—and all in good taste. From luxury home furnishings to art and décor, organic construction and a focus on nature have created a desirable market in themselves.
The demand for quality, natural, and sustainable products is rising with the trends to bring forward a new standard for consumers. Sustainable design also means sustainable practices; from ensuring that fair trade policies are followed and setting new
guidelines for business, companies are setting new standards with the appeal of social consciousness and awareness.
Heading over to the fashion world, we’re seeing the same impact unfold with the launch of eco-apparel, ‘green’ clothing, and plenty of natural cotton and hemp accessories to complete the season’s latest looks. Designers such as Linda Loudermilk offer refined and polished looks; we don’t detect a trace of hippie culture in this collection filled with sophisticated, clean, and luxurious designs. From cotton dresses with mandarin collars, to exquisite shirts with sheer black trimming, the collections turn to natural
fibers and fabrics with the influence of the Paris and New York runways by their side. Linda Loudermilk successfully created LUXURY ECO™ Stamp of Approval project in conjunction with the launch of the attractive line. The stamp is intended to accredit products, services, and business practices after a careful review process. Those who meet the requirements are granted official approval which identifies their commitment to positive change in the environment, labor practices, and product design.
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