11 Eco-Friendly Designers You Should Know
While the fashion industry may have a reputation for creating textile waste and pollution, as a whole the industry is making more of an effort to be eco-conscious and efficient. More and more, we are seeing designers that are establishing entire brands focused on being socially responsible and sustainable. Even large scale companies, such as H&M and ASOS, are getting on board and creating eco-fashion lines, dedicated to minimizing waste. Here are 10 Eco-Fashion Designers you should know!
1. Daniel Silverstein
Founder of Zero Waste Designs (ZWD), Silverstein strives to significantly cut down on textile pollution by creating a clothing line that specializes in turning scraps of fabrics into edgy and desirable fashion garments. For 2016, Silverstein hopes to save 3 tons of pre-consumer textile waste, which is enough material to make roughly 6,000 ZWD pieces. According to Silverstein, “ ZWD will create a closed loop option for the apparel industry to aid in ending the catastrophic pollution that plagues our earth and tarnishes our reputation as designers and as people. This process will create jobs, as well as a workforce training program for future innovators of zero waste design who we so desperately need to encourage as we think about the future of our planet.”
2. Under the Canopy
Under the Canopy was founded in 1996, by Marci Zaroff, a trailblazer in the world of eco-fashion. Zaroff designed the brand based on the belief that style can be a catalyst for positive change. The lounge wear line is made exclusively from certified organic, vegan, and fair trade materials.
3. Ev Bessar
Ev Bessar is a Russian-born designer who is passionate about fashion and philanthropy. The Ev Bessar Collection is hand-crafted and devoted entirely to creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The current collection features organic cotton, hemp, wool yarns, and fibers from local farms. Additionally, Bessar is the founder of HeartED, a foundation targeted towards children with congenital heart defects and numerous other physical and mental disadvantages. The sole reasoning propelling her fashion line, and overall talents, is her desire to continue to bring awareness for these causes through fashion.
4. Carrie Parry
Carrie Parry values social responsibility and is founded on the belief that you should “create the thing you wish existed in the world.” For the visionary behind the brand, this meant creating a company that designs, cuts, and sews clothing in the US that is known for its fit and quality. Carrie Parry believes in brand transparency and uses locally sourced fabrics in collections.
5. Under the Same Sun
Under the Same Sun creates eco-friendly yoga, surf, and beach wear. The company uses a number of responsibly sourced materials, including a custom Under the Same Sun fabric that is made of Newlife premium recycled polyester, which is made from recycled water bottles! By using recycled polyester, the company is able to cut down on energy costs and decrease the environmental impact of the collection’s production.
6. Heidi Merrick
Heidi Merrick’s minimalist, ready-to-wear and home collections are made exclusively in Los Angeles – either in their studio, or in a space that is walking distance away. As a California native, Merrick is inspired by the Pacific Ocean and the West Coast, which influences her design aesthetic. Merrick is an avid believer of production transparency and brand responsibility. Founder Heidi Merrick believes that while domestic production may result in a higher consumer cost, the fact that all items are produced with integrity and with the future in mind, makes the additional cost worth it to both the brand and the consumers.
7. SVILU
The mission behind SVILU is to create beautiful, yet thoughtful, design staples for women that can stand the test of time and remain relevant. SVILU sources a number of sustainable fabrics, including: organic cotton, tencel, modal, and bemberg/cupro. In addition to fabric selection, the brand makes an effort to meet the standards of both GOTS and OEKO-TEX.
8. Kowtow
Kowtow does not believe in turning a blind eye toward poor living conditions and the imbalance of standards that exists throughout the world. From seed to garment, Kowtow only uses 100% certified free trade cotton. Additionally, the company has a factory in Kolkata, India where employees have access to a livable wage, safe working conditions, and fair benefits.
9. Amour Vert
Amour Vert (which means green love in French), is focused on creating eco-friendly fashions and American jobs. The company strives to maintain a zero-waste philosophy by using low-impact dyes and sustainably sourced materials such as: recycled polyester, tencel and modal, linen, certified organic cotton, Indian Silk, and merino wool.
10. Study NY
Study NY is founded by Montreal native, Tara James. Study cuts and sews collections in New York City’s garment district. Study uses ethical and sustainable fabrics and productions methods to create eco-fashions. Additionally, Study works with artisans around the world to create truly unique pieces.
11. Loom State
Founded in 2003, Loom State, which specializes in creating fine, casual goods, is a pioneer in sustainable design. Using 100% certified organic cotton, the company values responsibly sourced materials and seeks to create a garment that is truly sustainable. The company partners with at-risk populations and exploited workers around the globe to create long-term business arranges that are beneficial to both parties.
