Bold, bright and beautiful - eco fashion's out there now

Bold, bright and beautiful - eco fashion's out there now

It used to be relatively easy to spot guilt-free garb whether it was fairly traded or organic. It was dull stuff – the designs and colours didn’t exactly leap out at you. While perfectly decent clothing, it wasn’t high fashion and you wouldn’t find it on the catwalks or in glossy magazines.

All this is changing. Eco fashion is getting bolder and brighter. Gone are the dull, oatmeal-coloured tunics from the 1990s - think luminous red shift dresses from designer Viridis Luxe and clashing bright fabric skirts, stitched together by recycling enthusiasts From Somewhere.

As this summer’s fashion moves to bold, tribal patterns and fluro colours, ethical fashion has much to offer. Use our Style File to kick start your new look – experiment with stripes, branch out into boho or add a hint of tribal.

Kenyan wildlife

Eco-fashion is not exclusive to the catwalk. High street store Urban Outfitters has snapped up a range of dresses and alpaca knitwear from Wildlife Works – an eco-clothing factory in Kenya which funds a wildlife sanctuary – following its success at London Fashion Week earlier this year.

Keep an eye on Whistles, too, since ex-Topshop chief Jane Shepherdson has taken the helm and is promising an ethical policy and a revamped collection of floral designs.

There is also a growing online market. Internet retailer adili.com sells affordable, ethical clothing. The company sorts through the deluge of clothes companies claiming ethical status and picks out the best designs from merino-wool wrap dresses by Karen Cole to hand-embroidered blouses by People Tree.

Faux sheepskin

Meanwhile, eco-fabulous shoes are poised to kick up a storm. Beyond Skin have launched a collection of flats, wedges and heels including floral print court stilettos. Beyond Skin’s shoes are made from faux sheepskin, synthetic leather, satin and organic cotton, and share similar ground with Stella McCartney’s vegan range of ankle boots and court shoes.

If you want to become a green fashionista from top to toe, look for organic and fair trade lines in high street shops such as Marks and Spencer and Topshop and dress in vintage (aka second-hand) clothing like Kate Moss or hip-hop diva Estelle.

Vintage

Wearing second-hand clothes - call them vintage if you prefer - never goes out of fashion. There is something deeply stylish and original about rummaging for your fashion finds. It’s the ultimate way to be green because you’re using what is already in circulation, avoiding the manufacturing and transport costs required to make new clothes.

So whatever styles swing round this season, be sure to check out your local charity shop as well as investigating the creations of the latest ethical designers.

Anna Shepard is a journalist and author

Source: bbc.co.uk