A quick synopsis:Fashion and textiles account for one sixth of the employment sector ranging from factories to fields, or 6 billion worldwide with 2.7 billion in EU along as reported by the Cambridge University Report. Additionally, over the past decade fashion and textile sales have increased 60 percent by volume.
Grocery stores such as Matalan, Marks & Spencers and Primark in the UK have replicated the US giant Walmarts' model by additionally offering apparel and this phenomenon has added substantial consumption to the market. As a result, there has been a 20-30percent price decrease in selected clothing categories over the past 5 yrs which now puts all but the most luxurious designer brands within reach of a majority of the population (Shaw D "Fashion Clothing Manufacture" pg84).
Which bring to mind the question, what are designers doing to help reduce and reuse textiles?
Common trends by designers include repairing or offering remodeling services for garments to increase longevity, using Eco labeling, reconstruction,
A few designers who promote Eco friendliness:
Kate Goldsworthy
People Tree
Katharine Hamnett
THTC a.k.a. The Hemp Trading Company
Gossypium
Edun
Terra Plana
As a consumer, Oxfam is a great place to donate second hand clothes. To find out more about Oxfam and their mission go to www.oxfam.org.
Click here to buy the book:
Eco-chic the Fashion Paradox, Sandy Black
