Ethical Fashion Shows 2013

Author: Siyamin / Category: Cruelty-free, Designer, Eco-fashion week, Ethical Clothing, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Fashion show, Paris, Toronto, US / Tags:, , / Comments: no comments

Ethical fashion involves using an environmentally and socially conscious approach to the design, production, purchasing and selling of clothing and accessories. Eco-friendly fashion is now being offered by some famous designers, many of whom come together during ethical fashion shows.

2013 Ethical Fashion Shows in Paris

Paris host two ethical fashion shows each year, bringing together numerous designers who care for both people and the environment. You can view all kinds of ready-to-wear fashion styles, from more traditional looks to funky street wear, as well as tour the fashion showrooms.

Some of the designers who`ve held recent runway shows at these Paris events include Keto Couture, Giancarlo Gallo, Sally Intiego, Ana Gutierrez and Ogodor. Recent conferences have focused on the issues surrounding female laborers, while workshops have taught knitting and weaving techniques to attendees.

Although the first Parisian ethical fashion show of 2013 has already ended, another one will be offered in either March or September of this year. While it will be held at the Carrousel du Louvre for sure, firm dates have yet to be announced and can change at any time.

2013 Ethical Fashion Shows in Berlin

Berlin also holds ethical fashion shows, one of which occurred in January 2013. Another show will likely be held this year, but the dates for the event haven`t been announced yet.

The most recent Berlin show featured various informative presentations, panel discussions and seminars. These meetings focused on ethical issues such as better working conditions, responsible sourcing of cotton and how to follow sustainability practices in such a competitive industry.

Other events included instructions on how to incorporate yoga into business and the official launch of a new business portal designed specifically for ethical fashion labels, called “Get Changed!” The Create Green Breakfast event focused on recycling in the fashion industry.

The Knowledge Lounge featured eco-friendly fashion labels. In order to be featured in this lounge, a clothing line had to use recycled or certified organic materials. Just a few of the designers featured included Format, Milch, Pure Cotton, ReClothing, The Hemp Line, Prancing Leopard and Stormie Poodle.

Issues Surrounding Ethical Fashion

Ethical fashion involves a wide range of social and environmental issues, including safe working conditions, fair trade, animal welfare and sustainable productions.

Both children and adults are exploited in some clothing factories, working in unhygienic conditions for very low pay. Ethical fashion helps promote safer work environments, workers` rights and fair wages.

Ethical fashion also focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of all business operations. For example, cotton is the most widely used fabric across the globe, but cotton growers often use a lot of pesticides that contain potentially harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly fashion designers use organic cotton instead.

Many eco-friendly labels are Fair Trade Certified, which means they follow the ethical production guidelines set forth as it pertains to international labor, social policy and environmentalism. Workers are guaranteed sanitary working conditions.

The certification also indicates that a company offers adult laborers a fair wage while investing in the international communities where they produce their clothing. No child labor can be used.

Promote eco-friendly clothing lines by purchasing those that follow fair practices and use organic or recycled materials, such as those mentioned above as well as Joie. Ethical fashion can help to make the world a better place.

Robson Square, Vancouver hosts Eco Fashion Week

Author: Siyamin / Category: Eco-fashion week, Eco-Friendly, Ethical Clothing, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Fashion show, Fashion Week, Vancouver / Tags:, , , / Comments: no comments

Just this past week, Oct 16th -19th Canada hosted Eco Fashion Week.  Robson Square, the city that aspires to be the greenest city by 2020, hosted the fashion-conscious, and sustainable-minded, alike, in a way that harmonizes beauty and the environment, during the recent eco-fashion week in Vancouver.

One of the presenting designers Nicole Bridger’s discusses in this video her inspirations in her fall line – namely the Hindu goddess Kali-ma.

Ethical Fashion @ Toronto Fashion Week 2012

Author: Siyamin / Category: Ethical Clothing, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Fashion show, Fairtrade, Fashion Week, Feature of the Moment, Laura Siegel, Laura Siegel, LG Fashion Week, Toronto, Toronto Fashion Week / Tags:, , , / Comments: no comments

I already wrote a few articles about Laura Siegel, and also showcased 2 of her collections.  She recently showed her collection at Toronto Fashion Week, and again got great reviews and support.  Here’s a glimpse of her show.

 

 

 

 

Laura Siegel Resurrects Dreams at 2012 NYFW

Author: Siyamin / Category: Craft/Artisan, Ethical Clothing, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Fashion show, Laura Siegel, New York Fashion Week / Tags:, , , / Comments: no comments

I first wrote about Laura Siegel 2011 during Toronto Fashion Week.  She works closely with artisans from both India and Bolivia. This month, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a private viewing of her collection for New York Fashion Week 2012.

Laura has a sweet welcoming disposition; she took the time to talk to me through all her pieces, she also openly discussed her past and future aspirations.  When asked where she sees herself in 10 years Laura said she wants to work with more artisans from more countries all over the world and also mentioned she is venturing into home decor and other streams of design, which is something to watch out for.

Her creations use raw materials such as bamboo, raw silks, jersey, and handcrafted knits in delicate merino, baby alpaca, and eco-cotton.  The result is a beautiful collection of intricate designs, incorporating both delicate soft pieces and strong bold pieces that can be easily combined and layered, making her collection quite versatile for the every-day woman.   One thing that struck me about Laura was that she emphasizes her collection is a true collaboration between her and the artisans she works with.  The  artisan’s talent is apparent in her designs.  She places great effort in representing the people she works with, as well as her own vision, which come together harmoniously in her designs. These pieces carry great ancient traditions from the eastern tribal women of India and meets a modern sophisticated look that is adaptable for a woman who seeks comfort, strength, femininity.

“The aesthetic reflects Siegel’s commitment to give back to the communities that inspire her. She believes strongly in empowering the artisans, not just by providing social and financial support, but also by actively including them in the design process. “The process of working with the artisans really shapes the collection,” Siegel explained. “They created their own interpretation for this season’s themes. The result is a collaboration of the past dreams, future dreams, and cultural values of everyone who worked on it.”

I feel that ethical fashion is more than just eco-friendly clothing, it’s a shift of attitude in the fashion world.  Laura Siegel represents this shift, rather than being the typical stuck up fashion designer, she is extremely down to earth, open and very connected to the people she works with.  Her attitude is fresh, and her values are represented transparently in her clothing.  She is definitely someone to watch for in her future endeavours.