April showers aside, there are many reasons why we love this month— Earth Day being one of them. Though the mention of Earth Day reminds us of sticky blue and green arts and crafts projects from elementary school, now that we’re all grown up, we can celebrate living sustainably in a more fashionable way. Eco-conscious clothing is nothing new, but the trend has definitely gained momentum, attention, and support in the last few years. If you’re looking for a stylish way to celebrate our abundant Earth this Monday and any other day of the year, look no further than these eco-friendly fashion lines that make not only our planet a priority, but your style, too.
“Born out of an appreciation and respect for nature, a concern for the world we live in and a desire to give back to the community,” Organic by John Patrick is proof that mindful living and dressing can be chic. The label has come a long way since its establishment in 2003, along with the respect to show at Fashion Week season after season. Even Rihanna’s a fan— in last year’s “Diamonds” video, the pop singer sported the designer’s biodegradable slip dresses.
With full collections made of completely sustainable fabrics, John Patrick’s award-winning designs focus on ethical production, complete with a source map page on the company’s website so consumers can be in the know on exactly where their clothes come from. The company’s latest collection for Fall 2013 was inspired by the muses of downtown Manhattan in the ‘70s— also known as the Mudd Club era. The result is a line of polished streetwear with slouchy but trendy outerwear— made of materials like linen, organic cotton, carbon dioxide neutral yarn, and cashmere, of course. Prices range from $70 to $335.
California girl Kimberly Ovitz always had an appreciation for the world around her, so when she enrolled in the Parson School of Design, she went into the fashion industry with a vision. In 2009 her self-titled label was born with the mantra that “less is always more.” Her capsule collection, “O by Kimberly Ovitz,” launched last spring and is constructed from a 100% biodegradable material called Tencel. The fabric is built from the cellulose of wood pulp that is harvested from organically-farmed trees which has us begging the question: could fashion get any more eco-friendly than this? The super soft material makes for edgy basics in modern silhouettes that we could see becoming closet mainstays for years to come. Prices range from $60 to $175.
Dye artist-turned-fashion designer Shabd Simon-Alexander is only in her twenties, but it’s safe to say the young artist is making a name for herself across the board. Regarded as one of the leading dye artists of our time, she even recently taught Martha Stewart how to tie-dye. She started her namesake fashion line right out of college and has gone on to create beautifully patterned organic cotton tops and draped silk dresses that she hand-dyes herself in New York City’s Garment District. The result is a stunningly organic combination of art and fashion with the use of fabrics like 100% silk, wool, and organic cotton. Prices range from $85 to $545.
If there’s one brand that knows how to prove that you can practice a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing your fashion sense, it’s EDUN. Founded in 2005, the global fashion brand aims to “bring about positive change through its trading relationship with Africa and it’s positioning as a creative force in contemporary fashion.” And founders Ali Hewson and husband Bono— yes, that Bono — practice what they preach: the latest collection for Spring/Summer 2013, called “African Shower,” is fronted by a beautiful campaign shot by photographer Ryan McGinley, complete with diverse models and stunning African elephants. The latest collection ranges in price from $40 to $698.
Maiyet is a relatively new label but is already making waves by helping underprivileged communities while simultaneously producing stunning clothes. The brand creates its collections by sourcing talented artisans from Colombia, India, Italy, Kenya, Mongolia and Peru, allowing for self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship in these developing countries. By employing these highly skilled craftsmen who use all-natural materials like hand-woven silk, 100% cotton, and calfskin leather with intricate hand embroideries, Maiyet facilitates a new kind of luxury fashion while also promoting stability and prosperity in these developing countries— helping the world go ‘round one fashionable garment at a time. The latest collection ranges in price from $325 to $7,900.
