Naturally fashionable!

Style quotient

The eco-fashion industry may be still in its infancy but savvy fashionistas and designers are well aware about the need to create unique clothing while supporting our wonderful earth and its inhabitants!” says American fashion designer now based in Bangalore, Ayanna Nelson.

“Eco-friendly fashion is the future for the smart and chic. I enjoy creating new designs from recycled materials like an old skirt that could transform into a vintage look dress. Or taking elements from a tattered old dress and creating a cocktail party look,” she explains. So what is eco-fashion all about?

Eco-fashion is revolutionary but there are several options out there. Organic bamboo-cotton blend fabric for example is comfortable and non-irritating. It feels as luxuriously wonderful as silk or cashmere and the fabric maintains its softness, wash after wash.

“Over the years, people have begun participating in environment-related activities and it’s good for the fashion companies to have realised the immense demand for
sensitive clothing that doesn’t pollute or damage the environment,” she adds.

So hot trends in eco-friendly fashion? “Dump the animal-unfriendly fur coat and the painted-on pants made from  petroleum-based products. ‘Green Styles’ are here to stay and can be created from fabrics made from recycled agricultural or industrial waste even!”

Eco-friendly silk, organic cotton and bamboo is hot. Plant and vegetable-based dyes are ‘in’ while chemical dyes are out! Increasingly eco-friendly fashion designers are using natural colour cottons, wools and other material to create outfits or vegetable dyes that are safer to make and use. Certain kinds of organic fibres like bamboo are robust and durable as denim while having the soft and smooth feel of fine silk.

Ayanna also believes that eco-friendly fashion trends are becoming more mainstream every day and countless haute couture designers across the globe are successfully incorporating eco-friendly designs into both their catwalk shows and pret lines.

“I was at a show recently where designers each presented two looks made from organic cottons and silks, polyesters made from recycled plastic bottles and new fabrics made from waste left over from industry and agriculture. It was amazing! In Bangalore, we designers have come together to blend East and West styles seamlessly into a trendy line of casual tees and evening looks,” she avers.

A firm believer in natural fabrics and responsible and sustainable business practices, she feels that it is all about taking earth-friendly values and healthy living choices one step further. “By reducing or eliminating toxic chemicals in your clothing, you nurture your health — and enrich the beauty, wonder, and balance of Mother Nature.”

Are young fashion followers in the City eco-conscious too? Malvika, a student, says, “Eco-friendly fashion is a hot trend. And you don’t have to sacrifice style or pay a fortune to get eco-friendly yet trendy clothes,” she believes. “Right now, prices are a bit of a draw back because organic clothing is more expensive. However, by buying and supporting eco-fashion, one can move forward with better styles and greater options that fit the mainstream shopper. Eventually the prices will come down when we create more demand,” she says.

Going sturdy

Contrary to belief, cotton is an eco-friendly fabric as thousands of harsh chemicals are used in its cultivation and processing. Eco-friendly fabric like bamboo cloth helps people who suffer from chemical sensitivities or allergies. It is non-clinging anti-static and more durable than cotton. It is also sturdy, long-lasting and can take frequent washing. It is breathable and absorbent. Cool in summer and warm in winter. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-odour.