SFI organizers and designers

“It’s like Studio 54 in there” says the security guard as he closes the door, “I don’t know if you’re going to be able to get in.” My coworker and I share a perplexed look; we R.S.V.P.-ed! We arrived early, mingled, and were waiting anxiously, pleasantly surprised to see the large turnout. Luckily, we were able to get into the evening’s exclusive event: the Sustainable Fashion Initiative’s (SFI) Fashion Show. After being counted by the museum staff, we were ushered in and directed to our seats just as the lights dimmed. There might not have been a disco ball in sight, but the evident energy certainly felt like we were at a famous hot spot. The audience hushed and prepared for the show to begin as Co-Founder Jenna Rodrigues took to the podium.

Princeton Fashion Week could not have had a more appropriate ending to the seven-days-long series of events and panels—the show was spectacular and ignited inspiration with every model’s pose. Set against preserved paintings and sculpted statues, one could not help but study the revolutionary art form. Fashion has long been wearable art and an extremely personal expression of one’s self, but until recently, one’s values would often times have to be compromised. Now, with designers like Tabii Just—a brand grounded in a “0% waste” philosophy, even incorporating this mindset into the garments’ designs with beautiful draping and flattering construction (see our Tasha Skirt below, available online at Modavanti.com) and REBORN by Soham Dave—a brand that uses natural dyes and partners with artisans, we as consumers and more importantly, as people, have access to an amazing variety of brands that fit our values without compromising on style.

Seated a few rows behind the action, I was able to take in the scene as a true spectator. How exciting it was to see young, educated, stylish college students point out their favorite pieces as they strolled down the runway or to hear whispering among friends as they exchanged validating eyebrow-raises, confirming “CUTE!” while nodding their heads in agreement.

the Tasha Skirt by Tabii Just takes its final twirl on the runway

Models, designers, and participants alike were decked out in the latest sustainable fashion. “This is from A Peace Treaty!” SFI Co-founder Meg Partidge exclaimed with pride, flashing her jeweled finger. Is it true? Are we finally returning to a place in history where fashion can be regarded as valuable and desirable? We have come a long way since 1954. Perhaps we’ve even entered the future?

Want to learn more about the Sustainable Fashion Initiative at Princeton University? DIY: Be fashainable and check out the SFI’s first edition of VERTE magazine, the new e-zine publication for sustainable fashion.

sustainable jewelry at the SFI’s brand showcase

Be sure to view more photos like the one above from the Brand Showcase (held before the fashion show) to find products from A Peace Treaty, Indego Africa, and more!

Anyone with an ear to the fashion grapevine will know that sustainability is totally on-trend right now. Medical advancements mean that infant mortality rates have dropped hugely and we are now living longer than ever before – with the result that our clothing consumption has hit an all-time high. This means higher production rates, an increase in the number of designers wanting to break into this tough industry and, above all, a need for more and more materials.

Sustainable fashion, also known as eco fashion, has begun to infiltrate local chain stores as well as the catwalks, with designers from the top down using fair trade workers and non-toxic dyes in order to make a sustainable statement.

Understanding Eco Fashion

Many people assume that eco fashion is all about recycled fabrics and clothes made from leaves, but this is not true at all. There are a number of different ways you can make a difference to the way you shop without changing your style at all – in fact, you could already be eco-shopping without knowing it!

For example, if you choose faux fur over the genuine article or avoid leather like the plague, you are already following a vegan fashion pattern. Vegans will not wear (or eat) any animal by-product, therefore keeping fur and leather well away from their wardrobes. Or maybe you prefer your fashion one of a kind and therefore buy handmade items? In doing this, you are helping to cut down on waste which is created by mass manufacturing, whilst also ensuring you are buying a quality product which is created to last for years. This cuts down the need to constantly replace worn or damaged clothing, and thus saves the planet. Easy, huh?

There are plenty of resources out there which provide information on sustainable fashion, and once you understand how many ways there are to adopt a sustainable wardrobe, making the switch is a piece of cake.

How You Can Help

So you’ve already decided to cross-check every label for toxic dyes and sworn off anything which isn’t made from organic materials – excellent! You’ve taken a huge step forward and are definitely doing your bit for sustainable shopping. Yet the part many people forget is what to do with the clothes once you’ve finished with them. Shockingly many people forget that clothing and textiles are just as recyclable as plastics, cardboard and glass, and as a result tons of unwanted clothes end up on landfill sites every year. However, it is estimated that up to 95 per cent of these items could be re-worn, re-used or recycled. In that case – why not get creative?

Donating an unwanted sweater to charity or shredding up and old shirt to use as a cleaning cloth is a good place to start, but hardly the most inventive use of the materials at hand. An old pair of jeans with a hole in the knee could be turned into a cute pair of Daisy Dukes or a new purse, while the unused bottom half could be cut up, dyed or redesigned and turned into patches to customise other items. Sometimes, of course, things are too damaged to be saved or re-used, but this is where the true meaning of recycling comes in. Textile fibres or insulating materials can be created from these garments in an ideal example of preventing waste.

Smart Stores

Fortunately, fashion chain stores are now beginning to realise the impact our massive demand for new clothes is having on our planet. Last year, Zara announced its commitment to going toxic-free by reducing the number of hazardous chemicals used in its garment production, while H&M has recently launched an ethical fashion range called Conscious. As well as cutting down on the amount of water used in denim production and committing to using only organic cotton, the retailer is also rewarding customers for dropping off bags of recyclable clothing by giving them money off vouchers for each bag donated. It is very clear that the fashion world is embracing sustainability in a way few other industries are – while clothing manufacturers are making an attempt to use non-toxic dyes in clearing our waterways, the pharmaceutical industry continues to dump harmful materials in the system, for example.

As consumers, we dictate the trends, the styles and the way things are produced; or to put it more simply, if we don’t buy it they won’t make it. By raising awareness of the need for sustainability in all industries, we truly can change the world.

What’s the “new crop of eco-friendly clothes?” NBC News’ the Today Show says it’s “eco-chic” and doesn’t look quite like it used to anymore thanks to retailers like Modavanti.

Edun will be on our site soon and joins our recently-added brand, Olsenhaus, which was featured in the next look of the Today Goes Green segment: the brand’s purely vegan sandals and a chambray shirt (by Kut from the Kloth) complimented our fairly-traded Peplum Skirt in Yellow by Afia. Help support a women’s cooperative in Ghana just by shopping the stylish skirt at Modavanti.com. Fahertybrand.com wrapped up the show with an eco-swimsuit and beach wrap.

The models looked great and you can, too, since Modavanti is moving #fashion #forward. The two fashion-forward hosts highlighted our philosophy—that eco-conscious means many things—so many, that we empower the consumer to design their own style philosophy and encourage users to shop what’s important to them. Wear our set of Sustainability Badges with pride as you decide for yourself what it means to be green.

Eco-fashion has evolved. Will you? #Jointhefuture

“A recent New York Times article confirms Kline’s observation. In the article, trend
experts and style leaders admit that trends are no longer the all -powerful dictum
they once were. Thanks largely in part to the internet, consumers now have access
to an unprecedented wealth of style information and are beginning to trust their
own interpretation and personal taste rather than mimicking select trends diffused
via fashion advertising and shop windows.”

BSR report leads the way in encouraging us consumers to define our own sense of sustainability

Johannes Huebl for Pikolinos

Where’s the script? There is none. No, this is not an episode of The City. Yes, this is an episode of the social star’s reality. The impeccable, dare I say iconic, Olivia Palermo has successfully navigated her way on-set to shooting on-location. She’s no stranger to the camera, yet these images made me see her in a new light. Her bright smile reflecting those of the Massai tribesmen and women was a refreshing take-five from her popular elegant pose. Of course, Palermo’s style is unrivaled: classically-chic with a perfectly approved seal of carefully selected accessories. Who better to star as the campaign’s new “protagonist” for this year’s Massai Project?

1,600 women hand embroider the leather for the Pikolinos sandals

Now in its third year, the Massai Project was launched by Pikolinos to provide a mode of sustained employment for women in the Massai Mara of Kenya and Tanzania. The brand has maintained a special relationship with the project as it reaches new audiences. Hundreds of women benefit from the artisanal work in handcrafting and embroidering the line of sandals, children have increased access to education, and men learn about the opportunity to improve their family’s well-being when a woman works outside of the home. Olivia herself is another beneficiary; she was able to stitch soles alongside the female artisans and experience the African Savannah alongside the souls of the endangered Massai tribe.

Olivia Palermo learning alongside Massai Mara women

Another special relationship is that of the ambassador and the campaign’s photographer who aptly captured an intimate glance at the oftentimes exposed personality. The relatable star makes you picture a reality where “another world is possible” while the talented cameraman uses technology as a medium to illustrate global evolvement—photography with a purpose as opposed to paparazzi with flashbulbs. International actors like Palermo, her partner (photographer Johannes Huebl), and the partner NGO ADCAM are necessary to this specific project’s effectiveness and to the overall progress towards sustainable development. Plus, the shoes are equal parts stunning and wearable (see below for my fave).

Amani Watermelon

The current climate consists of talks about using technology to harness new energy sources. I’m elated to see this brand aid in harnessing arguably the most important source of energy on our planet: human nature. The most valuable component of sustainability to me is social inclusion. Can you picture yourself smiling brightly alongside the Massai? Pikolinos’ Massai Project is both inclusive and exclusive! Become a part of the production and follow @MassaiProject or take center-stage in Chelsea at the brand’s new pop-up store on Tuesday, April 16^th. I can’t wait to get dressed with other #passionistas and join Olivia in NYC for the chance to shop shoes, make bracelets, and learn more about this amazing group of people lighting up the world!

Maybe the tag reads a certain number, but why do I feel so uncertain? An 8 in one store is a 4 in another. Some jeans fit like a glove while others in the same size hang loosely.

I hope that I’m not coming off as though I’m complaining, but isn’t it ironic that we have a retail industry producing clothes into which we’re trying to fit? Instead of us trying to fit their models, shouldn’t businesses change their models and make clothing that fits us?

Pinterest

In today’s ‘globalized’ world, as clichéd as that term might be, retail brands’ customers’ sizes aren’t just a culmination of national demographics. Now, there are more multinational identities—and shapes and sizes—which need to be accounted for when going forward in determining product guides and size charts.

Pinterest

The current model is unsustainable since we don’t fit one certain mold. Retailers need to follow suit and provide us with better-fitting sizing options. Luckily, the innovative intersection of fashion and technology means we as consumers don’t have to wait around for big-box retailers to change their look.

These fashion-tech firms are a good fit for those who want to self-sustain:

Why should we be the ones struggling to find our size when corporations have the budget to customize their assortments? Or, better yet, why not adopt a virtual mannequin? Whereby an online user has the ability to input their measurements and upload a digital dress form upon which items in one’s shopping cart can be tried.

• And, cue Fits.Me—a virtual fitting room of replicating robots—finally, clothes that fit me to a “T” instead of me trying to fit into a letter!

Pinterest via Fits.me.com

Too often it seems that garment racks are littered with over-projections or misfires from the season’s “hottest” and “coolest.” Instead of gauging tempered trends, retailers could measure consumer taste by examining what we actually need, not what we presumably need as dictated by the latest issue of a fashion magazine.

• Oh, hello JustFab—a fast-fashion delivery, yes, but this well-backed firm has a “subscription model” which makes the business “much more predictable.”

Pinterest

I’ll try it on.

After all, isn’t it about time big-box retailers and fast-fashion chains service our needs? Forget about what we want—we 21^st century Conscious consumers can not afford such a luxurious choice—it’s not a matter of dollars and cents, but a matter of common sense. Even the high fashion world has taken note of this shift in style with guerrilla shows and blog rolls.

• Of course, there’s Garmz—another game-changer that turned heads by making fashion a thing of the future.

Pinterest

Isn’t it about time big box retailers calculate their turn-over rates based on bettering society? Commonly-sensed by merchandising professionals is a need to replenish and re-stock, but as based on mathematical algorithms generated by a computer running past sales data. While advancements in technology have allowed Buyers and Planners to calibrate exact formulas and analyze past trends with software tools, it’s about time we use social tools to advance from mass production as we forecast for a future of less consumption.

• Ah, yes LookMazing—this site is well, uh-mazing—it’s transforming street style into social style by taking the offline revolution online and back again with uploaded user photos.

Pinterest via LookMazing.com

What are social tools anyway?

Resources like Pinterest, Twitter, Polyvore, Tumblr, Wanelo, and of course, Facebook are some examples. Resources like customers’ sizes, consumers’ tastes, and workers’ voices are more examples of social tools since they do make-up our society. Regardless of your personal stance on the whole climate change issue, if we don’t change our personal consumption patterns, the fashion climate is sure to be disastrous. By tapping into these resources, retailers could waste fewer natural resources like oil, cotton, textiles, and people’s spirit. Companies could analyze social metrics and provide us with less options and more taste.

Isn’t it about time retailers dressed us instead of us addressing them? 

All’s I’m sayin’ is, this ill-fitting industry needs a make-over.

Lower quantities.

Higher quality.

And of course, it starts with us; I can always take up this issue myself by going to a local tailor; this way, I can give back to the community by enlisting their fitting expertise.

That’s a good fit for us all.

The board’s description reads: “Re-wear an old garment, wear vintage, add a special detail, buy clothing made from recycled materials, or learn how-to DIY and up your fashion sense.” What’s the best part about upcycling? Just like your own style, it’s up to YOU to define!

Pinterest

Personally, I like to upcycle by recycling different looks in my closet. Also, I try not to buy an item of clothing unless I know I can wear it at least three different ways, especially crossing over between formal and casual. *THINK: this ’1 skirt, 5 looks’ Pin* Need a little help? Get dressed with my tips or get organized with closet consulting services like those offered by LA Closet Design.

Pinterest

Help the environment, save money, and go shwopping at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army to upstage the status-quo in a unique find. Can’t find a thrift store in your ‘hood? There are a number of online e-commerce retailers that offer ways to upcycle with vintage designs like Fab.com or ModCloth.

Fab.com

ModCloth

Not really a vintage fan? Other sites like Modavanti and ahalife let you Do-It-Yourself and shop by customized criteria like products made out of recycled or upcycled materials.

Modavanti Sustainable Fashion Boutique

Feeling crafty? Go big! Grab an old belt and up-cycle it into a new bag:

Pinterest

or go small and just add some lace detailing to an old sweater:

Pinterest

Do you recycle at home?

Find a cool gym bag made from recycled materials like this Cliff Bar wrapper TerraCycle bag

Pinterest

or this fresh-for-summer Fruit & Veggie tote from Stop Traffick Fashion that also provides employment for Cambodian women

Pinterest

Like other terms in the ‘slow’ movement from sustainable to glocal, upcycle is another organic term with a variety of meanings. The holistic concept is that fashion—like food, materials, learning, and culture—should be re-used and preserved, not wasted.

So, let’s slow fashion down and upcycle.

PrettyCool DIY Denim

PrettyCool DIY Denim

DIY: Aztec rugzak – Fashionista

DIY: Tribal Print Dress – Queen Of Funky

DIY: Find more upcycled projects here

Of course you’ll find the typical photos snapped of rounded beauty Kim Kardashian strolling down the sidewalk dressed in a tight, form-fitting, geometric-print maxi with the slightest hint of color.

fashionbeautyglamour

And of course there are the troops of angular models clad in brightly-colored armor charging down the runways.

styloko

But even more exciting, Aztec/Geo/Tribal is growing in fields of everyday people seen sprouting their sense of appreciation for the international eye-catcher. The evolution of this tri-fold trend has made its way home to craftsmen in South America after circling ‘round the world.

Originally established in the Americas, ancient Mesoamerican architecture with massive structures of stairways and enclaves provided protection and served as temples. The Aztec/Geo/Tribal print of intricate lines and interlocking shapes is testament to that architectural aspect.

flickr

Originating in Central and South America during ancient times, the amalgamation of Spanish and New World tribal influences collided; these empires’ influential intersection in a fusion of foods, mixing of music, and amalgamation of art still exists today in the worldly wardrobe staple that is “geo.”

The geo-tribal influence returned to Europe in epic fashion proportions. From London-based designer Matthew Williamson’s fierce focus on “dynamic prints” in his 2009 collection to later collections at L.A.M.B., Missoni, and new-comer Whitney Eve; this pop of print has popped up all over the globe. Head down-under to find an Australian interpretation of the design at The Fashion Niche or to India for a glitzy glimpse of the print on the Bollywood scene.

Deepika Padukone

In the past, tribal clothing served as a means of separation among one’s position in society, but at present, the tribal trend is positioned as a universal unifier. Splashed across everything from couture dresses to commercial mini-skirts, men’s tank-tops, and basically every garment imaginable, the trend has flowed to footwear! And while the general consensus is to style the loud print with classic silhouettes and subtle accessory additions, I say go louder!

Flip this trend around with funky shoes like these Matthew Williamson sandals:

Matthew Williamson

Turn up the hype on mixing prints and wear a pair of Inkkas with your favorite Aztec top for a complimentary combination or just kick-it in some Low Tops with an ethical jean choice and an organic cotton tee.

Personally, I’d pair a pair of Inkkas High Tops with a white linen, ruffled eyelet dress and be one fly señorita.

Blue Mist High Tops

Only a true trend-setter can pull off Inkkas’ line of sneakers.

The only question is:

are you willing to make the sacrifice?

Inkkas foregoes 10% of its profits to benefit the Amazon rain forest and its collections are hand-made by artisans in Peru. The brand’s fabrics sourced from local regions in beautiful bold patterns is sustainable fashion development at its finest.

Keep the geo trend evolving with a bright step forward in Inkkas’ products.

Inkkas

“Don’t just buy a product, buy a small piece of a better world.”

All labels aside, it is of course up to us to educate ourselves as buying customers and to get involved as is the case with all issues of civic engagement. However, isn’t it up to “them,” or companies, providing us with a product or service to provide awareness, especially since we are after all, all potentially buying customers?

I don’t like to say “us” versus “them” as though we are in a dueling match, for it is a dual obligation when it comes time to be our own judge. Companies, though, are required to label products and advertise services in accordance to signed laws and corporate activities are monitored by assigned authorities; these rules and regulations have been established so as to protect the consumer while also providing a fair playing field for all parties involved, including competing small businesses, SMEs, and corporations.

Our needs are changing and new rules and regulations must naturally evolve. We see this need to evolve in the Big Food revolution with past legislative failures in states like Oregon and most recently with Proposition 37 in California as well as opposition to the Just Label It movement. ”You are what you eat” is often practiced by medical professionals, mindful mothers, and even our own conscience coach when making personal food choices.

If we are what we eat, then shouldn’t we care about what we wear? Many of us do! As seen in the variety of outlets and in the diversity of support for conscious consumption when it comes to one’s purchases, fashion and apparel is an expression in demand. Whether one is cutting down on the industry’s intake, incorporating more mindfulness when making purchases, or choosing to buy environmentally and socially sustainable fashions from retailers and organizations with a mission and values closely related to one’s own individual beliefs, there is a need for an upgrade in rules and regulations when it comes to labeling our clothes.

Of course, as clothing consumers, we can research a retailer’s practices and uncover more about a brand. We can of course read the item’s label, but is “Made in Bangladesh” or “Manufactured in China” enough? Some prefer to buy local or only shop certified Fair Trade items. Some might not even read the label’s contents. Similar to a content person in a label-less relationship, some might not even need a label at all. What do you look for in a label? Share your shopping criteria @fashainable with the hash-tag #mindfull.

And beyond the mindset of the consumer, what about the other side? Turn the label over and you might find that big box retailers and their suppliers may voice the same argument as those in the business of Big Food: any additional labeling would be too cumbersome resulting in excessive regulation and ultimately, higher end prices for the consumer.

Refreshingly, some brands have taken it upon themselves to make note of the ingredients used, processes infused, or related #brandaid news as seen in the faces of “The People Behind the Product” by One Mango Tree. It’s inspiring initiatives like these and like this image of an imaginative label shared by Dress Up Cycle highlighting a probable product’s positive points that can help point us in the right direction. Don’t like what you see? No sweat. Send your labels back or sign a petition and get dressed.

Informative labeling of existing practices—which claim to be safe and workers conditions which claim to be humane—is less of an issue of red tape and higher costs along the supply chain and more of an issue regarding lifelong lessons taught at an early age in that one shouldn’t judge what one does not know. If we don’t know exactly what it is that we as consumers are buying, than how are we to judge?

Cereal boxes have managed to evolve over time as 3-D crossword puzzles and our shampoo bottles and conditioning counterparts are now accompanied by trivia Q&As. Surely the commerce community with business models built on principles of efficiency and effectiveness can manage to invest the necessary resources into a more exemplary labeling system without placing the burden on the paying customer.

But, who am I to judge?