If you are not aware of eco-fashions then it’s probably time to get up to speed on some of the terminology being used more frequently in the fashion world. Clothing like white t-shirts made from organically grown cotton are becoming more popular all the time. But the fashion world and design houses are getting involved also in this rapidly growing niche.In the UK the concept of eco clothing has been promoted by the British Fashion Council (BFC). The BFC began a program 4 years ago called estethica that has proven to be extremely popular. The purpose of the program is to provide a forum for design houses to display cutting edge materials and fashions adhering to standards designed to protect the environment and promote fair trade practices.
In pursuit of these goals, fashion designers participating in estethica create fashions that use organically grown materials or recycled materials. The designers are selected based on their past practices showing clear support for eco fashions and their designs.
Recently the BFC announced the names of 6 designers who will get the opportunity to work with well known mentors within the fashion industry. The mentors will provide advice and support to the program participants. The designs will be displayed at the next London Fashion Week. The mentors are Susanne Tide-Fratre, Yasmin Sewell, and Bev Malik.
The goal of the BFC and the mentoring program is to increase awareness of eco fashions. It is also intended to provide much needed opportunities to young designers wishing to develop eco fashions. By giving the designers a place to showcase their creations, the world will be able to see exactly how far eco fashions have progressed. So don’t be surprised if next you shop for t-shirts and sweaters, you see the words “organically grown” too!
© Image by Daniel Jaeger Vendruscolo, www.sxc.hu/