In a world full of leather, fur and animal prints it seems rather unusual that the fashion industry would take interest in doing something "good" for the public as well as the environment. However, lately it seems that the opposite is true. Now we can attribute "going green" as a new wave of trends that are going to environment- conscious folks.  According to reporter Kim Dean, designers are now using non-toxic dyes and fabrics produced without the use of pesticides. "Going green is the new black" she says.

I had the chance to go to New Mart in downtown LA and interview designer Jules Blaine Davis of "Organic California Rising," clothing line. According to Jules, L.A's market week, (which is a week just for buyers, exhibitors and retailers), has changed to a green and environmental- friendly focus in fashion.  She says “It’s a great opportunity to make people aware of the luxury and high- end line as well as do something good for the public." As reported by the Women's Wear Daily magazine, high- profile designers such as Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Narcisco Rodgriguez are all jumping on board and  signing up for Earth's pledges Future Fashion, ( which is a charity organization geared to raise awareness for eco- minded people).

However I could not help and ask myself isn’t all of this rather expensive? I mean the cost to make a garment is rather pricy, will business's benefit from all this? Is there a lot of sacrifice here to make a piece using eco-friendly fabrics? According to Women's Wear Daily (WWD) magazine, ingeo fibers (man - made fiber/material and re- usable fibers, made from plants instead of oil), cost 10-15 percent more than regular cotton. However companies such as Moral Fenar, Elisa Jimenez and Nadia Fassi explain that it is well worth it to spend that much more if it means creating something good for the environment and public. It is also not hurting their business as going green seems to be a growing and staying trend.  This is rather refreshing news and I am soon to discover that fashion designers are not just out for profit. They have the public's interest and  well – being in mind .Some of the most well known designers like Miu Miu are using scraps from the cutting-room and saving them for handbags and garments. 

 I have learned a lot from this industry as well as what is in "vogue" sometimes isn't what you think it may be. I also discovered that what may profit a business can sometimes be what you least expect. "Going green is the new black" really is a profound statement. Not only are fashion designers "smartening" up, but they for sure have the public's interest in mind, which for so long has not been a priority of this business. It's not just about wearing something extravagant off the runway, if it’s extreme and good for the environment, then its all the better. 

Source citation

Riley- Katz, Anne “Earth Friendly Fashion"- WWD (2008)

Strugatz, Rachel " Designers Push Eco- Friendly Fabrics (Nov 2009)

 Bourne, Lead “Going to Pieces” - TIME magazine Spring 2008

Reporter- Kim Dean (Raleigh, NC) - Wral.com