As a fashionista I enjoy seeing new designs, collections and outfits. However, I didn’t realize the impact they can have on the environment. Last week I interviewed Eco Fashion Week (EFW) Founder & CEO Myriam Laroche. I learned it takes 1,800 gallons (6,814 liters) of water to grow enough cotton to make one pair of jeans. That’s approximately enough water to fill an above ground 6’ x 6’ x 6’ pool. Keep that in mind the next time you see a table covered with dozens of neatly folded jeans. Now, imagine those same must-have jeans buried in a landfill. Why? A typical North American throws away 81 pounds (36 kilograms) of clothes each year. All things considered, I speculate a pile of 81 pounds of clothes would be half the size of a kitchen stove.
Myriam and eco-friendly designers are leading the way to raise awareness and shift people’s mindset. Last week’s post featured reused fabric and smartly styled second hand clothes. This week’s post features four of 22 EFW designers. They showed it’s possible to have exquisite outfits made from recycled and sustainable fabrics. 
So what can you do? While it’s not necessary to make your own clothes, you could integrate a vintage or luxury consignment store into your next shopping spree… 

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01 Sanskar by Sonam Dubal, Uses, “Recycled vintage silk saris… and hand designed block-print remnants are recombined in vibrant silk patchwork stripes for zero waste.”

02 Prophetik by Jeff Garner, Uses, “All-natural plant and earth-based dyes (including indigo, madder root, iron etc.) and sustainable fabrics (including hemp silk, wool etc.)”

03 Laudae, “When possible, we go local and seek sustainable laces and recycled polyester.”

03 Dahlia Drive (and Haida Artist Reg Davidson), “Creates clothing from discarded white curtain sheers and slips…”

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