Sustainable Fashion Design

by AJ Fanter
ajfanter@careerschoolguide.com
Career School Guide Columnist

Using materials as diverse as Japanese kakishibu fruit, pineapples, sweet potatoes and bamboo, the Ethical Fashion Show promotes the use of environmentally-friendly materials in the production of fashion design.

To participate in this show, fashion design pros must not only be trendsetters, they must be utilizing fabrics and materials that are, according to show organizers, “respectful of people and the environment.”

Fashion Design for the Socially Responsible

In order to be eligible the fashion designs shown must comply with International Labor Organization rules regarding wages, health and unionization. In addition the fashion design organizations should recycle, recover and work with local craftman and reinvest part of the profits back into community projects including education, training, housing and health.

Fashion Design that’s Environmentally Friendly

In addition to being social responsible, the fashion designs which are showcased in this show include only those that utilize raw materials such as pineapple fibers which are then treated or and dyed in an environmentally friendly manner. And, in addition to being environmentally sound and socially “conscious” the fashion designers must also work to find a balance between price, quality and creativity - elements which are not unfamiliar to those who have attended fashion design school.

Fashion Design School

While a class on the properties of pina cloth is unlikely to be on a fashion design school’s curriculum, sustainable, eco-friendly fashion design is growing in popularity and is certainly a topic which those who attend fashion design school are likely to learn about. In fact, many of today’s designers are already working with sustainable materials such as bamboo, which as anyone who has attend fashion design school can tell you, is an excellent fabric choice because it drapes so well on the body.

If you’re looking for a career that will not only allow you to be creative, but environmentally conscious as well, maybe it’s time to consider attending fashion design school.

Sources

Potatoes, Pineapples to Dress Environmentally Minded Fashionistas
Ethical Fashion Show

About the Author

AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, Nevada.