Eco-fashion is one of the biggest trends of the decade with designers the world over taking account of the upshot of the GFC by offering more stylish and affordable fashion.
Green is now the new black… and we aren’t just talking about colour…
Jenny Hwa, owner and CEO of the eco-friendly company, Loyale Clothing says, “With every year that passes, it becomes easier to incorporate eco-friendly values into our shopping habits,” she says.
“If you want to support companies with green philosophies, you have to do your homework. Eco-friendly products are available, but consumers have to do some research to find them.”
If you want to support companies with green philosophies, you have to do your homework. Eco-friendly products are available, but consumers have to do some research to find them
The good news is that earth-friendly clothing no longer comes looking like a potato sack (or feeling like one). Hwa’s designs, for example, have been featured in magazines such as Vogue and InStyle, and worn by celebrities such as Blake Lively, Rachel McAdams and Jessica Alba.
Choosing ‘green’ fashion means making an effort to make environmental, ethical and socially-responsible fashion purchases.
Tips for ‘eco-friendly’ eyewear:
- Support local independent designers who don’t mass-produce their eyewear as you’re investing directly in your city/state/ country
- Support designers who support earth-friendly causes
- Consider the material used: e.g. if available, opt for recycled plastic, aluminium or metal. Sustainable wood or a highly renewable material such as bamboo
- Support companies and causes who promote frame recycling
- Choose eyewear from companies that use environmentally-conscious practices, e.g.:
- Jhane Barnes Redux collection for men uses 30 per cent recycled acetate for the temples and some styles use an inlay of recycled wood pulp
- Airwear by Essilor which uses 100 per cent recycled water and packaging, and re-purposes unused materials for other industries
- Oakley’s new Eco Friendly Eyewear, inspired by Brazilian skateboarder Bob Bunquist, is made from excess materials leftover from the manufacture of other eyewear.
We expect that with the whole fashion world beginning to think ‘green’, it won’t be long before we see more eco-friendly eyewear on the shelfs.
