Sustainable Style

Nicole Stewart

It was a generation of hippies wearing tie dyed t-shirts and participating in peace protests against the Vietnam War. This 1960s movement encouraged young people to make love not war. The unsettling events of 9/11, America’s war against terrorism, and noticeable effects of global warming have created heightened awareness over the fragile state of the world.

With all of the chaos, what role does the frivolous fashion industry play in making the world a better place? Fashion has encouraged a disposable society that dumps last season’s must-haves into landfills. So we have a choice: ignore the problem or do something about it.

Sarah Murray of The Honey Mustard Fashion and Media Services believes it is important for people to support sustainable style especially in the wake of climate change. “People love to shop and we don’t want to change that, but we do want people to shop smart. So thinking about where that cute dress was made and designed and asking what that new top is made of could make a big difference.”

Sarah says that sustainable style has become a lifestyle decision in Vancouver, “whereas for Toronto it seems to be more of a trend.” In Vancouver, organizations like Fashion High, who are online at fashionhigh.com, have begun promoting shopping locally for apparel and educating members and consumers about the importance of sustainable materials.

“We all want to try to make a difference,” Sarah says. “Plus once you’ve worn a sustainable material you realize how durable and incredibly soft they are, making them a delight to wear.”

Canadian designers are taking eco chic to a new level. Watch out for designers like Adhesif Clothing, Twice Shy, Sans Soucie, Twigg & Hottie, Narcissicist, Preloved, Peel, Chloe Angus, Nanna, Hyphen, Movement JUMA, BodyBag, and Valerie Dumaine who are doing their part to participate in the sustainable style movement. Paper-Doll.com has many of these eco-organic lines available for sale on its site.