We love Bodkin! Architecturally modern, yet wearable, the company uses some of the most innovative sustainable fabrics in the world, including post-consumer recycled polyester.

And it’s no contest! Our favourite piece is the Caos Salt and Pepper Braided Sweater ($320), made from thick organic cotton. The unfinished hems on the oversized sweater are braided in layers and paired with the Else panel pants and Marais sneakers, available on Bona Drag Boutique (www.bonadrag.com).

Kdon; photo credit: Kris Krug (staticphotography.com)

Over the years eco fashion has carried the brunt of untrue stigmatisms, unfair associations, and ridden the wave of misconception that sustainability automatically means sacrificing style.

And while everyone has different opinions on the idea of using organic fabric or recycled textiles, one thing we can all agree on is that every day people are polluting our landfills. Each year, we produce about 16 kilograms of waste per person. That’s more than 35,000 tonnes of rubbish in Metro Vancouver alone – an issue that clearly affects all of us.

Taking the catwalk at Eco Fashion Week Vancouver on September 28, 2010 were a trio of Canadian designers, Nixxi, Lav & Kush, and Kdon. This was day one.

Nixxi

Salt Spring Island designer Jada-lee Watson delivered a fresh look with dresses, airy linens, and ultra mod illustrations of Helmet Girl.

Lav & Kush

Lav & Kush`s spring collection, designed by Angela Saxena, epitomizes the ultimate flirty femme with sweet dresses paired with chunky accessories.

Kdon

Beautiful, creative freedom exudes from Kdon, a collection made from reconstructed materials, by warrior woman, Kim Cathers. Walking to the sounds of tribal drums, the models floated in a sea of layers, textures, and draped fabrics that was oh-so-lovely and artistic.

Credit: Nicole Staffoard

Freedom Clothing is a Toronto based collective (939 Bloor Street West) that strives to offer its consumers sustainable, fashionable and reasonably priced clothing. The designs incorporate recycled fabrics with new materials to produce garments that are not only eco-friendly, but feature bold, eccentric designs that make a powerfully sustainable fashion statement.

GLOSS: What labels do you carry?

Freedom: Fairyesque, Embody by Tara White, Tadaa, Poisson, Lillikoko, and Soy.

GLOSS: How long have you been involved in the fashion industry?

Freedom: We started the store three years ago.

GLOSS: How would you describe your most recent collections?

Freedom: Our most recent collection was filled with cute basics, including shorts, vest, and bubble dress. Yet, to give a new twist to old ideas we utilized recycled fabrics as well as soy and bamboo into our line.

GLOSS: What are your views on sustainable style?

Freedom: Freedom clothing loves sustainable style, it’s fashion without any guilt.  As humans we have to be aware of our ecological footprints and as designers we have to find ways to do what we love, such as make clothes and not harm the earth.  At Freedom we use recycled fabrics and rework vintage, which provides us with plenty of options and allows for us to be creative.

GLOSS: What makes your designs distinctively yours?

Freedom: At freedom we sell clothing with a conscience.  All the clothing we feature in the store is made with love by local artisans who are aware of global issues specifically related to the fashion industry, such as sweat shops and sustainability.  We try to offer a place for smart, intellectual people can shop and get amazing clothing that they love and feel good that their money was not put towards harmful practices.

Myspace http://www.myspace.com/freedom_clothing

Website: freedomclothingcollective.com

Credit: Nicole Staffoard