With clothing design both fashion and function come together. In recent years there has also been a focus on sustainability in the fashion industry which goes way beyond just using organic cotton fabric instead of conventional cotton or manmade fabrics. Sustainable design is the term that is used to describe the philosophy of designing objects to comply with the principles of ecological, social and economic sustainability.

Whilst in some ways fashion contradicts sustainability because the very nature of following constantly changing trends and fashions can be wasteful and also create much waste, there are some ways that fashion and sustainability can go together. Designers are implementing exciting new initiatives to help reduce the impact of clothing on the environment whilst still making it beautiful to look at and functional to wear.

The most innovative designs turn the sustainable features of a piece of clothing into the very thing that makes it desirable, fashionable or stylish. An example of this is the beautiful fabrics that are recycled into new pieces of clothing. It is the vintage nature of the fabrics that make the clothing so beautiful. Recently Christopher Raeburn has used surplus military parachute silk to make very on trend pieces of clothing. There are also various designers pioneering methods to reduce waste in the fashion industry including innovative new pattern cutting techniques which give the garment a characteristic look.

The use of sustainable fabrics is also a key part of sustainable fashion design. There are a number of different sustainable fabrics to choose from each having its own unique look, feel and properties. Bamboo is super soft, warm and comfortable and has been likened to cashmere that drapes like silk; it is perfect for leisure wear and also for draping. Designers are also constantly coming up with new materials that look great and are also good for the environment. Innovative dying techniques and use of natural coloured fabrics have also been used to create beautiful designs.

Sustainability is not just about what the clothing is made of though. It is about the overall and lifecycle of the product. How long will it last and when it reaches the end of its life can it be easily disposed of?

Biodegradable materials are key to reducing waste in the fashion industry but there are also more interesting projects happening for example where shoes can be deconstructed at the end of their useful life and some parts recycled. Any clothing, shoes or accessories can be made more sustainable by designing them to last and for maximum usage. This can include classic and versatile styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly and multitasking pieces of clothing that can be worn in a number of different ways.

Sustainable design is not just about one factor or aspect of clothing that reduces the impact of a piece of clothing on the environment. It is about designing a piece of clothing that takes into account all aspects of the garment from design to sourcing of materials to sale of the product and beyond. In order to be truly sustainable designers also need to take into account social and economic factors.   By embracing this philosophy whilst still ensuring beauty and functionality of the clothing, designers are helping to make the fashion industry more sustainable.

This article was written by Ceri Heathcote. Ceri is a fashion writer with a particular interest in ethical and eco fashion. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics from vegan shoes and natural footwear to sustainable accessories.

Po-Zu Ecological Shoes is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Have you ever wondered how many countries your pants have crossed before they end up in your shopping basket?  Or how many hands have touched them before they reach the shop? 

Becky John, social entrepreneur and founder of whomadeyourpants? asked herself those same questions and believing that everyone should be able to answer them, she set up her own business to do things differently.  We interviewed Becky to find out more.  You can read the interview in full on the Ooffoo website.  Here are some juicy snippets…

When Becky John answered the telephone ‘Hello, who made your pants?’, I knew that I was going to enjoy quizzing her about her knickers. Becky, the founder of a Southampton based workers cooperative, had agreed to a telephone interview. She promised me I would be inspired and she didn’t disappoint! Becky is a buoyant and passionate woman, and I felt every breath of her story as she told it.

Becky makes and sells ethical pants using upcycled materials, with a team of volunteers and refugee women whom she is helping through the scheme.  She dreams of a day when all knicker-wearers will be asking how many hands have touched their knickers before they reach the shop and how many countries they’ve crossed on the way to the shopping basket.

   “I’d started to realise that I didn’t have to do what I didn’t want to do. I knew I was ready to make a big change; that I didn’t have to stay within the constraints of a safe job and a safe income. Putting these feelings together with my ambition to do something socially responsible and my love of knickers was a perfect match.”

   “I love beautiful underwear – it makes you feel sexy and confident, but I didn’t want to compromise my ethics to have it… [ so I ] …decided to make and sell the kind of pants I wanted to wear.” 

   “I had begun to realise that women are just subjected across the world to crap messaging and societal norms that even in our culture don’t support women to feel as strong as they could. Having found my own strength I wanted to help other women to help themselves…Our motto is that we work with women who have never had opportunity, or have had it taken it away.”

   “I had a job earning lots of money to do nothing. Now I am poor and busy, doing something I love. I’m so happy.”

Read the full interview.

whomadeyourpants? are members of Ethical Junction.  View their profile here.

Ethletic white high cut sneakers, made with oragnic and Fairtrade cotton and with built in arch supports are currently half price here

The Fair Deal Trading Partnership Llp is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

You’ll probably know by now that organic cotton can help babies and children with eczema or sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain the finishing chemicals or pesticide residues that are found in conventional cotton. Organic cotton has a longer smoother fibre because it is grown naturally without the chemicals needed to boost production, this results in a silky smooth, ultra soft feel which can reduce irritation.
 
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to say that younsters with sensitive skin or eczema do much better wearing organic cotton clothing. Wearing organic cotton next to babies sensitive skin reduces the risk of irritation and reduces the risk of absorbing chemicals through the skin so if you treat your children to one organic cotton item then it’s wise for it to be something worn next to their skin.

Children are more susceptable to skin irritation at night due to the fluctuations in temperature so treating your child to organic pyjamas can be hugely beneficial.

Globalkids is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Holly: I’ve seen from your bio that you trained in London, but from there how did you get started in the fashion industry?
Anna: I had a very unusual and different intro into the world of fashion! I appeared on a Saturday night gameshow with Gaby Roslin called ‘Whatever you Want’ and along with two other contestants I had to design and make an outfit for Topshop. I won and the dress I designed was sold in Topshop’s all over the UK and I also had a month’s work experience in the design department which luckily led to all sorts of other design work.

Holly: What was it like designing ranges for top high street retailers such as Topshop and Faith?
Anna: It was very exciting working with Topshop and Faith. They both are amazing retailers and I really enjoyed designing the ranges for them, I had great fun!

Holly:  I’ve seen from your bio that for your latest range of leather accessories that you were inspired by your love of Elvis and glitter. Where else do you find inspiration from for your designs?
Anna: I have always had a love for old Hollywood movies and stars like Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe. I also love the glamour of the showgirls from the early 19th century Zeigfeld Follies alongside current designers such as Balmain, Luella Bartley and Scott Henshall. Mix that up with a bit of rock chick crossed with the colour scheme of the 80’s and that’s me!

Holly: What has been the highlight of your career so far? And what do you hope to achieve in the future?
Anna: One of my favourite and memorable moments was turning on the tv to see Denise Van Outen wearing one of my customised t-shirts that I sold in Topshop, that particular t-shirt sold out the day after would you believe. I would in the future I like my label to be available to more stores and on-line boutiques and of course for more celebs to be seen wearing it!

Holly: What do you have planned for your next range?
Anna: I’m currently designing a new accessories range using lace, fringing and studs. I love coming up with new ideas and working them through to the finished product.

Holly: Finally, what tips do you have for budding designers? Or anyone who hopes to get involved in the world of fashion?
Anna: The fashion industry is a tough one but I would say the best way to start off is to get some good work experience, you might not get paid but it’s an invaluable introduction into the industry. You can offer to dress at catwalk shows or maybe run errands for the designers themselves. Retailers are also willing to take on work experience in their head offices, you can but try! Otherwise if the high-end fashion isn’t quite you and like me you enjoy making things then websites such as Etsy, E-hive and Misi are ideal. For a small fee you can set up your own on-line shop to sell your creations.

Anna Londei’s range of recycled denim and sequin accessories are available to order now from www.puredesigncompany.co.uk. Interview by Holly Langford , Pure Design Digital Marketing Intern

Pure Design is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Ethical Sustainable Shoes from Simple ShoesSuede is from an eco-certified tannery.Soft and fuzzy certified organic cotton fleece lining.Natural rubber, non marking soles. Recycled PET and natural latex elastic laces with user friendly pull toggle. (PET is made of recycled plastic bottles) The foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper. Washable!! Whoohoo Boxes made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue                                                                         Simple Weetire available in sizes 0-6m, 6-12m and 12-18m Click here to view                                                                           Simple Doodle available in UK Toddler sizes 4-9 Click here to view   Just a little reminder that our Summer Sale is still on! Click here to view

Globalkids is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

whomadeyourpants has been featured in the Guardian Society pages – lovely!

The article titled ‘Scheme offers refugees work and produces ethical underwear‘ written by Frederika Whitehead is an in-depth piece depicting Frederika’s visit to the Southampton based cooperative, and covers some of the background to why founder, Becky John started the enterprise. 

Here’s a few snippets of the article:  

It’s a little after 11am and I am standing in the office of a Southampton factory unit with my trousers lowered while two women I have never met before discuss the design of my underwear.

“Two panels, two side seams, no top seam,” concludes Samir, an Afghan in her late 40s, looking her companion directly in the eye.

Becky Johns is English and a little younger: “Marks & Sparks spring season last year,” she says, nodding sagely. I am impressed. These women are connoisseurs of pants. They sit back and look thoughtfully at each other.

John – who previously sold corporate software for a living – says: “I’ve always loved underwear but I couldn’t bear to buy knickers from a sweatshop. I came up with the name Whomadeyourpants? and that was it – I had to do it.”

Visit the Guardian to get the full article.

whomadeyourpants? is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

People Tree are the award winning pioneer in Sustainable and Fair Trade fashion and sell exclusive clothing that is both beautiful and ethical.

We’re launching our Summer Sale on Friday 18 June with some amazing savings:

 Ivy Vest Top Was £12 now £8 SAVE 50%

Pom Pom Brooch – was £8 now £6 SAVE 20%

Esme Kids Polo Dress was £14 now £8 SAVE 42%

Daisy Gathered Dress was £40 now £25 SAVE 37%

Oval necklace and earrings was £12 and £35 now £10 and £25  SAVE UP TO 29%

James V neck cardigan was £38 now £28 SAVE 26%

Plus Goody Bags!   Containing £100 worth of People Tree products!  Now only £30!

People Tree is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

Using traditional Kantha stitches, these beautiful scarves are made from recycled Indian vintage saris, put together by hand and hand stitched. Soft to the touch and full of vibrant colours, these scarves will make a great addition to your winter outfits. Scarf dimensions are approx 30(w) x 190(l) cm.

Sari Bari is a business initiative that seeks the freedom and restoration of Kolkata’s red-light areas through dignity-giving employment opportunities for women affected by the sex trade. Every scarf’s tag includes the name of the woman who made it. Every purchase participates in her freedom.

To see the range, visit  http://www.freesetbags.co.uk/cat_products.aspx?catid=7834

 The name ‘Sari Bari’ comes from two symbols. A sari is the traditional clothing worn by women in India. Saris represent the essence of womanhood. The word ‘bari’ in Bengali means ‘house’ or ‘home’. Our hope is for Sari Bari to be a safe home where women who have been exploited in the sex trade can have their dignity restored and experience new life in the making. 

Freeset is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more

After many months of hard work, whomadeyourpants? the hottest new worker co-op in town, is about to launch – and we’d love it if you and your friends came and celebrated with us. Supporters, suppliers, distributors and friends are all invited. Come to our premises, or join us later for a drink – or both! There will be a chance to meet the women, the volunteers and staff, and see samples at both events.

From 5 – 7

Evening drinks reception in Committee Rooms 3 and 4 at the Civic Centre. Hear speakers, met the team, see samples.. you can even place orders. There will be delicious food and drinks available.

Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, colleagues and groups you are involved in. RSVP to admin@whomadeyourpants.co.uk (cc’d) and tell us which event you’d like to come to and we will get back to you with directions and car parking information. We would really love to see everyone who has been involved so far – and those who have yet to be – there.

With best wishes,

Becky John, Founder and Managing Director

whomadeyourpants? is an active member of Ethical Junction, learn more