Does Sustainable Fashion Need A Conspiracy?

People Tree

AvantegardeGreen by Olcay Krafft Fashion

People Tree

"We cannot assume that the world will simply make a turn for the better. Just as we cannot count on the grey majority of the population to develop ethical and ecological awareness overnight.

We appeal to your bravery and your willingness to stand for the good things, to overthrow politics, and assume responsibility as a member of a global, sustainable, and rational consumer group.

To achieve this we must join forces and organize a conspiracy and spread the good in a Trojan horse of beauty."

The above quote is from THE KEY.TO's mission statement for the upcoming gathering this week during Berlin Fashion Week. I will be traveling to Berlin tomorrow to visit THE KEY as well as numerous fashion events and designer shows. As we look ahead to new and improved definitions for sustainable fashion and design during 2011, a 'conspiracy' might be just what we need, or at least some lasting goodness disguised as beauty. This is what I am searching for. Join me.

Fashionably Guilt-Free 4 Fair Trade Month

Kestrel Jenkins in Bodkin and her own organic heirloom finds

Guest post by Kestrel Jenkins of Make Fashion Fair

We hear it every day now, in the midst of the harsh economic times: “Buy this affordable garment! It’s cheap, so you don’t have to feel bad when you put it in your shopping bag! It’s inexpensive! Don’t worry, because it’s GUILT-FREE FASHION!”

People Tree's fair trade pioneering style

I guess the frustration I have with this marketing strategy for fast fashion relates to what the meaning of guilt actually is. Who defines what “guilt-free” should be, and why does guilt have to correspond with dollars and cents? What about moral or ethical guilt? Which should outweigh the other when fashion is involved?

Should the producer be considered in the guilt-free shopping formula, or is it solely the consumer’s wellbeing and financial conscience that matter?

The Andean Collection's artisans and fair trade designs

As author of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles Kate Fletcher puts it, “Fast isn’t free – someone, somewhere is paying.” And most likely, in these situations, the environment is paying its damaging fees as well. It seems that a fundamental disconnect has developed between the producers of beautiful garments, and our awareness as consumers.

October is FAIR TRADE MONTH, a time to celebrate our fabulous farmers and growers and producers, whether they are cultivating, sewing, weaving, or crafting somewhere around the world, or in our own necks of the woods.

Kestrel Jenkins in People Tree, The Andean Collection, and her own home made and recycled finds

For me, Fair Trade and ethical fashion are ways to reduce the “guilty” impact of my garment purchases. In honor of FAIR TRADE MONTH, let's remember the impact Fair Trade and Ethical Business can have on fellow friends and eclectic environments around the globe, and utilize our purchasing power as consumers to redefine “guilt-free fashion”.

Kuyichi organic denim and fair trade fashions

If you are interested in learning more about FAIR TRADE and/or ETHICAL FASHION and their meanings, check out Global Action Through Fashion's Research Guide, which also outlines a listing of ethical brands and designers available in today's market.

Want to style yourself ethically? Get inspiration from MAKE FASHION FAIR

TEICH and Ryann: Chic Travel Essentials

TEICH scallop clutch  crafted out of pewter vintage lambskin, black hemp canvas - with a plum organic cotton twill lining and vintage facile frame, plus inside zippered pocket and clip for keys / made in Brooklyn, NY

I will be gearing up soon to head off to Europe for autumn in Bulgaria and Italy - with a side trip to Estethica at London Fashion Week: Ada Zanditon and Beautiful Soul are tempting me. As part of my travel kit, I have been eyeing this luxurious, vintage-style scallop clutch by TEICH as well as the latest, greatest TEICH/Ryann accessory collaboration.

TEICH/Ryann belt with detachable wristlet - designed by NYC sustainable fashion designer Raina Blyer of Ryann & Creem. A fanny pack, belt, and wristlet all in one. Made in NYC from recycled content Ultrasuede with antique nickel hardware


TEICH has a special 40% off summer sale going on through August 12. Stock up now before the fashion week parade hits town in September. (I will be hiking up Mount Vitosha and dreaming of slow fashion ideas from my perch in Sofia). I aim to give you an insiders view of Estethica, though, after some fun in the sun with the family. Blah, blah, blah (see below).

People Tree at Estethica - image courtesy of the Guardian