Bahar Shahpar applies her eco values to the entire manufacturing process. Shahpar says her designs are not for the “Birkenstock person”, but for those fond of classic lines and stylish silhouettes.
The clothes emerge with an unusually refined tailoring for the materials – organic linens, hemps, cottons and silks. In Shahpar’s collections, chic replaces “Ëœtree-hugger". Feminine turn-of-the-century staples are captured and given a playful update, such as bright florals that leave those Laura Ashley days in the dust (the above dress has entered iconic status).
Shahpar’s approach to eco-awareness in design embraces all aspects of garment creation including decreasing energy use and waste in the production line. And the eco-credentials are complete: Shahpar does not see fit to have an entirely "sustainable" garment fitted with plastic buttons, as is often the case.
Shahpar’s presence on the fashion radar reminds us that for clothes to be truly "sustainable", they must go beyond the materials used. There is a rigorous design element to sustainability in fashion; if the designs are not solid and timeless, the consumer is bound to replace them sooner. Here is a designer that reminds us to include classic pieces in our wardrobes – pieces that just happen to be created using cutting edge eco-technology and textiles strong enough to grace your closet for the next decade or two.
Some classics:
Check out the soothing plaids and ladylike wearability of the 2008 line.
Images: Bahar Shahpar