Weddings have always been big business, with many couples spending months and in some cases years, planning the details of their perfect day. With eco consciousness on the rise worldwide, weddings have also been getting greener.
These days, there are a raft of ideas supporting eco friendly wedding events, from paperless invites to organic food menus and eco friendly gifts for guests. In any wedding, however, the biggest and arguably most exciting decision, is selecting the all-important wedding gown. Most of us have heard of eco friendly fashion, but the concept of the eco friendly wedding gown is just starting to gain momentum. So, just who are the world’s best and brightest eco wedding designers?
1. Nicole Lenzen
Nicole Lenzen may best be known in Brooklyn, but these designs are gaining widespread attention. Designing custom wedding couture for blushing brides to be, the label works with clients on the design and style elements of their dream dress, while favoring sustainable, Fair Trade and vintage fabrics to make it come to life.
In particular, the label loves working with vintage materials, sometimes from the wedding dress of the bride’s mother or grandmother, and using them to create a modern, contemporary design. Nicole Lenzen herself brings a wealth of experience to the design process, having previously worked for Charlotte Ronson and Calvin Klein. The website is filled to the brim with photos of beautiful brides in custom designs that hold eco and ethical values at their core.
2. Tara Lynn
Designer Tara Lynn takes eco consciousness to a whole new level by running her fashion studio completely on solar power. Having been dubbed the ‘poster child for sustainable business’ in Vermont, she is a relative veteran of the trade, having made hemp wedding dresses since 1999. Tara is well known for experimenting with fabrics and styles, with all of her designs being one of a kind.
Her gorgeous wedding gowns are as unique as they are quirky, with each gown carrying a name such as Persephone and Farfalla. With Tara being as socially conscious as she is eco friendly, 5 percent of all profits from Tara Lynn Bridal go to Umbrella and the The Vermont Network for Servicing Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence.
3. House of Tammam
The House of Tammam made history by being the first label to launch an ethical, ready to wear bridal collection in the UK. Founded by Lucy Tammam, a graduate of the famous Central Saint Martins College, the range is made from organic and Fair Trade cotton and often recycles vintage lace and other fabrics. Lucy has long been a pioneer of animal and human rights and on embarking on her label, even traveled to India to source the most ethically produced and sustainable materials. Although the label has been doing wonderful work for a number of years, it really came to prominence when eco fashion campaigner Livia Firth, wore a House of Tammam gown to the Golden Globes.
Images: House of Tammam, Nicole Lenzen, Tara Lynn Bridal