Comments on: Self-Serving Ecoists, Mostly

By: Chris Lawrence

Chris Lawrence — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:14 +0000

The entire point of fashion is to promote continually changing styles, meaning people have to keep replacing their wardrobes. Fashion means different clothes for different seasons. Being green means buying comfortable, well-made clothing, and using them for a long time, repairing as needed, and finally reusing.

http://www.selfdestructivebastards.com/2009/10/green-fashion-ain-green.html

It we want to be green, that means destroying the very concept of fashion.

By: Amy DuFault

Amy DuFault — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:55:54 +0000

Christine, agreed.

By: Christine Vivian

Christine Vivian — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:20:13 +0000

Amy, thank you for this fabulous article. I was so offended when I read the comments by some of those designers. Had they ever really thought about defining eco-fashion? Have they struggled to find the right organic fabric, where the employees of the mill weren’t exploited? Have they struggled to decide how to make their energy consumption as efficient and sustainable as possible? Have they spent hours and hours researching which dye was most eco-friendly (or maybe least toxic is a better way to put it)? Have they stayed awake at night wondering if they are truly doing everything they can to make their line eco-friendly? NO, of course not. I think all of these designers need to spend a few days with some of us “struggling and broke” independents, and we could all teach them a few things!

By: Amy DuFault

Amy DuFault — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:40:38 +0000

Everyone is saying great things here and I agree with all.
Thanks for taking the time to read.

By: Luanne Bradley

Luanne Bradley — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:54:02 +0000

Amy, you are doing so much for the industry and I applaud you. We need pioneers. I do think the rub lies in green consumption versus no consumption or very little. Unfortunately, a huge industry has sprung up around “green” branding and it also encourages acquiring “more”. The fashion industry would be sunk if we didn’t continue accumulating seasonally, and those of us who adore fashion are more than happy to oblige. But I often remember something you wrote months back – about less is more with fashion; directing us to invest in a few good eco pieces rather than succumbing to the seduction cheap crap made in sweatshops. It has been a great mantra for me, and you are an amazing representative of the trade.

By: Carla | Green and Chic

Carla | Green and Chic — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:21:58 +0000

I agree with all definitions of eco-fashion, including the definition Amy Daniels listed in her comment.

I think part of the problem is fashion seems to be the only art form, hobby, career choice, etc that’s usual slammed as frivolous and for the elite. Go to an art gallery and no one raises an eyebrow at the cost of some of the prints. Then go to a indie boutique where the designer is sewing the garnets by hand in the back of the shop and see those same people wrinkle their noses at the cost of a jacket.

Its only OK if Chinese girls are being paid $1/day to make your shoes.

By: merle

merle — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:49:06 +0000

HI I had to reply to this, I am the owner and designer of my line of re-purposed bags, OlovesM- when the idea for my bags actually “popped” into my head in yoga class, head- hence the OM name– I was really thinking about showing my 2 boys that their mom could actually take items, that were new, but companies did not want anymore and re-make them into really cool bags–I did it;)

I love the fact that not only do I help, but I can show my own kids, we can help! I hope this is viral and others do the same.

I too agree with the others and their ideas, but as we all know everyone is different & unique and that is what makes it all so much fun to be a part of!

merle:)

By: Amy Daniels

Amy Daniels — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:05:14 +0000

EcoFashion = thrift store/garage sale/ebay/hand-me-downs/reused/repurposed clothing.