Column10 finalists compete to have their design produced in The IOU Project’s “Made in NYC” Capsule Collection.

The DIY with IOU Sustainable Design Competition recently announced their 10 finalists in the race to have their fashionable creation produced as part of The IOU Project‘s inaugural “Made in NYC” Capsule Collection. Known for their transparent approach about their supply chain, The IOU Project’s products are traceable so purchasers of their fashionable frocks can find out how their garment was produced, where it was made, and who was part of the creation process. Organized in collaboration with Source4Style, the finalists are now in pattern+sample mode, constructing their final entries, which can be either a garment or accessory. For a look at the varying aesthetics these designers harbor, a look from each finalist is showcased below.

Tara St. James

Swati Argade

Lara Miller

Emily Saunders

Minna K

Lisa Linhardt

Francisca Pineda 

Marina Davis

Carrie Parry

Aga Smiechowska

Get Your Madras On

With a variation of The IOU Project‘s statement handwoven madras fabric in hand, each innovative and mindful designer is currently in their zone, on their way to present the final pieces by the end of the month. The fashion designer behind The IOU Project, Kavita Parmar, began the story’s label with handwoven madras fabric from Chennai (which was previously known as Madras). According to Source4Style’s Summer Rayne Oakes, “Kavita met with each and every artisan that The IOU Project currently works with to understand their needs – and to share in the beauty of their craft. The iconic material has such a rich history and an incredibly powerful story; it’s meaningful to share in that with other designers.”

Entrant Jessica Hosoi’s sketches; Oakes tells EcoSalon, “I enjoyed the designers who took the time to submit sketches of products… it showed that they put in thought and effort.”

The IOU Project’s madras will be available on the Source4Style platform after the winner is announced, so any designer will have the option to join in the checked fun. The winning design will be selected on March 29th, and not only will be produced as part of The IOU Project’s “Made in NYC” Capsule Collection, but the standout designer will receive 50% of the profits and have the chance to showcase their piece at a trunk show at ABC Carpet & Home, and sell it on www.TheIOUProject.com and Fab.com.

For Oakes, this competition is all about portraying to the inner and outer sustainable design community that, “there is much joy and reward that comes in valuing the process of making a garment as well as the people along the way.”

The post 10 Finalists Are Off & Designing For The DIY With IOU Competition appeared first on EcoSalon.

The much anticipated Source 4 Style website went live earlier this fall and now founders Summer Rayne Oakes and Benita Singh are bringing the depths of their eco-fashion expertise in atelier style workshops to a city near you. The first one in NYC kicked off last Wednesday and attendees had the chance to network, enjoy Fair Trade chocolate and learn.

I was really blown away with how educational the workshop was. Oakes gave us a rundown on the evolving Eco Index, which is set to become the global standard and primary resource for rating in the apparel and eco-apparel industry.

My takeaways were many, but I’ll share just a few here that really stood out as action steps for brands moving forward in integrating ‘eco’ into their DNA.

1. Brands should dissect the components that make up their products to put them through the Eco Index and record their ratings. Oakes suggests that brands be conservative in this area starting out, especially if they have unknown details, to ensure that their next ratings show a greater improvement for their greening efforts.

2. Brands should be transparent with their consumers and post their results on their websites, thereby inviting them to accompany them on their environmental journey and build trust.

3. Brands can also open up the conversation with their consumers and crowd source to discover what designs their consumers want, feedback they might have, and what is most important to them regarding eco-initiatives.

4. Finally, brands that do have a ‘green story’ behind their garments should make it visible. Either via hang tags or online drop down tabs, the back story is what compels the consumer to support the brand and what they stand for in the production of the piece they are purchasing.

What I have shared in this post is only a glimpse of what is available through the Source 4 Style workshops. Check the Source 4 Style site and blog for more information. Workshops run about every six weeks. See you there!

The post Source4Style Workshop: Eco-Integration 1-0-1 appeared first on EcoSalon.