There's no doubt that the fashion industry is changing. While, for some of us, it may not be changing as quickly as we'd like, there is proof that consumer behavior is shifting, the role of the designer is growing and technology is at the forefront.
Below are six experts in the sustainable fashion industry, sharing the projects they're most excited to watch in 2017.
"There's this incredible ecosystem of business resources, services and programs set up to help fashion brands incorporate more sustainable practices into what they're doing, and it wasn't that way even two years ago. Some to watch are Factory45, Startup Fashion, ProjectEntrepreneur and TrendSeeder.
I am also paying close attention to the necessary interconnectedness of sustainability in fashion, where you see companies like Evrnu partnering with Levi's and The Renewal Workshop teaming up with multiple brands to present new ways of thinking about the lifecycle of the clothes we wear."
- Lorraine Sanders, Founder of PressDope by Spirit of 608 and host of the Spirit of 608 podcast
"I'm really excited about the emergence of sustainable undergarment brands. It used to be that there were so few choices that you could feel good about. Now they're popping up everywhere and range from the fancier styles of NAJA, which has a women-focused social mission, to the fun styles of La Vie En Orange, which recycles your t-shirts into cute cotton undies."
- Nicole Giordano, Founder of Startup Fashion
"This year, I'm excited by brands that are blurring the traditional boundaries of fashion. New brands like Kirrin Finch are filling a void for (proper-fitting) menswear-inspired womenswear as established companies like Burberry make mixed gender shows a fixture of fashion week.
In addition, the concept of quality clothing that purposefully endures through sizes and seasons is resurfacing among sustainable lines: Sotela designs dresses that span several sizes while the made-to-order brand DeSmet rejects the fashion calendar to release just one piece per month over the course of the year."
- Elizabeth Stilwell, Creator of The Note Passer and Co-Founder of the Ethical Writers Coalition
"From yeast-based synthetic spider silk to hybrid fabrics that convert solar power and movement into electricity, fashion innovation will continue to soar to new heights in the new year. But I think that more low-tech pursuits such as knitting, crocheting, and sewing will also see a resurgence, particularly in these uncertain political times, when getting down to brass tacks and working with our hands will bring a more visceral level of comfort.
I'd keep my eyes peeled, in particular, for organizations such as the Craftivist Collective, which uses the art of craft as a vehicle for "gentle activism," and Knit Aid, which provides refugees with lovingly hand-knit blankets, scarves, gloves, and hats. On a personal note, I'm currently knitting my fourth Pussyhat Project hat for the upcoming Women's March on Washington. It's easy to surrender to feelings of hopelessness, but we can rally everything we have against the tide of tyranny and hatred. There is strength in numbers, and it can begin with a single stitch."
- Jasmin Malik Chua, Managing Editor of Ecouterre
"I'm excited to see Increasing alternatives to leather come to the market. Right now most faux leather 'vegan' options are plastic-based, which of course is not compostable. But with pineapple-based and even mushroom leather alternatives becoming available, I'm hoping we'll start to see more and more of them available on a larger scale!"
- Rachel Kibbe, Founder of Helpsy
"Because of where I stand in the fashion space, I'm lucky to see sustainable startups launching new projects on a regular basis. The ones that I get really excited about are pushing the boundaries of branding, storytelling and marketing to say something different about what it means to be an 'ethical' and 'sustainable' apparel brand.
Some of the companies that stand out right now are Girlfriend Collective that opted out of traditional advertising and used their budget to get their product into the hands of their customers. Peche Lingerie is pushing the boundaries of the lingerie industry by making undergarments for every "body" and defying gender norms. And then there's mompreneur brand SproutFit that is challenging traditional sizing for infants and toddlers by making garments adjust as the baby grows.
If I've learned anything over the past several years working with sustainable fashion startups it's that the companies that get people excited are the ones who tell a different story. It's those unique stories that I'll be keeping my eye on this year."
- Shannon Lohr, Founder of Factory45
Is there a sustainable fashion project / designer / business / technology you're excited to watch in 2017? Share this post using the buttons to the left and add a comment with your project of choice.
A big thanks to everyone who contributed and a happy new year to all.
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