Oxfam has recently opened its first fashion boutique in London, capitalising on the trend toward vintage clothing and sustainable fashion in one fail swoop. With the support of former Top Shop director Jane Shepherdson and students from the London School of Fashion, the collection spans ‘Loved for Longer’ donated fashion, Fair Trade, organic, recycled and restyled clothes and accessories.
Sustainable fashion is now very much in vogue (excuse the pun) with all the main magazines leading articles on the subject. Larger retailers are becoming more keen to bring in new product lines that offer organic, fair trade, or other eco-innovative elements. According to Drapers, the first masters degree in ethical fashion has just landed on British shores.
'Make your mark in fashion' recently challenged 14-30 year olds to form a team and create a new range, to complement and enhance an established sustainable fashion label. The three finalists will be showcasing their collections in an exclusive catwalk show during London Fashion Week in September 2008.
If you want to read up on the issue of sustainability in product development, Trendwatching looks at the influence of the green mega trend in their latest briefing 'eco-iconic', with some great brand examples. Or try PSFK or the 'make your mark in fashion' link above.
