We all love fashion. As we saw during NYFW, nothing beats the feeling of a new pair of shoes or a gorgeous gown. But a better feeling is knowing that the product came from green designers. Retailers like H&M have switched over to using organic products and we have these folks to thank. Check out some eco-friendly designers from the world of fashion who want to make a difference one garment at a time.
Nike Kondakis
Brand: KONDAKIS
The French and Danish designer has loved fashion and the environment since she was a child. After moving to Kenya to further her career, the designer’s collection involves the reuse of parachutes, and aged/dead wood. Her work has been featured at Eco-Fashion Week every year. She also has a big heart; she started the Lorika Foundation, which is designed to help educate Maasai girls and provide them with clothing that she makes herself. Check out her collection here and in this little video above.
Rok-Cork
Rok-Cork is a Canadian-based company that specializes in making purses, wallets, and laptop bags from outer barks of Evergreen Oak trees, also known as cork. The suber (cork) used in their items was harvested for over 40 years, giving it a strong durable quality like no other. Their items make perfect gifts for the tree hugger in your life. Check it out!
Trisha Rampersad
Brand: BHANA DESIGN
Another stand out in eco-fashion is up and coming designer Trisha Rampersad. The owner and creative director of BHANA DESIGN makes clean sleek looks that show that wearing green isn’t as hippy as you think. Her modern designs add personality and flair to green culture. Also a favorite at Eco-Fashion Week, Rampersad hopes that green fashion will continue to grow in the fashion industry. See her latest collection here.
Nicole Mebane
Brand: Nu Bambu
Nicole’s jewelry Nu Bambu gives life to accessories. With earthy tones and natural products, Nicole Mebane has gained a following online a la Instagram. The designer also shows love to her customers daily, and even has 24 hour special sales daily. See more here.
Madera Elena
Brand: MERLEY ME
Madrea Elena is a textile designer and artist that creates eco-friendly belts, dresses, quirky hip pouches and more. The Brooklyn native uses recycled paper and fibers to create her pieces and believes that everyone should be responsible and active in going green. In 2009, Elena came up with the concept on her wedding day for Merley Me. See her upcoming collection for the summer, now.
Lee Jinyoung
Brand: The Klem Project
Korean designer Lee Jinyoung urges others to go green with The Klem Project. The designer is helping children in Malawi, Africa by creating shoes from recycled products and showing the children how to create their own special pair of shoes. Lee’s DIY tools include recycled tires and remnant fabric. He hopes to prevent the spread of diseases children face when walking around barefoot in the country.
Korto Momolu
Brand: Korto Momolu
Her name may ring a few bells. Korto was a fan favorite on Season 5 of Project Runway and Project Runway: All Stars. Although she didn’t win the top prize, the designer pairs her luxurious line with wood-based accessories she created herself.
Robin Wilson
Brand: Robin Wilson Home
The eco-friendly designer’s work promotes the importance of health and the environment, from cotton towels to her interior design work. Wilson’s green home designs can be seen in national stores like Bed Bath & Beyond.
PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook, Instagram
