Besides obvious contributions like donations to organisations, fashion designers can do their part for the ecosystem through either their fabric choice; such as re-using non-biodegradable materials or using 100% organic fabrics; or, by their technological processes; such as deconstructing and re-using old materials or using eco-friendly dyes. Three such Australian eco-fashion designers that are saving the environment by choosing the right materials or production processes, are Christina Lew and Anne Ryan of Green Eyed Monster, and Rachael Cassar of none other than Rachael Cassar.
Let’s take look at what they’re all about:
Green Eyed Monster
Christina Lew recently became Anne Ryan’s business partner in Green Eyed Monster. Christina was formerly in fashion and beauty public relations, now turned stay at home mother, and Anne (the label’s initial creator) is a project manager by day but an eco-designer by night.
Anne began Green Eyed Monster at the end of 2008 and worked by herself for a year before meeting Christina. Anne had already done the “ground work in terms of having the vision, gaining the skills, writing a business plan, obtaining the start up funds, designing, producing and selling the range to retail stores and creating the Green Eyed Monster website and online store”; while Christina adds brand management and sales and marketing expertise to the team.
"The world of fashion isn't noted for its care for the environment. By supporting fair trade and purchasing sustainable fashion, you're doing your bit to save the earth while looking good in the process. I feel great making my small contribution as part of our every day business by considering the environment, our customers’ health and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry.”
Anne has researched extensively to find fabrics, printers and manufacturers who share her commitment to reducing the impact of fashion production on the environment, so this brand uses only organic fabrics (mainly cotton), eco-friendly dyes, and to top it all off donates $5 from every item sold online to the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Rachael Cassar
Rachael Cassar practiced deconstruction from a young age. She describes this process as sourcing second hand materials and using them in her designs. On her website she says, “The trick is to replace cheaply made fashion with equally appealing but sustainable items. Designers no longer have an excuse for not using alternative materials as technology is constantly changing.”
After learning about the devastating effects that the fashion industry has on our environment, she knew she could not continue with this career unless she remained true to her own way of creating and her passion for re-using. In 2006, her final year of university at UTS, she experimented and created a high-end range made from 90% recycled materials: “I got a great response all-round which confirmed to myself and to the people who thought I couldn’t pull it off that I had the ability to make a range that didn’t sacrifice anything that I myself love about fashion aesthetics for a sustainable product.”
In 2007 she achieved a significant boost to her career by winning the International Competition for emerging designers – Mittelmoda – in Italy, and since then has continued to impress around the world with her “ecouture”!
Video: Rachael Cassar - "Ruby" Launch, 2009
Rachael believes that luxury, aesthetics, design and detail “should not be sacrificed for sustainability” as “it is all about problem-solving and creating an equally appealing product.”
Well-put! There you have it, two great Australian eco-labels and eco-designers worthy of our support!
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Besides obvious contributions like donations to organisations, fashion designers can do their part for the
