You probably know that designers and eco-brands are creating stunning clothes using organic textiles. Some of the high street chains (M&S, Monsoon, TopShop) are producing capsule collections made from organically produced fabrics too. Yet there is another growing breed of design houses that are producing fabulous clothes from garments you throw away. Check out this video from Prelovedfashion.com that shows how it’s done, along with all the fights and frustrations inherent to a fashion house.

The fundamental philosophy is to create stylish sustainable clothes from reclaimed fashion ‘waste’. The process is simple: deconstruct old garments and use the fabrics again. This is sustainability at its best. Although not strictly organic, these clothes embody the ethos of the green movement.

What many people don’t realise is that every time you buy a second-hand skirt or sweater from a charity shop, you are benefiting the environment as well as the charity. Ebay is another great source of eco-chic when you buy preloved clothes.

Every single garment produced by Prelovedfashion.com is different. The consumer has a completely unique piece of clothing. For many fashion lovers this is important – no mass produced pieces that are reproduced hundreds of times over.

I wanted to show this video because is provides food for thought. You can look good, and feel good, by thinking outside the box. We don’t actually need to buy brand new clothes when we need a new outfit. The production processes required to manufacture the majority of high street fashion takes a tremendous toll on the earth’s resources, not least because the resulting pollution from pesticides, bleaches and dyes is immense.

Whatever clothes you buy, choose with care. Organically produced clothes are great, but do cost a little more. Preloved and vintage items are just as good, but are generally easier on the pocket.

Filed under: Organic Lifestyle

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