Make Cotton Sustainable

NEWS REPORT / ECOUTERRE

Fashion Trends in 2011

So what will Eco Fashion be like in 2011? On the one hand organic and sustainable farming and sourcing are growing trends, on the other, the consumer profile continues to lack the mainstream quality that would tip the scales. However, fashionistas, designers and fashion oracles are looking at three broad trends that will make the world of eco fashion in 2011: Creativity, sourcing and growing consumer awareness.

The five top predictions of the oracles in Ecouterre are, in no particular order:

    * The year of consumer awareness.
    * Committed eco designers having to cope with the challenge of marrying creativity with a far greater eye on production processes.
    * Customers getting picky as there is more to choose from and, therefore, manufacturers developing smarter and better products
    * More suppliers who can supply through ethical sourcing while the industry moves to source from ethical and socio-economically driven manufacturers.
    * With minimizing consumption still an overriding goal, quality and durability will become paramount

Creativity
Founder of ‘The Uniform Project’ Sheena Matheiken feels that, committed eco designers do not see being green as a self-congratulatory pat on the back. They see it as a challenge to not compromise on creativity while applying the necessary rigor into progressive production practices. This approach is good if sustainability has to be made into a norm rather than an exception. The year of recession has also made people conscious of their spending habits and this year more products in the affordable eco-fashion area will be available.

Sourcing Sustainability
Some fashion experts felt that there should be more suppliers who can supply produces through ethical sourcing. This will not only enable the designers to focus on creating better products but also offer higher quality materials and the year 2011 will be able to take the sustainable fashion movement forward.

Consumer Awareness
This year the consumers will be asking more questions to brands. Designer Amisha Ghadiyali says that 2011 will be the year of consumer awareness. Due to an increase in the press interest in the movement, people have started understanding things. Terms such as ethical, eco-sustainable fashion etc., will make more meaning to a common person on the road and hence there will be increased people involvement.

To read the full story: 28 Eco-Fashion Predictions for 2011
Photo Courtesy: http://www.joannberman.com