Green Catwalk: Versace, Jil Sander & Narciso Rodriguez go sustainable

In no time, environmental issues have transform from a neo-hippie cause to a fashionable social and cultural issue. It is trendy and politically correct to be eco-smart, eco-friendly, eco-chick and eco-hip. Green appears to have jump to the billboard realms of sexy desire in the eyes of mainstream haute-couture designers.

A couple of years ago, our attention turned from the name and price on garments to the sweatshops manufacturing them; now concerned eco-activists are focusing the searchlights on the materials going into the apparel and the birth of eco-glamour couldn't have come in a better time. This movement is endorsed by eco-conscious celebrities like Jane Fonda, Debra Messing and Jennifer Beals.

From all the available organic yarns in vogue, bamboo is the clear winner, with its natural sheen and silk like texture, it can be worn directly next to the skin. Many people who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibers, such as wool or hemp, do not complain of this issue with bamboo. The fiber is naturally smooth and round without chemical treatment, meaning that there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin.

Cotton troubles

Cotton has been a staple fiber for centuries, but it consumes a lot of water, is plague-sensitive and largely cultivated in developing countries. According to the WWF, it comprises about 50% of the world's textile production and requires more pesticides to grow than any other crop. It takes roughly 5,000 gallons of water to grow enough yarn for a pair of jeans and a T-shirt!

Bamboo is not just for pandas

Bamboo is a grass that grows quickly, is pest-resistant, biodegradable, anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking. Contrary to what one would expect, it feels like an ultra-soft blend of cotton and silk, often compared to cashmere. Once relegated to yoga fanatics and Feng Shuei aficionados, bamboo is increasingly used on the Catwalk runway by eco-conscious designers. Check this article and this Hub to find out more.

Nature Kicks Butts

From hot shots like Versace, Jil Sander & Narciso Rodriguez to rising stars such as Linda Loudermilk, Kate O'Connor, Sara Kirsner and Anna Cohen, eco-aware designers are on the forefront of moving both fashion design and the global fashion industry toward more sustainable practices that support environment and social justice. They seek to educate consumers on the importance of this practice and the need to make environmentally responsible choices.

For the rest of us who can't afford designer clothes, there are more mundane choices. A number of retailers are offering bamboo fiber apparel which includes socks and underwear.

You can also purchase these incredible garments here as well