Eco-fashion trends update in Spring/Summer 2012

4:39 pm Contributed by JW

With the intent of creating a large impact and inspire other designers to saunter towards a cruelty-free direction, John Bartlett, winner of the Council of the Designers of America/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge introduces to the public this summer his latest eco-friendly Fall/Winter collection.

Outdoorsy, all-American appeal with sailor stripes and lumberjack plaids defines the first cruelty-free menswear collection at Fashion Week. Bartlett, the recently vegan designer insists on cruelty-free yet sustainable materials for his collections.

The uniqueness of Bartlett's elegant suits lies in where the suit is made of conventional cotton and blends of organic and not wool. But his suits are not the only pieces with this unique cruelty-free material. Bartlett's striped Henley's, sweaters, and dress-shirts are also made of organic cotton.

Determined to encourage cruelty-free designs, Bartlett even went to the lengths of mining his personal collection of Hudson's Bay point blankets—items that were normally traded in the 18^th and 19^th centuries to First Nations and Native Americans in exchange for beaver pelts and other goods—to create some of his jackets, capes and ponchos seen in the collection.

Results from this creative and eco-friendly inspiration came pieces that are sleek, supple and infused with colors derived from nature.

Another recent eco-friendly collection to parade in Fashion Week is Jeff Garner's Prophetik collection. Dyes used for his pieces are all natural and obtained from plants grown in his gardens. Floral print and houndstooth checks are the designs chosen for his men's jodhpurs and knee-length frock coats. Garner adapted the Scottish Highlands feel to his attires without the traditional tartan.

Another trend worth all the fuss for is the new "Bonobo" series of laptop and iPad bags by Bluelounge. Bonobo bags are created from post-consumer PET bottles. Woven from the same material plastic soda bottles are made of, the five piece collection includes a backpack, a tote, a messenger, and two sizes of sleeve to coddle your electronic gear in streamlined style. The creations are designed to provide barrier against moisture, extra protection along with ergonomic straps for comfort on the go. They are tough and sturdy yet soft to the touch. A perfect blend of function and finesse.

These designer items are fashionable, durable and with a special twist of being eco-friendly. So, what is not to be crazy about?