Sustainable fashion has grown significantly as an industry. It has progressed over the years from reusable bags and organic cotton T-shirts to a more sophisticated variety of fashion labels and global brands that now endorse sustainable and ethical practices in their production and supply chains. Indeed, business as usual is slowly changing. Now, greater awareness is being placed on the impacts of fast fashion for both people and the environment.
Words: Mariam Sheikh
Photo: www.fashionmegreen.com
Greta Eagan, a New-York based eco-stylist and sustainable living consultant, has produced a tangible guide to navigate this exciting area of fashion in her book Wear No Evil (2014). The book manifests as a practical aid for fashion lovers, who aspire to make their style choices in a more conscious and informed manner. Inspired by the concept of style with integrity, Simone Dacosta summarises the objective of the text while shedding light on its strong ethical fabric: 'Let integrity fashion your character in all walks of life. As it will shape the person you will become'.
Hence, as well as being an educational read, the book lays out guidelines for dressing both sustainably and stylishly. At the same time, it offers a valuable insight into alternative materials and brands, while still highlighting many sustainable labels catering for the conscious millennial consumer market. The guide is equipped to show you how to dress for a variety of occasions, ranging from interviews and professional attire to more glamorous social events. Eagan curates tips on transitioning into a green wardrobe and offers recommendations on which brands to shop for. All her tips are based on what you're looking for — from T-shirts and handbags to even beauty products — so that anyone can easily adopt an ethical and more sustainable lifestyle.
"Greta Eagan has ignited the beginning of a movement towards more conscious and honest fashion where what you wear surpasses aesthetic, and is elevated to an action that enforces good commercial practices and ethics."
Book Review: Wear No Evil by Greta Eagan #Savant
Photo via Prblonde.com
Eagan also recommends three ways for consumers to become more conscious, when it comes to clothing: "1. Buy secondhand when you can. Purchasing something that already exists is the most sustainable thing you can do. 2. Support organic; by supporting organic products (and therefore production), we protect our soil, our water, and the people in the fields who harvest. 3. Look for recycled material use. You can find all kinds of clothing incorporating recycled polyester just by checking the tag. Some very cool and interesting designs are born in this space, as the materials to work with are limited and instruct the end product in a way that traditional design doesn't."
The creation of this book is also a wider reflection of the growing movement towards consumer empowerment and commercial transparency within the fashion industry. These changes pave the way for companies and brands to implement sustainability into their businesses, while encouraging more mindful consumption.
In my view, Greta Eagan has ignited the beginning of a movement towards more conscious and honest fashion where what you wear surpasses aesthetic, and is elevated to an action that enforces good commercial practices and ethics. Overall, the book is very engaging and written in a very compelling and easy-to-understand way. At the same time, it offers a plethora of practical tips for shopping and dressing sustainably. Yet it manages to strike a great balance between informing readers of the wider issues and offering them feasible lifestyle options. Go read now!