It’s a well-known fact that the fashion industry has a damaging impact on the planet. However, in North America, there are inspiring fashion icons and role models who are doing their part to promote sustainability in this sector. From fashion designers to celebrities, these people are leading sustainable fashion revolutions and making waves in the fashion industry. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the individuals who are shaking things up within North America’s sustainable fashion industry.
1. The Rise of North America’s Sustainable Fashion Icons
The past decade has seen a seismic shift in North America’s approach to fashion, with an increasing number of brands placing sustainability at the heart of their model. Companies like Levi’s, Gap and Patagonia have become household names, synonymous with making lasting, responsible products with excellent craftsmanship. It’s no wonder, then, that these same brands are now considered to be some of the biggest sustainable fashion icons.
When it comes to fashion, one of the key tenets of sustainability is creating garments and accessories to last. That’s something that Levi’s have done for years, innovating their blue-jean designs to create robust, resilient pieces that can be worn and enjoyed now and in the future. Their commitment to ensuring that their products are made with respect for the environment has made them a leader for sustainable fashion in North America.
Gap is also a carrier of the sustainable fashion flag. In recent years, they have shifted their focus to create a range of garments with premium materials, crafted for wearability, artisanal eye for detail and lifetime longevity. Coupled with their commitment to creating jobs in ethical, safe workplaces and to providing a living wage to all workers, the brand is a major player in the sustainable fashion movement.
Finally, Patagonia have been at the forefront of sustainability for decades. Universities and cities now regularly look to the brand for inspiration and guidance on how to maintain sustainable practices. They use recycled materials in their production, prioritise ethically-sourced resources, and donate one percent of their sales to aid environmental causes. As a result, Patagonia have become an trailblazer in sustainable fashion.
These North American fashion icons are paving the way when it comes to conscious consumerism. Through making ethical, sustainable choices, they’ve shown that fashion can be much more than an aesthetic statement – it can be a statement of values that shapes the future of the industry in a positive way.
2. Exploring Our Leading Eco-Fashion Models
Eco-fashion is on the rise and the fashion industry is lucky to have some of the greatest eco-friendly models to showcase sustainable clothing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading fashion models in the eco-space.
Joan Smalls
Joan Smalls is a native of Puerto Rico and one of the top Hispanic eco-fashion models in the world. From helping kick off the Diesel x Jogg Jeans campaign to gracing the cover of Ocean Drive magazine in an eco-friendly dress, Smalls has never shied away from promoting sustainable clothing.
Marloes Horst
Marloes Horst is a Dutch native and definitely one of the leading eco-fashion models in today’s market. She has been featured in numerous campaigns helping to promote eco-friendly clothing with top companies such as Calvin Klein and H&M. Additionally, her 2019 collaboration with LAB SERIES has been hailed by fashionistas everywhere.
Adwoa Aboah
In recent years, Adwoa Aboah has skyrocketed to fame. She has been photographed wearing sustainable fashion from the biggest fashion houses such as Chanel, Gucci, and Topshop. Furthermore, her eco webpage, Gurls Talk, helps young women all over the world stay informed about the latest eco-fashion trends.
Prisca Courtin-Clarins
The youngest of the Clarins cosmetics empire founders, Prisca Courtin-Clarins is also one of the world’s top eco-models. She has modeled for several eco-friendly clothing lines and never lacks in encouraging young people to get involved with sustainable fashion. Her efforts were even rewarded by the authoritative Marie-Claire magazine, which awarded her with the Global Eco Impact award.
Kristen McMenamy
Arguably, Kristen McMenamy is the very definition of ‘eco-fashion’. She is a true pioneer of the eco-friendly fashion industry and a living example of how sustainable clothing can also be fashionable. She has modeled for every big fashion designer out there, such as Lacoste, Moschino, and even Dolce & Gabbana.
These are just a few of the extraordinary eco-models that have helped shape the eco-friendly fashion industry. Their noteworthy contributions should inspire future eco-models to push the boundaries of how sustainable fashion can look.
3. Change-Makers of the Sustainable Fashion Movement
Sustainable fashion is an ever-evolving movement of individuals and organizations who are dedicated to creating a brighter future through clothing. From creating responsible manufacturing practices to promoting shopping habits that prioritize natural materials—these change-makers are living and breathing the importance of sustainable fashion. Let’s take a look at those who are at the forefront of pushing this cause.
Saint Grace: This socially driven fashion label is built on its commitment to delivering clothing made with natural, chemical-free materials while fostering job opportunities for women. By painting their clothing with plant-based dyes, Saint Grace ensures its materials are free from toxic elements. The company also ensures their products are fairly sold to handicraft communities and cooperatives around the globe.
Eileen Fisher: This iconic American fashion brand has always been a champion of sustainability. From the launch of their ingredient transparency program to their commitment to ethical supply chains, Eileen Fisher was early to the sustainability game. The company ensures that all their products meet RCS sustainability standards, use organic materials, and are created in harmony with their environmental and social responsibility standards.
Orsola de Castro: The award-winning activist and author is lauded for her expertise and years of crusading for the development of responsible manufacturing practices in the fashion industry. De Castro founded Fashion Revolution, a global movement that’s compelled the fashion industry to commit to greater transparency, environmental sustainability, and ethical labour. Furthermore, De Castro has been a champion of the circular economy, highlighting the importance of reusing and recycling materials.
Hanifa: Founded by Anifa Mvuemba in 2018, this digital-first fashion brand doesn’t just create stylish clothes, but artisanship. Hanifa collaborates with local designers in Angola as well as bombé makers in India to craft pieces featuring exquisite embroidery, beading, and weaving. The apparel is all created in limited quantities and sustainably sourced fabrics, contributing to protecting the environment and creating meaningful job opportunities.
Patagonia: This well-known outdoor apparel company is well- known for its commitment to environmentalism. Its sustainability practices include utilizing recycled materials in their clothing, using natural dyes and sustainable fabrics, and introducing a product repair shop program to extend the second life of their garments. Each piece of Patagonia fashion is made with a conscious effort to reduce the company’s environmental impact.
4. Experiencing the Impact of North American Eco-Fashion
The trend of eco-friendly fashion is one that has been embraced by designers and fashion-lovers alike. It’s a style that is changing the way we think about the fashion industry and how we can do our part in helping the environment. The impact of North American eco-fashion is now being seen in the form of conscious consumerism, innovative practices, and a renewed focus on sustainability.
Conscious Consumerism
Consumers are now more inclined to invest in pieces that are not only fashionable, but eco-friendly and ethically made as well. This has led to more thoughtful purchases and an increased demand for items that are better for the planet. Through buying eco-fashion, shoppers are able to show their commitment to sustainability.
Innovative Practices
Companies are embracing creativity and innovativeness in order to create pieces that are more conscious of the environment. Practices such as upcycling, zero-waste design, and using eco-friendly materials are being deployed to make fashion more sustainable. By doing so, companies are able to have a positive impact on the environment.
Sustainable Focus
North American eco-fashion has helped to bring a more sustainable focus to the fashion industry. By leading the charge, eco-fashion designers are helping to shift the conversation and bring an increase in awareness of the importance of sustainable fashion.
For those looking to make a statement and contribute to a better world, eco-fashion is the way to go. By consciously buying fashion that is eco-friendly, stylish, and sustainable, shoppers can help to reduce their carbon footprint and make a positive impact. So why not try out North American eco-fashion today?
Sustainable fashion is not only about making eco-friendly decisions, but it also plays an important role in creating positive change in our communities. North American sustainable fashion icons and role models have provided us with inspiring examples of how we can feel both fashionable and socially conscious at the same time. Let’s take their lead by making mindful fashion choices that respect the planet and those around us.
