I see the future of fashion correlating with the changing values of society and it’s people. Recent interest and support for environmental efforts, especially in young people, already foreshadows a more environmentally conscious world, and if the fashion industry and fashion enthusiasts want to be included in that world, it has to modify some of it’s current practices and attitudes.
UPCYCLING/SECOND HAND BUYING
One way of enjoying fashion in a more sustainable way, is to upcycle clothing or to mainly buy second hand or vintage clothing. Also known as thrifting, this practice has gained popularity in recent years, which has already seen a shift in peoples attitudes and their awareness of the impact of cheap fast fashion clothing. There is no reason why upcycling can’t be seen on the runway in increasing numbers. Below are examples of designers who recognise this need to change and their examples of up cycling applied on the runway:
Bria Hendrickson, 2017
Viktor and Rolf, 2017
Maison Martin Margiela FW 14
Ruizgalán Spring/Summer 2013
Runway Redux: Zero Waste Fashion, 2015
Ethical Brands
Another idea in the fashion sphere, is the growing popularity and support for ethical clothing brands. There is a rapidly growing number of these brands that specialise in products such as clothing, swimwear, activewear, underwear and footwear. Because of the current and exponential growth of these brands, it forecasts a future where ethical fashion is the only or the dominant fashion available.
Some ethical/low waste brands:
Girlfriend Collective: An ethical, Vietnam based activewear brand, that makes its garments out of recycled plastic: https://www.girlfriend.com
Naja: An eco-conscious brand specialising in underwear and activewear: https://www.naja.co
Kowtow Clothing: An ethical and sustainable NZ clothing brand: https://au.kowtowclothing.com
Leather Alternatives
One thing I know will have to change in the future, is the cruel and heavy use of animal skin in the fashion world. As people educate themselves, along with efforts to produce alternatives, the future of fashion is looking not only more sustainable, but more compassionate.
Wasted Fruit Leather Alternative: https://inhabitat.com/students-in-rotterdam-are-turning-wasted-fruit-into-a-leather-alternative/
Mushroom Leather: https://inhabitat.com/ecouterre/muskin-a-vegan-leather-made-entirely-from-mushrooms/
“Pinatex” or Pineapple Leather: https://www.dezeen.com/2016/06/09/pinatex-ananas-anam-vegan-leather-alternative-ethical-recycled-pineapple-leaves-sustainable-materials-design-camper/
Kombucha Leather Jacket: https://www.thekitchn.com/you-can-make-clothes-out-of-your-kombucha-scoby-214887
The Future of Fashion 