I was on holiday in Devon recently and between shimmying up trees on a harness (fear not, this is a normal family holiday pursuit) and riding round the forest on a Segway I came across a poster for an eco fashion event (look out for the low down on this in a later post) featuring a presentation by fashion 'Hacktivist' Otto von Busch. A designer, artist, activist and fashion theorist who is a PhD candidate of critical fashion design at the University of Gothenburg, Otto is one of the most inspirational people I've ever met.
While his areas of interest are the vastest I've ever come across, Otto gave his presentation on our engagement (or lack thereof) in fashion and the myth of the fashion hierachy in relation to the way of the natural world. I have never come across anyone who can link two subjects that cannot be more different and his enthusiasm and energy were catching. I can safely say I have found my role model!
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I am a lover, not a fighter... well when it comes to fashion at least! I have been involved in ethical fashion behind the scenes for a few years now and it has changed the way I not only see fashion, but the world. It's not just a label, it's a lifestyle. The term 'ethical fashion' encompasses the very nature of clothing production, from the fair treatment of the cotton farmers to the working conditions of the people who make the clothes.
Many people still believe that ethical fashion equals drab, itchy fabric and the word 'green' conjures up unattractive images of spaced out hippies kitted out in some rather unfortunate robes. "Yeah mannnn" indeed. Over the past two years especially I have seen ethical fashion really evolve, both in design and the materials designers are using. It has got to the stage where ethical is becoming the mainstream, which is fantastic news all round; the Primarni faithful are starting to see the light although there is still a very long way to go.
I am always on the lookout for exciting new ethical designers and brands and I am lucky enough to count some of the best around as my friends. Through my involvement with these designers and general interest in the subject, I have discovered some real gems on my travels. Today I want to introduce you to Tara Starlet, a 1940s and 1950s inspired vintage brand which reinvents old fabrics, buttons and trimmings to create glamorous clothes.
I love the fashion of the 1940s and 1950s, the time of Dior's New Look: it was the time of Make Do And Mend and effortlessly stylish women. Tara Starlet's creations bring the best parts of that era right into the 21st century while using ecological techniques that give their clothes a clear conscience.
See www.tarastarlet.com for more info
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