We all know that more and more people have tried and entered the organic revolution. What was once a niche market has now turned into a more sustainable lifestyle. This movement even transcended to other areas of life, particularly eco-fashion which continued to become a booming business. But what is eco-fashion in the Philippines exactly?
What is eco-fashion?
To put it simply, eco-fashion is a fashion approach supporting the green movement. Items here are primarily made through sustainable and renewable resources by using materials or crops that can be replanted or regrown after harvesting. These businesses’ goal is to lessen the impact of their operations to the environment which is contrary to fast fashion which is more focused on providing the cheapest trendy option through its cheap make as well.
Why eco-fashion?
As mentioned above, eco-fashion puts value in its creation. They are more inclined into putting their effort into quality rather than quality. The materials they use are meant to avoid wear and tear in the long run, thus no need to worry about changing your clothes every now and then. The savings you get from here are proven to be higher compared to buying regular and cheap clothes from fast fashion brands.
On top of this, eco-fashion is also known for its safety. Research says that 20 percent of the operations of the fashion industry are skewed towards the treatment process and fabric dyeing. This is not the case for eco-fashion. This is because they mostly use non-toxic chemicals and dyes that are safer to your skin and overall well being.
Why are people interested in sustainable fashion?
Sustainability efforts in general are becoming more popular. The main trigger here was that technology enabled consumers to look into the operations of fast fashion. This open information impacted the thinking of the customers on how this approach is being too detrimental to the environment, whether it’s high waste production output, high carbon footprint, and more.
This new knowledge allowed more people, especially the younger generation, to be more conscious of their buying behavior. Being the biggest chunk of the pie of the fashion world, the younger generation wired themselves to accept the fact that they have to pay more for sustainable products.
How can fashion be more eco-friendly?
There are various that both brands and consumers can venture into for a more eco-fashion in the Philippines.
- Research: As a consumer, it’s important for us to be aware of which companies are inclined into sustainable fashion. Do not be fooled with jargon that some companies throw to ride onto the trend. Know which ones really put their words into practice.
- Manage Production Through Customization: Gone are the days that fast fashion brands produce thousands of clothes then throw a huge portion as waste when the trend has died down. One route to take to be more eco-friendly is through customization. A lot of companies have already invested in advanced technology that allows this kind of approach.
- Reuse Fashion Materials: As a designer, it is better to turn your scraps into a thing of beauty. You don’t have to invest in virgin resources anymore which will definitely increase your operation expenses.
Brands that Promote Eco-Fashion in the Philippines
Anthill
Anthill is a clothing brand which puts premium in circular and contemporary designs. What’s more, they are known for converting traditional weaves into a more contemporary look and they do this with a zero-waste process.
Toqa
Toqa had made waves due to its vibrant and avant-garde branding. What’s good about them is that they are known for their by-piece and made-to-order garments to put into work their aim to lower the fashion waste in the country.
Re Clothing
Re Clothing made a name for itself through its affordable handmade apparel. True to its name, they repurpose old garments and transform these into newer and more vintage-looking designs.
Mich Dulce
Mich Dulce is a household name in eco-fashion with famous icons, such as Paris Hiton, Lady Gaga, and Celine Dion, known for wearing its amazing headpieces. The style showcases Philippine raw materials that are crafted together to showcase Filipino traditions and heritages.
Sunki
Sunki is a fashion brand that promises to create responsible garments for women while still anchored on the promise of making eco-fashion more accessible and fun. In addition, the brand also committed to extending their commitment to their cause by setting aside a portion of their profit and donating it to environmental organizations.
