The fashion industry is the world’s second largest contributor to pollution. Brands have started to realise the omportance of speaking to sustainability and the ethics of production and manufacturing. While climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg may be the Time's Person of the Year, fast fashion retailers expects their revenues to grow over 40% in 2020. Consumers are more skeptical than ever, and are weary of greenwash and female empowerment messages, created in spaces where these values don't necessarily exist.
The topic of sustainability in fashion is full of contradictions. Fashion, by definition, is ever changing, whereas to be truly sustainable, you would not buy anything new at all. So the team at #clutchbagsdotcom wanted to start looking into trends in sustainable making that we hope to see our #girlboss female designers leading the forefront on.
These are the main trends driving sustainable material choices, eco and organic materials:
C O R K
Cork seems to currently be one of the better options for sustainable bags. It’s a natural and renewable material (although cork materials typically come with a synthetic backing) and it can be flexible and durable similar to leather.
L E A T H E R
Leather isn’t something you think of as sustainable, for ethical reasons, however I understand that other people like it for the look and durability. So here are a few brands producing leather bags in a more sustainable way (and using safer tanning methods – as chrome tanner can be incredibly toxic]
T E X T I L E S
Sourcing natural, artisan handwoven textiles such as nettle fabric, organic denim, and organic Ikat.
S Y N T H E T I C S
Vegan synthetic bags can use a variety of eco-friendly materials such as recycled and deadstock materials, Pinatex, Raffia, Organic cotton and more.
Are you a female #girlboss designer who makes in the USA, or do you know someone who is? Start your journey selling marketable accessories in the USA in a curated platform for women! #joinus on #clutchbagsdotcom