Eco Fashion 101: Glossary

Eco fashion is a generic term with a myriad of connotations. It generally refers to all fashion products that have been created in such a way as to contribute to a healthier and more equal world.

Vegan products are those made without the use of leather or animal tissue products, such as “vegetal leather” bags and shoes.

Ethically produced fashion is fashion that has been produced with respect for people and environment, however, it may not necessarily mean that it is is certified Organic of Fair Trade, as the official certification process takes time.

Craft/Artisan products are employ artisan skills such as embroidery; they encourage preservation of traditional, hand-made decorations.

Custom denotes demi-couture or made to-order, which promotes limited over mass-produced fashion.

Fair trade certified is fashion that meets international standards for labour and promotes environmentalism. It focuses on exports from developing countries to developed countries.

Organic means natural fibers that have been grown without any pesticides and other toxic materials, preserving the health of humans and the environment.

Recycled pretty self-explanatory, it includes anything that has been made from already existing materials, fabrics, metals or fibres. Fibres can also be re-purposed from pre-existing fabric, re-spun and reused for new garment.

Vintage is a generic term for new or second hand garments created in the period from the 1920’s to 1975. However, it is often used more generally for second-hand clothes or up-cycled clothes (customized second-hand clothes).

TOMS – One size does not fit all

The super comfy, unisex, canvas slips-ons have been lurking the market for some time, but only became the season’s sartorial staple for summertime wear this year. Yep, TOMS are everywhere these days, from adorable toddlers, campus crowds, to hottest celebs. And the celebs are also touting the company’s “One Day Without Shoes” campaign, like it is going out of style. Pun intended.

In 2006, when TOMS kicked off its fledgling business model of providing a pair of shoes to someone in developing world for every pair sold, every fashionably conscious do-gooder rejoiced. Last year, on its website, the company proudly reported that by 2010 it had given away more than 1 million shoes. It has expanded further to include sunglasses under this same charitable model.

TOMS is not a pioneer in these matters by no means. Brands founded on a similar philanthropic business concept are making their appearances in the world of fashion on a steady basis. So, one might wonder does this sort of corporate altruism really help people in need?

And here’s the reality check.  Aid workers (some have even launched excellent blogs) on the ground in many of these developing countries, i.e. those best-equipped to weigh in, feel that this is risky business, one with a fair chance of doing more harm than good. If thought out well, it may make some marginal difference, otherwise it just might lead to a plethora of problems for the local economy. At the very least, it leads to mass dumping of goods that are either not needed or appropriate for the market, at the worst, it can erode all competition and drive local business out of work, because who can compete with a price tag of “free”?

Note to readers: This Canela Pura piece will be published in the 405 Magazine, thefourohfive.com on June 6.