Material World The next generation of eco-fabrics is upping the fashion game

Stella McCartney has embraced eco-fabrics since it was founded and is still leading the game with alternative materials such as bio-fabricated silk and a new type of leather made from the roots of a mushroom, as spotted on the new must-have Falabella bag. Emerging designers such as Auckland-based Maggie Marilyn and Australians Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo of New York label Tome have also committed to using sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, ethically produced silks and recycled metals.

While good fabric is essential, how it’s made and sourced is equally important. In order to reduce the harmful impact on the environment, Australian brand Bassike ensures that their denim mill uses eco-technology water systems to treat and re-use the indigo dye for their fabrics. In California, Tortoise’s denim is treated and washed using a chemical-free ozone technology along with natural and biodegradable additives. Gabriela Hearst ensures that nothing goes to waste and sources leftover cashmere and merino wool for her collections.

Clothing brands aren’t the only ones getting in on the act. London-based jeweller Anabela Chan champions sustainable and lab-grown gemstones which are 100 per cent conflict free by nature. Brazilian footwear label Veja offers “vegan” trainers and some of their fabrics include Tilapia fish skin and a leather-like material made from curdled milk.

Who says fashion can’t make the world a better place?