Fashion + Eco Friendly = Handmade

It’s been on the handmade radar for years now, organic fabrics. I remember  when finding them was like digging for gold and just as expensive. But with more and more market demand for eco friendly, organically made fabrics they are finally easier to source, come in nicer colors and patterns and  penetrating the high fashion markets.

New York Fashion Weeks Spring 2010 Trends by Stylelist actually had organic fabrication as one of the top trends. When I first opened my shop on etsy you could find organic tote bags and t-shirts pretty easily, that was in 2007. As etsy sellers have become more fashion forward the designs have become more sophisticated too. Pretty Birdie’s Stephanie Teague really wowed me with this great trench coat.

She uses organic and vintage fabrics. In her own words, “Everything is handmade by me with great care. My goal is to produce comfortable couture that is also gentle on the environment. This is my passion! ”

Sandmaiden is a longtime etsy seller with fantastic figure friendly designs in organic cotton jersey.

What if you want to make your own clothing or accessories? There are a lot more options now for organic, sustainable fabrics. Betz White Organic Cotton Textiles has some great fabric in beautiful color palettes right now.

My favorite find though? Well, I’m embarrassed to say it is back to the organic cotton tote bag. Showpony has totes and fabrics printed on fair trade cotton with water based inks. She uses monochromatic designs that are clever and lighthearted and well, just plain cute and useful! Also her items are incredibly reasonably priced. Here is one of my favorite totes.

From high fashion  to practical you can find just about any organic, environmentally friendly look you want in handmade. With more consumer demand and high profile brands like Edun, it is finally reaching  high end designers. Organic clothing and fabrics are definitely a case of Reality to Runway!

Jamie Drumwright

When she isn't online or sewing for Destination Handmade Jamie is probably out shopping or looking for great vintage finds to add to her Etsy shop, Retrochique. Follow her on twitter or Facebook.

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