How many of us are opening our closets to ethical fashion?

Having recently arrived back from the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris and had the time to read through the Fashion and Responsible Consumption Survey found in the catalogue it's interesting to discover some of the statistics relating to the social aspect of ethical clothing.

The creative talents and fashionable designs of such brands still seem to fall on deaf ears. Granted, the importance of ethical fashion has risen in the last two or three years, but there still seems to be a struggle to convince the general public that ethics can be beautiful. In fact, the items of ethical clothing most commonly purchased tend to be organic t-shirts and small items, which don't necessarily fall into the category of high fashion. Clothes are a luxury and, unfortunately, become an exception to our ethical standards. Less than 50% of people believe that ethical clothing can be fashionable. This doesn't seem extensive but is never-the-less an improvement on previous years. The Ethical Fashion Show in Paris, and other such events, give ethical labels the chance to showcase the best of their collections and work to establish a place within the 'fashion' category. In response to the question; Where is ethical fashion going? With the help of shows such as Paris and with the increased use of electronic media, ethical fashion can only move forward and place its stamp on the fashion world. Ethical fashion is breaking into universities, such as the London College of Fashion, with the development of ethical studies. The key appears to lie with the next generation who have grown up with, and been educated within the rising tide of ethical awareness.

At least one thing is for certain, the social impact of ethical fashion is gaining momentum as today's suppliers and buyers realise that ethics and sustainability encompass more than the use of organic materials. Organic t-shirts are great, but we need to remain mindful of the conditions of the people who are producing the clothing, and of the environmental impact of their production.

As the presence of ethical fashion grows on the catwalk, on the high-street and on-line, the current majority of people, who haven’t yet discovered that our clothes can be beautiful, ethical and fashionable will doubtless become the minority.

High-end ethical fashion from Noir

High-street ethical fashion from Goodone

Bibico wins coveted La Redoute ‘Ethical Fashion Show Award’ in Paris

Earlier this month bibico went to Paris for the most important French ethical fashion show of the year, the Ethical Fashion Show. The event is supported by the French government, home shopping company La Redoute and LVMH. Over the course of four days, including one open to the public, fashion professionals can discuss the present and future issues of the fashion industry, showcase their collections in the showroom or attend runway shows.

Exhibitors, who visit from all over the world, have to meet strict criteria to confirm that their fashion –

“Is designed and produced in conditions that respect mankind”
“Decreases the environmental impact of the textile industry, from the design of fabric to the end of the clothes lives”
“Preserves local skills”

One of the highlights of the show is the presentation of the ‘Ethical Fashion Show Award’, judged by a panel made up of fashion and green experts who are looking to celebrate the best in ethical fashion.

Bibico as the winner of the La Redoute Award gained the opportunity to design a small collection exclusively for La Redoute. Judges said they were impressed by the originality of Nieves’ designs and the accessibility of the bibico label in terms of price.

Here’s Nieves being interviewed by Madeinethic:

Oh-So classic French chic: The Breton Stripe

You can’t go wrong with a Breton stripe, so no surprise it’s back on-trend this season. Wear with blazers, jeans or over leggings for sexy, casual style.

Breton beauties from left to right: Balmain AW09, Elle Macpherson, Oliva Palermo, Claudia Schiffer, Alexa Chung. Image from WhoWhatWear.

Bibico does Fair Trade Breton...tops, tunics and jumpers. Available online and at Topshop, Oxford Circus.

bibico sailor knit, hand-knitted by artisans in Nepal from locally sourced wool, £50

Inhabitat showcases bibico at the London Design Festival

Writer, photographer and champion of sustainable design Antonia Halse got glammed up in bibico when she explored the London Design Festival. Look here for her pick of the most dazzling designs on show this year.

Here she is sitting on one of the Argentinian pallet chairs decked out in bibico's stripped boat-necked sailor jersey tunic.

And in front of 'Wasted' an installation made from reclaimed materials that was designed for the entrance to the V&A. Designed by architect Ian Douglas-Jones and designer Ben Rousseau.

Antonia also wears the very fabulous Red Lady Dragon Peeptoe Bow Shoes. These veritable gems were made by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, in collaboration with Melissa Shoes.

Besides being 100% recyclable, Melissa shoes are made from MEFLEX, a revolutionary breathable and non-toxic plastic and are totally cruelty free and devoid of animal products. Plus, a startling 99.9% of Melissa’s factory water and waste is recycled and the Brazil-based company’s employees are paid above average wages and benefits. These are so on my Xmas wish list.

FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN

According to the Evening Standard it’s “officially the coolest new event on the London calendar”. So, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration to get your inner designer all fired up this weekend. Or feel like looking at beautiful, occasionally weird, and wonderful things. We suggest checking it out.

Visit Tent London, open from 24 - 27 September 2009, at the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL. In the digital section you can meet ethical little fellows like Wattson who will tell you how much electricity your home is using and look all svelte at the same time. Aside from Wattson, and in the very heart of Tent London. We are swooning over...

Zoe Murphy. Zoe promotes ‘loving what belongs to you’. She recycles furniture and textiles to offer us bespoke pieces that are sure to keep your heart aflutter.

Rebecca Ellen makes breathtaking embroidered wallpaper inspired by the Welsh countryside, urban architecture, road signs, pylons. And penguins. In her deft hands the norm becomes the spectacular.

Original Little Bird. Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. Textiles. And some lovely bags made from vintage fabric, lined with taffeta or silk. This one is handmade from early 20thC fabric, lined with cream silk (£35).

Would you like some art with your cupcake? Talented artist Esther Coombs retrieves teacups, saucers and the like from their lost lives and doodles all over them. They’re so good they will distract you from your supper.

Meanwhile over at 100% Design in Earls Court you will find artists and designers customising benches which have been made out of discarded palettes. We’ve checked out some of their work. And it’s lovely. The benches will be auctioned off to raise money for the Lugano slums in Argentina. Where these palettes, sadly, are often made in unsafe workshops. The proceeds will go towards making a safer work environment for the people who make them.

If you can get your hands on a palette or two and want to try your own hand at knocking together some sustainable seating the instructions are sold online for £10 at studiomama.

bibico designer Nieves displays her talent at Estethica

Earlier this year Nieves was selected to contribute to the Shared Talent project, run by the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the London College of Fashion. The aim of the project: to design a one off collection that would showcase sustainable Indian fabrics. This is a pic of some of the gorgeous designs that resulted from everyone’s work; shown on display at the Monsoon stand at Estethica.

London Fashion Week: Ethical Fashion Rules @ Estethica