The Eco-Fashion Revolution

In 1989 when Esprit's owner Doug Tompkins directed his employees to research ways to produce clothes that would reduce environmental impacts, he was envisioning a future in which ecology played an integral part in the business world. The result, called the Ecollection, was a line of organic cotton, wool and linen, and tencel clothing. Low impact dyes reduced water and energy inputs and local co-ops handled production. The Ecollection only went international after it started working with Aid to Artisans, a nonprofit that acts as a catalyst to encourage artisan commerce, supporting self-sufficiency, jobs, and incomes while preserving cultural traditions around the world.

The Ecollection soon inspired other apparel manufacturers, such as Patagonia's Common Threads Recycling Program and Nike's Nike Considered and Reuse-A-Shoe. Mass-market companies such as Marks and Spencer have subsequently been influenced by these programs to make responsible choices at the corporate level in terms of materials and sourcing, and Levi's and The Gap are rumored to be on the road to lower-impact ecological and social practices as well.

Also energizing the eco-fashion and luxury eco-trend are emerging and recently established companies that are taking the sector beyond niche classification and thrusting it into the mainstream. Project Alabama is a fashion house of 150 artisans who recycle t-shirt fabric and hand sew it into women's apparel. American Apparel produces sweatshop free apparel out of its Los Angeles factory; its Sustainable Edition boasts 100% organic cotton for men, women and children. Ecoganik is an eco and organic boutique carrying hemp, organic cotton and recycled materials. Harricana, the creation of a Quebecois designer, recycles fur. Gaelyn & Cianfarari use recycled bicycle tires to create high-end apparel that often takes on the appearance of leather.

These companies are championing a more responsible process of design and production. Their products require less raw material, energy, and volatile chemicals, making these clothes healthier than conventional clothing both for the earth and on the body. Here's a line-up of who's doing what in eco-fashion and where to shop for clothes that are good for you.