FASHION AND RECYCLING

At least 50% of the textiles we throw away are recyclable, however, the proportion of textile wastes reused or recycled annually is only around 25%.Many fashion businesses are choosing to incorporate recycled fibres, fabrics or clothes in their collections, because of the important environmental benefits:

-Reduces the need for landfill space. Textiles as synthetics (man-made fibres) will not decompose, while woollen garments do decompose and produce methane, which contributes to global warming.

-Reduces pressure on virgin resources. Results in less pollution and energy savings, as fibres do not have to be manufactured or transported from abroad.

I´ve been researching and did you know that ARMANI started incorporating eco fabrics since the 90´s???? in 1995 the developed new materials using 60% recycled wool! Their jeans were so revolutionary for the time that they were shown at the

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM OF MILAN

But there´s also a very creative part on fashion and recycling, take a look on this incredible garments i´ve found made from evey-day materials.

This stuning dress was made by Susie Macmurray from 1400 rubber gloves, it was exhibit at the "New York City Museum of Arts and Design"

Dress made by Jolis Paons, she only used phonebook paper! FANTASTIC!!

Dresses made by Designer Gary Harvey 1- from recycled military jackets 2- only newspaper!

(shown at London Fashion week 2007)

I guess the most exciting fashion aspect of recycling is, ART. It takes an special talent to make stylish clothes from recycled material. Being creative is escential.We can find garments made out of every-day-use material and they are INCREDIBLE!!!