Fantastic fabrics that are no longer science fiction
The second Future Fabrics Expo organized by The Sustainable Angle was hosted on November 7-9 at the London College of Fashion. It is one of the biggest shows of solely sustainable textiles, and provided a physical showcase of roughly 650 fashion fabrics with a reduced environmental impact which looked at biodiversity, water, waste and energy impacts and benefits, as well as interactive information and videos.
The expo was intended to inform and inspire fashion designers and buyers about the variety, availability and viability of sustainable fabrics, and is actively changing the outdated image of sustainable fabrics. The environmental criteria highlighted different aspects of sustainability that often get forgotten across a wide range of fibres.
Fabrics on show ranged from recycled and regenerated performance fibres such as Newlife® recycled polyester (represented by C.L.A.S.S.) and recycled nylon from Hyosung, to organic, cellulosic and local fibres such as Crabyon®, Lenzing Tencel®, 100% European traceable linen from CLUB Masters of Linen, fully certified organic pima cotton from Swiss Organics, and luxury Peruvian alpaca. Processes including laser finishing for denim, innovative dyeing techniques and natural performance attributes were also explored.
The expo was visited by more than 500 fashion industry professionals and fashion students. Companies in attendance ranged from independent sustainable designers to large scale and luxury companies including H&M, ASOS, Puma, Avery Dennison, Ted Baker, Marks & Spencer, Ada Zanditon, Christopher Raeburn, People Tree, and Zalando. From small to large brands, the fabrics on display illustrated that CSR targets can be met with beautiful and affordable textiles.
The Sustainable Angle’s London studio houses both exhibited and new sustainable fashion fabrics which are available to view throughout the year by appointment.
Each time I visit the show, I am impressed with the number of alternative fabrics that are available. Let’s hope that high street retailers wake up to these sustainable options sooner rather than later.
All photography: Copyright futurefabricsexpo.org Photography mykabaum.com
Women
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