Seven sustainable design blogs we love
Though we’re increasingly focusing our attention on trend-driven, informative sustainable design content here at Source4Style, we wanted to take the time to give a shout out to all of our sister sites that have been reporting on sustainable design news for quite some time. Believe us when we tell you that there are plenty more that we just couldn’t fit in a “Top 7″ list and will need to call out at some other point in time. We thought it wise in this list, however, to pay homage to those that we check out (admittedly) more than once a week for inspiration and the latest buzz-on-the-street. If you don’t see your favorite blog on the list, be sure to let us know so we can check it out ourselves.
7. The Bulletin at Centre for Sustainable Fashion
It’s hard not to love the progressive vision behind the London College of Fashion and everything else that is associated with their Center for Sustainable Fashion (CSF) initiative. CSF was established in 2008 in order to make sustainability within fashion education a reality. With the launch of their new website in 2010, The Bulletin was created to inform readers of all news, events, campaigns and opportunities within the world of sustainable fashion. As a portal for information on activities mainly within the UK and surrounding areas, this blog is fantastic for scoping out the latest on initiatives in Europe, especially within academic circles, which quite honestly is where some of the most exciting innovation occurs.
6. Organic Clothing Blog
Though it’s not always kept up-to-date and in need of a web designer’s wand, we like Organic Clothing for the fact that it has no pretense and that the proprietors have taken every effort to disseminate well-informed information. that For anyone interested in the science behind materials that make up all of the latest sustainable fashions, this blog takes a very practical approach to explaining fabrics, technology and agriculture. Read about the facts behind the fabrics, such as biomaterials like TENCEL®, why hemp is considered so incredible, and how viable an option organic cotton really is. Entries are far from light reading, but provide readers with well-rounded discussions on many debated issues in the world of sustainable textile manufacturing.
5. i-Sustain
In collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion in London, the 12-part i-Sustain series features sustainable fashion in a realistic, yet hopeful way. Starting in May of this year, every month the online version of i-D magazine has presented a fashion designer or company that is re-thinking the way they work and thus creating a platform for discussing the way we make and wear accessories and clothing. Accompanied by beautiful photo shoots showcasing the work of featured designers, i-D has managed to steer clear of the stereotypical look of sustainable fashion and turn it into an aesthetic, attractive and contemporary way of wearing that can prove to be much more than a trend. Featured designers are also interviewed, providing readers with an extensive look into the thoughts and practices behind the clothes and accessories they are viewing. Aiming to “change the way you think, buy, wear and discuss fashion” this series is making a statement that will hopefully cause the realms of sustainable fashion to gain the recognition it needs to weave its way into mainstream lifestyles.
4. Business of Fashion Daily
Though not focused explicitly on sustainable design, BoFD has its place in Source4Style’s daily online consumption. The site gleans the best news from all the major fashion business sites as well as creates original content, giving readers a robust cross-sectional look into the fashion industry. With the growing focus on sustainable design, news inevitably finds its way into BoFD’s daily reports, like PPR’s focus on sustainability, Brazil’s sustainable fashion kick and Rei Kawakubo’s art of reconstruction and “slow fashion.”
3. Ecouterre
Launched in September 2009 by the founder of Inhabitat, this blog aims to chase away the frayed, hemp poncho images construed by the term ‘eco-fashion’. Taking a very intelligent and informed approach to promoting sustainable fashion, Ecouterre aims to point out that fashion affects all of us, as there is no denying that nearly everyone wears clothes. Aspiring to inform, inspire and motivate consumers and designers alike, the blog features nearly everything related to eco-fashion. From men’s clothing and shoes to the latest technology for fashion design to innovations in vegan style, Ecouterre is turning the sustainability trend into serious news.
2. Fashion-Incubator
Fashion-Incubator: Lessons from the sustainable factory floor, is headed up by the very impressive Kathleen Fasanella who has been working in the apparel industry for nearly three decades on pattern making to production troubleshooting. Though not always focused explicitly on “sustainable design,” the over-production of apparel and general responsibility a designer has when producing clothes is definitely an undercurrent throughout the posts. For designers who want a well-informed and opinionated approach to any aspect of apparel production, Fashion-Incubator is a must read. Be sure to bookmark it.
1. Ecotextile News
Launched as a publication in February 2007 and as a website a year earlier, Ecotextile News has become the leading trade rag out on the market today. Published by the very hardworking and passionate, John Mowbray under MCL Global, Ecotextiles News is for anyone who wants to keep up-to-date with the latest textile innovations, sustainable design debates, or general industry news. The magazine and online site is required reading for the whole team at Source4Style and we’ve even incorporated a 15% discount on an annual subscription of Ecotextile News for Premium Level Members who might be new subscribers. ♥
