Meet the latest in fashion, with a smart twist ⤍
Proving that clothing can be Earth-friendly and still fun, seven independent designer teams took their collections to the runway in the Redress Fashion Show in August, sharing their creative and sustainable designs at the Contemporary Art Museum in downtown Raleigh.
“Independent fashion designers are essential to the sustainable fashion movement — they are leading the way!” said Beth Stewart, executive director of Redress Raleigh. “They are continuously innovating and seeking to improve their materials and production processes, and will be catalysts for change as people become more and more aware of the impact the industry has.”
Teresa and Giovanni Perna
What’s the message behind your collection?
It is not just a fashion statement, but a vehicle to put us on the road to quantifiable change to the way companies do business, and to change citizen involvement so there is a collective activism to make things better … for them, their loved ones and our planet.
What elements of your designs make them sustainable?
(We use) 100 percent USDA certified organic pima cotton, one of the strongest, long-lasting fibers, soft and supple with a natural sheen. It is third-party certified organic to ensure its growing and harvesting is environmentally friendly and sustainable. In addition, having USA grown and harvested fiber ensures we can verify the employment conditions of workers.
We use environmentally-manufactured notions and trims, and all of our fiber, spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and sewing is done in the USA. We have sought out suppliers that are Global Organic Textile Standard certified, Oeko-Tex certified, or who practice manufacturing methods that adhere to these standards. We have personally visited and can vouch for every one of our suppliers.
Our designs are intended to produce pieces that live on for a long time, so as not to add to the waste present in today’s society.
On Redress:
Their core values of authenticity, being conscious of our impact, inclusive community, are exactly what we are all about. We chose to be part of this program to interact with likeminded people, and to assist with building the eco/sustainable fashion movement.