Waste produced by the fashion industry and its impact on the environment is real concern, especially as some brands are reportedly resorting to harmful practices, such as burning excess products.
Luckily, the trend to design environmentally-friendly garments is successfully taking off and is even attracting Arab designers, who are increasingly more aware of the consequences their work can leave on the ecosystem, in terms of carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste management.
Ethics + aesthetics = sustainable fashion
— FTA (@FT_Arabia) May 6, 2019
With the support of @MAISONDEMODE, #FTA will be mentoring the #winners to incorporate #sustainability into their business. ??#maisondemode #MDM #fashion #designers #green #Arab #MENA #support #talent #supporttalent #mentorship #grants pic.twitter.com/IsC5qAJMxY
Eco-conscious designers, mostly young women, have been keen to produce eco-friendly and ethical outfits, by turning to recycled and organic fabrics that are easy and fast to dissolve.
Besides designing aesthetically-appealing fashion, these designers also take every possible chance to spread awareness about responsible production and consumption of clothes.
1. Rawan Maki
Reflecting on how #fashion #sustainability changed in the past 50 years in Bahrain. Co-creating future pathways with Bahrain’s fashion designers! Will share some findings in this thread. Commonalities for GCC and some parts of the Arab world. @Fash_Rev @SEU_Bahrain @b_f_incubator pic.twitter.com/R6CAv7iNof
— Rawan Maki (@RawanMaki) December 4, 2018
Coming from Bahrain, environmental engineer Maki is quite interested in research revolving around sustainable fashion, its methods, and its applications.
Rawan has already launched six different couture collections, all made from recycled materials such as organic cotton, linen, in addition to glass and coconut buttons.
Dubai-based Lebanese bag designer created the LaLaQueen hit collection, which showcased contemporary yet timeless designs that are made of ethically-sourced leather.
4. Sadeem Alshehail
Sadeem Alshehail, @marymountu graduate and @BySadeem designer, is using ethical style to influence the fashion world #LoveMU #LearnWithPurpose https://t.co/Yx0pj3JvTU
— Marymount University (@marymountu) July 11, 2019
With a strong belief in her ability to inspire people to lead more eco-friendly lifestyles, Saudi designer Sadeem Alshehail has boycotted fabric factories that use chemical dyes and has only been using non-toxic materials in her collections.
4. Rania Refei and Yara Yassin
Co-founding their environment-friendly store Up-Fuse together, the two Egyptian designers have been committed to creating and promoting cool purses, clutches, and backpacks all made from recycled plastic, showing a strong commitment to green living practices.
