Foxy Lady Creations, has strong ethics when it comes to the environment, as an eco fashion brand, I only source cloths that are reclaimed, I particularly focus on vintage fabrics and repurpose them into something new.
Many of the vintage fabrics I use are actually synthetic, fabrics from the 60s and 70s include nylon,
polyester, acrylic, and the elastane fabrics like spandex.
Here's a bit of history..
Nylon was the first synthetic fabric to be produced, created in 1939, it was readily available and used in mass production after the war During the 2nd World war, manufacturers became good at what they did, and by the 1960s, 'ready to wear' clothing became available to the masses. Before the invention of nylon, fabrics available were either plant based eg cotton, flax, and linen, or animal based wool and silk (worm).
Some of you may already know the parachute, nylon story, but just in case you haven't here is an extract from wikipedia..
Nylon was first used commercially in a nylon-bristled toothbrush in 1938,[8][9] followed more famously in women's stockings or "nylons" which were shown at the 1939 New York World's Fair and first sold commercially in 1940.[10] During World War II, almost all nylon production was diverted to the military for use in parachutes and parachute cord. Wartime uses of nylon and other plastics greatly increased the market for the new materials.[11]
So the 60s were swinging, with mass production, affordable clothing made from synthetics, however, during the late sixties, the hippy movement questioned the human and environmental impact of the new technology. The hippies revolted against the industry and they started to customise their own clothing. And thank goodness they did, because I have always been inspired by this era in history, and the process of customising clothing.
Unfortunately, when synthetic garments are washed, the micro fibres go into the ocean therefore killing off the 'food chain', and even possibly entering our bodies from the sea food we eat.
please watch this 2 minute film about it
MIcro fibres in the ocean link
Some people suggest that the fashion industry is the biggest polluter to our planet, because of our throw away society, and people wanting to keep up with trends, vast amounts of garments are made every year, and clothing has become cheaper and cheaper.
I did find an article, however, suggesting that this isn't the case, if you are interested please read the link below
An article arguing that the fashion industry isn't the 2nd biggest polluter
https://ethicalunicorn.com/2018/02/01/fashion-is-not-the-second-highest-polluting-industry-here-are-the-real-numbers/
What can be done?
Well firstly, we can take advice from the Fashion Revolution, and buy sustainable fashion labels. Sustainable garments are made from natural fabrics, including organic (unbleached) cotton, and hemp. More recently fabrics are being made out of mushrooms, soya and bamboo, Tencel is a popular cloth for sustainable designers, and is made from wood pulp. Technology is changing the way we think of fabrics, and how we make them. Bamboo, is becoming a ore affordable fabric, and is active on the high street, maybe you have some bamboo socks, or yoga gear in your drawers?
If you already have lots of synthetic clothing in your wardrobe, here are some steps you can take to limit the damage that is being done by them to the environment.
Wash your clothes less... 5 good reasons to wash your clothes less
1) The garment will last longer
2) You use less water (saving money and reduce water shortages)
3) Your machine will last longer
4) Less micro fibres and chemicals will be entering our oceans
5) More time to do something you enjoy!
Foxy Lady washing tips
1) only put things in the wash bin if they are actually dirty
2) If something has been spilt on a clean garment, as quickly as you can soak it in some stain remover, or give it a scrub - no need to wash
3) If they are a bit smelly but not stained, freshen them up outside on a washing line, and spray with a watered down eco fabric conditioner
4) wash on a low heat most of the time
5) Use eco-friendly washing detergents
Please click on the link to see a list of sustainable fashion labels (they aren't all over priced either)
2017 article - Top 12 affordable sustainable fashion labels
| People Tree denim dress at John Lewis |
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| Komodo organic cotton dress |
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