Sustainable Fashion

Eco Vegan Boots ALMASI - Black vegan apple leather boots Sylven New York

Doussou Traoré

Fashion Conscious

“As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.” – Emma Watson

Good news…the fashion industry has started to go green! Many designers are embracing organic, recycled and faux materials, as well as changing their toxic ways. Responsible fashion is all about reducing the carbon footprint that the fashion industry has created. Ethical fashion and sustainability are quickly being adopted into this generation's set of values, and they mean business. The term “fashion conscious” has taken on a whole new meaning. Conscious fashion is part of the sustainable fashion movement that aims to transform the global textile and apparel industry. So what does this mean for fashionistas who live for changing their wardrobes with the seasons? Is it possible to feed that need yet protect the planet? Yes…but it’s time we all become more aware and selective about what we are buying. We encourage you to shop, but to be mindful of your purchases and support those in the fashion industry who are trying to save the planet while keeping us well-dressed. Here are two designers we LOVE and applaud…

Sylven New York is a plant-based and vegan footwear brand designed in NYC and handcrafted in Italy. Founder Casey Dworkin was born on Earth Day, and has been dedicated to sustainable practices from a young age, often joking that sustainability is "in her blood." Named Marie Claire UK’s “Sustainable Accessory Brand of the Year,” Sylven believes in a holistic approach to reducing environmental impact without sacrificing quality, craftsmanship, or an emotional connection to design. Sylven works with nature-derived renewable materials, like vegan apple leather made from organic apple waste, linings made from wheat and corn, and insoles made from coconut husks. From recycled and plastic-free packaging, to end-life recycling programs and small batch production, Sylven New York is on a perpetual journey to minimize impact and craft a new way forward in fashion. sylvennewyork.com | @sylvennewyork Born in the US, Doussou Traoré is a fusion of world cultures. She is of Malian heritage, and splits her time between Madagascar and Italy. Her fashion design partnership bridges art, textiles and tailoring. Malian craftsmanship is at the heart of her designs, which incorporate ancient weaving and dyeing techniques. Dyes are extracted from natural sources such as mineral mud, indigo, and other color bearing plant leaves and bark. These sources are among the least environmentally impactful, while at the same time produce high quality results. The clothing is produced in a manner that respects not only the environment, but also the people all along the supply chain. The fabrics are ethically sourced, meaning that Doussou personally selects her fabrics from suppliers reputed for the value they bring to their communities and the people they employ. The collections are timeless and edgy; and the clothing is assembled with precision by a small group of dedicated tailors. Prior to receiving her Fashion Design Certificate from the Accademia del Lusso in Rome, Italy, Doussou worked for over a decade as an Agricultural Economist Consultant for technical agencies of the United Nations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme. Economics remains a passion for her; in fact Doussou’s brand is motivated by the partnerships that she has built within the scope of sustainable development. doussoutraore.com | @doussoutraorebko

Doussou Traoré

Strapless Vegan Leather Midi Dress Bloomingdales