“Eco-Friendly” fashion  is no longer a term only associated with laundry detergents and household cleaners. We’re in an era of conscious consuming where buyers are regularly seeking out brands in all areas that value and promote sustainability and ethical practices.  The clothing industry is no exception. With the knowledge that “fast” fashion is ranked as one of the biggest contributors to CO2 emissions, water pollution and waste from unused textiles – makers within the industry are seeking ways to change those results.

Upcycling Style Eco-Friendly Fashion

Upcycled fashion is a way designers can create more eco-friendly clothing. It involves using post-consumer waste or used textiles to create new and unique pieces. This approach to sustainability in fashion is gaining speed! Taking clothing or fabric destined for the landfill and recycling it into something new and beautiful to wear creates a circular loop of consumption. It offers shoppers an ethical option to achieve their style goals.

Upcycled Fashion vs Luxury Upcycling

Using the highest quality fabrics and designer clothing to create new pieces makes standard upcycling luxe. Luxury upcycling is having a moment in fashion 2022.  High end designers are seeing the value this approach. Not only are customers getting a beautiful item made from recycled fabric, but designers are leaving a smaller footprint on the environment. It’s a win-win. Sustainable style is here to stay.

Current Trends at Brooks LTD

Here at Brooks Ltd., creating ethical and sustainable women’s clothing has long been a goal of ours. Our approach to luxury upcycling involves utilizing high-quality deadstock fabric, vintage textiles like tablecloths, and even clothing with sentimental value to design new pieces to wear and enjoy. Our latest collection beautifully combines old and new fabrics. We’ve created dusters (the perfect topper to any outfit) and vests out of a cotton/spandex Ponte fabric and a gorgeous jacquard. Details like hand stitching on the surface and deadstock lace insets add artistic interest.

Both the duster, linen toppers and the vest are ideal for layering over outfits. The simplicity of a black tee and jeans sets off these special, sustainable pieces perfectly. But you can also glam up these environmentally-friendly styles by wearing them over a little black dress or a pleated trouser and a silky top. Style and sustainability make our pieces easy to enjoy. Next time you’re looking to add something to your wardrobe, consider one of our luxurious upcycled pieces. You and Mother Earth will both enjoy the results.

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I love that designers are now starting to come up with ways to make the old new again, such as Eileen Fisher’s Renew program, which recycles some of the older fashion design pieces by her. They take them back so that they don’t end up in a landfill, and clean or repair them before re-selling them at a discounted price. It’s a great sustainable program and I love the concept!

How Brooks LTD Clothing Designs Are Sustainable

I like to think of my designs as sustainable in a few ways. Since I have had several years of experience and longevity in the field of fashion, I frequently see long-time clients that have been following me for years who still have designs purchased from me hanging in their closets.

It may be because they have personally interacted with me and feel compelled to keep the garments longer than other items they buy, hoping they’ll wear them again or pass them down to a deserving friend or family member. Or maybe some of them still wear clothing they purchased from me, since they are unique, hand-made and often custom-designed just for them!

Examples of My Sustainable Designs

My designs show the test of time. Many of them are classic, timeless, and are still well loved despite temporary trends coming and going. Take for example this strapless gown I designed 11 years ago. It’s still current today — that’s sustainable fashion.

Photographer:  Lynda Handshaw Photography

This kimono showcased in a fashion show three years ago is still current:

Photographer: Meredith Harris Photography

Photographer: Kiersty Bell Mallory

I had a good friend/client stop by last year with three bags full of my designs that she couldn’t part with. I of course took them and cleaned, pressed, and hung them in my atelier. When clients shop even today, they notice them and ask questions. Some even try them on, wanting to purchase them. This has created a curiosity for me, and I like to think that this allows them to live on longer while playing a part in sustainable fashion.

Support Local Fashion Designers

When working with a custom dress or clothing designer, you not only get the chance to make something truly unique made just for you, but you can also help lessen your environmental footprint by working with more eco-friendly brands. At Brooks LTD, we can take vintage clothing items and repurpose them to give new meaning to previously used fabrics. Reach out to us online or call (303) 573-3801 today to get in touch!

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