EverLASTING Fashion

There is a lot of discussion about the usage of natural materials over synthetic fibers, so much so that corporations are even confused by it.  As a fashion designer that uses synthetic in production, it’s been brought to my attention that several others disagree with my choice. My fashion collections are heavily based on synthetic material. I passionately agree with the rest of the fashion industry, we do have an environmental and social responsibility as resource users.

In Sustainable fashion and textiles: Design Journeys by Kate Fletcher, the author challenges us to think beyond the material aspect and take more thought into the fibers lifecycle. Synthetic fibers are not as awful as my colleague seems to think. The false misconception is related to factors such as, renewability and biodegradability.  Granted, as Charline Ducas from Textile Exchange stated, synthetic fibers are very depended upon crude oil; however, natural fibers have a great impact on our environment too.  For example, cultivating cotton uses nearly 8000 liters of water whereas polyester uses little or zero water.  Not only is water management a problem but cotton growing requires a lot of fertilizers and harmful pesticides, which can be detrimental to the consumed water supply.  It’s already causing a lack of biodiversity and land infertility. The court ruling is still out on whether or not using natural fibers is a true sustainable practice. 

A recent study has shown that oil-based synthetic fibers like polyester are non-renewable and non-biodegradable.  In my latest designs, I have switched to using biodegradable synthetics made from poly(lactic acid), a polyester made from cotton. Making synthetic fibers add to higher levels of emissions, along with pollution in the air.  I do not agree with my colleague’s response to my preference of synthetic fibers, nor do I totally disagree with her.  There’s a lot of research that still is being performed, one must have complete information to know the most efficient method.  Both textiles can be recycled in some form.  There are many known and unknown complexities surrounding the environmental and social impacts from producing textiles. It’s an ever-continuing learning process.  

The newly-coined term called eco-efficiency means to do more with less.  Brand retailers and designers have to perform fashion activities that are beneficial to consumers as well as our environment. Charline Ducas provides me with hope because the non-profit organization, Textile Exchange, mission is to inspire and equip specific industry people to accelerate sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers, farm groups and fashion schools.  This pragmatic approach considers design techniques and technology development.  As fashion designers, we must vow to remain informative on how to integrate sustainability into our product.