Naturalpath

Although there are many designers who insist on exploiting animals in the name of fashion; there is a growing trend of buying Eco-friendly products. Looking at the latest fashion magazines, there are beautiful models clad in clothes made out of fur, leather, and suede. All the latest must have accessories are all made of animal materials. (Hermes Ostrich Birken bag anyone?) It seems that these items have somehow become a status symbol that screams high fashion.

What's a girl to do?

I admit it's irresistible at times to resist and I do cave in to my fashion needs. But is it possible that we could become more sensitive to the fact that many animals are killed for such materials? Are there alternatives?

Some designers such as Stella McCartney have take a step to introduce Eco-friendly wear for the elite. However, not everyone can afford Stella. So what about those who are budget conscious. Could we still be fashionable and at the same time be ecologically minded. Yes, we can. Companies are now realizing that many consumers are driven in searching for Eco-friendly products.

According to Lucky Magazine,

"It seems as if everyone and everything now a days is trying to be green and Eco-friendly. From Eco-friendly cosmetics to Eco-chic organic fabrics — to be in style you must be Eco. .... Eco-chic" is the new buzzword when it comes to fashion. Mainstream companies are rolling out organic-fabric clothes and beauty companies are doing anything they can to compensate for it.

Here are some companies that provide Eco-friendly fashion wear.

Bourgeois Boheme: their motto is fashion with compassion. They have a range of natural & organic products & quality non-leather accessories. Their shoes and bags are incredibly chic. The company is based in the U.K but they do ship internationally.

NY Artificial: another great fashion forward company that also uses natural or recycled materials. Based in New York City, they have a store in trendy Chelsea and Meat Packing District. They also have an online store where you can purchase their products. Their bags are divine. (the Leila bag pictured above)

Moo Shoes: vegan-owned business that sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories. MooShoes insists that one cannot have fashion
without compassion. Their products seem to lean more on the crunchy granola types. Perfect for running to yoga studio in. But still very fashionable and affordable. They have a store in New York City.

I think it's amazing that we as a society are becoming more socially conscious and starting to become aware that the planet does not belong solely to us. And the animal furs, leather, and skin do not also belong to us. I hope that this article shows you that there are alternatives. And that you can be fashionable and green.

resources:
Lucky Magazine
Msn.com