Supporting ethical design with the launch of ESTETHICA 

Supporting ethical design with the launch of ESTETHICA

 

September 2006 will see the launch of ESTETHICA; a new space within the Designers’ Exhibition at London Fashion Week entirely dedicated to the best in eco-sustainable contemporary high fashion.

Located within the 2,000 square meters of exhibition space at the Natural History Museum, London SW3, ESTETHICA has a significant 80-100m2 devoted to selected RTW and Accessories S/S2007 collections.

 

The area is co-curated with From Somewhere, pioneers of ethical fashion with reclaimed RTW recycling since 1997, and will include the acclaimed EDUN label which was founded in 2005 by Bono, his wife Ali Hewson, and New York clothing designer Rogan Gregory.

The meaning of Ethical Trade is set by the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI), who recognise a Company’s assumption of  responsibility for  the labour and human rights practiced within its’ supply chain as ‘ethical trading and ethical sourcing’.  The growth of Ethical trading has been driven by Companies in the food and clothing sector, keen to address the direct issues facing the people who produce the goods they sell, particularly in developing countries.

 

To exhibit within ESTHETICA at LFW, designers must adhere to a code of conduct:

• Fair Trade – produce in a safe and social environment
• Organic Production – man made, natural and reproducible production
• Recycle – using only existing materials

London’s reputation as an iconoclastic trendsetter combine with LFW’s credentials as one of the world’s most important and directional fashion trade fairs, to provide the perfect platform for ESTETHICA to showcase eco-sustainable collections within a mainstream international setting.

Within its well designed, environmentally friendly and independent space, ESTETHICA aims to position ethical fashion at the forefront of the industry, proving its creative and commercial commitment in addition to its ethical approach. By elevating the notions associated with ‘ethical’ from fringe statements to core Company policies, ESTETHICA leads the way for the future of sustainable fashion.

 

With a sophisticated network of like-minded design labels, strong public sensitivity driving consumer demand and raised press interest in specialised ethical high fashion businesses, London is set make an impact as the European capital of sustainable fashion. Even Armani has chosen to launch his “RED” label here this September. Things are finally happening fast!

 

The Exhibition at London Fashion Week runs from

19th to 22nd September 2006.
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW3