In a world that is increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of various industries, sustainable fashion design has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a more ethical and responsible approach to clothing production. This shift towards sustainability is not only a global movement but also holds great significance in Ireland, where designers like Emma Byrne, MarieFlorence Keane, Éadaoin Walsh, and Alison Lazar are leading the charge towards a more eco-conscious fashion industry.
The importance of sustainable fashion design cannot be overstated. It encompasses practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical sourcing throughout the entire fashion supply chain. By choosing sustainable materials, reducing waste, and promoting fair labor practices, designers contribute to the preservation of our planet and the well-being of communities involved in garment production.
In Ireland, the significance of sustainable fashion goes hand in hand with the country's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted connection to the land. Ireland's stunning landscapes and traditional craftsmanship provide a unique backdrop for sustainable fashion practices that draw inspiration from nature and celebrate local talent. Designers in Ireland are embracing sustainable design principles, incorporating locally sourced materials, and supporting local artisans, all while fostering a sense of pride in Irish craftsmanship.
In this blog post, we explore the creative journeys of Emma Byrne, MarieFlorence Keane, Éadaoin Walsh, and Alison Lazar, understanding their perspectives on sustainable fashion design and their contributions to the growing movement in Ireland. From their unique styles to their sustainable practices, these designers exemplify the importance of making conscious choices, supporting local talent, and embracing a more sustainable future for fashion, both within Ireland and on a global scale.
Meet Emma Byrne aka @EmmaByrneStudio
For Emma Byrne, fashion is more than just a career choice – it's a source of exhilaration and boundless creativity. From the moment she stepped foot into the fast-paced industry, Emma knew she had found her calling. Let us delve into Emma's journey, her perspective on the fashion industry, and her commitment to creating sustainable, feel-good garments.
A Call for Change: Emma firmly believes that the fashion industry must address two pressing issues. Firstly, she advocates for an end to slave labor, highlighting the inhumanity of low wages and poor working conditions endured by garment workers. Secondly, she emphasizes the need for reduced production, calling out brands like Shein, Penney's, Boohoo, and Pretty Little Thing for their rapid turnover of new lines and the use of harmful chemicals in their garments.
Personal Style and Design Philosophy: Emma's personal style revolves around soft, pastel shades, floral patterns, and a distinctly girly silhouette. Her designs capture the essence of the "soft girl" aesthetic while incorporating timeless pieces that can be elevated with pops of color. Emma's creative process allows her to experiment and follow her instincts, often leading to unexpected but delightful outcomes.
"Fashion is a creative outlet for me, and I feel so grateful to be in this line of work and to be inspired by so many talented friends around me." - Emma Byrne
Designs by @Emmabyrnestudio
Sustainable Design Practices: Emma prioritizes sustainability in her design practices by making conscious fabric choices. She has been fortunate to inherit second-hand fabric, which she incorporates into her projects. When purchasing new fabric, Emma first explores charity shops or local suppliers. If new fabric is necessary, she opts for sustainable options and ensures she only buys what she needs. Additionally, she values every piece of fabric, saving scraps for future projects, aiming to minimize waste.
Embracing Experimentation and Listening to Instincts: Emma encourages fellow designers to embrace experimentation and trust their creative instincts. Trying new ideas often leads to exciting and fun designs, sometimes resulting in garments that surpass initial plans. By allowing room for spontaneity and exploration, designers can unlock their true potential and create unique pieces.
Making People Feel Happy: Emma's ultimate goal is to create garments that bring joy to the people who wear them. She wants individuals to feel amazing and confident in her designs, buying them not out of impulse but because they genuinely adore the garments. By fostering a connection between the wearer and the garment, Emma promotes mindful consumption and cherishing the pieces we own.
Brands to Avoid: Emma highlights brands like Shein, PLT, and Boohoo for their unethical practices and disregard for sustainability. These brands are associated with slave labor, harmful chemicals, and poor quality. Emma urges consumers to make conscious choices and seek alternatives that align with their values.
The Essence of Sustainable Fashion: Emma's best friend, Marie (cloudsinmycoffee), has been instrumental in teaching her about sustainable fashion. Emma embraces the concept of mindful consumption, focusing on timeless pieces that she loves and adores. To her, sustainable fashion means maximizing the wearability of existing clothing, carefully curating new additions to her wardrobe, and ensuring that each purchase aligns with her personal style and values.
"When I am making my clothes, I just want people to feel happy in them. I want them to only buy them because they feel amazing in it and absolutely adore it."- Emma Byrne
Building a Sustainable Future: For Emma, sustainability in fashion encompasses various aspects. She believes in using sustainable fabrics, treating workers fairly, implementing zero waste cutting methods, and creating beautiful garments that evoke happiness. By incorporating these principles into her work, Emma envisions a future where fashion is not only a creative outlet but also a force for positive change.
Emma Byrne's journey in the fashion industry is a testament to her passion for creativity and her commitment to sustainability. Through her unique style and sustainable design practices, she inspires others to embrace mindful consumption and find joy in the garments they wear. With a circle of talented friends and a grateful heart, Emma continues to thrive in an industry that allows her artistic expression to flourish.
Designs by @Emmabyrnestudio
Emma's designs are currently available to purchase @ https://www.omdivaboutique.com/
Meet MarieFlorence Keane aka @Cloudsinmycoffee____
In a world of instant gratification and disposable trends, one fashion enthusiast is determined to challenge the status quo. Meet Marieflorence Keane, an artist and fashion lover who believes that the industry needs to slow down and reconnect with its roots. Let us delve into Marieflorence's journey, her thoughts on the fashion industry, and her dedication to creating sustainable, long-lasting pieces.
Discovering a Passion for Fashion: From an early age, Marieflorence was drawn to the realms of art, photography, and fashion. As she approached college, the decision between pursuing law or art college weighed heavily on her mind. Ultimately, influenced by her barrister father, she chose to follow her creative instincts and dove headfirst into the world of fashion.
Challenges of Fast Fashion: Marieflorence is concerned about the fashion industry's current state, characterized by its speed, disposability, and reliance on influencers and fast fashion marketing. She believes that personal style should take precedence over following trends dictated by others. In a world where "hauls" have become the norm, she advocates for a return to cherishing one carefully chosen item that resonates with your soul and lasts a lifetime.
Defining Personal Style: Describing her own style as "edgy soft girl," Marieflorence gravitates towards feminine fabrics that flow, while incorporating a touch of business-like sophistication. Her unique blend of softness and strength is a reflection of her personality and aspirations.
Designs by @cloudsinmycoffee___
Sustainable Practices: Central to Marieflorence's fashion philosophy is her commitment to sustainability. She sources dead stock fabrics for a significant portion of her creations and upcycles garments found in charity shops, giving them a new lease on life. "I use dead stock fabrics for about 70% of what I make and upcycle garments I find at the charity shop that still have so much life left in them for someone else to love." By focusing on using materials that still have value and reducing waste, she plays her part in minimizing the environmental impact of fashion production.
"I think the fashion industry as a whole needs to slow down. It has gotten too instant, too fast, and too disposable." - MarieFlorence Keane
Creating with Love and Purpose: For Marieflorence, the key to creating meaningful fashion lies in making garments that she truly loves and that others can connect with on a personal level. She encourages aspiring designers to experiment, make as many garments as possible, and gain an understanding of the craft. Her advice is to ask oneself, "Will you still have it, wear it, and love it in 20 years?"—a mindset that embraces timeless fashion choices.
Avoiding Problematic Brands: Marieflorence actively avoids supporting brands that contradict her values. She highlights Shein's exploitative practices, including child labor, slavery, pollution, and the perpetuation of capitalism at its worst. She also expresses discomfort with Brandy Melville, a fast fashion company owned by older men, catering to young teenage girls with a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, she criticizes Amazon for promoting fashion as something instant and disposable, akin to shopping for groceries.
"Hauls are now the new norm instead of buying one item that you love that will last a lifetime."- MarieFlorence Keane
Embracing Slow Fashion: To Marieflorence, embracing slow fashion means investing in quality pieces that stand the test of time, staying true to your personal style rather than chasing fleeting trends. It involves supporting local creators, respecting clothing as more than mere commodities, and cherishing the stories behind each garment. For her, seeing a "Made in Ireland" tag on her creations fills her with joy and pride.
Marieflorence Keane's journey through the realms of art, fashion, and sustainability is an inspiring tale of embracing personal style, challenging fast fashion norms, and creating with love and purpose. Her commitment to slow fashion practices serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more ethical and meaningful relationship with their wardrobe.
Designs by @cloudsinmycoffee___
MarieFlorence's designs are currently available to purchase @ https://www.omdivaboutique.com/
Meet Éadaoin Walsh aka
@Éadaoin
In the vibrant world of fashion, where self-expression and creativity intertwine, there are individuals like Éadaoin Walsh who embrace the beauty of visual art and channel their passion into stunning designs. From childhood days spent draping fabrics on harumika dolls to becoming a designer herself, Éadaoin has always been captivated by the colors, textures, and artistry of fashion. Let us delve into Éadaoin's creative journey, her thoughts on the industry, her unique style, and her commitment to sustainable fashion practices.
A Changing Fashion Industry: Éadaoin recognizes that the fashion industry is in dire need of transformation. Not only does it rank as the second most environmentally polluting industry worldwide, but it is also plagued by issues of modern slavery. While fast fashion giants shoulder a significant portion of this responsibility, Éadaoin believes that as consumers and designers, we must become more conscious and informed about our choices. Designing with circular economy principles in mind and making sustainable fabric choices are important steps in creating a positive impact.
Unveiling Personal Style: Describing her personal style as ultra feminine and chic, Éadaoin's designs embody organic silhouettes that celebrate the beauty of the human form. Her ever-evolving style evolves alongside her, reflecting her daily moods and inspirations. The essence of her creations lies in the playfulness of fashion, which allows us to adorn and appreciate our bodies as works of art.
Designs by @Éadaoin
Sustainable Design Practices: As a small Irish designer, Éadaoin embraces sustainability in her design practices. By consciously choosing fabrics and incorporating a mix of new, deadstock, and upcycled materials, she aims to minimize waste. She takes pride in sourcing these materials locally and handcrafting each garment in County Clare. Through these choices, she proves that even as an independent designer, every individual has the power to make a difference.
"The fashion industry has huge changes that need to be made."- Éadaoin Walsh
Empowering Change: Éadaoin believes that no contribution is too small when it comes to making a positive impact. Fashion lovers can continue to indulge in their passion while keeping the planet and people in mind. She encourages consumers to reflect on the true cost of cheap clothing and question who pays the price for it. By making conscious choices and supporting sustainable brands, individuals can collectively drive change within the fashion industry.
Problematic Brands to Avoid: Éadaoin calls attention to brands like Shein, Pretty Little Thing, and Boohoo, citing various reasons why she finds them concerning. These brands have been associated with labor rights violations, toxic chemicals in fabrics, poor quality, mass overproduction, and a throwaway fashion culture. By highlighting these issues, Éadaoin encourages conscious consumers to seek alternatives that align with their values.
The Essence of Sustainable Fashion: To Éadaoin, sustainable fashion means designing, manufacturing, and distributing garments in ways that are environmentally and labor-friendly. It is about embracing mindfulness throughout the entire fashion journey. She emphasizes the importance of brand transparency and taking ownership of the industry's unsustainability. Brands like Reformation serve as inspirations, but even small changes can make a significant difference in the quest for a more sustainable future.
"Every little choice makes a difference."- Éadaoin Walsh
Éadaoin Walsh's creative journey through the world of fashion exemplifies the power of artistry, sustainability, and individual choices. Her dedication to conscious design practices, combined with her unique style, showcases that fashion and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. As we navigate the fashion landscape, let us remember that every little choice we make can contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant industry.
Designs by @Éadaoin
Éadaoin's designs are currently available to purchase @ https://www.omdivaboutique.com/
Alison Lazar aka
@ExhibitA
For Alison Lazar, fashion is not just a profession—it's a lifelong passion rooted in her family's lineage of tailors and designers. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, Alison embarked on her own creative journey, launching her own fashion project. Let us delve into Alison's experiences, her thoughts on the changes needed in the industry, her unique design approach, and her dedication to sustainable fashion practices.
Addressing Industry Challenges: Alison recognizes two crucial changes that the fashion industry needs to address. First, reducing the environmental impact by adopting sustainable materials is paramount. By choosing materials with lower carbon emissions, reduced water and land use, the industry can make significant strides towards sustainability. Second, ensuring equitable working conditions is vital. This involves guaranteeing fair wages, safe working environments, and access to basic human rights for all employees throughout the supply chain.
Design Philosophy: Alison's design philosophy is centered around the creative minds of her clients. By custom-ordering items that individuals have saved to their Pinterest boards or envisioned, she provides a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to life. This not only makes hard-to-find pieces more accessible but also allows her style as a designer to evolve and adapt, continually improving for the better.
Designs by @ExhibitA
Sustainable Design Practices: Incorporating sustainability into her practices is a priority for Alison. She actively recycles every scrap of fabric, finding innovative ways to repurpose them. By carefully selecting textiles from reputable suppliers and prioritizing quality, she ensures her creations stand the test of time. Additionally, she follows a made-to-order approach to minimize waste, creating garments only when there is a demand, rather than producing excess inventory.
"Reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry as a whole by adopting sustainable materials is one change I believe needs to be addressed and Ensuring equitable working conditions is the second change that the fashion industry needs to implement."- Alison Lazar
Encouraging Exploration and Education: Alison advises aspiring fashion enthusiasts to explore various projects and embrace the opportunity to learn new skills. The fashion industry is not solely about glitz and glamour; it requires technical expertise, understanding body proportions, measurements, pattern-making, and textile properties. Standing out in a crowded market can be challenging, but by identifying a unique selling point and staying true to it, individuals can carve their own path.
Embracing Custom Designing: In a world dominated by fast fashion and trends, Alison reminds us of the endless possibilities that come with custom designing. She encourages individuals to experiment with their style and create a wardrobe that reflects their own ideas and personality. Custom designing not only allows for personal expression but also breaks free from the cycle of disposable fashion.
Brands to Avoid: Alison highlights brands like Shein, Primark, and Missguided, outlining concerns about their labor practices, lack of transparency, and contribution to excessive consumption and textile waste. By shedding light on these issues, Alison urges conscious consumers to make informed choices and support brands that align with their values.
"By incorporating slow fashion in the business model, this prioritizes quality over quantity." - Alison Lazar
The Essence of Sustainable Fashion: To Alison, sustainable fashion entails creating clothing with a minimal negative impact on the environment while making wise choices that lead to a brighter future. She emphasizes the importance of selecting sustainable organic textiles, such as silks, which biodegrade quickly and are environmentally friendly. Additionally, building a sustainable fashion brand requires minimizing textile waste and embracing slow fashion principles that prioritize quality over quantity.
Alison Lazar's journey in the fashion industry is a testament to her dedication to sustainability, creativity, and mindful design practices. Through her unique approach, she demonstrates that fashion can be both expressive and sustainable. By embracing custom designing, supporting ethical brands, and making conscious choices, we can collectively shape a fashion industry that respects the environment and empowers individuals.
Designs by @ExhibitA
Alison's designs are currently available to purchase on Depop https://www.depop.com/alisonlazar/ or through her Instagram in the link below:
By far one of my favourite pieces of work to do so far! What incredible women, paving the way for a new, sustainable, future in fashion.