Fashion forward means future friendly: Meet the designers who are debunking 2024 fast fashion trends and nurturing the planet through Conscious Creativity.
By Clara Potts
From London’s lively streets to the cultural hubs of Belfast and Dublin, these visionary designers are intertwining narratives and textiles to showcase sustainable style.
We’ve all been there - cocooned in candle-lit rooms, cradling a comforting mug of tea, while plotting our ‘ins and outs’ for the year ahead in our trusty notebooks. In these moments, blank pages become style manifestos - ultimate declarations of self-expression. Sustainability and handmade pieces? In. Fast fashion and disposability? Out.
The new year is an opportune time to embrace a mindful attitude to redefining our style, reshaping notions of sustainability and individuality. These changes go beyond mere biro marks on a page; they signify a deliberate metamorphosis of style - a shift that transcends notes on paper to material daily fashion choices. Let’s face it, fashion, more than just clothing, is a silent language, a dynamic expression of our identity without the need for words.
As we venture into 2024, the fashion commerce indicates no signs of slowing down. We are catapulted into the whirlwind of London Fashion Week schedules, trend predictions, and the intriguing game of Creative Director musical chairs. The departure of Gabriela Hearst from Chloé and Francesca Murri’s new position at Fiorucci keeps us eagerly anticipating the unfolding chapters of the industry’s ever-evolving narrative.
With its glamour and grit, fashion’s trillion-dollar industry has long thrived on the allure of newness. Carelessly contributing to environmental degradation, the relentless demand for fresh trends fuels fast fashion culture as clothing is produced at an unprecedented rate to cater to society’s disposable mentality. If fashion is considered a manifestation of art and individualism, why are we so quick to discard items after wearing them only a handful of times? We must welcome conscious consumerism - a commitment to timeless pieces over fleeting trends.
A mindset shift is imperative - a collective acknowledgement that upholding the status quo is no longer an option. Climate risk isn’t a distant concern; it is a pressing reality that demands immediate attention.
Celebrating and supporting ethical practices allows us to promote mindful consumption and sustainability. Rather than mindlessly chasing the latest trends through fast fashion, this year urges us to invest in timeless, handmade pieces. Shifting towards a more mindful wardrobe promotes sustainability, reduces the fashion industry’s environmental impact, and nurtures a responsible approach to dress.
Ultimately, a conscious approach to fashion extends beyond personal style to the very roots of the industry and from designers to consumers. Choosing to support environmentally aware designers demonstrates a commitment to responsible consumerism globally. Each piece represents a new era of fashion for the year ahead, as sustainability and transparency shift from meagre buzzwords to integral parts of design philosophy.
From up-cycled fabrics to zero-waste designs, the emphasis on sustainability aligns with the growing environmental awareness and contributes to curating a wardrobe that stands the test of time. After all, conscious consumerism isn’t just about what we wear; it is a statement about our duty to preserve and foster a healthier planet.
Recognising the impact of their craft, designers are embracing eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes, while ensuring their garments stand the test of time. These features form the core values of August Night, STABLE of Ireland, Tarika Kinney, Mohairfiend and Anastacia McGivern, who offer clothing designed to endure, able to be worn not just this year, but for many years to come.
Now in its eighth year, Dublin-based STABLE of Ireland is at the forefront of fashion’s eco-conscious movement, flawlessly blending traditional Irish craftsmanship with luxury design. Recognising the importance for individuals to “honour, respect and preserve the precious skills of past centuries”, founders Francie Duff and Sonia Reynolds specialise in timeless pieces, using ethically sourced, natural fibres such as linen and wool to ensure that each piece is not only a fashion statement but also a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. True to their name, they encourage a stable, sustainable future in fashion.
Tarika Kinney is breaking boundaries with the recent launch of her bold collection in collaboration with the Parisian knitwear brand, STOLL. Marking a return to the timeless elegance of the “little black dress”, her collection showcases a blend of sophistication and audacity that captures the essence of contemporary fashion. What makes her designs truly remarkable is the manual artistry as every garment is carefully handmade without using electricity or machines. As Kinney explains, “in a world that sucks us into…fast fashion, a well-made, statement piece will last a lifetime”, highlighting her commitment to manual artistry that not only imparts a distinct touch to the attire but also reflects a dedication to sustainable design.
Inspired by the “world around [us]”, Mohairfiend’s wearable soft sculptures showcase aesthetic allure and serve as a testament to a conscientious approach in the fashion industry. Their mohair bonnets are not mere garments; they embody a commitment to lifelong connection bonnet and wearer. The brand goes the extra mile by offering a life-long repair and maintenance service, ensuring that owners can cherish and utilise their pieces to the fullest extent. Even when these creations reach the point of retirement, they are not destined for landfill. Instead, they return to the earth as a biodegradable creation- distinctive, durable and eco-friendly.
Pictured:
August Night’s ‘Frill Pouch in Black Satin with strap’, €65.00.
STABLE of Ireland’s ‘Alpaca Knitted Tube Skirt in Cream’, €250.00.
Anastacia McGivern’s ‘Ivory linen tie’ £20.00/ €23.00.
Tarika Kinney’s ‘The Cocoon’ cream knit and ‘The Little Black Knit (Dress)’, £90.00/ €104.00.
Mohairfiend’s ‘Purple Striped Mohair Bonnet’, £65.00/ €75.00.
Set, styled & directed by Clara Potts @clarapotts
Shot by Ella O’Brien @ella0brien
Wearing @stableofireland @august_night.ie @tarikakinneydesign @mohairireland @anastacia.mcgivern
