The Best Eco Friendly Brands at New York Fashion Week

By Diane Small

This New York Fashion Week FW 2015 was almost dominated by the antics of the Kardashian clan–namely, Nori’s meltdown in the front row. But there was plenty of gorgeous fashion, of course–and a bit of it was even eco-friendly.

Here, we’ve selected what we think are the best pieces from some of the greenest labels in America.

Suno

Created in 2008 and officially launched in 2009, Suno’s eco line was created to bolster the Kenyan economy after a series of violent outbreaks, and introduce vivid, playful prints and silhouettes to the global consumer. Co-founders Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty give New York Fashion Week attendees a vibrant show every year, only made more phenomenal by the fact that the designs are produced in Africa, Peru, and India by skilled locals. Recycled materials and sustainable factories in Kenya make the brand environmentally friendly.

Edun

Now under the LVMH umbrella, EDUN is the brainchild of Bono and Ali Hewson, and has given fashionistas their fix of luxe, edgy eco-chic designs ever since. Produced in Africa, organic cotton and other raw materials make Edun both kind to the environment and effortlessly fashionable. The Fall Winter 2015 collection has comfort in mind, with soft sweaters and oversized coats ruling the runway.

John Patrick Organic

Organic by name, organic by nature, this is one of New York’s finest sustainable luxury fashion brands. Holding a presentation rather than a catwalk show this season, John Patrick Organic seemed to take a few cues from the 70s, showing maxi-coats and coat-dresses, often with a polo neck underneath. Modern twists were added in the form of chunky, masculine brogues and cropped trousers.

Rodarte

Rodarte may not yet be on your radar as an eco-friendly brand, but the Mulleavy sisters are adamant about ensuring their clothing is more eco-friendly than most. They use non-toxic dyes that can only take to natural fibres like cotton or silk (and rather unfortunately, fur). Every dye they use is done with environmentally friendly pigments, without harsh chemicals and without producing industrial waste. The brand also transformed their headquarters into a ‘green space’, banning plastic bottles and setting up recycling stations where paper and other materials can easily go when their use is finished.