Students of Sustainability
by Marjorie Skinner
I'm concerned. The eco/green/sustainable/ethical fashion movement has become so prominent, such a hot topic, a marketing maneuver, the stuff of special magazine issues, that I'm convinced the bubble is going to burst and the fickle industry will turn its back on the environment forever. The most polluting and man-made textiles will be sought after in direct rebellion to the goody-two-shoes attitude that continues to prevail even as it jumps the shark. Is the backlash not happening already?
But perhaps I'm being too cynical. Once the issues have faded from the headlines and we've moved on to the next massive trend, hopefully this period of introspection will have left a permanent resonance. Even if consumers are tired of hearing about it. The only real differences will be made by the designers themselves and the choices they make in their production. That's why it's heartening to see that the Art Institute of Portland is hosting a month-long exhibit of sustainable fashion, featuring a selection of work by local designers who have a sustainable angle to their work. The lineup is familiar: Anna Cohen, Sameunderneath, Emily Katz, Knot Ugly Designs, BlairWear, Flood Clothing, entermodal, and Faith Jennings. The clothing will be exhibited on mannequins, gallery style, accompanied by statements from the designers. Also featured will be the five winners of a sustainable design competition the Institute held, juried by Eraina Duffy of Nike and Peter Kallen of Nau. Here's to designing the future, kids. (Opening reception Thurs Aug 2, Art Institute of Portland, 1122 NW Davis, 6-8 pm, free, exhibit runs through the end of the month)
It's not easy being green: marjorie@portlandmercury.com
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