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