Event showcases sustainable, eco-friendly fashion

Lana Del Ray’s “Diet Mountain Dew” blared over speakers as models strutted down the runway in sustainable fashions at Alumni Hall at the Indiana Memorial Union.

Embroidered belts, loose dresses and structured blazers worked to translate “green” fashions for the modern student at REstyled, an ethical fashion show put on by the IU Student Association in collaboration with the national organization Teens Turning Green.

“Ethical does not mean wearing a brown paper bag anymore,” said Amy Chen, the media director for the event. “Ethical fashion can be fashionable.”

This myth was further broken by the shades of blue, fuchsia and yellow that brightened the runway as models maintained their balance in double-staked heels. Many looks showcased popular trends such as colorblocking for spring.

The 51 womenswear and menswear looks were fashioned from pieces made with fair-trade certified items or found at local vintage stores. The fashions worked for the purpose of inspiring attendees to create their own unique, sustainable looks.

Student designer Raquel Delgado even created a top made from recycled belts for the runway. Other student designers used organic cotton, vegan silk or other low-impact materials.

“I had no idea there was such a thing as fair-trade cotton, so that was new,” said sophomore Annmarie Rombalski, an attendee at the event.

Others cited the pairing of vintage items as an inspiration and highlight of the show.

Models also wore not only sustainable clothing, but also sustainable and fashion-forward hair and makeup products to further show the possibilities of eco-friendly looks.

“When you think of sustainable fashion, you’re normally not thinking of super fashionable, so it was nice to see that,” said sophomore Hilary Deardorff, an attendee at the event.

Director of Sustainability for IUSA Ellen Spurgeon, also the executive director of the event, said that while many associate animal rights with sustainable clothing, it goes well beyond that to include the effect the clothing has on the environment and the workers who produce the clothes.

She said the most sustainable clothing is often clothing that is already out there and can be re-worn.

“We’re hoping the event was able to encourage students to reconsider what they wear and realize how easy and accessible eco-friendly clothing is,” Spurgeon said.