Ethical fashion is not a contradiction in terms. That's the message that two enterprising graduate students of TCD and NCAD want to project at their Future Fashion show to be held in Trinity College next Sunday.
Sarah Jane Cunningham and Cina Connolly have assembled more than 100 outfits from about 20 up-and-coming designers from all over the world, committed to producing ethically and environmentally friendly clothes.
"People are better informed nowadays about how clothes are produced and amazed that ethical clothes can be fashionable, sexy, wearable and accessible", Ms Cunningham told The Irish Times. "Everything we are showing is either organic, Fairtrade, customised, vintage or recycled," she said.
That eco fashion is a growing worldwide trend is evident in London, New York and Paris, where its exhibition space during the international fashion seasons is steadily expanding. High street chains such as Marks & Spencer, H & M and Top Shop now also embrace Fairtrade. "It's hip rather than hippie", maintains Ms Cunningham.
A number of the designers in the show are Irish-based, like Chupi Sweetman, who supplies Top Shop with a collection made from recycled fabrics; Sophie Rieu from Wicklow, whose Unicorn collection is sourced from organic silks and cottons; and Edun, the clothing company founded by Ali Hewson and Bono to promote trade in Africa.
Kilkenny-based Polly Minett, makes handcrafts from pulped denim and banana leaf fibre, while Isabelle Baigent's chic silk dresses are composed from fabrics salvaged from attics.
The proceeds of the show, organised on behalf of Shanahan Engineering, will go to the Medical Missionaries of Mary's Ugandan Orphanage Project. Tickets are €20 (student) and €35. The show starts at 8 pm in the dining hall.