Eco Silk for Summer Style: Kristinit
Just the word “silk” seems infused with diaphanous luxury, summery sophistication, and natural splendor. Don’t believe us? Go ahead, say it. Mmm. It just sounds so…silky. Which is all very nice. But just how eco is silk, really?
The answer is, it depends. Silk, as a fiber, is renewable, since it’s sourced from silk moth larvae, as opposed to synthetic materials like acrylic, which is sourced from petroleum. And it’s biodegradable, which means silk can be used to nourish the soil, unlike, say, polyester, which can only be used to nourish your secret fetish for 1970s disco jumpsuits.
But the harvesting of silk fibers from silk moth cocoons, otherwise known as “sericulture,” traditionally has involved boiling the cocoon with the moth larvae still alive inside—a practice that has vegetarians, vegans and plenty of other creature-loving folks crying foul. In recent years, “peace” or “Ahimsa” silks have emerged as alternatives. These fibers are drawn—at considerable expense—from cocoons after the larvae have emerged and squiggled off on their merry way—presumably to produce more silk moth larvae. Ethical? Yes. Affordable? Not so much.
And then there’s the manufacturing. Conventional silk is turned into soft, pretty thread through processes that typically involve alkaline-washing, bleaching and finishing with formaldehyde—definitely not a green fashion bonus. As for silk-production labor, with most of the stuff hailing from developing countries like India and Laos, worker exploitation is typically a risk.
Fortunately, there are plenty of passionate designers who create gorgeous, price-conscious clothes out of sustainable, Fair Trade, ethically cultivated and/or recycled silk—along with some surprisingly sophisticated silk alternatives. We’ve selected some of our favorites to get your gorgeously outfitted for the sunshine season. So sit back, and slip in!
Beloved by celebs like Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johanssen and Zooey Deschanel, Rumi-quoting, Earth-loving, trendsetting Kristina Lenss is an eco-fashion visionary. And sometimes being a visionary means looking back. Always inspired by decades past, this spring Lenss reclaimed some truly delicious vintage silk remnants to create filmy frocks that look like they were nabbed from Gatsby’s estate.
We’re particularly enamored of the splendidly versatile Jade Dress, with its pleated waist detail and plunging neckline. Toss on flat sandals and a cardi with the Jade, and you’re set for a seaside stroll or backyard BBQ. Slip into heels and add a few choice bits of sparkle, and bam, you own the night, baby.
And while you may be headed for sin in this seductive silk dress, don’t feel too guilty. Kristinit is dedicated to using sustainable fabrics and local manufacturing, and donates a percentage of each sale to support the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Pachamama Alliance (which empowers indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest to preserve their lands and culture).
Want more? Our eco-silk fashion exclusive focuses on vintage, affordable ahimsa, upcycled hot air balloons (yes, really), modal silk and investment pieces. Oh and p.s. You’re not missing something: As of June 1st we’ve relocated our subscriber freebies. Check the Giveaways and Facebook pages for deets!
