Style with a Conscience: The Reformation

Living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle is tricky. There are reusable water bottles and coffee cups to consider, trading in your car for an electric, or better yet, a bicycle. “Green” products are popping up more and more in grocery stores, and locavores take pleasure in the increasing number of farmers’ markets.  We can insulate our homes, decrease electricity and water use, compost our garbage, and STOP using plastic bags.  But what about our wardrobe?  Who’s trumpeting the cause for stylish clothing?

Photo Courtesy of The Reformation

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors of waste.  And though there are a few eco-friendly labels out there, most high fashion remains to miss the mark (perhaps with Stella McCartney as a notable exception).  No longer do eco-fashionistas need to make sacrifices, The Reformation has heard our plea.

Photo Courtesy of The Reformation

This label isn’t your typical granola munching brand.  Reformation is “an environmentally sustainable fashion brand that repurposes vintage and surplus materials to create a chic, limited edition collection.”  All products are comprised of over 80% reclaimed materials, and this gear has got some serious swagger.

Photo Courtesy of The Reformation

On a recent trip to their NYC location, I snagged a burnt velvet crop top and ogled their gorgeous red carpet-worthy “Citrine” dress (which is in such high demand, there is currently a 30 person wait list).

Photo Courtesy of The Reformation

Duds are produced locally in their NY and LA studio locations, so put a check through the domestic job creation box. Feel overwhelmed by a trip to the corner thrift store?  The brand also offers a “curated” approach to vintage, removing the stress and guess work, and bringing fabulous pieces directly to their stores.

Photo Courtesy of The Reformation

Their tagline says it all: “we are inspired by, and committed to, finding ways to make our fashion addiction guilt-free.”  That is something I think we can all get behind.  If you suffer from the occasional fashion overdose, try The Reformation and join the movement.

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Curious about the fashion industry’s impact on the environment?  Check out this interesting article, Waste Couture, by Luz Claudio, and join the conversation at Ethical Fashion Forum.