Green get-ups

Prepare to have any prejudiced expectations about ‘eco fashion’ exploded by this offering of funky, fresh garments and must-have, eye-candy accessories, which are innovative yet affordable, daring yet wearable.

Until now, eco fashion has had the same boring, public image as eating your greens – if it’s made of hemp, it must be beige and baggy. But, thanks to Well Fashioned: Eco Style in the UK, the culmination of five years of research by curator, textile designer and lecturer Rebecca Early, that batty old image will be forever banished.

The exhibition – the last to be held at the Crafts Council’s gallery before it is shut – will showcase young, innovative and committed UK-based designers, investigating issues and solutions around the ethical and ecological impact of the relentless march of fashion. Recycling, customisation, sustainable resources, fair trade and eco fabrics are all considered, as is the role of the consumer, with shopping, laundering and disposal investigated.

Turning men’s suits into sexy dresses (Junky Styling), making arm-candy bags from old leather belts (Ting), and composting your wedding dress (the result of a specially-commissioned research project) are a few of the tactics on offer. Knowing that you can be self-indulgent and look ‘ab fab’ with a clear conscience is reason enough to heed the message.

Well Fashioned: Eco Style in the UK runs from 23 March to 4 June at the Crafts Council Gallery, 44a Pentonville Road, Islington, London N1 9BY and then on tour.

See www.craftscouncil.org.uk for further details