Revamped Site Helps Indie Designers Go Green

Eco fashion is not just a fad or buzzword any more, it is increasingly an expected and integral part of an industry which is the second largest user of water in the world, and has a bad reputation for waste. But young, up-and-coming designers often don’t have the time or money to seek out the best socially responsible and environmentally sound materials with which to form their creations.

Source4Style seeks to fill the gap between the availability of ethical and green materials and designers’ desire for responsible suppliers. Using comprehensive but intuitive search tools, users browse a marketplace of thousands of kinds of fabrics, buttons, yarns, zippers, trims and lace, all of which is either recycled, organic, Fair Trade, handmade, or vertically integrated. Originally launched in late 2010, the site underwent a snazzy redesign last December and has grown to represent 40 suppliers from around the world to 1,500 registered design and apparel brands.

Source4Style has quickly developed a following amongst professionals working for larger brands. This was simply because there was no place previously for designers to connect with sustainable suppliers.

While free to browse, paid membership includes sustainable design trend reports and allows users to order directly from the suppliers. The site also features editorials, curated collections, and ‘top 5′ lists of styles and designs from around the world.

Source4Style