Eco, or “green,” clothing has been around the fashion industry — and in our closets — for quite some time now. Through the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down in the least, it is branching out into other elements of fashion consciousness. One of the major trends in fashion philanthropy is ethically responsible or ethically made clothes. Canadian high fashion is taking notes from this trend, and many brands are adopting this concept.

Check out some of the forerunners in this growing trend, and feel as good as you’ll look in their clothes.

Adhesif Clothing

Montreal-born Melissa Ferreira of Adhesif clothing brings back the old joy of playing with paper dolls and cutting and pasting old scraps of paper to create your own version of a couture creation with her vintage-inspired collection. New and recycled vintage fabrics make up her eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind frocks that are sure to turn heads this season.

High-waisted, romper-style shorts made of reclaimed t-shirts, playful bubble dresses detailed with vintage lace, and patchwork blazers with oversized, vintage buttons are just some of the whimsical pieces she’s got to offer for those sunny, afternoon strolls this spring. “The lace detail combined with a princess bodice and bubble hem really makes these designs ultra-feminine,” Ferreira said in a press release.

Using vintage fabrics and buttons are just one of the ways Adhesif clothing is eco-friendly. All of Ferreira’s designs are also created with other sustainable materials. And, in keeping with her green theme, Adhesif garments are locally produced in Vancouver, B.C.

Elroy

Another Vancouver-based designer, Leanne McElroy, is taking a green approach to fashion with her brand Elroy. Because a conventional cotton crop has the second-highest pesticide levels of all the world’s crops, Elroy opts for organic cotton and bamboo as a greener and healthier alternative. Bamboo in general is a more breathable fabric than cotton, and is 100% biodegradable. In addition to being hypoallergenic, bamboo is also a highly renewable, natural resource. Organic cotton, aside from the obvious benefit of being pesticide-free (almost half of the pesticides used on cotton are classified as cancer-causing chemicals), is also the more ethically conscious approach when buying clothes.

Good Society

As well as knowing good jeans, Good Society knows good causes. From working with trained, independent farmers in India who only use sustainable production methods, to their support for non-profit initiatives around the world, a pair of Good Society denim is just that — good for society.

One of the initiatives that have been funded by the brand is geared towards helping Nepalese women and children who have been trafficked in the sex trade industry. Another one of their major projects involves a collaboration with Child of Mine, an organization that created two children’s homes – Shanti Niketan (House of Peace) and Dar-ul-Fazl (House of Grace) – in the Hindu state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayas.

Not Just Pretty

This online shop is home to more than 50 brands and designers, including Mavi Jeans and American Apparel. Not Just Pretty sells everything from clothing to candles. Don’t be fooled, however, because this site is not your average online store. They are an eco-friendly designer boutique that carries only earth-friendly fashions and accessories. They are also a member of 1% for the planet, a global movement where companies donate one per cent of their annual sales to a network of about 2,000 environmental organizations around the world. •