A slide from DESIGNTEX comparing a product’s cycle to nature’s life cycle
Carol Derby of DESIGNTEX
Spec It Green presented by NYIRN, New York Industrial Retention Network, hosted a panel presentation and discussion by NYC green industry experts from fashion and interiors at the Carnegie showroom this week. Speakers included a range of perspectives from Carnegie Fabrics, GIDC, Designtex, Textile Insight Magazine, and RESTORE Clothing.
Sustainability, at times, has been ‘greenwashed’ by some marketeers, disingenuously promoting their products and practices profiting by the trend. But the evening’s mission was accomplished defining that a sustainable design impacts social, environmental and economic layers.
Anthony Lilore of RESTORE
‘Doing the right thing’ was the reoccurring theme from all the presenters sharing that recycled and organic textiles, fair wages and production non-pollutants can increase costs that may result in higher prices but ultimately raises the value of the product’s life cycle and the producer’s social conscience.
‘The local advantage’ was another concept presented by GDIC, The Garment Industry Development Corporation, that supports fashion companies like RESTORE Clothing to manufacture locally in the Garment Center. GDIC partners with designers to suggest local factories based on their needs. While overseas contractors may offer lower costs to assemble and source products, their large minimums and longer lead times sometimes become less agile in the ‘new’ economy. And without supporting local suppliers the minuscule 4% of garments produced in the US compared to the 96% manufactured globally, the Garment Center is looking for a transfusion.
To continue the conversation use the Resource Links below and learn more about the organic, sustainable and local movement. And a thank you to designer and educator Helen Liu for introducing Spec It Green to me.
Networking at the Spec It Green event in the Carnegie showroom
Resource Links
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Thanks for the shout out and the support!