Photo: Laura Pannack

The whole world is going green, and now supermarket giants Tesco clothing have joined in and come out with a new range of ethical fashion. Basically, they’re clothes that have been recycled. The idea started when Tesco saw the collection of ‘From Somewhere’ clothes at the Estethica, an ethical fashion showcase featured during London fashion week. Tesco’s range only consists of six pieces that were made out of the end-of-line stock. The line of recycled clothes will be under the Florence and Fred label.

The making

The recycled waste is sent to and produced in a ‘green’ factory in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most environmentally friendly factories in the world, boasting a gold rating by the LEED for environmental responsibility. The factory accomplished this by lowering its carbon footprint by 48 per cent, and reducing the amount of water used by 60 per cent.

Photo: Laura Pannack

The collaboration between From Somewhere’s designers (Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci) and Tesco clothing is a new one, and the designing duo have marked their style in the new Florence and Fred range. Their signature look of body con shapes and bold colours are a popular buy for the teenage and twenty-something age group. Many of the designs are tight, with a band around the waist, accentuating curves.

Benefits

The environment is set to benefit from this unique collaboration. Finding material that would probably be thrown in the dump somewhere, and is now been turned into fashion, is a big step towards going green. Tesco clothing have now set an example to other supermarket and retail giants, not to be too hasty with the ‘waste,’ and that good things can be made from them, if the effort is put in.

Ethical fashion

Photo: Laura Pannack

The EFF (Ethical Fashion Forum) have worked with leading brands, and aim to keep the fashion manufacturing business as eco- friendly as possible. Tesco clothing have jumped on board the ethical fashion wagon with new dresses starting at a reasonable price of £16.