Part of a unique collection of non-toxic clothes designed exclusively by some of Spain's top fashion designers.
Sixteen top fashion designers, including Carmen March, Antonio
Pernasand Jocomomola, showed that they believe in substance as well
as styleat a glittering 'Moda sin Toxicos' catwalk show in Madrid.
There they unveiled one-offcreations designed to avoid the toxic
chemicals widely used in clothing.
Here is a selection of the designs modelled by Laura Ponte and
Veronica Blume, among others:
For those of us who don't get the chance to wear high fashion
there willsoon be more places to find toxic-free clothes at humbler
establishments. Fashion giants Mango and Camper have now committed
tophase out dangerous chemicals from their lines. They join the
likes ofH&M, Marks and Spencer, and Puma in going
toxics-free.
While it might not seem obvious that clothes contain
hazardouschemicals, modern production methods mean many do. It's
not easy to avoidthem, as Helen Perivier, our toxic campaigner
explains:
"These fashion leaders work in a highly competitive industry,
and arekeen to put environmental and health concerns at the heart
of theirpriorities. Innovative small businesses like these must
currently go toextraordinary lengths to find materials that do not
contain harmfulchemicals; what they should be getting are
guarantees that chemicals onthe market are safe."
Current laws on toxic chemicals are not effective, often making
it hard to avoid these substances.
Wake up call
The catwalk is intended as a well-dressed wake-up call to
grey-suitedpolitical types in Brussels, who later this year will
vote on new rulesto govern the chemical industry. This autumn, the
European Union willdecide on the fate of a new chemicals regulation
regime called REACH. At theheart of the debate is whether the new
law will give a clear signal toindustry to substitute hazardous
chemicals with safer alternatives ornot. Currently, thousands of
chemicals are used in consumer productswith little or no health or
safety assessments, leading to widespreadcontamination. An unborn
baby may now be
exposed to 100 man-madechemicals before it is even born.
However, chemical producers have organised an
unprecedented lobbyagainst strong, effective chemical law,
losing no opportunity toundermine its power to protect human health
and the environment. Incontrast, many other companies that use
chemicals in their products seeadvantages in a strong REACH law
that could guarantee safer materials.Despite only being a European
law, once passed it will quickly become aglobal standard because
Europe is the biggest market for the global chemicals industry.
The beautiful clothes on show in Madrid prove that it is possible toavoid toxic chemicals and still be stylish. Now it up to the European Union tostand firm and ensure that the toxic-free elements of this unique eventwill one day be the norm. Only then can we be sure that all our clothesand other products don't contain chemicals that can harm our health andour environment.
Take action
Tell EU politicians not to weaken REACH by allowing dangerous chemicals to be used even when safer alternatives exist.
Support us
Help us carry on the work of exposing dangerous chemicals and challenging the industries that don't want them regulated.