How Costa Rica Is Fashioning a Sustainable Future
One more reason why vacation shopping should be guilt-free.
Fashion month may be just around the corner, but the shows in San Jose, Costa Rica already made their debut both a big and eco-friendly way. For many of fashion's frontrunners, environmental preservation is not usually top of mind as the industry's perfect pair. However, for Costa-Rican based philanthropist Andrea Somma Trejos, marrying environmental ethics with style is a major priority.
Trejos is CEO and founder of Fashion Summit, a two-day forum showcasing some of the world's most sustainably progressive names in fashion. The event peaked our interest with engaging panel discussions and out-of-the-box designer presentations, so we followed up with Trejos for some insight into her inspiration.
While the small country of Costa Rica may be your go-to for digging your toes in the sand, it also happens to be the fifth most sustainable country in the world. It then comes as no surprise that their fashion industry incorporates these standards into their production methods to preserve its cherished eco-systems.
"The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world", Trejas points out, but she hopes that with events like the Fashion Summit pollution levels will begin to plummet. "We need to create awareness in consumers and designers about the importance of making responsible choices in relation to our wardrobe, but also showcase the amazing alternatives already on the market", she adds. And we can't help but agree.
With efforts made by Trejos and those on the forefront of sustainable fashion, the case for eco-friendly shopping couldn't be more compelling. To help you start shopping smarter, we've compiled a list of our favorite brands from this years Fashion Summit to kick off your spree.
Cooperativa Shop
This brand is bringing together designers of multicultural backgrounds to create one-of-a-kind items ranging from embroidered pieces to hand-made tapestries.
SHOP IT: cooperativashop.com
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Paula Mendoza
Mendoza's workshop is located in her home country of Columbia, where she sources raw emeralds and designs pieces to be crafted by local artisans.
SHOP IT: paulamendoza.com
Nomadic Collector
Focusing on sustainable luxury, Nomadic Collector ensures ethical business practices to create pieces that will last you a lifetime. All pieces are made with carbon neutral leather and reforested wood from Costa Rica.
SHOP IT: nomadiccollector.com
Abysse swimwear
Exclusively made from planet-friendly materials and recycled fabrics, Abysse brings fashion and function together with multi-purpose swimwear, perfect for both on the beach and off.
SHOP IT: abysseofficial.com
Project Hook
This Costa Rican brand repurposes fishing nets to create eco-friendly hammocks, jewelry, and even swimwear, allowing sustainable shopping both for fashion and the home.
Ana Livini
Focusing on slow fashion, this brand ensures that every garment is well thought out and will last you well into next season. All pieces are made with sustainable and local materials from Uruguay such as merino wool.
SHOP IT: analivini.com
Rahelitas Bags
Handmade using traditional weaving techniques from Mexico, these bags are also made of recycled plastic.
SHOP IT: rahelitas.com
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
'Black Doves' Stars Keira Knightley as a Deadly Spy—Meet the Rest of the Stellar Cast in Her Underground Operation
Everyone is going to be talking about this new Netflix thriller series.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zara Tindall Puts a Purple Velvet Spin on Holiday Suiting
Chic and cozy—what's not to like? Who says only men get to wear suits at Christmas?
By Alicia Lutes Published
-
Gigi Hadid's Scarf Is Ideal for This Too-Cold-to-Function December
She looked cozy and chic on a downtown errand run.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
10 Holiday Gifts Marie Claire Editors Are Giving and Getting
Use our guide to simplify your shopping experience.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal Style
From the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Strathberry's Black Friday Sale Majorly Discounts Meghan Markle and Jennifer Lopez's Favorite Bags
Strathberry's best styles are 25 percent off.
By Kelsey Stiegman Last updated
-
How Do You Find Your Personal Style?
From Gen Alpha to an almost-centenarian, we asked six stylish people to share how they discovered their formula for getting dressed.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Loewe Bags Everyone's Manifesting Right Now
From modern styles to heritage classics, these are the most coveted styles of the moment.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Late Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for November
Here are all the fashion and beauty must-haves to covet for the kickstart of the holiday season.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
This Winter’s Shoe Trends Embrace Individual Style
From edgy moto boots to classic loafers, there’s a shoe to suit every taste.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Using Sheer Knee-High Socks to Level Up Their Looks
The perfect balance between not too bare and not too boring.
By Emma Childs Published