Out of South Africa: Lunar’s Ecologically Conscious Clothing Makes a Mark

◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 25 Lunar's Collection at SAFW 2011. Photo Courtesy of Lunar.

The world of fashion, by all accounts, is one that is constantly looking to the next trend, the next season, and the next it model.

Ecologically conscious clothing and makeup may mark the next trend, however, the industry has yet to embrace it completely.

While praised by some fashion elites, the market for ecologically conscious clothing remains dominated by overpriced street-wear versions of yoga pants and dull-colored hemp tees.

Enter South African line, Lunar Clothing, a label that produces clothes that are more Maison Martin Margiela and less yoga studio.

Incredibly popular in South Africa with two boutiques in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Lunar Clothing is gaining a worldwide audience after strong showings at South Africa Fashion Week.

Lunar’s unique ethereal collection shows the fashion world that sustainable clothing is indeed, fashionable.

	Lunar boutique storefront in Cape Town.

Lunar’s F/W collection, featured at South Africa Fashion Week, was full of crisp designs and feminine detailing. The bright whites and tans of their gowns were elegant and unhindered by ecological standards, which many Eco-conscious designers have not been able to pull off with the exception of Stella McCartney.  The collection’s pieces that were made with  floral stained prints and dyed fabric pieces were among the standouts.

Lunar Clothing is the sartorial child of South African designer, Karen Ter Morshuizen and her husband, Paul Harris. The label’s conception and designs are grounded by a strong sense of purpose and inspired by the purity of the natural environment.

First sold in 1995 out of a farmer’s market, the label certainly has come a long way, but remains true to their natural roots.

Their website’s “Vision” section reads more like a mission statement than a fashion bio and states, “hand knitting, smocking, felting, African beading and hand embroidery. These crafts are often interpreted into uncomplicated clothes in luxurious fabrics with understated detailing and intelligent cutting. The result is a couture approach to ready-to-wear fashion.”

The result is a covet-worthy collection of pieces that happen to be environmentally sound.

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