Loomstate for Target: Eco-Chic or Eco-Cheap?
April 18, 2009 at 12:27 pm (CLOTHING, EARTH DAY, ECONOMICS OF GREEN FASHION, ENVIRONMENT, ETHICAL FASHION, EVENTS, GREEN BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS, GREEN ECO FASHION, GREEN STORES, NEWS, ORGANIC COMPANIES, ORGANIC COTTON, SUSTAINABILITY, WOMEN'S APPAREL)
Tags: CLOTHING, EARTH DAY, ECO CHIC, ECO-FASHION, ETHICAL FASHION, GREEN COTTON, GREEN ECO FASHION, GREEN FASHION, Loomsdale, ORGANIC, ORGANIC APPAREL, ORGANIC CLOTHING, ORGANIC COTTON, SUSTAINABILITY, Target, Target Eco-Line, Target Spring Line, WOMEN'S FASHION
Photosource: http://www.nylonmag.com
In the spirit of Earth Day, Target is going green with a collection from top eco-fashion line Loomstate by Rogan Gregory. The mega retailer and leading eco-conscious designer are embarking on a relatively new frontier: when sustainable design meets fast fashion. The unlikely pairing must have struck the right chord, since this is actually the second time Gregory has teamed up with the chain store— his Rogan for Target line was snapped up last April.
Loomstate for Target features beachy, casual-prep pieces, from bright tees and shorts to neutral skirts and plaid dresses. But eco-fashionistas everywhere are debating whether the clothes are truly eco-friendly, or even fashionable.
Anytime a major chain store like Target sells “organic” wares, a careful consumer has to question whether the items are produced with sustainable and fair trade practices. Considering the price of organic fabrics, especially cotton, it makes sense that many designer pieces from lines like Loomstate can cost $200; selling an organic cotton tee for, say, $15 seems a little far-fetched. Just how would a low-impact, good-for-the-earth item wind up retailing for so cheap? Eco-fashion lovers would agree: it’s a bit too good to be true.
But bringing eco-fashion to the mainstream and making it affordable was precisely the point of this collaboration. As Gregory’s business partner, Scott Hahn, explained to Teen Vogue, “We told Target that we wanted to find ways to keep bringing sustainable design to their stores…we’re hoping it will educate other big brands about organic farming.”
Let’s hope Loomstate’s mission is successful. In the meantime, the jury is still out on just how eco-chic their collection is. But if you’re on a budget and want to incorporate more eco-fashion into your wardrobe, Loomstate for Target must seem like a breath of fresh air. You can check out the new GO International collection beginning April 19.
What do you think of eco-cheap fashion? Are you more drawn to organic clothing when it’s affordable, or are fair trade regulations your top priority? Please comment. We’d love to know your thoughts!
By: Erin Dale
Maria said,
April 18, 2009 at 3:00 pm
My mind has been on this subject as I just bought a 100% org cotton from another big chain store. Not impressed. I was happy to see org making it’s way to the mainstream but unhappy with the quality and the low, low, price. I can’t imagine fair trade for $6.00 can you?
Next stop: Target to check it out….
Great site, great article!
Nate Berkopec said,
April 20, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Whaat? When will we get beyond the idea that only the riche can afford to be environmentally friendly?
Organic cotton costs 10-40% more than regular, and judging by Targets volume I’ll guess its closer to the lower figure. Also, as far as ethical production practices – if other big firms can do it, so can Target.
I think we need to stop stereotyping the mainstream as never being able to be eco-friendly.
admin said,
April 21, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I agree, we need to go beyond the expensive but we also need to be careful of sweatshop….I believe we need greater transparency on the labor side since currently we have limited certifications and limited awareness so it is easy to get away without accountability when it comes to human production (beyond materials). By way, did anyone see the collection? I went to Target on Sunday but did not see it….wondering people’s feedback.