TopShop's Eco Posing

Oct 11, 2007 @ 4:40pm

this is not organic.jpg
When you name a collection "Eco Warrior," you'd expect it to be pretty green.

That's why we're a little confused with TopShop, who called an entire line by the name - even though it's mostly made from polyester.

The line was inspired by the '90s grunge movement, but some actual eco warriors might take issue with the fact that the range includes some ankle boots that are 100% leather.

The only way we can think of that makes it eco-friendly is this:

If you take home a few of their mix-and-match pieces, you won't need anything else for Fall, and that cuts down on consumerism.

Admirable, but in that case, why not get your cable-knit staples at J.Crew, and avoid any name-game confusion?

--NATALIE GUEVARA

posted by gutyan

Oct 11, 2007 4:46PM

we've bashed sjp for the bag, but check out the bag of eco warrior. a couple pockets don't hide the awful similarity to you-know-what

posted by nerdnancy

Oct 11, 2007 5:07PM

Actually, synthetic fabrics are more eco-friendly over the lifespan of a garment than, say, organic cotton. Consider the energy to clean a cotton garment: wash in hot water to release stains/smells, spin on high speed, dry for a very long time or at a high temperature or both, iron out the wrinkles. Polyester takes very little water/energy to wash, it doesn't even need to be spun out before drip drying in a flash, wrinkle-free.

posted by Magda

Oct 11, 2007 5:57PM

Erm, perhaps "Eco Warrior" is someone who battles the elements? Which is best accomplished with waterproof, synthetic fabrics.

posted by

Oct 12, 2007 9:35AM

Polyester can be easily recycled, and the new product is no different than the old in terms of quality.

For example, Patagonia offers a program where you can turn in your old fleece or old capilene polyester thermals from them. I think they may be expanding to also recycle fleece from other manufacturers. Those pieces are made from polyester, which can be melted down into pellets, which are then remade into threads/or fleece for new garments.

No, I don't work for Patagonia. I think it is awesome that we can recycle old clothes (and bottles and shower curtains, etc) into something new and quality.