Beautifully Ethical Silk Scarves by Tamasyn Gambell
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK
on 08.19.08

We welcome this first collection of silk scarves by British textile print designer Tamasyn Gambell not only for their elegant Art Deco inspired beauty, but also for the ethical and eco-friendly production processes used to make them. The scarves are woven in India by a cooperative of skilled women who have been trained to weave and use natural dyes sourced from their local environment. This welfare project, as well as retraining disadvantaged people, also provides education, housing and health care. On arrival in London Gambell uses a silk screen process to print the scarves with certified organic dyestuffs and a seaweed based binder.
Shocked by Wasteful Fashion
Having earned her stripes in luminary fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Sonia Rykiel as well in the fast fashion lane for the high street brand H+M Gambell became frustrated with the "the amount of waste and lack of innovation" that she regularly saw at both the high end and low end of the fashion industry.
Forging an eco-fashion path
It is encouraging to see that a clearly talented designer such as Tamasyn Gambell has decided to strike out on her own in order to take a more responsible approach to producing luxury products. She has been careful to think through all aspects of sustainability for her scarves from production and dyeing to the 100% recycled packaging she sends them out in.
Rewarded for sustainable business
Gambell's designs and business plan were acclaimed earlier this year when she was awarded the 2008 Cockpit/Nadfas award which enabled her to set up her own studio in Cockpit Arts in London.
Tamasyn's scarves can be found online at fashion-conscience.com
More on Ethical and Eco Textiles
Maharam Wallcoverings and Textiles
bluesign: a Standard for Environmentally Safe Textiles
Harmony Art: Organic, Fair Trade Textiles
Book review: Sustainable Fashion & Textiles - Design Journeys
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