Moral Fabric founded, presents designs with collage-like juxtapositions of

Tag : t-shirt fabric
 Recently, new breeds of t-shirt designers are emerging who combinefashion forward sensibilities while being ecologically and sociallyconsiderate as well. "We've taken extra effort to design ourclothes without cheap shot political messages or cheesy catchphrases," says Joe Maluso, president of Brand of the Free, afamily-run business that prides itself on its ethically-awaremessage. "We aren't out to point fingers or make a politicalstatement. We also don't plan on force-feeding our agenda. We wouldsimply like to give people a fashionable option to support Americawhile remaining socially responsible."
The company sells t-shirts with bold graphics, colors, and slogansthat, while thought-provoking, are not obvious. "Our designaesthetic is generally pretty minimal. We utilize clean lines andsimple graphics to create a lasting impact. Although the graphicsare fairly bold and thought provoking, the concepts usually remainquite subtle. We enjoy taking simple objects or ideas andpresenting them in a surprising new way," explains designerMike Maluso.
Promoting green ideals in this way seems to do the job of educatingthe t-shirt-reading public in a more intelligent, subtle andsubversive manner than emblazoning the usual political mottos onone's chest.
Some designers use their messages to elevate the spirit."Laugh Often," "Embrace Change," and"Practice Kindness" are just some of the slogans withwhich Tees for Change owner Andreea Ayers has inspired herclientele. "At first, the slogans were a response to some ofthe challenges in my life at the time. Currently, I hope that theyserve as gentle reminders to think positively." Using a simplefont and harmonious color combinations on organic cotton and bamboomaterials, Ayers' designs not only offer an optimistic take on lifebut also practice doing good in the world by partnering with"Trees for Life" and planting a tree for every teepurchased.
Another eco-friendly business, Moral Fabric founded in 2004,presents designs with collage-like juxtapositions of color, lineand shape. "In Moral Fabric's infancy, the aesthetic was verymuch influenced by nature. Lately I have been experimenting with amore 'psychedelic' approach," describes founder and designerBobby Wiggins. "It's like streetwear for hippies!"
Aside from using organic cotton, grown either in the U.S. or inPeru under fair trade certified conditions, Wiggins adds anotherbenefit to his green approach to business. "I have found thatmy customers all seem to share the common desire to do good andlive a healthy and spiritual life," he says.
This kind of "giving-back" attitude is shared by AltitudeInc., a product innovation firm that has designed many well-knownconsumer products including the PUR water cooler and theMargaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. Focusing its design acumenon a good cause, Altitude has recently put together a collection ofits favorite environment conscious designs on t-shirts, bags, mugsand even doggie t-shirts incorporating the Altitude logo and themessage "Green is the New Black."
"Altitude developed the green t-shirt designs and messages tohelp promote green thinking," says Altitude's Debra Fleury. Wewanted to make the message visually interesting and something thatpeople would enjoy wearing, while they spread the message to 'thinkgreen'."
Even a simple t-shirt purchase can be philanthropic when buyinggreen. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised by the sale ofAltitude's items are donated to Sweat Equity Enterprises (SEE).Fleury explains, "SEE brings together young people andbusinesses for collaborations that serve as an innovation lab forcompanies and an unbelievable learning opportunity forteenagers."
"At the risk of sounding cliche, we should leave things betterthan we found them," adds Bernadette Maluso of Brand of theFree. These new designs all subscribe to this same sentiment,satisfying the consumer's environmental and fashion conscience atonce.