NEW YORK — C.L.A.S.S. completed its “World Class Tour” here this month with two days of presentations at the Italian Trade Commission offices.
C.L.A.S.S., or Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy, is a multiplatform global network that showcases fashion, textiles and materials created using smarter sustainable technology.
Giusy Bettoni, chief executive officer and cofounder of Milan-based C.L.A.S.S., said, “The objective is to provide a platform for inspirational materials that are fashionable and have a low environmental impact. We work with companies and fabrics and yarns that add value by having some special quality that’s good for the environment, but still have the highest degree of fashion because without that, the customers — whether it’s a brand, a retailer or a consumer — won’t be interested.”
Bettoni said C.L.A.S.S. and the sector of sustainable materials have grown and evolved since the organization was formed in 2007, thanks in large part to technological advancements, such as machinery that can repurpose scrap yarns and fabrics. The tour included similar presentations in Milan, Copenhagen, London and Madrid featuring the latest in sustainable fabrics for spring 2016.
In the area of recycled and repurposed fabrics, Italian brand Green Fiber has created a range of yarns, fabrics and knitwear made from material that has been upcycled from waste product from the spinning process. The spring collection is Ecolabel certified and comes from wool, cashmere, mohair and silk yarns found in Italy’s Biella region. Similarly, the Re.Verso group of companies from Italy’s Prato region features re-engineered wool and cashmere yarn and fabric remnants.
Bacx by Centro Seta uses GOTS-certified organic silk and silk blended with New Life recycled polyester for jersey fabric and silk blended with Greenfiber insulation for outerwear.
Among a group representing organic and natural material makers were Lanificio Zignone’s selection of GOTS-certified organic wool fabrics and Swiss company Hausammann & Moos’ organic cotton knits and wovens that are certified by GOTS and Oeko-Tex Standard, which signifies transparent and responsible production methods. Also in this area was Japan’s Shinnaigai Textile, which has a collection of organic cotton and Tencel in mélange dyes created from natural materials such as flowers, fruits and tea leaves.
There were also fabrics made from biopolymers such as Ingeo, as well as milk protein, soy, seaweed, regenerated cellulosics and Crabyon’s crab’s carapace fiber.
“Step by step, sustainable materials are becoming part of the supply chain,” Bettoni added.