Lebanese Eco Designer Ziad Ghanem Creates Recycled Couture

London fashion week show viewers may have been shocked earlier this week when London-based Lebanese designer Ziad Ghanem’s line came down the runway.  Initiated by a video introduction asking the viewers to break free from consumerism and follow their own hearts, repeating the line “I lost my head the day I found my heart,” the show was definitely nothing like mainstream high fashion.

But neither is Ziad Ghanem.

Unlike other high fashion designers, Ghanem brings a funky environmental consciousness to his work that proves “green” ideas have their place in the world of couture.  Sourcing his fabrics from used clothing from second-hand stores, Ghanem also follows principles of environmentally friendly printing and ethical working conditions.

Apart from his own high fashion couture and ready to wear lines, Ghanem has also joined forces with graphic designer Robert Boon to form a collaborative fashion label called Maiden Britain, which will “support revolutionary concepts of art, fashion and contemporary cultures and end creative laws limitations.”  Maiden Britain will make upcycled fabric clothing pieces and a limited edition of 100% recycled cotton T-shirts with hand-printed graphics.

Using a large assortment of fabrics in a single garment, Ghanem’s designs get you more fashion for your buck.  According to him, “in just one of my dresses you can find Versus, M&S, Laura Ashley, Junior Gaultier, Gap and a vintage Sex Pistols T-shirt.”  Isn’t recycling grand?

Ghanem’s fashion inspiration began in Lebanon, where his grandfather owned a shoe factory and where his uncle designed shoes.  His mother was also a sharp dresser and instilled a design urge in him from a very young age.

Check out the clip below for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ghanem’s fashion shows from earlier this year, and a brief interview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctAHUE6SLZY[/youtube]

Read more about eco sustainable clothing in the Middle East:

Eco Suit Company Bagir Makes Earth Friendly Deal with Egypt

Are Muslim Women Ready for Bamboo Hijab and Chadors?

Is the Financial Crisis Making It Harder to go Organic? No Sweat Apparel in Trouble

Author: Karen Chernick

Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.

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