With leather banned at the recent Helsinki Fashion Week, designers were exploring more eco-friendly materials and supply chains. Founder Evelyn Mora names the five designers that made the biggest impression.
The fifth Helsinki Fashion Week took place in the Finnish capital from 19 to 22 July. Although the event has been focused on sustainable fashion since launch, the 2019 edition was the first to ban leather from the catwalks.
Designers presented looks that brought together innovative new textiles, recycled materials and ethical manufacturing practices.
Mora has selected the five designers that most inspired her:

Photo is by Wongwannawat
Patrick McDowell
Patrick McDowell was thrown into the spotlight last year with his graduate collection from Central Saint Martins. The British designer made garments using waste fabrics he sourced from Burberry ? a brand that has been criticised for burning old stock ? in a bid to change the system. He is building on these ideas with his latest collection, which is designed to show that environmentally friendly clothing doesn't have to be boring.
"Fashion is not always about clothing, it's also about what you stand for," said Mora. "Patrick is making a statement, that creativity is something that we must still remember in sustainable fashion."

ABCH
Melbourne-based label ABCH promotes the circular economy in every collection. Led by designer Courtney Holm, it only uses raw materials that naturally biodegrade or can b...