When purchasing fashion products it appears that many customers look at style and comfort. What about ethical implications? In the attempt to be “green” in all things fashion, choosing sustainable products often means having to make concessions on appearance, functionality, price or convenience. However, this is no longer the case. OAT, a Dutch footwear brand, believes that both style and global consciousness are not mutually exclusive.
OAT has developed the world’s first line of sneakers that upon being disposed of will eventually biodegrade and sprout trees. This cradle to cradle line known as “Virgin Collection” is manufactured from materials, some of which have been developed by OAT itself, that are easily broken down naturally. Seeds have been placed in the lining of these sneakers in the hopes that a tree will sprout wherever the sneakers eventually reside. It is actually suggested that purchasers bury their sneakers once they are finished with them.
These sneakers have become such a revolution in sustainable fashion that OAT won second prize in the Green Fashion competition during this year’s Amsterdam International Fashion Week.
According to the company’s website, OAT’s vision is that “the future of fashion lies in a reconciliation between nature and industry. “ This is where industry is heading. Companies have to understand that what they do, what they say, what they make, use or throw out has an impact. OAT is here to prove to all companies that life centered design can intertwine style and substance.
