Like an eco-friendly phoenix from the flames of fast, throwaway fashion, sustainable style is on the rise. On a balmy May evening I grabbed a front row seat at Chorlton Art Festival?s Eco Fashion Show, to see what all the environmentally friendly fuss is about.

Now in its second year, Chorlton's Eco Fashion Show is the project of fashion industry buyer, Charlotte Workman. The purpose of the show, according to Charlotte, is to prove that fashion can be responsible as well as innovative and amazing. With all the featured retailers and designers from Manchester, Charlotte is also keen to point out that 'We have some very exciting collections using recycled clothing, vintage textiles and fair-trade fabrics'.

Taking place in St Clements Church, the show made the most of its celestial surroundings. Utilising the imposing white arches and positioning the magnificent stained glass window directly behind the catwalk, meant there was not much stage dressing necessary. Nevertheless, the small stage was festooned with eye-catching prints and props, invoking a definite fair-trade feel.

A rousing introduction claimed we would 'not find more beautiful one offs on the high street', and after spotting the cutest jungle print playsuit from Junk Shop, I had to agree. Delivering a treasure trove of recycled clothing, along with one off pieces using only sustainable products, Junk Shop also impressed with a floral, ruche detail dress. I was equally surprised and delighted by an exquisite pink shift dress, with delicate embroidered hearts and fine stitching detail, from Vanisha's Design Boutique. A must for embroidery fans, Vanisha's is located in Afflecks Palace, along with fellow show exhibitors Love Me Again and Clothing with a Conscience.

Locals to Chorlton may have already come across Wowie Zowie, a retro cavern of the bright, the retro and the wonderful. A houndstooth sixties swing jacket put high street incarnations to shame; teamed with pillar box red tights and ballet flats, it almost made me wish for rain! Wowie Zowie is an Aladdin's cave of vintage goodies, selling not just fashion, but bits and bobs to add eco-friendly flair to any home. In contrast, Mononoko Couture is so new it is not yet stocked in any Manchester stores, but can be found online. They use fabrics as diverse as hemp, bamboo, soy blends and organic cotton, and have already displayed their wares at London Fashion Week. A voluminous black gown seemed to showcase the theory that natural materials equal natural beauty.

Further proving that environmentally friendly does equal incredibly dull was Between Threads. Fusing east and west to create layered, embellished pieces from vintage items and stunning sari fabrics, their green backless sari-come-dress indicated that the glamour factor was clearly building, ready for a spectacular show finale. Sadia Bashir's designs are stocked in Kiku Boutique on Tib Street, and some off her one-off wonders have already been worn on the red carpet. Her undeniably unique and enrapturing wedding dress signalled the pinnacle of the show. A creamy concoction of luxurious layering, and adorned with 3D flowers, the dress showed that eco-friendly can be eco-fabulous. I do have to say though, that the only thing overshadowing the beauty of the bridal gown was the magnificent example of millinery atop the model?s head. The awe-inspiring feather fascinator was created by Lilly Lewis, using the ?finest ethically sourced feathers available?. It was beautiful, I am still thinking about it now, I have to have it!

Admittedly, I have so far not fully embraced the ethical fashion movement. Bar a brief love affair with a People Tree cardigan, I have considered eco fashion not really that fashionable. Yet it is definitely moving on up the ranks, and having seen so many clever creations I am already inspired to head to Abakhan (haberdashery heaven on Oldham St) and get customising old clobber. Putting high street carbon copies to shame, Chorlton?s Eco Fashion Show proved that sustainable style is innovative and individual. The retailers and designers featured, create one-off, exciting pieces to make any style savvy girl stand out. I would definitely recommend having a gander at all of them, not only will your wardrobe thank you but you?ll be saving the earth, and that never goes out of fashion.

Words by Emma Grainger. Images courtesy of Amy Hutchinson photography.

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