As much as prints are now in vogue, so is talk about 'ecological footprints' in the fashion world. Think organic cotton and natural materials, ethical production and manufacturing processes that generate less waste. At the coming Eco Luxe show presented by Raffles City as part of the Singapore Fashion Festival, Singaporeans will get to see how ecologically-minded fashion has moved beyond unfashionably baggy, loose cotton and linen creations and cork shoes to pretty feminine dresses and cutting-edge PVC event-oriented bags.

But what are the benchmarks of ecologically-minded fashion? 'Eco-fashion is made with consideration for the environment and humanity in mind. For me, it is about being mindful of where raw materials are sourced, of how they are made and how they are worn,' says Australian designer Katelyn Aslett, who'll be debuting her first eco-fashion collection at Eco Luxe which has been described as ultra-feminine, with materials like natural silk organza and organic wool used.

Demano bags are made from recycled placards and PVC banners

UK designer Sarah Ratty recalls how she grew up around environmental issues in Brighton, the 'eco-capital' of England, and points out that there are many different certification boards for fashion today, depending on what country or continent one is in. There are about eight agencies that certify organic cotton and natural fibres in Europe, for instance, while a Global Standard initiative was launched just last year.

Singaporean designer Angelia Teo, with her Mea Culpa range of wood jewellery, thinks that eco-fashion should be as inclusive as possible. 'If you are taking small steps to use less material, or cut down on waste, then you qualify,' she thinks. Teo used to use acrylic for her pendants, but has since switched to compressed wood which is biodegradable.

To win consumers over, however, she thinks it should be good design first. 'I'm not an eco-warrior!' she declares.

JS Eco World's Jyoti Goenka, from India, does see it as a mission, however. 'People's eyes are opening up to the state of the earth, and want to do something about it. That would explain the growing awareness of eco-friendly products of late,' he notes. JS Eco World makes bags from jute, which is 99 per cent biodegradable natural fibre and is highly durable, which encourages re-use. Recycling's the way to go for Demano bags from Spain, distributed here by The Lawn (www.thelawn.com.sg). Demano recycles polyester PVC banners and placards used for Barcelona's events and makes bags and accessories out of them. It's all about living life - and doing your shopping - in a mindful way, says Aslett. 'As we make small changes it becomes easier: Easier for the producers to develop eco-friendly farms and practices and the benchmarks get set higher because consumers encourage and support good practice if they understand the ethics behind their choices.'

Eco Luxe features ecologically-minded products which look good such as these Mea Culpa wood pendants.

The overwhelming globalisation of fast-food has spawned counter-movements like the Slow Food Movement, now designers like Ratty are talking about 'Slow Fashion' - fashion that takes time to make, which are items you want to keep longer in your wardrobe. 'It's a considerate approach that will bring greater clarity to the whole clothing manufacturing and textile industry,' she says. She sees it as a quiet revolution that is already beginning to bring an end to sweat shops, along with harmful chemical run-offs. With a growing network of collaborators and certification boards, she thinks it's easier now for big industry players to make a difference as well.

Eco Luxe will have a collection of eco-friendly products from some 15 brands, and also designer collections from Sarah Ratty, Katelyn Aslett and Peri Drysdale. Runway shows on Mar 24 and 25, 7pm, at Raffles City. The Eco Luxe retail area will be held at Garden Court, Level One, from 10am to 9.30pm from Mar 23 to April 1.