A warm and ethical winter wardrobe

Winter gets going in December. Is it still possible in this day and age to keep warm without overheating the planet or exploiting the people of emerging countries? Is Quebec still a player in the winter fashion world?

Local garments

Our unforgiving climate has stimulated the imagination and creation of several local manufacturers, who have made use of ingenious methods to find the lightest (goose down) and warmest materials. These days, with many companies moving their production lines to emerging countries, certain manufacturers have decided to maintain their confidence in the know-how of local industry.

Fur

Fur has been subject to controversy for many years, and debates are still raging between animal defence associations and fur users, and ecology isn't always part of the issue.

However, without getting into it too much, it's worth pointing out that some local designers use recycled fur to create hats, scarves and other useful winter accessories. It's well-known that fur provides soft, light warmth, and rather than discarding old garments, you might as well make use of the work already put into it.

Other recycled materials

Less controversial, but just as warm, wool is also making a come back. Local designers have innovated to help us forget that these materials are in fact second hand.

To find out more, go to www.ethiquette.ca