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The Sustainable Cotton Project encourages the next generation of fashion designers to use Organic Cotton

In addition to working with farmers, textile manufacturers, and the media to develop and promote organic cotton, The Sustainable Cotton Project makes sure that budding new fashion students attend farm tours in the San Joaquin valley each year to experience for themselves, the difference between conventional and organic farming techniques. Over 20 students from The Academy of Art Fashion College in San Francisco attended farm tours over the last 2 years. After witnessing the chemical intensive conventional farming methods, students were encouraged to design their final collections using organic cotton. The Sustainable Cotton Project also facilitated contacts with organic cotton fabric suppliers to sponsor the student collections. Student final degree shows are heavily covered by the media, and leading industry talent scouts attend the shows looking for budding new designers.
Having organic cotton featured at these catwalk events leads to extensive press exposure for the fiber. "Through our collaboration with The Sustainable Cotton Project, students develop awareness about the real issues with conventional cotton, make valuable contacts for the future with organic cotton suppliers, and bring a level of creative design to organics that goes way beyond the usual restraints of the textile industry", said Academy of Art Assistant Director, Simon Ungless. For example, Christine Kinden Hafsten, who interned with British hot shot designer Alexander McQueen last year, designed an organic cotton collection, using unique pleating details and creative printing techniques. The refined pleated garments were combined with hand woven textured fabrics and chunky beaded tops.
Following are some images from the final degree shows at The Academy of Art, San Francisco, and Saint Martin's Central School, London.

ACADEMY OF ART - San Francisco
SAN MARTIN CENTRAL SCHOOL - London