Lingerie Blog

hempsilk corset with ruffle

Corsetry is a style that has largely progressed through alternative scenes - such as renaissance, fetish or special occasion fashion. Now an eco-friendly alternative is available - in gorgeous, stylish form.

René Geneva just took the top prize at the Austin Fashion Awards, winning Critics’ Choice Best Designer and Best Women’s Designer! Even though the Fashion Award’s did not have an organic or “green” emphasis, all of René’s designs are made from organic, eco-friendly materials and have comprehensive social accountability standards. She has taken the corset and made it into ’green’, wearable art.

In November 2005, Rene headed to Nicaragua (the second poorest nation in the Western hemisphere) to work with a fair wage, fair trade women’s textile cooperative. Training them in the elements of corsetry and applique enabled them to produce Rene’s latest designs and to expand their capabilities beyond T-shirt production.

Bark Fabric Corset — on Angela Ryan

Most corset wearers are looking for a waist-defining garment that is fun and easy to wear.  About 25% of Rene’s customers special order tight lacing corsets, which are especially reinforced to take in the waist as much as 3-5″. All of her corsets contain flat-steel boning, but the tight-lacing corsets are combined with a spiral steel and extra lining, while the casual corsets contain a composite boning along with the steel.

What’s great about the Eco-friendly fabrics, is they are highly durable and can easily be hand washed. If it weren’t for the boning, one could easily put them in the washer and dryer. Fabrics such as the hemp-silk, have a rating of 100 SBP, or Sustainable Biodegradable Product rating.

Learn more about Rene’s dedication to remaining socially and eco-responsible - and see her full range of fashion at http://EcoChicClothing.com

Next stop for René is at NY Fashion Week who will debut her next season at the Ethical Fashion Preview at the Carlton Hotel on September 14, 2009. She is also working on the preliminary details with the support of the Whole Planet Foundation on a project to help educate women and provide skilled jobs in Nicaragua.