Sustainability has long been a contentious issue in the fashion industry. The high amount of manufacturing waste has been proven to contribute to pollution and other environmental concerns, which has spurred eco-friendly attempts from labels like Reformation and Stella McCartney. Major fast-fashion brands are also catching on: H&M, which released its first Conscious Collection about five years ago, is going a step further by designing a dress made from a new material known as Bionic Yarn. Created using recycled polyester made from plastic shoreline waste such as garbage bags and plastic bottles, the dress is a delicate plissé pleated blush gown that looks straight off a designer runway, particularly when modeled by ever-sophisticated model Natalia Vodianova. Retailing for $249 in stores and online starting April 20, the dress is worth it for something that has a positive impact on the environment.
