TCM Editor Obsessions: What Sustainable Fashion Looks Like Now

We've been talking a lot about fast fashion (watch the doc) and responsible consumerism (closet detox, anyone?) lately. We're thinking more and more about where and how everything we buy is being made. The shift from shopping purely for convenience to shopping responsibly can be a tough one, but, lately, it's becoming a much more stylish experience thanks to women like Brooke Taylor Corcia, founder of The Dreslyn here in L.A. The Dreslyn stocks a mix of well-curated ready-to-wear brands from Rachel Comey to Ryan Roche,  Band of Outsiders to Elizabeth and James. Based in downtown Los Angeles, we love shopping the Dreslyn to find brands that are equal parts of-the-moment and authentic, stylish and transparent. Here's Brooke with a few thoughts on sustainable fashion now... The Chalkboard Mag: The Dreslyn is the kind of shop we love. You're curating brands that are not only responsible, but that have incredible, timeless style as well. Tell us about finding that sweet spot between brands that do good and brands with style. Brooke Taylor Corcia: Thank you! My philosophy is to offer well-crafted, beautiful, accessible products as imagined through our unique point of view. We are lucky to attract and work with conscientious designers who practice sustainable manufacturing processes using quality materials. TCM: The Dreslyn is about quality pieces that last season after season. Can you list the staples you think all women should have in their closets? BTC:  A classic leather jacket. The perfect washed black jeans. A statement dress. A cozy, oversized sweater. The basic white tee, of course - and a smile. TCM: What three brands are exciting you right now and why? BTC: Base Range: This sustainable collection from Denmark and France is my go-to for wardrobe essentials in organic fabrics and soft silhouettes. Building Block: I love their minimalist aesthetic of beautifully crafted bags. Raquel Allegra: She has such a strong sense of identity, but always pushes the boundaries to create new and exciting iterations, which is extremely challenging to accomplish, yet she always does so flawlessly. TCM: Well-made goods have always been in style, of course, but, lately there has been such a surge of interest in artisan-made, hand-crafted, or even locally made goods. We see it in the home, in the kitchen, even in the pantry and refrigerator. Where are you seeing that trend and general interest in fashion? BTC: I think the recession and rise of social media are root causes of this trend. Consumers are more educated and selective in their buying behavior, seeking luxury products that are unique and one of a kind. Likewise, more entrepreneurs and small businesses have emerged, offering locally made, handcrafted goods of great quality. I’ve noticed this across all divisions of The Dreslyn - in the home, in ready-to-wear, new emerging designers and in social media. TCM: Our readers take great care about what they put in their bodies, but what we put on our bodies matters as well. Let's talk about the relationship there. BTC: The two go hand-in-hand. Healthy lifestyle choices and responsible consumer decisions are both made from a place of informed confidence. Just like your readers, our customers are selective - in the foods they eat, company they keep and things they purchase. Conscious living has an economic and social impact that more and more people are becoming aware of, which is exciting. TCM: Do you have any good advice for women who want to shop more 'responsibly?’  BTC: I personally live by the adage ‘less is more.’ Invest in high-quality, essential items/statement pieces you will love and appreciate - they will inevitably fit flawlessly, last longer and serve you best, while reducing the environmental impact of wasteful fast fashion. TCM: What trends are you seeing for fall that you love? BTC: Rich shades of camel and tan, luxe sweaters, ponchos and beautiful outerwear!

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