Gramicci goes green
American outdoor brand Gramicci has launched new outwear garments for autumn 2009 that are designed to offer high performance as well as being environmentally friendly.
Its new Re-Gen Twill is made from recycled hemp and organic cotton that is swept up from the sample room floor once yarn has been spun. The material is picked apart, sorted and recast as a durable twill used in a men's blazer and a woman's jacket. Both items are new to the company's Greenicci apparel collection made from organic or recycled fabrics.
The recycled fibres give the fabric a multi-coloured, speckled look, explains Susan Foster, menswear designer for Gramicci. "The end result is 35% recycled hemp, 35% recycled cotton and 30% organic cotton," she says. "It is sphere-washed for extraordinary softness, giving you a recycled garment that is extremely comfortable to wear."
Meanwhile, the new Pitch Performance Fleece features 55% organic cotton and 45% recycled polyester. "What's great about this is it wicks moisture away from the skin to the surface of the fabric, making it perfect for any sport activity," notes Ms Foster. "It feels good and performs, making this fabric a prime example of bringing sustainability to a performance product." Pitch Performance is currently being used in two men's hoodie styles which include zip-off hoods and pockets for MP3 players.
Gramicci's new Lux Eco Weave is featured in the Satin Gretta Hoodie. The fabric is a blend of 77% hemp and 23% silk fibre, complemented by a soft Bastian dye and Sphere wash.
