Ecouterre is a website devoted to the future of clothing and textile design. We’re dedicated to showcasing and supporting designers who not only contemplate cut, form, and drape, but also a garment’s social and environmental impact, from the cultivation of its fibers to its use and disposal. Our mission: To follow the evolution of the apparel industry toward a more environmentally sound future, as well as facilitate a conversation about why sustainable fashion matters.

In September 2009, Jill Fehrenbacher, founder of sustainable design website Inhabitat.com, launched Ecouterre to dispel any disparaging stereotypes that still cling to the concept of eco-fashion (hemp ponchos, anyone?), while highlighting innovations in fiber technology that will help pave the way for designers and manufacturers to embrace sustainable materials and processes. Her goal with Ecouterre is to get both designers and consumers to start taking the issue of sustainability in clothing design more seriously. Frustrated by constant criticism for her fashion-design coverage from hardcore greenies and eco-snobs who dismiss the impact that clothing design has on our planet, Jill was compelled to launch a site dedicated exclusively to eco fashion, to raise awareness of these issues.