Why Silk? A Transparent Look at My Choices
At Elebo Designs, every decision is made with care — not just for aesthetics, but for the world we live in. And when it comes to material choices, few have sparked as much reflection as silk.
Let me be clear: silk is not a perfect environmental choice. But after much consideration, research, and exploration, I believe it’s the best option for now — and I want to share why.
The Beauty and Benefits of Silk
Silk is a natural fibre. It’s breathable, lightweight, and incredibly long-lasting. A well-made silk scarf can live in your wardrobe for decades, ageing gracefully. When printed with non-toxic inks — as I ensure at Elebo — silk is also biodegradable, returning to the earth without leaving behind synthetic waste.
Beyond that, silk’s lightness means smaller, more compact packaging, which reduces the environmental footprint of shipping. For a small-batch, slow-fashion label, every detail counts.
The Ethical Imperfections
Of course, silk has its complexities. It is not vegan. Traditional silk production relies on the Bombyx mori worm, whose life cycle is interrupted in the process. Additionally, silk’s production can result in high emissions, something I am conscious of as part of a broader environmental impact.
Image by GILBERTO MELLO from Pixabay
Alternatives I’ve Considered
I’ve explored bamboo fabrics, drawn by their softness and reputation for sustainability. But a deeper look revealed that bamboo’s production often involves harsh chemicals and unsustainable practices. So far I haven’t found a viable organic bamboo option for my scarves.
I also looked into peace silk — silk made without harming the silkworm — only to discover that its overall environmental impact can be just as high, sometimes even higher, than conventional silk.
Polyester, in all its forms, is excluded from the outset. Adding more plastic to the world, particularly for a product meant to embody slow, conscious design, is a line I won’t cross.
One promising material I’m currently exploring is Bemberg — a fabric made from the by-product of cotton. Early research suggests it holds real potential. I’ll share more on this as I continue learning.
Always Learning, Always Transparent
I’m not a materials scientist or a sustainability expert. But I am committed to learning every day and being open about the choices I make. My mission is simple: to create thoughtful designs for people who care, and to tread as lightly as possible while doing so.
Thank you for coming on this journey with me.
If you’d like to stay in the loop with updates, new materials I’m exploring, and behind-the-scenes insights, I warmly invite you to sign up for my newsletter. It’s where I share the stories, thoughts, and details that don’t always make it onto the website — just quiet, intentional notes for those who care.
With gratitude,
Elena.
