B.C.–based designer Marcia Robertson wants people to know that environmentally friendly apparel is worth it.

“I feel like it’s very, very important for us to wear eco-fibres,” she tells the Straight by phone. “A lot of textiles these days are treated with chemicals that get absorbed through our skin. So the alternatives are definitely something I want to promote.”

This green principle is one that was at the forefront of Robertson’s mind when she launched Thorn Clothing Co. in August. Taking its name and logo from a character in an ancient Scandinavian writing system (“I’m interested in Norse mythology,” Robertson shares), the line features ethically produced, made-in-Canada women’s apparel at an accessible price point.

Robertson, a fine-arts grad who’s also studied fashion, launched the label after years of working in textile production. She recalls that she’s always had a strong interest in environmentally produced clothing, which she previously nurtured behind closed doors.

“In school, I didn’t really discuss it too much. It was a personal interest to me and I just took it upon myself to learn more about it,” she says. “Over time, I became familiar with the fabrics and which ones are most beneficial. I try my best to work with what’s available.”

The young designer prefers blended over “straight-up” fabrics for her easy-to-wear, grunge-inspired pieces. Modal and organic cotton afford strappy bralettes a comfy stretch, for example, while cotton and bamboo take your basic striped T from weekend-wear to lounge-worthy. Form-fitting pencil skirts, crushed velvet crop-tops, and trendy turtleneck dresses also debuted this summer.

All items are designed in Robertson’s home-base of Nelson, B.C., and then manufactured in Vancouver. And while the designer chooses breathable modal, bamboo, and cotton mixes for their quality and durability—elements that prevent articles of clothing from prematurely entering landfills—she also notes that they cling beautifully to the body.   

“More than anything, I just want the clothing to look good and be very comfortable,” she emphasizes. “I try to design pieces that someone would wear all the time—like, your basic pieces—not just something you’d wear once in a while.”

Following almost a month of online-only sales, Robertson will be bringing Thorn Clothing Co. to Portobello West’s fall market this Saturday and Sunday (September 17 to 18) at the Creekside Community Centre (1 Athlete’s Way).

Shoppers can expect to find graphic Ts featuring original prints by Robertson, velvet tights, skater skirts, and bra-tops, all ranging from $35 to $120, plus pieces by other local fashion lines like Besoreal Fashions Inc. and Rocco Wear.

The market marks the first time that Robertson will be showcasing her relatively new eco-label in-person to the public. While there, she hopes that she can help further the dialogue surrounding environmentally minded clothing, too.

“We need to educate people a bit more on that, I think,” she says. “Because these pieces are more expensive than what you can get at the mall, but they last longer and they’re higher quality.”