“The future” will never grow old as an inspiration for the industry’s top designers. Fashion is rarely content with the present: We must always be looking back, or looking forward.

Marc Jacobs sent structured Lurex and a pixilated resin necklace down the runway in his Fall 2009 collection this spring. (Courtesy of Style.com)

In recent seasons, Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Marc Jacobs have all sent models down the runways in Lurex, metallics, holographic sequins, and blocky resin accessories that look pixilated. Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel dreamed up a collection this spring full of “fur, silk, and crystal-embellished oversized crash helmets and ear muffs worthy of Amelia Earhart – had she ever piloted a space shuttle,” according to The Independent. The future, evidently, is very shiny.

It makes sense that Milan’s designers should draw on the future. The futurism art movement originated in Italy, after all, with its emphasis on capturing energy and dynamism in solid form. In fashion, that translates to textiles that look and feel liquid and full of light. Structure is key with such slick fabrics, so garments often have that architectural look.

But fashion followers have to ask: Is it more inspirational to look futuristic, or ensuring the future of fashion? We’d argue that the legion of designers who are developing innovative textiles and processes to cut waste are the true futurists. Designers like jewelry master Jill Platner – who is pioneering the use of deoxidized sterling silver, a silver alloy mixed with tarnish-resistant tin instead of copper to make for easier recycling down the road – clearly have an eye on what comes next, after today’s hottest trends are yesterday’s news.

You also begin to see more companies share the love by donating their profits to charities that align with their corporate values. It used to be that the business of business was business, but corporate social responsibility feels very modern these days.

In this issue, you’ll find a variety of stories about how the green fashion industry is approaching the future with attention to sustainability.

Jewelry company Alex and Ani shows its commitment to corporate social responsibility through its new Tree of Life bangle, the sale of which raises money for social causes. Read about the effort here.

Naomi Chappell, the owner of ethical fashion boutique MyGreenLipstick.com, scouts this summer’s biggest trends and makes her recommendations of which pieces will see you through ‘ti fall.

Madison takes a look at functional fashion and how even in sartorial matters, function sometimes trumps form.

A recent survey revealed which brands industry experts believe are poised for greatness in the post-recession world. Curious what they all have in common?