BBQs, frosty drinks, swimming pools and bikinis - these are what summer dreams are made of. With all of the excitement, planning a summer that is both unforgettable and eco-conscious can seem daunting, but Independence Day (that’s next week!) is the perfect time to celebrate and commemorate all of the progress towards a less wasteful life you’ve made so far. Here are a few easy ways to make your summer sustainably stylish - right in time for the Fourth!
It is not surprising that world renowned french design star Philippe Starck, most famous for his posh hotels and slick furniture recently said “I will never be idiotic enough to do fashion.” The setting of his proclamation, however, was a bit perplexing - it was in Florence at the launch of Mr. Starck’s new eco-conscious clothing line. Say what?!
Well this is also the guy who said ‘Design is Dead‘ and announced his retirement from the world of design, while simultaneously launching a line of eco-chic mini wind turbines. We aren’t quite sure what Mr. Starck has against the f-word, but we are pretty confident that his adamantly non-fashion line made of luxurious cashmere and silk cloaks, knit dresses and jackets does indeed fall under the realm of fashion, whether he likes it or not. But you can be the judge of that.
When you want to beat the summer heat, there’s nothing more satisfying than the sensation of frosty ice against your skin. Since wearing ice cubes isn’t the most practical idea, you might want to try the next best thing - Sweden-based jewelry artist Kumvana Gomani’s sparkly, refreshing jewelry made of filigreed shards of plastic she reclaimed from old water bottles and ice cream cartons! Just like snowflakes, no two are alike.
Are you a cyclist who bemoans the fact that comfortable biking clothing isn’t stylish? NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy (LVMH) teamed up to present a challenge to FIT’s students to create stylish and practical activewear for cyclists. The students worked for a semester to develop designs for a poncho, jacket, and travel bag under the mentorship of their professors and designers at Donna Karen New York (DKNY). The top three finalists and their designs were honored at a conference in early June; read on for more, including the winner!
It’s no secret that we are fans of Loomstate’s soft-spun, organic cotton fashions - especially when they’re on sale! Some of the most amazing and wearable styles from the Spring 2009 Men’s collection are up to 70% off at the Gilt Groupe’s Private Sale today and they’re going fast. The sale ends tomorrow at noon so hurry and check it out!
Some of you may tear up at DeBeers commercials, and some of you may gag, but few would argue that engagement and wedding rings are a romantic gesture with deep symbolism. Whether you are the type who goes for flaunting traditional bling, or a non-traditionalist who got engaged with a soda can pop-top, there is something beautifully symbolic about the tradition of exchanging rings to symbolize a long-lasting commitment to your partner. And with the ring so begins Inhabitat’s Green Wedding Series. A number of the Inhabitat writers have gotten hitched with green weddings recently, and having just come through the process - we’ve got a lot of information to share on how to make your wedding day as green as they come. Let’s start by taking a green look at one of the most enduring modern wedding traditions: the ring…
SALE ENDS TODAY AT MIDNIGHT!!!!
Looking for some light-on-your-feet, light-on-the-planet, eco-sneakers for summer? You can’t do much better than Veja’s chic, green sneaks, which are ethically made from natural latex rubber and organic cotton canvas in Brazil. We love how socially conscious these sneakers are, without looking at all crunchy or hippyish. In fact, these men’s and women’s sneakers are so subtly stylish they will make you proud to be green.
Right now, as part of our summer kickoff sale, we are offering the sneakers at 50% off their regular prices. That means TODAY ONLY, you can save $75 or more on a pair of Vejas. But TODAY is the last day of the sale - so if you want to snap up a pair, you only have a few hours left!
50% off until June 7th
The last time we offered Veja’s uber-popular and hard to find eco-sneakers in the Inhabitatshop, they flew out the door faster than we could say “ethically-made.” With summer right around the corner, we figured this was the perfect time to bring back this reader fave. And to make things even more interesting, we’re taking a whopping 50% off all men’s and women’s styles in the Inhabitatshop right now for a limited time only! If you weren’t able to scoop up a pair of these simple and classic sustainable sneaks last time, why not seize take this opportunity to add them to your collection? Get over $75 off all Veja Sneakers right now >
The Timberland Company, known for it’s environmental stewardship and consistent ranking as one of America’s best companies to work for by Fortune and Working Mother Magazine, has just opened a new sustainable store at 474 Broadway in NYC. The sleek interior and ample use of reclaimed wood make for an inviting and earth-friendly shopping experience.
Searching for the perfect summer sandals to complete your eco-chic wardrobe?
Look no further. Melissa, the makers of our favorite jellies and flats also makes eco-chic sandals in styles that will please both your feet and your wallet. Due to several requests from customers, we have added two new styles to the Inhabitatshop - the classic Melissa Sin and the gladiator-glam Melissa Mistery!
With balmy weather and beach season right around the bend, we eco-fashionistas are in bikini mode! If you’ve been on the lookout for a bathing suit that is both figure-flattering and eco-conscious, this sexy style by Deux FM is the best of both worlds. Called the Mystique and made of remnant fabric, this knockout suit comes in bold colors like fire red, eggplant and basic black for maximum impact. It’s brand spanking new in the Inhabitatshop, so be sure to snag yours here >.
DRUMROLL PLEASE…We have a winner!Dying to know if your comment about why you absolutely MUST have a sustainable swimsuit persuaded our judges that you deserve this stunning Loyale bikini? Fifty-six of you entered our Loyale Eco Bikini contest, and there were a lot of great, inspiring comments all around. Unfortunately, however, we only have one green bikini to give away. And the winner is…
Craving a sustainable swimsuit for the summer season? Don’t miss your chance to score this flirty Loyale bikini as seen on super sexy Gisele Bundchen in the June eco-fashion issue of Vogue! We’re looking for one lucky reader to sport it just in time for summer. The seriously sizzling suit is made locally in NYC using 100% organic cotton and low-impact dyes. A little birdy told us that the suit was resurrected from a past season per special request by Vogue, meaning that there are a very limited number of them - and one of them could be yours!
IT’S SIMPLE TO ENTER OUR CONTEST:
1. Sign up for our weekly newsletter >
2. Leave a comment in our contest post telling us what you love most about Loyale and why you absolutely NEED this eco-bikini for this swim season. We’ll reward our favorite comment with a brand new Barstow bikini!
Ready to green it up this swim season? Want a chance to score this flirty Loyale bikini that superhottie Gisele Bundchen will be sporting in the June eco-fashion issue of Vogue? We’re giving one away to a lucky reader just in time for the start of beach season! The seriously sexy suit is made of organic cotton locally in NYC using low-impact dyes, and word on the street is that Vogue was so enamored with the watery-hued styling that they asked Loyale to resurrect it even though it’s from a past season. The Barstow usually sells for $120 on the Loyale website, but read on to see how you can snag one for free!
IT’S SIMPLE TO ENTER OUR CONTEST:
1. Sign up for our weekly newsletter >
2. Leave a comment on this post, below
telling us what you love most about Loyale and why you absolutely NEED this eco-bikini for this swim season. We’ll reward our favorite comment with a brand new Barstow bikini!
As the kick off to a sizzling summer of 2009, we are thrilled to report that the June issue of Vogue is highlighting some gorgeously green designs and super fresh eco fashion picks. Loyale’s Jenny Hwa has her super-hot Barstow bikini featured on the chiseled bod of Gisele Bundchen on Vogue’s page 68, a sign perhaps that even Anna Wintour has acknowledged that green fashion has real resonance with fashion-forward readers. Summer style really does not get any hotter than this, and honestly folks, who would have guessed that sustainable style would be heating up a fashion glossy’s pages on the curves of a Brazilian supermodel?
CALLING ALL ECO-FASHIONISTAS & DESIGN AFICIONADOS!
In honor of NY Design Week, we’re announcing the arrival of some hot new colors of our eco-chic Melissa Campana flats. Pay homage to the legendary Campana Brothers who designed these comfy masterpieces by showcasing their work - on your feet! These superfun Melissa flats are 100% recyclable, breathable, vegan and non-toxic, and they’re an affordable way for you to own an original Campana design that is reminiscent of the amazing pieces of furniture created by this illustrious duo. Don’t miss your chance to scoop up a pair of these uber-cute and sustainably made Melissa flats!
Ever imagined wearing a dress made out of paper? House-Wear, a truly imaginative brand founded by artist Laura Sansone is all about eco-fashion, but in a different way than what you may have seen before. Laura’s cheeky and light-as-a-feather PAPER WEAR line is made out of Tyvek, a material which is usually reserved for mailing envelopes! Not only do these clever garments “push the envelope” by using a familiar material in a new and exciting way (something we love here at Inhabitat), but the trompe l’oeil look is spot-on in terms of what’s hot right now in fashion.
CALLING ALL DESIGN AFICIONADOS & ECO-FASHIONISTAS!
We know that it’s not easy to come by art designed by living legends - especially the kind that you can wear on your feet! So in honor of NY Design Week, we’re offering our eco-chic Melissa Campana flats at a chunky 25% off as an homage to the legendary Campana Brothers who designed them. Not only are these superfun Melissa slippers 100% recyclable, breathable, vegan and non-toxic, they’re also an affordable way for you to own an original Campana design that is reminiscent of the visionary pieces of furniture created by this famous duo. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to scoop up a pair of uber-cute and sustainably made Melissa flats, here it is!
Last week, we were excited to be the exclusive media sponsor of the Green Room, an eco-focused space within premiere fashion trade show Designers & Agents. Although we were technically ‘working’ at D&A, the bright and cheery Green Room looked so much like an eco-fashionista’s dream boutique, complete with bubblegummy eco-art and elegant furnishings by Uhuru, that we couldn’t help but want to go shopping! And we did! From ruffly sweet sweater dresses to sleek silver recycled tyvek tops, we tried on so much eco-goodness that we knew we had to share our favorite looks with you. So without further ado, here are our favorite new green styles from the D&A trade show - modeled of course, by yours truly….
Sustainable style groupies all know about Project Earth Day and Leanne Marshal of Project Runway’s Season 5, but what about Project Blue, a new eco fashion initiative that has further democratized an American textile staple by recycling used denim into ultra-tailored couture by hot fashion designers? Julie Gilhart, Barneys New York’s sustainably-minded Fashion Director, recently teamed up with ELLE and non-profit Oceana, to promote a unique collection of one-of-a-kind pieces crafted out of worn and faded blue jeans. Eight high-profile designers offered their supreme talent for Project Blue’s charity auction to benefit the international advocacy group, Oceana. These unique eco fashion designs are currently available to the highest bidder in an exclusive e-bay auction through tomorrow night, Sunday, May 10!
This week, we’re psyched to be reporting live from the ‘Green Room,’ a devoted space within premiere fashion trade show Designers & Agents featuring the hottest emerging eco-collections. Things may have been dreary outside, but this bright, airy green fashion wonderland has been providing us with plenty of eye candy to keep our minds off of the weather. From futuristic shift dresses made from Tyvek to cozy alpaca wool frocks adorned with ruffles, the creative use of materials and masterful craftsmanship of each unique design is a testament to how far sustainable style has evolved from the bland, hempy looks of yore. Read on for a sneak peek gallery of the brightest budding talent in sustainable clothing and accessories!
Being the sustainable style junkies we are, Inhabitat is joining forces once again with premiere fashion trade show Designers & Agents to bring you the best and brightest in cutting-edge eco fashion coverage from today through Wednesday. The NY Inhabitat team will be on the scene in the ‘Green Room,’ a gallery space dedicated to showcasing environmental design and eco fashion collections (not to mention green furniture, books and products), so stop by and say hello! Remember, emerging designers can only show once in the Green Room, so this is your chance to glimpse the newest budding talent (before everyone else knows about it).
This year’s Project Earth Day Eco Fashion Design Competition officially blasted away any stereotypes that eco-fashion is boring or crunchy. We’ve captured all of the highlights - from the brilliant student designs to the latest looks from all of our favorite eco-designers - on video for your viewing pleasure. Check out the above video to see how the student design competition went down, and the video below for the professional runway show.
ATTENTION TOUT ECO-FASHIONISTAS FRANCAIS!
With the packed house at this year’s Project Earth Day eco-runway show and big name designers like Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney acknowledging the need for the garment industry to clean up its act, there’s no denial that green fashion is making its mark. Surprisingly, even with all this going on, a true eco-fashion presence has been missing from the city whose name is synonymous with high fashion - until now. Eco-boutique Ekovaruhuset just had their grand opening in the city of lights, and we were there to bring you the scoop!
ATTENTION ECO-FASHIONISTAS!Now that spring has officially sprung, your feet want to be free! Happily, Brazilian shoe brand Melissa allows vegan and eco-conscious fashionistas to free their feet while keeping a small environmental footprint. We love Melissa’s spring collection of fun jellies, flats and sandals so much that we have decided to hold a big sale - FOR ONE WEEK ONLY - on all Melissa spring sandals and jellies.
If you weren’t able to attend this year’s Project Earth Day Eco Fashion Runway Show, we have good news for you: Inhabitat was on the scene at Openhouse Gallery to bring you all of the pics and juicy details. From several killer runway shows to a rockin’ reception where people (including our very own editor-in-chief, Jill Fehrenbacher) were chatting so excitedly that their voices were hoarse the next day, Project Earth Day officially blasted away any stereotypes that eco-fashion is boring or crunchy. FINALLY!
CALLING ALL NEW YORK ECO-FASHIONISTAS! What are you doing tonight? If your answer is not ‘Going to Project Earth Day’ - it should be. This extremely fun annual event happens every year around Earth Day and features a runway show of established eco fashion designers, as well as an awesome ‘Project Runway’ style design competition between up-and-coming student designers.
If you’re addicted to reality-show style design competitions (and who isn’t), catch the action LIVE tonight at Project Earth Day! We were on the scene at last year’s Project Earth Day and made the above video to whet your appetite for things to come tonight..
The annual Project Earth Day runway show is definitely a great way to showcase the latest trends and innovations in eco fashion, but the night’s festivities really take their style cues from the student design competition as future stars of sustainable style give us a preview of their talent. Last year’s standout grand prize winner, Amira Marion, truly epitomized just how knowledgeable and inventive contemporary fashion design students are. We loved the feel-good spirit of Amira’s textile-rich and funked-out knits. Her award-winning ensembles were absolute crowd-pleasers and totally convincing in their wearability and signature appeal. Eco-geeky, super crafty, chic and fun, Amira Marion’s designs captivated every ecofashionista on Project Earth Day’s runway sidelines.
Calling all eco-fashionistas in NYC!The third annual Project Earth Day fashion show is set to stun this Thursday with a dazzling array of sustainable looks by the hottest eco-fashion designers.
Inhabitat has been a fan of this fun event for years, and at last year’s event we made a couple videos that we’d like to share with you. We’re thrilled to bring you two exclusive videos that will give you a taste of what to expect at this year’s show. Check them out and stay tuned for our coverage of the 2009 runway show and student competition which take place on April 23rd!
Love the look of leather, but can’t stand the thought of skinning ole Bessie? If so, Olsen Haus has got you covered. Even if you don’t have any bovine pets, these 100% stylish, 100% cruelty-free sandals will keep your feet guilded in guilt-free splendor all throughout the warmer months. Did we mention that they’re sexy, functional and comfortable too? Check, check and check! And you can find both at the vegan-friendly eco conscious Inhabitat shop!
PROJECT EARTH DAY IS APRIL 23RD - 6PM
With Earth Day less than a week away, it seems as if everyone is swapping invites to green parties and earth-focused events here in NYC. The third-annual Project Earth Day fashion show is perhaps the hottest ticket in town, and the Inhabitat sustainable style team will be onsite to cover the night’s festivities at the Openhouse Gallery in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood. As with last year’s stellar line up, Project Earth Day 2009 will highlight a student competition as well as a runway show featuring some of the brightest stars in eco fashion design. Read on for details on the April 23rd runway show, as well as highlights from Project Earth Days past.
It’s no secret that we here at Inhabitat love breezy eco-fashion label Loyale. And as we introduce the Loyale Spring 2009 collection, we are also happy to report that designer Jenny Hwa, founder of Loyale, is a recipient of the 2008 Eileen Fisher Business Grant Program. With a commitment to environmentally responsible business practices and continued use of sustainable fabrics, we can’t think of anyone more deserving. Her spring collection is characterized by flirty mini-dresses and breezy tunics, making this season yet another filled with easy-to-wear and comfortable pieces that can be worn on any occasion. The best is yet to come because this Earth Day, Loyale will be offering their items at 25% off for one day only with coupon code, apr22loyale. Happy Shopping!
Another inspiring finalist in our Spring Greening Contest is Kumvana Gomani, who created this beautiful little bird brooch from recycled aluminum. To make it she took an aluminum can, flattened it, cut out the shape, sanded the aluminum and finally attached a pin or hair clasp. Gomani is based in Sweden, and her creative use of recycled materials makes for some adorable jewelry - check out her crystalized leaf necklace made from recycled plastic bottles as well. Our polls close today, so make sure you vote now for your favorite DIY Design!
New York-based design house SANS wants to be perfectly clear - despite the fact that they use mostly eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, soy and wild silk — they do not consider themselves an ‘eco’ fashion line. In fact, in SMAC’s recent video profile on SANS featuring the brand’s new Home Made line of patterns (check it out above), SANS co-founder Lika Volkova asserts that eco-fashion doesn’t exist. “How can fashion possibly be good for the environment?” she muses. “You produce things - you make them.” Lika’s words may be a bit of a slap in the face for fashion brands that wear the badges of their sustainability proudly, but the logic behind her observation is difficult to dispute. Until a line can claim that there is absolutely no production, shipping or packaging associated with its clothing at all, eco-fashion, in the truest sense of the term, might be considered an oxymoron.
Clockwise from left: Bunny stud earrings $20, Bunny necklace $40, Bunny circle earrings $45
Understated and quite adorable, this recycled bunny jewelry from Figs & Ginger is perfect for celebrating spring. Made of a minimum of 50% recycled sterling, each piece is hand-crafted by North Carolina-based couple Elijah and Rhonda Wyman. We couldn’t help but release a delighted squeal when we saw the bunny earrings — and then we realized this was only the tip of the iceberg. The bunny pieces are part of a larger assortment of exquisitely-shaped, forest-inspired earrings, rings, and necklaces. With fawns and perched birds, we are reminded of just how important the forest is for protecting a number of animals, cute and un-cute ones alike. And with prices like $20 - $45 for a pair of earrings, we’re positive that anyone could snag up a pair of bunnies earrings, a fawn necklace, and maybe even a bird ring. Read on for a special offer for Earth Day 2009!
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