Inhabitat

THE OFFICIAL ECOUTERRE LAUNCH PARTY IS TOMORROW!

CALLING ALL NEW YORK ECO-FASHION CONNOISSEURS!

In about 24 hours, you could be nibbling on delectable vegan morsels by Rabbit Mafia, sipping refreshing organic drinks courtesy of 44 North Vodka, shopping the racks of sustainable fashion at KAIGHT NYC (15% off everything for one night only), and discussing the future of eco-fashion at …

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Wearable Shelter: Clothes You Can Turn Into a Makeshift Home

Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino

With the economy in the shambles that it’s in, who knows when you’re gonna be forced to find shelter on the streets? If things do get that bad, you’d feel a lot more prepared sporting the “Wearable Shelter” collection of fashions that actually transform into sleeping bags and tents. Designed by a trio of Philadelphia student designers, these smart clothes/homes were …

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Fall Eco-Fashion Pop Quiz!

How well do you know YOUR eco-fashion?
Put your sustainability savvy to the test and get the best Ecouterre news of the week in easy-to-swallow, bite-size morsels with our eco-fashion pop quiz.

1. Playing off “farm to table,” what designer is bringing “ranch to runway”?

2. What suede-like, renewable fabric has more bark than bite?

3. What is Zegna’s hot new solar-powered jacket made of?

4. What does Popomomo stand for?

5. “Consciousness is the new hip” is what vegan shoe maker’s motto?

Answers right after the jump!

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Claudia Schulz’s Handmade Wool-Felt Hats Add Pop to Your Top

Be still our hearts! These captivating wool-felt toppers handcrafted by artisan Claudia Schulz are enough to make us abandon our disdain for the cold weather and welcome it with open arms (or bare heads?). From coy 1920s-esque cloches to modernist caps adorned with poppy starbursts and poufy pom poms, check out our …

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7 Cheap and Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Shoes for Fall!

Do your old shoes need a serious facelift? With fall starting, you may be tempted to toss your tired treads and splurge on some brand new ones – but wait! Before you go out and spend any money, check out our 7 simple and cost-effective ways to give your outdated pair a makeover that …

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The GreenShows Give Eco Fashion a Destination at New York Fashion Week

Showing at New York Fashion Week is every aspiring fashion designer’s dream, and having your line on display during this prestigious event is a sign that you’ve really made it. Well, in a way, eco-fashion as a whole is very much like a promising, young designer – a select few know about it, …

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Why is Eco-Fashion So Expensive?

Eviana Hartman, the designer behind Brooklyn-based eco-fashion label Bodkin

Did you ever set out with the goal of making your wardrobe more eco-friendly only to be severely discouraged when you scoped out the triple-figure pricetags? As a poor writer, I too, have found myself feeling that way, but then I realized that there is a really good reason that eco-fashion is more expensive. As a special treat, Bodkin designer …

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Mr. Larkin: A Gorgeous and Truly Innovative Eco-Fashion Collection

We’ve known about eco-fashion line Mr. Larkin for some time, but did not expect to be as blown away by the skill, innovation and sheer beauty of Casey Larkin’s Spring 2010 collection as we were at last week’s Green Shows. With a refined color palette of dusty pinks, silvery greys and breezy …

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John Patrick Organic Spring/Summer Eco Fashion 2010

We’ve been fans of trailblazing eco fashion designer John Patrick Organic for years, and were thrilled to get a sneak peek at his latest collection at New York Fashion Week last Thursday. Summed up in two words, JPO SS 2010 is classic Americana. These are clothes that would have looked oh so right on Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde – flowy and flattering organic cotton and silk dresses cinched with structured recycled polyester trenchcoats and organic cotton twill seersucker blazers. Read on to see pics of our favorite pieces and a special celebrity guest!

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Our Top 7 Favorite Green Shoes for Fall

Start fall off on the right foot by stepping into some sustainably stylish shoes! With so many colorful options in the hottest autumnal hues, it can be tough to choose. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the seven most craveworthy eco-fabulous fall shoes for your viewing pleasure. Check them out!

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DENIM THERAPY Repairs Your Holey Old Jeans!

We all know what it is like to have a favorite pair of treasured jeans that are so comfortable and fit so perfectly that we want to wear them every day. The downside to this pure and beautiful jean-love is that too much wear leads to jeans wearing out – with telltale holes in the crotch and knees – and then before you know it, you have to either start patching, or search around far and wide to find another pair of jeans as great as your favorite. But now, thanks to Denim Therapy, there is a better solution! Denim Therapy offers an amazing (and very affordable) service to seamlessly repair all the threadbare patches, broken zippers, and holes in your favorite pair of jeans, and return them to a like-new state — without patches, seams or any indication that your jeans have been through the ringer and back!

Like most people, I had a favorite pair of jeans in my closet that was getting holey and threadbare, so I decided to check out Denim Therapy’s service for myself to see if they lived up to the hype…

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TEICH: We Check Out NYC’s Newest Green Boutique

New York Editor Olivia Chen and Storeowner Allison Teich

Teich, a new sustainable fashion boutique, has taken NYC by storm and the Inhabitat fashion team was lucky enough to be on the scene for a trunkshow there last week showcasing eco-fabulous designer Ryann! In addition to the very delectable line of handbags for which the shop is named, there was plenty of eye candy in the form of floaty organic dresses, delicate recycled jewelry and, my personal favorite, exclusive NYC name pendants (see storeowner Allison Teich’s neck in the pic above) that Junkprints custom-made for the store out of old records!

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Brand New Vegan Shoes in the Inhabitatshop!

Searching for vegan-friendly footwear that is as stylish as it is ethical? Look no further – we’ve got a fresh assortment of new looks in shop and they are all super comfortable, cute and certified vegan. From easy-chic lowtops in classic colors for running around your neighborhood to sleek, equestrian-style riding boots when you want to look your most polished, check out the whole array here.

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5 Cheap & Easy Ways to Green Your Wardrobe

As Inhabitat’s fashion editor, I spend a lot of time (yes, a tad bit little longer than is required for my job) perusing through seriously crave-worthy fashions, from the frilly and ethereal, to the haunting and hardcore. That being said, looking at all of these beautiful clothes can be very bittersweet when you’re working with a less than rockstar budget. In fact, one of the biggest complaints I hear about ethical and eco-conscious fashion is that it is just too expensive! I definitely acknowledge the fact that buying a lot of these labels is not cheap, but you have to admit that it makes sense that clothing using the latest and most innovative fabrics and paying fair wages to local people would be more pricey. I try my best to save up and buy my favorite eco-chic pieces when they go on sale to support the cause, but who says you need to spend big bucks to rock a look that is both green and cutting edge? Here are 5 easy and supercheap ways to green your wardrobe by using your noggin instead of your benjamins.

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Eco-Designer Profile: Project Earth Day Winner Stacy Longo

The success of this year’s Project Earth Day eco-runway show which took place in April in NYC was a brilliant indication that green fashion is no longer just a fad. The energy-packed show featured today’s hottest eco-lines as well as a student competition which challenged the brightest designers of tomorrow to whip up their own sustainable garments. All of the designs were brilliant, but in the end, FIT student Stacy Longo’s mod, hand-woven outfit prevailed, winning her the grand prize. We were lucky enough to catch up with Stacy to pick her brain about the inspiration for her design and what eco-fashion means to her.

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Philippe Starck Will Never Be Idiotic Enough to Do Fashion

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.

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Melissa Eco-Chic Summer Sandals in the Inhabitatshop!

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!

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SUSTAINABLE SWIMSUIT: The Mystique Bikini by Deux FM

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 >.

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SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Melissa Campanas in New Colors!

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!

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House-Wear Clothing Made From Paper!

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.

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DESIGN WEEK SALE: 25% Off Melissa Campana Flats

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!

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D&A Eco-Fashion: Editors’ Picks!

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….

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INHABITAT REPORTS FROM D&A GREEN ROOM!

We’re at D&A today!

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).

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Ekovaruhuset Eco-Fashion Boutique Opens in Paris!

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!

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D&A Green Room Exhibit Coming to NYC Next Week!

D&A is on the way!

Being the sustainable style junkies that we are, Inhabitat is joining forces once again with premiere fashion tradeshow Designers & Agents to bring you the best and brightest in cutting-edge eco fashion from May 4th-6th next week. The NY Inhabitat team will be on the scene in the ‘Green Room’, a gallery space dedicated to environmental design, showcasing eco fashion collections as well as green furniture, books and products, so stop by and say hello! Remember, emerging designers can only show once in the Green Room, so here is your chance to glimpse the newest budding talent (before everyone else knows about it).

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SPRING SALE: 25% Off Melissa Sandals!

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.

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Project Earth Day Eco Fashion Show 2009!

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!

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Project Earth Day is TONIGHT in NYC!

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..

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VIDEO: Project Earth Day Eco Fashion Show!

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!

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SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Loyale Spring 2009

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!

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SANS: Is Eco Fashion an Oxymoron?

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.

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