Have something to say? Get the word out by emblazoning it across the Galaxy Dress – the world’s largest wearable display! With a blinding 24,000 LED lights, 4,000 hand-applied Swarovski crystals and 40-layers of pleated silk organza crinoline, this illuminated frock will make your company logo, political message or other cause pretty difficult to ignore.
Is that the vampire dude from Twilight?
Eeeeek! These taxidermied toppers and pigeon-wing pendants may get your gag reflex going, but they’re actually much more humane than the horrible and cruel mink coats and furs that we’ve been brainwashed to think of as “luxurious.” RP/Encore, with the taxidermy expertise of Reid Peppard, who happens to be vegetarian, makes their skin-crawling collection of jewelry and accessories out of rat bodies, guinea pig feet, and preserved pigeon feathers. The cool part? The “materials” that make these pieces extra “unique” all come from animals who have gone to that big vermin graveyard in the sky as a result of natural death, pest control or car accidents. If you ask us, that makes these artfully preserved necklaces, hairpieces and coin purses WAY less disgusting than animals carcasses that have been slaughtered just to sew them into fur coat.
READ MORE AT ECOUTERRE>
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 the OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY of our brand new eco-fashion website, Ecouterre! But you have to RSVP first so send us an email at rsvp@inhabitat.com today to let us know you’ll be there!
rsvp@inhabitat.com
SEE THE DETAILS OF THE PARTY HERE>
P.S. We’re going to be raffling off this gorgeous Circle Cascade necklace by the Andean Collection at the party, so don’t miss your chance to win it!
Fall Eco-Fashion Pop Quiz!
by Yuka Yoneda, 10/18/09
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!
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, …
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 …
ANNOUNCING ECOUTERRE – our new eco fashion website!
DRUMROLL PLEASE!
We have an announcement to make that we hope will come as welcome news to all you readers who love our fashion coverage (and also all you readers who hate our fashion coverage ;) ! We’ve been toiling for months now on a new website exclusively dedicated to eco-friendly fashion, and we are thrilled to unveil the newest member of the Inhabitat family today: ECOUTERRE.COM
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 …
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: Top 5 Green Runway Shows
New York Fashion Week is finally drawing to a close, and we’re psyched to report that the presence of environmentally savvy fashion was fiercer than ever before! The launch of The GreenShows last week – an event showcasing seven different eco fashion designers under one roof is proof that eco design is finally starting to make an impact on mainstream culture. If you missed the green runway shows, don’t fret – we’ve got the scoop on all of them, and pics of our favorite eco fashion designers right after the jump.
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!
TRAIDremade Makes Recycled Clothing Fashionable
With the current economic climate, “frugalista fashion” on the lips of everyone from VOGUE to Target, and people are using more of what they already have, and realizing that we don’t need to spend a lot to get a lot. TRAIDremade Boutique, a new collaboration between online ecoboutique Fashion-conscience.com and the charity TRAID, is manifesting both of these philosophies with their exclusive collection of bespoke clothing and accessories inspired by the latest couture looks right off the runway! Crafted from upcycled donated clothing, scrap fabric and vintage hardware, these high-fashion pieces will be extremely covetable and so will the price – starting from £20!
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…
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!
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.
Velvet Leaf Classically Tailored Organic Dresses for Fall
Here at Inhabitat, we always say that it doesn’t matter how sustainably a garment is made if it doesn’t look good. Think about it – if you make a blouse out of 100% certified organic cotton but it’s fugly and no one buys it, you just wasted energy, money, time and the cotton itself. Luckily, when it comes to having the best of both worlds, Velvet Leaf knows how it’s done. Designers (and sisters) Laura and Becky Carter whip up organic clothing that is part vintage charm, part global nomad, and all sustainably and fairly made. Check out our favorite Velvet Leaf looks (including 2 brand new preview looks from their smart and girly fall collection) in our gallery.
7 Spectacular Sustainable Summer Party Dresses
When you walk into a warm-weather shindig, you want all eyes to be on you! And what better way to achieve that effect than with a showstopping, summery sustainable dress. We’ve compiled 7 of our favorite eco-conscious frocks, shifts, and gowns from best eco-steal (so you don’t have to break the bank) to most versatile (so you can wear it over and over again) for your viewing pleasure. Click through the gallery to see our recommendations and prices.
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.
WEEDROBES: Clothing Made from Leaves!
There’s no doubt about it – floral prints are all the rage for this summer and fall. Everywhere you look, it’s pretty petunias, brightly-colored begonias, and lush lilac. We love these looks, but eco-artist Nicole Dextras is taking flowery fashion one step further with her intricately woven …
Edit’d: An Excellent Example of Eco Fashion
Not sure if you’ve noticed, but fashion has been changing. And I don’t mean changing like fads and trends changing – that’s the old fashion. New fashion has a brain. New fashion has staying power. Not sure what that means? Well Australian designer Helene Ang and her new line Edit’d are the perfect illustration of my point. Helene deconstructs luxe vintage garments and breathes new life into them by slicing and stitching them into contemporary silhouettes. Each piece comes complete with a history of its humble beginnings so that you can daydream about its old life each time you put it on. Pretty powerful considering that we are essentially purchasing a story, an idea and a lifestyle each time we buy a tulip skirt, patterned sundress or aviator sunglasses. And you really get that with Helene’s pieces. So much so that if I had to make a PowerPoint presentation showing what new fashion is, it would be very similar to Edit’d website. In fact, I think I will take a stab at explaining what new fashion is using Edit’d’s summer collection, European Vagabond. Here goes…
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.
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 >.
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!
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.
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!
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….
INHABITAT REPORTS LIVE FROM D&A GREEN ROOM 2009!
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!
INHABITAT REPORTS FROM D&A GREEN ROOM!
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).
VIDEO: Project Earth Day Fashion Competition
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.
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!
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).
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!
SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Preloved Spring ‘09
Sometimes sustainable style has nothing at do with organic cotton, hemp, or vegetable-dyed leather. Case in point: Preloved, the aptly-named Canadian clothier, takes a novel approach to eco-fashion by collecting orphaned vintage garments and whipping them into one-of-a-kind pieces that are more than just the sum of their parts. From structured skirts made out of vintage blazers to breezy tanks fashioned out of sweater scraps, Preloved’s Spring ‘09 collection is no exception. With pieces so obviously born out of creativity and eco-resourcefulness, we knew it was love at first sight.
Inhabitat Tees On Sale Now!
Do you love reading Inhabitat? Do you want everyone you know just how much you love us? Or are you just looking for some cute eco fashion that won’t break the bank? Well, we have the solution …
SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Ciel, A-List Ethical Fashions
Founded by designer Sarah Ratty, Ciel is a UK-based environmentally conscious fashion label with a festive party style, and a celebrity client list to match — including Cate Blanchett, Sienna Miller, and Zoe Ball. The current Fall/Winter collection features shimmery evening satin looks, super soft organic cotton t-shirts, and cozy, hand-knit items to warm the body on the chilliest of days.
TOP TEN SUSTAINABLE STYLE STORIES OF 2008
It’s no surprise that we love our sustainable style here at Inhabitat, and 2008 has been a particularly exciting year with bold new directions in green fashion and eco-textile innovation. From pollution sensitive dresses to ‘grow-your-own’ Icelandic moss jewelry, the frontier of eco fashion is continually digging deep to put a new spin on material resourcefulness and recycle-chic. ‘Be eco chic’ and ‘green is the new black’ may have been over-used mantras of 2008, but we all know now that sustainable style can be synonymous with sexy, must-have fashion that looks and feels totally fab. Read on for some of the best eco-collections and sustainable styles from 2008.
LOTS MORE GREAT GREEN DESIGN STORIES HERE... KEEP READING!
