Inhabitat

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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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!

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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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BACK TO SCHOOL CONTEST: Win An Awesome Solar Book Bag!

Get ready for school with our back-to-school green giveaway contest!
Fall is just around the corner, and students everywhere are getting ready to go back to school. To get into the autumnal school spirit and help our readers green their back-to-school regime, we’re running a contest on this site to give away an AWESOME solar powered bag by NoonSolar, stuffed with eco-friendly back-to-school goodies like recycled paper notebooks, erasers and pencils. Our back-to-school goody bag is worth over $500, and it’s a really sweet prize that can be all yours, if you enter our contest. Here’s how:

1. Sign up for the Inhabitat newsletter >

2. Sign up to follow us on Twitter and Facebook

3. Await instructions, which will be emailed out to all of our subscribers on Wednesday August 26th.

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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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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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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.

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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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Alanis Morissette and Woody Harrelson Launch RECO Eco Jeans!

How harmful are your jeans? If they’re made of cotton, they most likely went through a process that included nasty pesticides, polluting dyes and waste-generating production before you decided to put them on your legs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Singer Alanis Morissette and actor Woody Harrelson have teamed up to bring us Reco Jeans, which are made with 50% recycled denim. That might not seem like a lot – ideally …

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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…

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Sizzling Stuff for a Sustainable Summer

As summer heats up, we’re looking forward to bikini and pina colada time by the pool. If you’re looking for stylish items to help keep you cool that won’t break the bank or your eco-conscience, here are a few that we can recommend…

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Sizzling Summer Shop Picks for Eco-Friendly Celebrating

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!

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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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Louis Vuitton and FIT Team Up for Bike in Style Competition

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!

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Timberland Opens Eco-Friendly New York Store

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.

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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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Loyale’s Barstow Bikini featured on Gisele in VOGUE

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?

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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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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.

+ …

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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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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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Olsen Haus Pure Vegan Sandals for Spring!

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!

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Project Earth Day Eco Fashion Show 2009

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.

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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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EASTER STYLE: Bunny-Inspired Jewelry

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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Kumvana Gomani Jewelry Made From Recycled Bottles

As we transition from winter to spring here in NYC, there is no doubt that we all are looking for signs of sparkly renewal and regeneration. Our Spring Greening Contest is certainly one way that we are sprucing up our abodes and the clutter in our lives by making things fresh and new again. One of the most impressive submissions we received for our DIY design contest was this eco sparkly recycled plastic jewelry by Kumvana Gomani. This innovative Swedish designer has found a a great way to turn recycled soda and water bottles into snowflakes and crystallized leaves that radiate green chic bling.

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Maharam Hella Jongerius Hand Crafted Nike Sneaks

What do you get when you mix a classic Nike shoe, a cutting edge Dutch designer, and renowned textile company? A beautifully unique hand-crafted shoe design called Layers Airforce. This eye-catching shoe above is a redesign of the classic Nike Air Force 1, using a Maharam textile designed by Dutch designer du jour Hella Jongerius. The shoe now features a sophisticated 2-tier wool fabric, aptly named “Layers,” which was developed by textile studio Maharam in cahoots with dutch design star Hella Jongerius. The shoe is becoming part of a new line Nike has created, called Nike 1World, which features finely-crafted, re-invented Air Force 1 footwear created in partnership with 18 distinguished athletes, designers, musicians and artists from around the world. The Nike 1 World by Maharam was launched on April 1st at an exclusive shindig at the Moss store in New York City.

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SUSTAINABLE STYLE: Frei Spring ‘09 Collection

There is something about the sensation of pure, natural fabrics against your skin that just makes you feel like the world is your oyster. And when the fabric is constructed into fresh, flowy dresses and separates like the kind that Annie Novotny of Frei Designs designs for her spring ‘09 collection , well, then you’re really walking on air!

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