Eco Fashion World

CAROLINE CALVERT COUTURE

Do you want to learn more about what is going on in terms of sustainability in Canada? Then EPIC is the place to go! EPIC is the Sustainable Expo in Vancouver, Canada and we were there to spot the latest trends for you. Whether people came for the fashion, the tasty treats, or to sit in the latest electric car, it was sure the place to be for people wanting to learn more about how they can do their part to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

The green wedding showcase was a definite eye catcher. Organized by Green Chair Events, a beautiful area featured all elements one would need to create their dream green wedding. Pure Magnolia and Caroline Calvert Couture dresses were on display, as well as Spark Jewellery. Spark designer Christina Hidalgo and Pure Magnolia designer Patty Nayel are sisters who work closely with one another to find the perfect look for bride and bridesmaid. Pure Magnolia uses sustainable fabrics, does custom work for women of all shapes and sizes, and creates fabulous matching hair accessories. Spark jewellery items are all locally handmade in Vancouver using 100% recycled metals, creating one-of-a-kind and custom pieces. This dynamic due are a lovely match. Caroline Calvert Couture does custom work, using eco-friendly fabrics, re-using materials from previously loved wedding gowns, and makes accessories with any extra fabric scraps. Check out her local shop, decorated with refurbished furniture and a design room in the back.

USED

If you are planning a wedding in Vancouver, to suit all your green wedding needs, be sure to look up Something Green for 100% recycled paper invites, Sweet Naturally for your cake and sweets, and Amoda Flowers for your flower arrangements. If you are still searching for a photographer, you can check out the work of Dave Bryson.

Vancouver Eco Fashion Week helped organizing the daily fashion shows. The heart shaped runway entrance was a delightful touch to compliment the wedding showcase. Hair for the fashion shows was done by Clover Earthkind Hair Salon and Christy Gunn, make-up by Micabella Cosmetics and Madison Farwell. Other brands displaying their products at EPIC were also featured on the runway.

Some of the brands at EPIC:

BILLY WOULD

Ecocessories are made from donated broken or unwanted jewellery, incorporated into new designs. They also do custom work with antiques to re-invent into new designs. All items are hand made, one-of-a-kind pieces using recycled beads and have a lifetime guarantee.

A Canadian family owned and operated business, U.S.E.D. gathers seatbelts from autowreckers, reducing the amount of waste going into the landfills. Need a sturdy bag for your laptop that makes a statement? They also carry handbags, shoulder bags, school bags and totes.

Billy would. designs creates belt buckles from recycled broken skateboards that make a unique street style accessory. Billy would. also makes jewellery from reclaimed skateboard deck wood and other reclaimed wood sources.

CRYING PANDA

Tees For Trees makes organic cotton tees. Buy a tee, they plant a tree.

A collaboration of minds, consisting of three designers who also own the Vancouver shop Twigg and Hottie. “Inspired by the modern woman and made from sustainable fabrics, We3 designs are relevant to how women dress everyday: Comfortable, stylish and environmentally sensitive”.

With an emphasis on great fit and high quality sustainable fabrics and production methods, Nixxi is made in a local Vancouver production house ensuring fair wages and a comfortable, supportive work environment. Fabrics featured include knits and wovens made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, soy, lyocell, organic wool, silk, and linen.

LIVITY

Spain based company El Naturalista creates quality footwear using eco-friendly production practices, promotion of traditional craft skills, and use of natural materials and dyes. Substances used are biodegradable and recyclable.

Monkey100 makes bamboo and organic cotton tees for men, women and baby, ethically produced in Vancouver using water based inks. Designer Shannon Harvey sees Monkey100 as “an engagement through the arts to instigate dialogue and positive change”.

Crying Panda Design is a new company selling on Etsy. Crying Panda makes handcrafted earrings from recycled leather cut offs, naturally fallen local feathers and recycled aluminum.

Livity offers funky hats in various styles including fedoras, knits, caps and sunhats. Made from materials such as African raffia straw, hemp and organic cotton, Livity also carries backpacks and laptop accessory bags.

SONJA PICARD

The Sonja Picard Collection (SPC) is hand carved jewellery “created in alignment with the ancient yogic concepts and tantric traditions of adornment”. The collection features pieces created with silver, gold and exquisite gemstones and diamonds. Each piece in the collection is inscribed with written Sanskrit mantras, divine symbols and/or images. SPC works with local suppliers and artisans creating lasting relationships within the community. The Karma Yoga Jewelry line is based on the concept of ‘seva’, or service, and gives full 100% of net proceeds to one of five not-for-profit organizations yearly.

Looking for a funky print shopping bag or a lunch tote for your child? A water bottle, food container, or sippy cup for your babe? Check out Fill Your Own. Need some drycleaning done in Vancouver? Shirtland is the place to go. Need to do something that involves a car but you don’t have one? Join the Car Co-op.

If you are a business in the Vancouver and Victoria area, check out The Change for ways to get involved in this inspiring project engaging local organizations committed to sustainability. If you missed EPIC and want to check out some of these brands, check out the independent shops in the Modern Urban Guides (MUG) shopping guide.

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