Eco Fashion World

CRI DE COEUR

There is no doubt that a hot summer wardrobe requires a cool attitude for looking chic and feeling gorgeous in over the top warm weather. One surefire way to beat the heat is to confidently rise above it all with sexy heels and wedge sandals that allow you to operate on a ‘higher plane’. From vegan ultra-suede to sustainably harvested cork to vegetable tanned leather, it is pretty obvious that eco fashion accessories now offer up some rather lofty and exotic solutions for your high heel dominance.

One cannot put oneself on the eco fashion map without perusing vegan-it-girl sandals by New York City-based Cri de Coeur. Designers Gina Ferraraccio and Julie Dicterow designed their Hannah Asymmetrical Sandal as the perfect summer heel for any urban chic ensemble. Constructed from “earth and animal-friendly” ultra-suede (responsibly made from recycled plastic), the Hannah offers up a 3.5 inch heel that makes fashion-forward dressing a cinch. The company’s mission to promote animal rights and highlight injustices also makes them a frontrunner in activist vegan circles. Take note green girls: “Cry from the Heart’ designs were also recently featured in Greta Egan’s new Fashion Me Green: NY Project Makeover with Teen Vogue and Style.com’s PR Director, Eleanor Banco.

For women who love beautifully crafted European sandals, there are several brands that have tapped into talent overseas in order to preserve traditional production methods and artisanal designs. Coclico, designed in New York City and exquisitely crafted in Mallorca, Spain, has a sustainability mission that strives for environmentally friendly methods, fair labor, and a low carbon footprint. Their vegetable tanned leathers are sourced as close to the Mallorca factory as possible and feature a unique hand-finished patina from tanning agents derived from bark, fruit, and seeds. The Coclico Morphos ‘cross-cross’ cork platform shoe is a sophisticated interpretation of the wedge sandal with its palette of natural hues and a chic comfortable fit.

Sustainable cork sourcing in Europe is part of the El Naturalista story as well, specifically with their latest Spring/Summer 2010 Cork Oak Collection. “This new collection is our way of paying tribute to this humble tree that has made our lives simpler in the past and present, and also to all of those who with their hands gently separate the cork from the trunks of the cork-oak trees.” In addition to the sustainable harvesting of indigenous Mediterranean cork, the company uses the least harmful chrome for leather dyeing and has now one-upped their efforts with the introduction of “pergamino leather”, which uses no chromes at all. El Naturalista’s designs are for chic global travelers as well as active local citizens, and their Atauchi Project is a great example of social responsibility in combination with smart, environmentally friendly design.

TOM'S SHOES BLACK WEDGES

One cannot talk about sustainable fashion and humanitarian efforts without acknowledging the latest designs and mission of TOMS Shoes. With a One for One outreach program where “every pair purchased is matched by a new pair given to a child in need”, there is no doubt that TOMS is an inspiring take on marrying smart style with global philanthropy. The recent introduction of their Classic Wedge for women has catapulted them to the top of every eco-fashionista’s wishlist for Summer 2010.

The sweetest (trans-seasonal) summer sandal just might be the Terra Plana ‘Betty’ ling-back. A definite vegan showstopper, this 4” pastel non-leather beauty is feminine and classic in its silhouette and retro-glam appeal. Terra Plana’s offerings are created out of a medley of eco-friendly and recycled materials (recycled PET bottles), with detailed stitching and minimal glue construction. Very few other footwear designers offer up such state-of-the-art glamour while also adhering to staunch ethical and environmental practices. It seems as if no matter where you stand on eco fashion forward footwear these days, the view is getting brighter and more fabulous with each passing season.

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