Eco Fashion World

We first met Chris Ambraisse, founder and designer of A&K Classics at the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris in October 2008. Style wise, he already stood out by presenting both women and men’s clothes that were sleek and urban in black white and greys with the occasional touch of bright color. Then we started talking to him and discovered his incredible story: Chris is the only designer who creates fashionable clothes that are adapted to both disabled and able-bodied people. According to the World Health Organization, the world population counts around 750 million disabled people or 11,2% of humanity. For these people, everyday actions that we take for granted often pose a sizable challenge, dressing is one of them, and dressing in a way that reflects their personality and individuality is almost impossible! We caught up with Chris Ambraisse this month to learn more about his unique story.

Underwear is something we all wear every day. Mostly, underwear is worn next to the skin and under the outer garments. But besides knickers, tanks tops, boxer shorts and bras, we can also include stockings, leggings and socks.

The mind body connection is integral to the yoga experience, not to mention the advancement of today's eco fashion initiatives. Not only is it important to be aware of our environment and immediate surroundings, but also the cause and effect of our daily actions. With this in mind, we have hand picked some of our favorite yoga, loungewear and maternity separates as a way to "inspire you" in your quest for balance, inner peace and ease of movement. The serenity of sustainable style goes a long way on the path to personal awareness. We encourage you to celebrate eco-friendly fabrics that tap into your body's vital energy and a brighter future for all.

Even though yoga classes are often dominated by lady yogis, we are not leaving the men behind. Whether you’re an urban minimalist or you prefer to bask in a rainbow of colors, there are plenty of great choices to keep you organized on your way to the studio, comfortable while you stretch, warm as you cool down, and in alignment with your values, always… 

Healing the world can start with healing yourself.  With that mindset, the Larkspur, California shop Embodies offers a completely sustainable selection with an ostensibly body-conscious feel. Form and function blend perfectly in a committed movement to improve the planet one choice at a time.

6.77 billion people live on a tiny blue marble floating through space. We speak different languages, have different cultures, worship at different altars, but we all share the same planet.

This month we celebrate Earth Day by paying tribute to some very brave eco citizens of this little marble… Of course there are the thinkers who have paved the way, and those who continue to rock the green flag from early conservationists like John Muir and Henry David Thoreau to today’s hot celebrity greenies like Adrian Grenier, Leonardo DiCaprio or Angela Lindvall. But over the past year, we’ve met some lesser known but just as committed activists: ethical and eco designers. Listening to their stories we have been touched by their dedication, amazed by their creativity, inspired by their paths. From the Brazilian designer who raised himself and his community out of poverty by recycling trash into beautiful jewelry which now sells worldwide, to the Central Saint Martin’s student who met an African cotton farmer at a sustainable fashion event and never looked back, every story is unique and beautiful. But what all these fierce innovators have in common, is their understanding of human desire: people love their stuff, and while mentalities have to change on how we accumulate it, we also have to show that sexier and more efficient stuff can also be made with integrity and thoughtfulness.

Sometimes, in their search for new colors, textures and finishes, ethical designers actually go back to the earth quite literally, burying and brewing fabric, they turn into veritable wizards of fashion… One such witch is Lunar designer Karen Ter Morshuizen, whose roots are dug deep into her South African soil to produce a collection of sophisticated day and evening wear. We also decided to have fun in our selection of Favorite Things for him and her by twisting some of the codes associated with grassroots activists: green, flower power, browns and beiges have never looked so good. We also review Nimli, a green superstore that makes eco look everything but crunchy.

Finally, an Earth Day celebration is nothing if you don’t have friends to party with, and since our friends are yours too, our friends at Loyale are giving you a cool green 25% discount if you shop with them on Earth Day: April 22nd!