Eco Fashion World

Super model Erin O’Connor has exchanged the catwalk for the cutting table in a new venture with stylist Kate Halfpenny launching this month.

The London-based friends have created a collection of statement t-shirts and bags under the moniker She Died of Beauty. Pieces are all produced in an earth-positive manner, meaning they are climate neutral t-shirts and bags made with organic cotton through fair trade practices.

The fashion flock has now migrated to London, but New York City is still aflutter from the success of The GreenShows held at the MetropolitanPavilion this past week. We previously wrote about the ten sustainable fashion designers to be featured at this premiere NYFW showcase, and as anticipated, the three-day fashion event in Chelsea’s arts district was a smashing success. From the vibrant ‘urban tropical’ collection of Auralis Studio to the rocking DIY fashion sensibility of Eliza Starbuck’s Bright Young Things, the message is clear: sustainable fashion is not only finding it’s groove but is now inviting us along for the ride as active participants in its very evolution.

NIXXI

WHAT: A selection of the best eco-designers from around the world coming together to showcase their latest collections of environmentally friendly, trend-setting fashion. With collaboration from designers, buyers, models, agencies, fashion directors, trend setters and media, the message is global.

annie O. boutique presents gorgeous accessories hand crafted by members of a women's cooperative in Peru. Founder, Annie O. Waterman collaborates with a group of 90 women who incorporate their traditional weaving techniques into the creation of every item. In Waterman’s travels to Peru, she gains inspiration from the traditional embroidery and textiles, and translates the inspiration into the creation of a contemporary line of belts, clutches, horn cuffs, alpaca shawls, and other one-of-a-kind wares. In turn, the work provided by this project, empowers the women of the coop to thrive by using their skills, ultimately resulting in a positive change for their lives and the lives of their families.

If it seems like a natural fit, you are absolutely right! The perfect balance of ecological initiatives and high fashion, Eco Fashion Week Vancouver’s Presenting Sponsor AVEDA keeps a cutting edge style that is all their own.

It’s essential to have the hair and makeup look of the season; it completes the outfit. To make sure of this, AVEDA’s artistic team will be backstage at Eco Fashion Week ready to add the finishing touches that bring the show to life as they send spring/summer 2011 beauty trends down the runway. AVEDA’s goal is to compliment the garments but also give the audience a glimpse further into the designer’s inspiration for their collection. AVEDA may be derived from botanically-based ingredients, but this isn’t your mama’s beauty product from her flower child days. AVEDA represents a new wave of stylish naturalists, proven by the many AVEDA Institutes popping up across Canada - the latest being here in Vancouver. It can even be said AVEDA is reviving the 60’s YouthQuake movement, that is spirited, youthful and now all about our planet!

Supermodel, environmentalist, and glowing mom, Gisele Bündchen is piercing the surface of another green endeavor. The Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Eco Fashion Week Vancouver is adding Co-director of a water bottle design project to her long list of planet-saving projects. Eco Fashion Week Vancouver and SIGG Canada are joining forces with Gisele on the launch of an exclusive bottle that will be handed out at the opening to Eco Fashion Week Vancouver this September. With Bündchen’s all natural skincare line, Sejaa and eco friendly sandals, Ipanema already under her top model belt, Gisele has taken on this project to help endorse Eco Fashion Week’s ‘plastic bottle-free’ event.