Eco Fashion World

Since the birth of civilization, jewelry has been a notable part of virtually every culture. You hold a piece of jewelry in your hand and admire the beauty of it. Do you contemplate where it came from? If your precious gems could talk, what would they tell you about their journey? It is something to think about. Historically, the mining associated with some of the most common materials utilized in the fabrication of jewelry, such as gold, silver and diamonds, is unethical and destructive to the earth and the lives of people. In search of a sustainable alternative without sacrificing beauty, talented artistry, innovation and progress have met with knowledge and the desire for a better future and the result is authentic, precious, and beautiful jewelry made of nuts and seeds.

The lesso: A long rectangular piece of cloth, brightly coloured and patterned, the traditional attire of Swahili women living along the coastal regions of East Africa. Since 2005, the lesso has taken on a different, rather more international role as the inspiration and centrepiece of clothing brand Lalesso, which is currently taking the fashion world by storm.

Are you leading a sustainable lifestyle? Are you willing to take a stand and align your career with your personal beliefs? Could you see yourself as a spokesperson for animal welfare, fair trade, human rights and the environment? Then perhaps you’re the one that Project Green Search   is looking for as their next green “IT” girl–a job description that includes both modelling and role modelling.

The Observer Ethical Awards, in association with Ecover, have launched for 2010. Now in their fifth year the awards pay tribute to the great and the green. Lucy Siegle, Ethical Living Correspondent for The Observer and chair of the judging panel said, ‘It has never been more important to stand up and take positive action. The new decade is about individuals, communities and businesses fighting for environmental and social justice. The disappointment of Copenhagen illustrates what happens when we devolve the responsibility to politicians and process. Fortunately the real green innovation and dynamism is to be found in the people up and down the country who, over the last 12 months, have really effected change, not just talked about it! There are some fantastic ethical champions in the UK and we can’t wait to hear from them.’

To celebrate their 5-year anniversary, sustainable labelling pioneers, MADE-BY have joined forces with EDUN LIVE to launch a limited edition range of sustainable printed T-shirts. These will be available exclusively at Ascension during February.

On a recent trip to a secret island (no joke), I had one of those ‘ah-ha!’ moments about one of my favorite prints. As I reached a secluded part of the beach I realized the sand at a plateau where the tide had last receded, left these incredible patterns of dark sentiment throughout. I couldn’t help but think about ikat prints. I know, ikat is sooooooo last year, but in the world of shopping and dressing green, one-off trends are just one more aspect of fashion we all need to work against. Let’s take a look at ikat as a timeless trend instead, shall we?