Eco Fashion World

DAHLIA DRIVE Photos by Amy Williams Photography

 

Dahlia Drive is a new label out of Vancouver, where designer Wendy Van Riesen is inspired from the inside out, creating textures using her own back yard. Van Reisen rescues fashion from the urban wasteland by hand dying and silk screening vintage slips, reworked curtains and men's shirts. Da Vinci's anatomy popped up silkscreened onto slips and bodices. One bodice outfit, matched with a faux fur cape and knee high boots could easily be worn by creative queen Gaga herself. Bright colours of fuscia, green and yellows came down the runway alongside deep burgundies, ochres and moss, all layered using various dye methods that put the spotlight on texture. Layered tunics paired with leggings fluttered down the runway, the perfect outfit for gallery hoping and cocktail sipping. A few "party girl" ensembles missed the mark for me being character pieces more then ready-to-wear. However, someone I sat with mentioned how they loved the dress I deplored, reminding me of how individual taste is all the rage. All in all, the collection was artistic and eclectic, a visual feast for the eyes. With the designers artistic sensibility never compromised, there is something for everyone on Dahlia Drive.

Green is definitely the buzz-word at every fashion week and when it comes to showcasing new talent, London is the place to be. The British Fashion Council founded Estethica, sponsored by Monsoon, five years ago to showcase the growing movement of cutting edge designers committed to working eco sustainably. This was my fourth season covering Estethica in a row so I was already acquainted with the majority of the designers presenting this season. There's no doubt that Estethica has evolved to become the hub of London's ethical fashion industry. The success of this initiative, internationally the strongest of its kind, is evident in its rapid growth from its first season of 13 designers to over 20 for AW11's Estethica collective.

Vancouver Eco Fashion Week kicks off this Tuesday, promising seminars, runway shows, and meet-and-greet events to stimulate the senses of eco-conscious individuals and trend-setters alike.

Get a first look at cutting edge collections by ethically-motivated, enviro-friendly and innovative designers who have met Eco Fashion Week's Eco Criteria, at a plethora of runway shows spanning four days. Staged in the Salt Building in Vancouver's Olympic Village, the runway will host the fall 2011 collections from 22 eco-conscious designers from around the world.

"To live with your heart, be brave, excited and spontaneous!" That's the philosophy behind the fun, feminine and whimsical Melbourne based dress designers, Nut & Bright , a breath of fresh air in Australia's most unpredictable Summer.

ADIE AND GEORGE

 

The sun is beginning to peek through the clouds of New York City, fashion models are abound, flashing bulbs of photographers are plentiful, and design parties are the talk of the town; it is safe to say that fashion week has descended upon NYC. The fall trends have begun to emerge for 2011 and sustainable style has proven itself to be a trend that is here to stay. This weekend, the NOW'11 showcase will take the spotlight by displaying ethically produced fashion designs from emerging labels that help to redefine local and sustainable design for NYC.

February the 10th saw two legendry ethical brands launch an exquisitely designed collection in New York. The accidental hero of ethical fashion in London, Christopher Raeburn launched his new collaboration collection called 'Remade in Switzerland' with Swiss adventure brand giant Victorinox. The debut collection was presented with a feature film taken of his de- and re- construction process.