Eco Fashion World

Some parts of the world are experiencing record low temps as Father Winter pays a visit. Other places are just getting a little dose of welcomed cooler weather. If you aren’t burrowed under a heap of blankets snowed in at your house, it’s the season to bundle up in layers before you go outside to brave the winter chill. On a warmer note, it’s the perfect time to take stock in the scores of eco winter coats waiting to wrap you up in cozy glam.

The search for the perfect winter coat is always a difficult one, add on the eco criteria and it becomes an even bigger challenge. Somehow, warmth and fashion often seem to be at odds. Enter faux-fur: in the hands of ethically minded designers, these man made pelts can provide all the warmth and glamorous appeal you need with none of the cruelty. Some great examples are the architectural demi couture coats by NYC based SanS and the tufted wool coats that Stella McCartney brings back every Fall/Winter season.

Global sustainability leader Aveda™ and non-profit organization Green America have awarded BOHO Magazine the prestigious 2009 ‘Aveda Environmental Award for Magazines’ in the New Launch category. After just one year in operation BOHO Magazine is the first fashion and beauty magazine to receive this award.

There is something so undeniably sexy about a well-dressed man. Whether it’s a cleverly thrown together ensemble of jeans, a t-shirt, and blazer or an exquisitely tailored suit with a great dress shirt, tie and fine Italian shoes. As long as the style, fit and altogether look “work”, the allure will be anything but subtle.

In the world of ethically made sneakers with sleek city style, the choice is still limited. We love Veja but they’re still difficult to come by outside Europe. Luckily, a new player has now entered the scene: based in Canada, Oliberté has launched a line of men and women shoes with an urban-casual inspired look and sold online (www.oliberte.com and www.greenisblack.ca) and in select stores this Fall in Canada and the United States.

Kaight NYC is ringing in the holidays this week with their ‘Melissa Plastic Dreams Sale’ on Tuesday, December 15th from 6pm-9pm on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Shoppers will be treated to 25% off select Brazilian Melissa shoe styles and get a sneak preview of some of the chicest eco fashion on the horizon for 2010. Considered to be one of the premiere sustainable shopping destinations in the U.S., Kaight is located at 83 Orchard Street in NYC and is thoughtfully curated by owner Kate McGregor. Pre-spring style previews include the Matt & Nat ‘Royksop, Dream & Awake’s ‘My Plum, Fin Oslo’s Waterfall Dress, and Kyumi’s One-Shoulder Dress. For those global sustainalistas who are not able to attend Tuesday’s holiday fete, you can also shop Kaight’s festive holiday gift guide featuring eco-fashion labels and designs such as the SUST Disco Top, The Andean Collection’s colorful fair-trade jewelry, TOM’s glittery and green Shoes, and classic Swedish Hasbeens.

As more and more designers embrace ethical fashion, workout enthusiasts—those who want their clothing to be as healthy as their bodies—are at the forefront of this revolution. Since sports and exercise gurus aim to treat their bodies as temples, it’s no surprise that those designing workout fashion take the production of materials and their impact on the earth very seriously. While organic workout wear is nothing new to eco fashion, there are some brands that lead the pack when it comes to innovation, technologies and presentation.