Eco Fashion World

Rarely the subject of multipage editorials, the t-shirt was always a bit more of a common pleasure. However, it’s difficult to deny the basic’s longstanding appeal. The humble T-shirt--far from being relegated to being worn only on laundry days--has emerged as a go-to item well into fall. Shown layered over longer-sleeved tees, or under fall’s big-ticket items like cardigans and boyfriend blazers, the t-shirt has become a year-round pillar of a fashionable wardrobe.

A ‘80s signature grunge look gone high fashion, shredding fabrics, from jeans to t-shirts, has been a growing trend this year. And now, designers have even incorporated the shredded statement into fall runway fashion, like Dane Rützou’s unique collection with shredded neck pieces at Copenhagen Fashion Week. And really, whether high fashion or do it yourself, what’s better for the planet than tearing your old garments and giving them new, hip lives?

Just when you were wondering how designers would go beyond the tencel, bamboo and organic cotton mainstays that populate the shelves, fashion innovators have introduced alternative fabrics and materials like flannels, tweeds, tagua and milk proteins to their repertoires. Similarly to Maroussia Rebecq, founder of Andrea Crews Collection (and interviewed in our Pop&Rock issue), many eco-designers are experimenting with clothing and accessory lines beyond the basics.

There’s a certain thrill in rummaging through your closet and finding fashion treasures of the past. And this year, this excitement is fully realized with designers—both ethical and mainstream--dedicating clothing lines to timeless styles. It holds particular appeal for already-ethical clothing buyers constantly trolling consignment shops to add new pieces to their wardrobes.

With fashion weeks rapidly approaching, we'd love to highlight new collections of some of our favorite designers. Get shirted for Fall with Nixxi's collection of great layers, like this grey turtle neck. Designer Jada-Lee uses materials like bamboo, tencel and wool for her pieces with a guarantee to keep you warm!

If you're holidaying in Italy these days, don't miss Brasil Progresso E I Dell Colori in Spoleto, an event that highlights the culture of new talents from Brazil and other Latin American countries. The theme of Brasil Progresso E I Dell Colori is Amazonia with performances from Bolivian, Colombian and Brazilian artists in music, fashion and dance.

While the birds are falling of the roof, this is your time to stay cool inside and shop summer bargains! Adili has a warehouse clearance with up to 80% off summer collections including their own very first Spring collection. And be aware: Adili has now changed her name to Ascension, to further stress that they are dedicated to bringing you the best in ethical fashion.

Want to dress like a celebrity but you don’t count Giorgio Armani among your personal circle of friends? Or maybe you just want an extra special outfit for your best friend’s wedding, or a designer bag to go to a job interview… Either way, renting one-time-wear clothes and accessories is the green way to go, not only do you create less waste and save money, you also leave more room in your closet for the clothes you actually do wear all the time!

Vegan Queen, the eco chic handbag brand of supermodel Evelina Kulikovsky, was recently featured on the cover of "e!stilo!," thé Polish fashion magazine devoted to eco/green lifestyles. Such exposure has catapulted the public's awareness of Vegan Queen which represents our culture's movement toward a sustainable future. Vegan Queen's mission is to promote a socially-conscience lifestyle in New York City and around the world.

We often tell you about fantastic workshops for sustainable designers and those aspiring to that career…in case you can’t make it to those a new guide has just come out with lots of useful info on going green. The Toronto Fashion Incubator, an excellent resource for aspiring designers, has just published “Fashioning Sustainability: TFI's Guide to Going Green” in order to assist new and emerging fashion entrepreneurs to understand and adopt green technologies and practices that can help increase sales and market opportunities. We loved the review of the 4 types of green consumers and what makes them tick!

SpringWise.com recently covered a program at Oakland Mall that offers startups low-cost and short-term leasing to help them to set up shop. This summer, KiosKiosk will bring a similar idea to the streets of London by offering a small kiosk space to startups selling ceramics, art, fashion and other creative products. At no cost to its temporary tenants.

Permanent shops? That is so last season.

Since last year we’ve seen more and more eco popup shops bringing the latest and, sometimes the best of vintage, to our streets. Here’s a highlight of our favourite to date, including some happening this month!

The pajama as daywear trend has been getting a lot of press the last few seasons, but little street representation. Meanwhile, men’s slippers have been making noted appearances on the feet of the fashion flock. Call it old world glamour, dandy revival or plain comfortable, we think there’s something sexy about wearing your slippers out of the house.

If you’ve been following Eco Fashion World, you already know how sexy leather accessories can be made from fish skin leather. This month, two socially innovative brands are offering colorful new models to fuel our handbag lust. However, if you’re fishing for a new eco bag, you can also get inspired by (and vote for) the “Best Green Bag” selection at the Independent Handbag awards in NYC.

Tiananmen, May 68, the Sexual Revolution of the 70’s…most massive societal changes start in campuses, carried by the idealism and energy of students.

Sustainability is no different, except that this time around the revolution is quieter. But in universities throughout the world, young people are gathering through associations and common projects to shape the consciousness of their peers and their common future. More and more, these projects seem to revolve around eco fashion.

Are you an aspiring fashion designer with a refreshing eco twist? If the answer’s an affirmative yes, then a fabulous initiative by the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) and supported by the London Development Agency called INNOVATION is calling for your entry.

The limo, tuxes, gowns, and sparkling decorations spell glitz and glamour for many high school students. Some teens, though, are turning prom into something more than a night of conspicuous consumption. From paperless e-vites to proceeds donated to charity in lieu of overdone disposable décor, these rites of passage are becoming more socially conscious. The website Teens Turning Green , is hosting a Project Green Prom that supplies valuable tips for greening festivities, and features students winning eco-friendly gifts from eco-fashion sponsors like Bahar Shahpar and Lara Mille.

Zero waste design has been taken to another level with Mark Liu’s most recent Winter 2010 collection that was premiered at London Fashion Week’s Estethica exhibition in February and will be shown again on April 30th at the Gina Conway Aveda event.

The US have one, Belgium has one, Holland has one and now Switzerland also has one: a green glossy! Si-Gruen covers everything from fashion to travel to health to money news. Every issue, another Swiss eco celebrity will be guest editor and adorn the cover of the magazine. Aside from the editor, several other innovators will be highlighted, giving the reader a deeper understanding of what it is to live a green lifestyle. The in-depth articles and interviews are embedded in an attractive lay out that targets the LOHAS market. You will find Si Gruen in the Swiss bookstores four times a year.

Sometime ago we reported on Puma's eco friendly sneakers   and now it seems that Adidas  gets the knack of it too! Now that many of the classic Adidas styles are back in vogue, the label has chosen to re-release them in its Originals range. But going back hasn't stopped the company looking forward, as the retro items are being made with environmentally conscious materials.