Exquisite :: Conscious Style and Living

How Common is Conscious Style?
February 16, 2006

Well, things have been pretty quite here on the blog for the last few weeks as I am deep in the trenches working on several new designs to be released this spring. I would bet that a lot of the designers reading this blog can relate to the process of hyper-focusing on a design only to realize that sometimes you just have to get away from the desk and smell the roses. So, when I find myself in need of a break AND visual inspiration I can usually be found soaking in the displays while sipping a cup of organic earl grey tea at our local cafe and boutique C.C. Gallagher, or as the locals call it "C.C.'s."

Known for their impeccable sense of style I am always guaranteed a unique find and yesterday was no exception as I literally stumbled over a drop dead gorgeous tote by the Australian designer Helen Kaminski. Neither C.C.'s or Helen Kaminski are purely focused on conscious materials and living, yet as I examined the bag I was pleased to discover it was beautifully styled and made from raffia (a fast growing and sustainable material) and finished with natural dyes and leather accents.

My near spill across the lovely totes and floor got me thinking about all the interesting places I have been seeing examples of conscious style lately. I found Komodo in an upscale Long Beach boutique a few weeks ago and bamboo in its many forms is the latest love child of both the sustainably minded and mainstream alike. Even Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond are carrying bamboo bath towels and accessories.

Am I complaining? No, just the opposite, I am thrilled. As conscious style becomes more "design led" the barriers to mainstream adoption break down. All of a sudden the product is judged on its own merit rather than being a marginalized political or social statement.

So what unexpected places have you seen conscious style and products lately? Your local market, a boutique, the mall, or even your Aunt's house... let's hear about it!

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Conscious Fashion Show in San Diego
January 21, 2006

If you happen to be in SoCal today head on over to the Festival of Life at Quail Botanical Gardens in San Diego and pull up a chair for the Eco Fashion Show. Showcasing designs from Edun, Loomstate, Deborah Lindquist, as well as other notables it should be an inspiring event.

Unfortunately, I am going to miss it as I already have plans to head up to Santa Monica and go conscious fashion shopping with not only Avery Kramer, the indomitable producer of Making it Green (an upcoming TV show, yes folks you know a teaser when you see one), but also the sassy Siel of Green LA Girl. So if you do make it to the show snap some pics and let me know how it was!

Photos courtesy of Linda Loudermilk's Couture and Spring 2006 collections.

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9 Days : Loomstate, Man's Best Fashion Friend
December 16, 2005

Guys, are you feeling like women are getting most of the attention and hot new fashions?

Believe it or not, there is a ton of sexy new stuff out there for men. Behind the scenes I have been hunting, gathering resources and putting together a feature article on exactly this subject. So here is my promise to you... over the next few months I will bring you the best of men's sustainable clothing and products. Don't worry ladies, you will still see all of the lovely fashions you have been craving, but now you also get to see the men in some sexy new threads.

Perhaps one of the most successful lines to date is Loomstate, designed by Rogan Gregory (also behind Edun), it is a very fresh brand producing more than just the jeans they are so well known for.

"Loomstate takes inspiration from American manufacturing methods used at the turn of the 19th century, in an age where craftmanship, function and quality were standard."

Using 100% organic cotton, Loomstate's current collection includes jeans, shirts, bags and at the beginning of '06 shoes will be added to the line up. You can find Loomstate in shops across the country so check out their website's Store Finder for your nearest location.

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12 Days : Kirsten Muenster Jewelry
December 13, 2005

While the choices are becoming greater, finding elegant sustainable jewelry can still be challenging. From the sourcing of materials to managing labor and chemicals this business, like any other, is filled with choices. But as I mentioned the options are growing and it is encouraging to see bright young designers like Kirsten Muenster leading the way to more sustainable practices and designs that don't skimp on style.

A graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Kirsten selects materials whose sources do not exploit slave labor or support corrupt organizations. Each necklace, bracelet, or ring she produces using silver, gold and unusual stones is one of a kind. Contact Kirsten directly for information on available pieces and commissions or visit del Mano Gallery.

via Treehugger

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18 Days : Sai So, Exquisite Beauty
December 07, 2005

Yes, there is a theme here. Intangible but distinct. By now you may be wondering at the selection of products I have shared with you over the last twelve days. What most have in common (aside from yesterday's more standard fare sacrificed at the alter of wine and good conversation keeping me out pleasantly late) is that by their own merit they ask you to slow down and appreciate quality and beauty. I believe a good gift will reflect both the giver and receiver, that it should embody intent. Design is a signal of intention as is the sharing of gifts, the sharing of one's own passions and desires. Many a gift I have given that I first coveted myself. Tonight, I bring you one of my favorite discoveries, Sai So.

Sai So, which translates as "reconstructed" or "put together again" in Japanese, takes the finest silk of antique hand painted kimonos to create contemporary fashion pieces, accessories and interior designs. Deeply sensual and reflective of centuries rich cultural heritage Sai So crafts unique, exquisite beauty. From scarves to evening gowns and pillows to lighting, consider giving a one of a kind gift filled with reverence and art.

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21 Days : Enamore Eco Fashion from the UK
December 04, 2005

Enamore, launched in 2004 by designer Jenny McPherson, is a newcomer to the world of eco fashion and while relatively unknown in the U.S. I would venture to predict they will be making quite a splash on this side of the pond.

McPherson's philosophy is to create beautiful clothing made from natural organic textiles and recycled fabrics. Using materials like organic cotton, bamboo and hemp Enamore has an edgy nouveau romantic look that is equally at home on the British catwalk or the streets of L.A.

If you are in the U.K. take a trip down to Equa in London or visit The Natural Store online and shower your eco-fashonista friends with some unique threads.

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23 Days : Vintage Piece Lily Purses & Totes
December 02, 2005

Piece Lily, the design team of Jennifer Farrington and April Kline, has taken vintage to a whole new level. Creating fine purses, totes and decorative items from carefully selected pieces of vintage fabric, they have turned a medium that is often poorly executed into smart and sexy fashion.

Each item is artistically handcrafted and one of a kind. Available directly from Piece Lily or There She Goes.

via Inhabitat

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27 Days : Organic Wool Ramona Coat
November 28, 2005

Although I no longer live in the chilly Northern Irish latitudes my desire to cozy up in long tailored coats always strikes this time of year. So for those of you that do have a need for warm layers I bring you the Ramona Coat. Designed by the budding Delano Collection, under the brand Sage and seen here on the ubiquitous Summer Rayne Oakes, this nicely tailored coat is made from 100% organic wool with a soft rayon lining woven from bamboo fiber.

Delano Collection are worth keeping an eye on. With inspiring substance behind their design sense this team has promised to bring a stable of luxury sustainable lifestyle brands, including furniture and homeware offerings, to market in early 2006.

The Ramona Coat is priced at $595 and available directly from Sage or if you are in New York visit Gomi NYC.

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A bit of poetry in your pocket...
September 14, 2005

Edun's Fashions

The land of poets and sages brings us a new wisdom called Edun. Fully embracing sustainable style and commerce, Bono of U2 fame, his wife Ali Hewson, and designer Rogan are the creators behind this new fashion line. Drawing upon a business model as beautiful as its design aesthetics, the company was founded on what it calls the Four Respects:

1.) Respect for the people who make our product.
2.) Respect for the place where we make it.
3.) Respect for the materials used.
4.) Respect for the consumer.

Ali Hewson's involvement in fair trade and social issues has brought about a company that is interested in giving more than charity to underdeveloped countries. Edun actively works with third world communities to build stable fair trade commerce providing lasting benefit. Every piece of clothing has the inscription "We carry the story of the people who make our clothes around with us."

Watch and listen to the poetry of the people at edun.ie (click on "media" for the short film).

From jeans to blouses and jackets the line includes items made with organic materials and dyes. Look for Edun in Barney's, Saks Fifth Avenue and select boutiques. Prices range from $45 - $300.

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