Sustainable Fashion has come so far. Case in point, today’ presentation of The Green Shows at New York’s Mercedes Benz fashion week. A line reminiscent of last year’s Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET snaked around the corridor—camera crews and curious fashion mavens awaiting the show, all aglow with the green buzz.
And buzz-worthy it was, not just for it’s “greenness” but equally for its fashion. Julia Ragolia, Ready to Wear stylist for the show, told me, “To me it was about showing that eco fashion is fashionable. It’s like mainstream fashion.” Just what our fashion hungry and eco-needing world has been craving.
Here are a few of my favorite looks, from some of my favorite eco fashion designers:
(In future posts, we’ll share the stories behind the pieces and the designers themselves—exploring their approach to sustainable design and the craft they call their own).
Study New York: Cream combo sweater tee made of Fair Trade, artisanal Peruvian alpaca and 100% dead stock wool pants
H. Fredriksson: 100% organic alpaca cable knit sweater and digitally printed cupro lava print dress
Ajna: organic wool hand knit turtleneck and organic wool draped skirt
Luis Valenzuela: Hand woven, hand dyed organic silk dress
(All photos by Organic Girly.)
I’m often accused of being peppy, positive and even worst, optimistic. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way. But today, I’m sorry to say, I fell into a place of deep sadness. I literally screamed something like, “Are we crazy?! Are we desperately trying to kill all species, including our own?” All that after opening my box of eco cleaning products. Who would have thought that a delivery that should have been met with a saving-the-planet-one-squirt-of-dish-soap at a time squeal of enthusiasm would be met with utter dismay.
Living a busy life in New York City often leads to last minute, almost-out-of-toilet-paper like crises. When all else fails (and since I’m not willing to sacrifice my don’t-destroy-mother-nature standards for an impulse buy) I shop online for such essentials. I couldn’t have been happier last night when I logged on to soap.com to buy my favorite Seventh Generation toilet paper, Ecos laundry detergent and Ecover dish soap.
However, when the boxes greeted me at home this evening, I was immediately suspicious. I could barely wrap my arms around one of them, and by the time I wrestled it up the stairs and tore it open, all I found was a package of Seventh Generation recycled paper towels surrounded by twice its volume of inflatable plastic protectant. Now what, I must ask, is going to bludgeon my paper towels to oblivion that so much plastic protectant is needed? But what really hit my heart was a note on the edge of the blow up packaging that told me to visit a website, fillair.com, for information on how to recycle. Curious and die hard in my quest to recycle, I did. I was welcomed with this:
To recycle Fill-Air®, Fill-Air® RF and Rapid Fill® material, please do the following:
Deflate (by poking a hole in the bag) and flatten the bags.
Fold the flattened material and place it inside an appropriate sized envelope or small carton.
Affix the appropriate postage to the shipping envelope or carton.
Address the envelope or carton to:
Ameri-Pak, In
Sealed Air Recycle Center 477 South Woods Dr. Fountain Inn, South Carolina 29644 Tel: +1-800-982-6197
Upon receipt of the material, it will be ground up and re-pelletized, so it can be used to make a variety of products from trash bags to automotive parts, which can also be recycled.
I’m truly happy this company has put recycling on its radar. Yet, I’m still befuddled as to why a company serious about recycling wouldn’t make it just a little bit easier. No one I know would seriously deflate the packaging, buy a large envelope, pay the postage and ship some plastic bags off to a company in Fountain Inn, South Carolina.
Instead, dear soap.com, biodegradable peanuts abound. Old packaging material from vendors can be reused once again. And easiest of all, you can simply use less packaging. I didn’t order packaging, so I’d like to return it. Landfill- and hassle- free.
(Photos, compliments of SeaOtter22 (top and bottom) and Journ (center).
a treasure-hunter gave to you…
artifact jewelry from NYC.
An ancient artifact is a rare beauty, as is the friend who gives you one. I just received this (see above) necklace or rather art,as I consider it, from such a long time friend. Beautiful? Yes. Unique? Entirely. And, sustainable to boot. No single piece is ever the same—each one rife with a rich history and story.
Made by Scott Jordan, a historian specialized in the recovery of antique bottles and artifacts, this particular piece is made from a recovered 1860’s perfume bottle found underground in Brooklyn. Each tag tells its recipient where the piece was found, opening the imagination to another place and time. Jordan’s company, New York Artifact Art, digs deep into the earth of New York City and its boroughs, salvaging and preserving the true gems that tell our deeper stories.
Digging through the soil links yesterday to today and to Jordan, it’s a gift. “It’s like when you’re a kid and you’re opening your Christmas gifts… That’s the feeling you get when you dig. That just doesn’t go away.”
This season awaken your (and your loved ones’) inner treasure-trove spirit with a hidden piece of art and the days gone by.
And if you’re a true story-ian like me, watch this short video on Jordan and the story behind his artisanal pieces:
Digging The Past from Shane Dixon Kavanaugh on Vimeo.
Preview the collection online or visit New York Artifact Art in New York City at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market or at the Green Flea Market.
(Top photo by Organic Girly. Bottom photo compliments of Scott Jordan.)
A Fall day basking in Spring
Fall in New York City has been covered with plenty a bare leg, open toe and the breezeful ballet flat. It almost feels like (gasp) spring! Which is why it wasn’t so out of seasonal place this year when the Spring / Summer 2012 previews came along. Afterall, as we don our winter boots, what better time to dream of sun basking, well-pedicured days?
So on a crisp November evening, I walked into seasons unvisited with Coclico—the New York based house of shoes that is fittingly named after the French word for Poppy. The beauty with Coclico is, as Sandra Canselier the founder and creative director says, “It’s a timeless thing. We create things that are simple with beautiful lines.” Like pretty art for feet.
The other beautiful thing about Coclico is that it’s striving to do better as a fashion brand and global citizen. While far from perfect and admittedly so, the company produces its shoes in Majorca, Spain—a classic home of cobbler craftsmanship. At the brand’s main production house in Majorca, the owners produce olive oil so “the olive oil pits”, says Canselier, “are used as fuel.
And, the brand encourages the use of vegetable tanning, although not all of its factories are there yet and across the industry, Canselier explains, “Suede is always tanned with Chrome [also known as chromium salt, the most widely used and chemical-based tanning method], there’s just no other way right now.” As if to make up the difference, solid cork or SGS certified pinewood is used for many of the heels, and organic linen is showcased, as in my favorite look (above, top).
It’s refreshing to see brands like this one go further—from style to sustainably we can reinvent the norm. For this Organic Girly, consciousness is the first ingredient for a healthier and more glamorous future—fancy feet and all.
Coclico’s Spring / Summer collection will be available beginning February 2012. And since there’s no time like the present, you can shop their 2011 SALE now for boots that climb from high to low, with summery peep toes thrown in for good measure.
(All photos compliments of Organic Girly.)
This round-up is gratis of the lovely textile artist and writer Abigail Doan of Ecco*Eco, with a few love notes of my own.
My favorite pick & one of Abigail’s to boot: Coclico Venezuala Bootie (Fall/Winter 2011)
{From Organic Girly}
One of my first forays into the world of eco-fashion, before it’d been given such an official name, was with Coclico. Meaning poppy, in French, I literally felt like a bright, blossoming flower when I stumbled upon their sweet shop and eponymous shoe collection one crisp fall day in New York City. Since then, I’ve owned up to a pair or two. Their subtle twists on classic styles and commitment to craftsmanship keeps me coming back. When I first considered taking my vegan lifestyle from food to fashion I literally said, “But what about Coclico?”, as if saying goodbye to a dear, old friend. For now I’m hovering between the two worlds—carefully considering my approach to leather and still appreciating the beauty of a Coclico bootie.
{From Ecco*Eco}
One of Abigail’s faves & I can’t help but agree: Coclico Kita Hazelnut Bootie
Coclico is committed to ethical manufacturing. On its website, the brand discusses its take on leather: “We are using more vegetable tanned leathers. These leathers have a beautiful, hand-finished patina from tanning agents derived from bark, fruit, and seeds. We know that sustainability is not as simple as using veg-tanned leather. It’s about our tanneries maintaining environmentally responsible practices. We like to reward tanneries who can prove certified standards with our business. This includes water quality maintenance, efficiency practices, and chemical sequestration. It is also desirable to use local sources close to the shoe factory whenever possible.”
Be sure to read the company’s ‘raison d’etre’ via its website for all of the steps taken by Coclico to craft stylish, high quality footwear as well as setting new standards in the leather industry. And, if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by their NYC boutique in Nolita at 275 Mott Street.
In just a few weeks, we’ll be peeking over winter into the poppy blossoms of spring. So, stay tuned for our Spring/Summer 2012 previews… coming soon!
True, I live up to high health standards. Toxin free. Chemical reduced (minus my iproduct attachment). Organic. Antioxidant cancer fighting with daily doses of kale and more.
My sin? Licking envelopes. It may sound strange. Admittedly, it is. There’s just something nostalgic about it. At least, that is, until last week. Seven days later, the charm is gone.
Naturally, I’m a big proponent of paperless, online billing. My New York City rent payment is the one vice that doesn’t come with “green” perks. So, once a month I find myself writing an old-fashioned check, licking the envelope and sticking on a stamp.
No more! As I last went through this routine, my lips immediately began to burn. They swelled up, became chapped and left me wondering—what, exactly did I lick?
Just as suspected, envelope adhesives boast a well-hidden, underground world. Rumors abound online. Some say there’s coach roach eggs imbedded in the glue. Others say the pastes are simply full of (harmful) chemicals that latch on to your tongue. According to the Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA), there are many ways to seal the suspect. To adhere the “front seal”, the one under interrogation here, the EMA reports, “…Adhesives can be water based adhesives or hotmelt adhesives, and can contain resin emulsions, dextrin, starch, ethylene vinyl acetate or polyvinyl acetate, natural rubber latex, or pressure sensitive copolymers.”
Translation: you could be licking anything and everything. Some are purportedly made from corn-, potato- or wheat- (a concern for the gluten-intolerant) based starches, others from latex and still others from separated components of natural gas or oil. Yum! One type, known as Hotmelt Sensitive Pressure Sensitive Front Seals (HMPSA), is created from an array of substances, including polyurethane. A tongue-twister in of itself, this compound often uses intermediaries in its development, including flame-retardants and toluene—a chemical derived from crude oil, often used in nail polishes and cited as a reproductive and developmental toxin by organizations like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
While no chemist, I know I’d rather play it safe and if nothing else, cosmetic. My lips look as if they’ve gone to battle, and my mind is worried the aftermath be worst than my mouth will say.
So, thank you dear envelope, I’ve now been cleansed. From here on out, if the occasional envelope is unavoidable, I’ll happily take a bit of sponge and a few drops of water. Signed and sealed, tongue free.
Please join me in going envelope- and lick- free!
(Photo courtesy of JMS Boggio and our friends at Flickr.)
… More popularly known as “dulche de leche flan” or, in my taste bud vernacular, “heaven on earth”. And heaven-sent flan this is! But traditionalists be forewarned, this take on the eggy, condensed-milky dish upholds a different establishment: raw and yes, vegan. Before you cringe and runaway in expectation of some kale-encrusted dessert, let me tell you, this custard o’sweetness earned its name for reason: my boyfriend begged for more. And for good cause. Ironically, it’s the purest take on flan—straight from nature-made organic ingredients. It doesn’t get better than this. Until, that is, you know the chef who’s behind it—my all-around favorite dessert extraordinaire who also JUST HAPPENS to be a raw food master, Matthew Kenney. He’s the reason I went seriously raw for a stint (and still dine on raw salads & desserts with gusto), and he’s the man behind countless cookbooks and restaurants, including my favorite, Pure Food & Wine in New York City. So with much gratitude and cheers—THANK YOU Matthew for giving us this recipe and it with it, the sweet life!)
It’s on us, so whip it up and simply savor e.v.e.r.y. l.i.t.t.l.e. b.i.t.e. Trust me: It’s MUCH easier than it looks or sounds, and it’s 100% worth it!
“Dulce de leche flan”
Graciously contributed by Matthew Kenney, “Everyday Raw Desserts”. (My experimental tips are also included throughout.)
Ingredients – naturally, organic
½ cup cashews (Unless you have a super-powered Vita-Mix blender, I suggest soaking for about 30 minutes to make them more blend able.)
1 cup young coconut meat (Thai coconuts are the sweetest and best for this)
½ cup agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey (If using maple syrup be sure it’s REAL maple syrup, ideally Grade B)
½ cup macadamia nuts (Unless you have a super-powered Vita-Mix blender, I suggest soaking for about 30 minutes to make them more blend able.)
2/3 cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup Irish moss paste (see recipe below)
1 teaspoon (fresh) lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
2 vanilla beans, scraped (If not readily available or on-hand, substitute approximately 2 teaspoons of additional vanilla extract for the beans)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (ideally the alcohol-free variety)
6 – 8 tablespoons agave nectar (my preference), maple syrup, or honey (reserve for the “caramel” topping)
Ingredients – Irish moss paste
2 cups soaked moss
½ cup water (use less if possible)
3 - 4 tablespoons agave nectar, maple syrup, or honey
1 teaspoon (fresh) lemon juice
(Fresh thai coconuts—source of the most succulent coconut water & meat)
To make the “dulche de leche flan”
Blend cashews, coconut meat and agave nectar (or pure sweetener of choice) in a Vita-Mix (or another super high-powered blender) until smooth. Add all other ingredients except agave (or pure sweetener of choice) for serving, and continue to blend until smooth. Do not over blend. Pour into a flan mold or any smooth-sided ramekin and refrigerate for 2 hours or longer until set. When firm, turn over and remove from ramekin. After plated, drizzle each dish with approximately 2 tablespoons of agave nectar (or pure sweetener of choice).
Makes 6 servings
(*Note: Ramekin-less? Fear not! My well-equipped kitchen is missing (hint-hint-flan-loving-boyfriend) ramekins. So, I simply used small fruit bowls to set and serve the flan. While not as flan-like in appearance, the taste was uncompromised. I also topped this bit of divinity with fresh, organic raspberries—as shown in the photo. Mmm…)
To make the “Iris moss paste”
Thoroughly rinse the moss to remove any sand or particles (mine was REALLY sandy—a sure sign of authenticity). Soak rinsed moss in cool water for 3 to 4 hours. You do not want to soak it too long because it will decrease its gelling potential. In a Vita-Mix (or another super high-powered blender or quality food processor), blend the moss, adding the water a little at a time. The moss varies in water content, so you may need less. You will create a paste that should be smooth and thick, not watery. Once the desired consistency is achieved, add agave nectar (or pure sweetener of choice) and lemon juice. This makes the perfect Irish moss paste for use in desserts. It will store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Makes approximately 2 cups
(*Note: If no other irish-moss-using recipes are in the queue, you can quarter this recipe and still have plenty leftover—just in case you want seconds.)
Here’s to life’s dulce—the sweetest sweetness!
(Many thanks to Matthew Kenney for graciously sharing his sweet genius!)
Ask any woman to name her still-very-in-the-closet, coveted addiction, and chances are 9 of 10 that names like Jimmy, Christian, Manolo, Alexander, Diego (who commonly goes by Tod) and Louis will simply roll off her tongue. Dashing men? Yes, if the most desirable man is the one who knows exactly what a woman wants—at least materially speaking. And these ones do. They have ignited passion—hot, high, lustful, leg- (and arm-) accentuating identity pieces. Footwear is no longer a mere mode of transportation just as purses and pocketbooks are less for carrying cash (or rather well-worn credit cards) as they are for purely making styling status statements.
At last, publicly, I confess. I am this upper-90-percent of a woman. The woman who collects shoes like art and hangs handbags for interior décor (and while we’re being so honest, let’s add all fashion fixations to the list—from dresses to hats to pencil-thin pants.)
But wait, there’s a problem. My love (‘err, addiction) seems to be slowing down. How can this be? I was on such a role! Here’s the thing: I opened my eyes and saw what it all really meant, and I realized the meaning that it missed. It was the beginnings of true, conscious awakening and with it, conscious consumerism. First came beauty—all the toxins had to go; then food—from nearly 100% organic (and even Biodynamic®) to vegetarian to vegan and even all raw for a stint; and finally, fashion. All these shifts happened in a very un-muddled matter of weeks. I began frantically researching sustainable, organic and responsible designers—no easy feat—and shopping at Kaight, a beautiful eco-centric boutique in New York City. My closet steadily filled with new consciously constructed clothes, and old ones ready to retire made their way to friends and donation drops. And, it was all going really well, or so I thought, until last week…
* To be continued…
(Photo courtesy of Flickr - Paranoia86.)
Okay, I’ll start and then it’s your turn—deal?
Hi! I’m Jennifer, also known as Organic Girly. Since some of us are just meeting for the very first time, I’ll let you in on what my dearest friends and family (and, who am I kidding, even casual acquaintances I meet in the subway), know about me. I’m uber passionate about eco-living—especially eco-fashion, beauty and design. I’m what some might call a born again tree hugger.
I grew up in Portland, Oregon as an outright suburban girl who spent the weekends making mud pies and tromping through the woods surrounding my grandparents’ orchard. At the age of 13 I flew to New York City on a school trip. As we taxied on the runway I turned to my friend Edwin and proclaimed, “I’m home!” Low and behold the moment I graduated from high school I moved to New York to study fashion merchandising, convinced I was destined to become a Fashion Director or Editor at a magazine like InStyle. Several internships, part-time jobs and plays of fate later, I was studying and working at Jane Magazine (we miss you in print!) when the most gorgeous cobalt blue bottle filled with fresh organic roses and super-nourishing plant oils fell into my well-oiled, lipstick covered hands. It was the same time when I had an epiphany that I needed to do something that had meaning and which propagated real beauty in the world. Six months later I was working at that gorgeous blue-bottle company, Weleda, heading up their Public Relations and Spa Division and later becoming their Director of Communications, Sustainability, Education and Editor-in-Chief (yes, I got to launch and edit a magazine afterall).
Fast forward seven+ years and I’m on a new bend in my journey. Merging my passion for fashion (and yes, shopping—especially for shoes!) with my even greater love—supporting our health and with it, that of our planets’ = eco- healthy- organic- living. We, afterall, cannot be healthy so long as we dump toxic chemicals into our bodies and our world. So here I am, a (new kind of) yippie—a term I coined for yuppie hippie, because I believe doing good and feeling good isn’t about sacrifice. Beauty brings beauty. Here’s to stylish sustainability!
Now, it’s your turn. What’s your story? I’m all ears!
(And thanks for listening! It’s very nice to meet you!)
