The Fall/Winter 2012 presentation from Crop by David Peck featured versatile dresses, separates, and evening gowns inspired by the designer’s personal history. 

For his latest collection, designer David Peck went home, both metaphorically with his design inspiration and literally with his garment production.

The Fall/Winter 2012 presentation for Crop by David Peck, held at the LEED-certified Crosby Street Hotel,  featured designs inspired by the multiple layers and textures contained in his background and that of his wife. The idea struck during a visit to New York’s Lower East Side Tenement Museum, where the restored homes of former immigrants ignited an interest in the couple’s own history.The result is a very personal collection. Lightweight silks feature digitally-printed images depicting scenes from Peck’s life: blossoms in Paris, autumn leaves in Colorado, a boat on the New York harbor. Garment production takes place in the couple’s hometown of Houston, Texas, with textiles dyed in the United States and select fabrics imported from fair trade co-operatives in India. Peck also donates 10 percent of his profits to a cause associated with each new collection’s theme. This season, the chosen charity is Covenant House, an organization that provides shelter and support to homeless youth.

The collection itself is heavy on versatile separates, casual dresses, and cocktail shifts, which Peck explained could be layered between seasons and make the easy transition from day to night. There were also a few evening gowns thrown into the mix, each a romantic vision of digitally-printed, beautifully-draped silk habotai, organza, and chiffon.

“I want to elevate the perception of sustainability and show that you can still do higher level fashion while sticking to sustainable principles,” Peck said.

This selection of pieces from the presentation show that Peck can achieve just that.

Images: Jessica Marati

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by dressing up in head-to-toe red, and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day this year —  giddy writing love letters or turning up the volume on that breakup-tunes mixtape — it gives us a chance to break away from the ordinary. And when it comes to fashion, it’s a good excuse for dressing head-to-toe in red and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

Orla Kiely Prom Dress
This sweet little sleeveless dress by Orla Kiely has a gathered skirt and bow. The pattern, which is actually small coffee cups keeps it from being too cutesy. Made from 100% organic, Fair Trade certified cotton in India.
Approx. $94, People Tree

Tiny Heart Necklace
This tiny heart necklace is sweet and simple, a discreet way to whisper to the world that you still believe in love. Handcrafted in San Francisco, by designer Kris Nations, using recycled 14k or sterling overlay.
$35, BTC Elements

Erica Weiner Sweetheart Necklace
When Erica Weiner found a small quantity of these vintage heart necklaces from the 70s, she thought they seemed to just ache to be inscribed with a message. Make your perfect Valentine’s statement and write your message with teeny tiny letter stamps.
$65-80, Erica Weiner

Apple & Bee Hearts Tote
With inside pockets and lots of great compartments, this super practical organic cotton tote will make a great shopping companion, spreading the message of love wherever you go.
$37, Apple & Bee

Hovey Lee Allott Necklace
This elegant heart-shaped pendant is designed for everyday wear, yet the genuine pink peach shell, lends it a unique glowy sheen. Available with 14kt gold-filled  or sterling silver chain.
$76, Hovey Lee

Alkemie Single Rose Ring
Roses are the ultimate symbol for love, and unlike a dozen red ones this ring will not fade. Handmade in Los Angeles, using 100% reclaimed metal and Austrian Crystal. Available in silver patina as well.
$154, Alkemie

Pink/Red Heart Lady Dragon Shoes
These new Anglomania Lady Dragon shoes by Vivienne Westwood and Melissa brings a more glitzy side with gold edged mirrored hearts that make your feet ready to party. Made from Melissa’s signature earth-friendly rubber.
$230, Vivienne Westwood

A quick peak at EcoSalon’s celebration of Future:Standard’s 1st birthday.

We were thrilled to partner up with Future:Standard recently to celebrate the online eco boutique’s one-year anniversary. A clothing swap, photo booth and night of celebrating eco fashion is our kind of fun.

“I’m so honored to have celebrated my 1^st birthday party with EcoSalon! It’s been such an exciting year for Future:Standard and there couldn’t have been a better representation of what we are trying to accomplish, than with EcoSalon. I’m looking forward to a fabulous year with more amazing merchandise that respects the planet!” said Future Standard founder Jessica Althoff.

We couldn’t agree more – thanks to Jessica and her team for letting us take part. Here are some of our favorite shots from the photo booth that night.

Your weekend bag for a stay at the Pantone Hotel — versatile basics in bright solid colors.

When packing for a weekend at the Pantone Hotel in Brussels, go with the theme and bring colorful basics that ensure that you blend well into the surroundings. It’s a bit chilly in Brussels right now, so versatile basics that will keep you warm is a must.

Organic Woven Scarf – Pantone 144
A big scarf is a must-have when you travel anywhere. This one, by fairtrade fashion company Indigenous Designs shines on a bright shade of orange (Pantone 144) and dyed using low-impact, eco-friendly dyes.
$19, Indigenous Designs

Organic Sweater with Tail – Pantone 3945
This lemon yellow (Pantone 3945) sweater by Organic by John Patrick is longer in the back and shorter in the front, perfect for matching with anything from your favorite travel tights to a fancy skirt.
$212, Otte

Braided Hat with Tassels – Pantone 290
With earflaps and fun braided tassels, this bright blue (Pantone 290) hat is a fun addition to your cold-weather wardrobe. It’s hand knit by formerly disadvantaged mothers in Njabini, Kenya.
$26, Njabini Apparel

Baggu Backpack – Pantone 184
This neon pink (Pantone 184) backpack is made from 100% recycled cotton duck. It’s great for carrying all those essentials with you while exploring Brussels. If pink is not your color, there are several more to choose from.
$34, Baggu

Olsenhaus Wedge Booties – Pantone 249
“Bring comfortable shoes” is one of the cardinal rules of traveling. But we think you should also pack something a little more suitable for evening pleasures, like these bright-purple (Pantone 249) vegan booties by Olsenhaus.
On sale for $150.50, Cow Jones Industrials

Merino Silkweight Crew – Pantone 570
This top from Patagonia combines the technical merits of merino wool with travel-savvy style. The lightweight fabric is designed to keep you dry, comfortable and odor-free — it’s a mix of chlorine-free merino wool from non-mulesed Australian merino sheep and 100% recycled polyester.
$65, Patagonia

Slim Color Pant – Pantone 172
Give those black pants you usually travel with a rest. This deep orange (Pantone 172) slim color pant is the perfect colorful travel companion. Each pair is handwoven in Romania and are absolutely unique (you can enter a special code located on the inside seam to find out how).
$145, Kaight

Steal Michelle Williams on-screen style and channel your inner Marilyn with these figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics.

While she initially seemed an unlikely choice, Michelle Williams morphed seamlessly into the role of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe. A performance which has, so far, earned her a third Oscar-nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Never known for her sex appeal, Williams is now embracing it fully, showing us all just how versatile a great actress can be. We love her own understated pixie haircut and cool, casual Brooklyn-style but thinks she shines especially bright in this Vogue editoral, shot by Annie Leibovitz. With some figure-flattering, eco-savvy classics, we an all channel our inner Marilyn.

High-waisted Pencil Skirt
This “Secretary Skirt” by Study puts a slight spin on the classic high-waisted pencil skirt by adding some interesting details. Made in New York, from 50% cotton and 50% recycled polyester.
$198, Juno & Jove

Fitted White Shirt
Made from 100% organic cotton, this “Shrunken Shirt” by Organic by John Patrick features double button pleated cuffs and French seams. Tuck it into your skirt and leave a few buttons open at the top.
$198, Juno & Jove

Sexy Undies
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. We’re pretty sure that Marilyn (or Michelle) would not have walked out the door without some hot-looking undies underneath that outfit. This set is by Clare Bare, a Brooklyn based designer specializing in eco-friendly lingerie made from bamboo jersey and vintage fabric. All of her pieces are made locally using sustainable design practices, and are structured to flatter your body in a natural way without the use of constrictive hardware.
Gigi Bralette, $52 & Gigi Garter Hot Short, $50, both Clare Bare

Black Eyeliner
Nothing is more crucial to re-creating than a good eyeliner. This matte, satin-finish liner by Alima is easy to apply and contains nothing but 100% pure, BDIH certified, luxurious mineral pigments.
$11, FutureNatural 

Versatile basics with edgy details, easy-to-walk-in wedges and an extra-roomy bag are a New York City girl’s best friends.

There’s no doubt that New York City girls have a certain edge to their style. It’s all about basics with unexpected details – and yes, black. Heels are a must and wedges keep things comfortable. And always carry a big, stylish bag – because who has time to go home before the night begins?

Alkemie Ruler Bangle
Although it’s handmade in Los Angeles, this bangle is cast from a vintage NYC-approved ruler (possibly made in Buffalo, NY). It’s made from 100% reclaimed metal and adds just the right amount of unexpected quirk to an outfit.
$154, Alkemie 

Alpaca Slouch Hat by Mayu
A hat is a must for New Yorkers in the winter — to protect ears from sub-zero chills. This slouchy hat is hand-knit with 100% Peruvian Alpaca fiber and made according to fair trade principles.
On sale for $50, Mayu

NYC Necklace
You know you’re proud to be a New Yorker. Show your love for the Big Apple by wearing this necklace, made in Brooklyn from old, recycled records.
$38, Teich 

Thieves Armour Skirt
This high-waist fitted skirt is made from hemp wool suiting (45% hemp, 40% wool & 15% tencel) and covered with beeswaxed organic cotton, which gives it a great “aged leather” look. Definitely not your average pencil skirt, this one brings a fresh supply of attitude.
On sale for $173.25, Thieves

Crewneck Sweater by Edun
This sweater by Ali Hewson’s Edun is a sexy, edgy alternative to the ol’ cashmere basic. The strategic pattern of the knits keep it from becoming too revealing. We all know we need to leave a little for the imagination, right? Wear it to work underneath a blazer and on it’s own for a night on the town.
$312, Juno & Jove 

Sabine Triangle Bag by The Sway
Every girl in NYC needs a big bag that can easily go from day to night and will hold anything from heels and workout clothes to lunch boxes and reading material for the subway. This bucket-style messenger bag is extra-roomy and has both double shoulder straps and a removable cross-body strap. It’s made from soft upcycled patchwork leather and lined with The Sway‘s signature Aboriginal-inspired organic fabric.
$490, The Sway 

Millenium Black Wedges by OlsenHaus
These 100% vegan wedges by OlsenHaus are made from ultra suede and faux leather and feature a blonde pine wooden wedge heel. The mix of materials keep things interesting and the wedge heels ensure that you can walk the entire length of Manhattan if need be.
$300, OlsenHaus 

How to knock off Charlize Theron’s effortlessly elegant outfit, in true eco-fashion. 

Charlize Theron is one of those girls we all want to be or be friends with. She chooses her roles well, often portraying strong women who blaze their own paths through life. Through the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, Theron’s also helping reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence among African youth. She also happens to look gorgeous in just about anything, but we particularly like the effortless elegance of this outfit, worn to a talk at the Times Center in New York.

Simple Black Blazer
This velvet blazer by Lavuk is made in the USA entirely from deadstock fabric. The simple cut makes it highly versatile and elegant. Dress it up with black pants and heels like Theron, or create a more casual look by paring it with jeans and flats. Eco-bonus points: Lavuk plants a tree for every item you purchase.
$215, Green With Glamour 

Black Skinny Pants
Every girl needs to have a pair of simple skinny black pants in her closet. These, by Prairie Underground, feature cool pocket details and stitching in the front. Do like Charlize and dress them up with heels, or tuck them into your favorite pair of winter boots — the possibilities are endless.
$105, Juno & Jove 

Loose-fitting Patterned Top
A top with an eye-catching pattern livens up this otherwise all-black outfit and gives it more personality. This one, by Threads For Thought, is ethically made from 50% Organic cotton and 50% recycled poly. The loose fit is key to giving this look that perfect balance between elegance and effortlessness. Eco-bonus points: A portion of sales goes to an environmental charity.
$38, Future:Standard 

Cross-strap Sandals
These strappy wedges by Cri de Coeur are a great mix of easy and dressy. Wedges are always more comfortable to walk in, and the cork ones on this pair contrast really well with the criss-cross elastic straps. Like all Cri de Coeur shoes, they are completely animal-free.
On sale for $110, Cri de Coeur 

ColumnIs fast fashion giant H&M really making moves to become more sustainable, or is it all just greenwashing?

Editor’s Note: This is Jessica Marati’s first column for Behind The Label, which will explore whether brands claiming sustainable initiatives are going green – or just plain greenwashing.

It’s so easy to love and hate H&M. On the one hand, the Swedish fashion chain has played a significant role in democratizing fashion and bringing trends once reserved for the upper classes to the masses. On the other, H&M’s fast fashion model has accelerated the fashion cycle to its current frenetic pace, driving down prices and increasing pressure within the industry to produce more, quicker, with little regard to the people and environments involved.

In recent years, H&M has made efforts to be more transparent with its social responsibility efforts, releasing a hefty Conscious Actions Sustainability Report in 2010 that outlined its sustainability goals and action roadmap. The company also dabbled in small scale sustainable fashion campaigns like a capsule organic cotton line in 2007, a recycled fabric commitment in 2009, and an eco-fiber Garden Collection in 2010, none of which gained much notice.

In 2011, however, H&M stepped up its efforts with the release of a much-anticipated Conscious Collection, a white-hued line of separates made from organic cotton, Tencel®, and recycled polyester. In the fall, they followed up with a romantic floral line inspired by Swedish folklore as well as a holiday party collection. New lines for 2012 haven’t yet been announced, but it appears that H&M is folding its sustainability efforts into more of its products across the board.

But how much of this progress is part of an honest, dedicated commitment to doing good, and how much is just great greenwashing? Let’s have a look at some of the facts behind the marketing.

THE GOOD: In September, H&M surpassed Walmart as the world’s largest buyer of organic cotton, consuming more than 15,000 tonnes in 2010, an increase of 77 percent from the previous year. The milestone is linked to H&M’s aim to source all of its cotton from more sustainable sources by 2020. H&M is also a founding member of the Better Cotton Initiative, which introduces more sustainable practices at every step of the cotton production supply chain. In addition to organic cotton, H&M has also experimented with other eco-fibers, including recycled polyester, recycled polyamide, recycled plastic, organic linen, recycled cotton, recycled wool, Tencel®, and organic hemp.

THE BAD: Although H&M is a member of the Fair Labor Association, which aims to improve working conditions in factories, the company was recently hit with a slew of bad press after a series of mass fainting incidents at partner factories in Cambodia. An investigation from VICE TV explored the impoverished conditions under which many of the young female workers live. And that’s just one of many scandals: a Greenpeace report recently alleged that H&M-affiliated factories are discharging hazardous chemicals into rivers in China. In 2010, the German edition of the Financial Times reported that H&M was knowingly passing off genetically modified cotton as organic. That same year, it was discovered that an H&M store in Manhattan was destroying and discarding bags of excess merchandise. H&M representatives insisted that the incident was isolated, and that company policy is to donate unworn clothing to charity.

THE QUESTIONABLE: H&M’s corporate transparency about its steps toward sustainability are certainly laudable. However, it’s undeniable that H&M’s fast fashion model is in itself wildly unsustainable, with its focus on producing cheap disposable clothing for a world where tastes seem to change by the minute. As a pioneer of this business model, H&M is fast forwarding fashion trends, as well as driving down the costs of clothing to the delight of consumers but the detriment of competitors, including ones that operate more sustainably. One commitment the fast fashion giant might add to its action plan list is reversing that trend.

Images: H&M.

ColumnThe Awamaki Lab returns with a Season 2 collection featured at the Textile Arts Center in Manhattan.

Fashion designers Andria Crescioni and Courtney Cedarholm both knew from a young age that designing was integral to their composition. Each grew up with an individual attraction to the tactile and hands-on approach to creative expression. Cedarholm was always especially drawn to fabrics and yarn, and by third grade, had already proclaimed her desire to be a fashion designer.

Crescioni, on the other hand, lived out her early days in the suburbs of Southern California, spending her weekends reconstructing vintage finds from thrift stores and flea markets.

“The process of seeing something go from a vague idea in my head to a tangible piece drives me to continue creating things and exploring new ways of doing so,” says Crescioni.

With the collaborative effort of Awamaki, a non-profit weaving project that works for sustainable community development in Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Peru (and empowers young indigenous women), these two fashion students from Parsons were given an opportune design residency to explore their own garment genesis amidst the Sacred Valley of Peru.

Cedarholm and Crescioni were off on a journey into unfamiliar lands and unknown textile territory. That adventurous spirit subsequently permeated into the depths of their design inspiration.

“The clothing was inspired by the idea of a vintage explorer, especially Hiram Bingham,” says Cedarholm. When reviewing pictures of Hiram Bingham exploring in the 1900s, Crescioni was instantly taken by the garments featured. “I decided to juxtapose the Andean textiles with more casual and tailored sportswear, inspired by vintage explorers, to make them feel more unexpected and modern.” adds Crescioni.

In their own collaborative format, the designers decided to each embrace a particular angle for the collection; Crescioni developed the woven pieces, while Cedarholm concentrated on the knitwear.

“One of the main focuses of the collection is to showcase the traditional hand-woven textiles from the Patacancha Valley,” Crescioni explains. She was also intent on incorporating an element of hand-woven textile into every design, whether it be the entire pattern or an adorning trim.

For Cedarholm, her knitting became an extension of her everyday existence.

“I was quite a fan of carting my knitting everywhere, walking and knitting is my new favorite skill.” As Cedarholm explains it, creating the garment sample was necessary before any of the next steps in production could be tackled. So, for both designers, developing their patterns was key to moving forward in relaying their design framework to the Quechua women weavers for production.

Rooted intentions of showcasing the authentic artisanship of the weavers vibrates throughout Cedarholm and Crescioni’s garments. Cedarholm says: “We did not dictate designs to them [the women weavers] but instead observed them weaving and began to learn it to really understand how much goes into one textile and that turns into a great respect for the material and a true questioning of design to make sure the textile is showcased in its best form.”

The collection’s evolution unfolded atop a table of collaboration in genius and resourcefulness – designers and artisans learning and sharing with each other along the way. As Crescioni says, “This hands-on experience really gave us the opportunity to design pieces that compliment the way they [Quechua women weavers] work, rather than hinder it.”

The cultural exchange of working with the women weavers of Awamaki undeniably affected Crescioni and Cedarholm’s design process. “I think the limitation on materials in terms of diversity was the biggest challenge, yet at the same time helped narrow things down,” Cedarholm says.

As the saying goes, less is more sometimes. For Crescioni, this idea of reducing the options almost calmed her creative process. “When you are working in a city like New York, there are no limits, which can sometimes be overwhelming for me. In Peru, you are forced to simplify, to be creative with less, not only when it comes to making clothing but in day to day life.”

Crescioni’s own reaction to the differing lifestyles of these locations inadvertently comments on the consumptive culture of the U.S. Through the art of the Sacred Valley of Peru’s local culture, themes of simplicity and necessity simply surface. Design in this context could potentially symbolize larger lessons and reflections of the societies in which they are harbored.

Experiences from the Awamaki Lab relationship fosters rewards that extend far beyond an exchange of creative innovations. For Crescioni, one of the most rewarding parts of the project is the direct relationship that one gets to have with the weavers at Patacancha.

Cedarholm reflects on her time spent working closely with the women.

“Beginning to know them more has given me such a curiosity and respect for those who are behind the actual making of a garment. And in thinking about who made a garment you also think of who designed it. They are usually on the higher end of the food chain, but this collection attempts to disregard any mention of food chain.”

For her, the intention of the Awamaki Lab Season 2 collection was to just work together to create something fresh and new.

Due to the way Crescioni and Cedarholm approached their adventure abroad, they were able to absorb authentic and intimate connections. Their openness allowed for true dialogue outside of the daily design activities, such as time spent in the homes of the Quechua families, learning their crafts and sharing meals with them. Crescioni reminisces about one weekend in November when a weaver in Patacancha taught them her age-old methods. “It was an intimate experience, walking through the surrounding hillside with her and her children while their sheep grazed. As we walked, we would take a seat, set up our back-strap looms and weave, enjoy the view, and chat. It was an incredible example of life and craft coinciding together.”

For Cedarholm, the garments largely represent that comfortable, content, and serene atmosphere. “We want the clothing to feel like home, you can just climb into them and live.”

Meditating on the process, Crescioni says, “I have a deep respect for the artisans that create the textiles and I hope the garments we’ve created allow the weavers’ unique vision of life to be appreciated in a new context.”

The Awamaki Lab Season 2 Collection will be unveiled in its entirety on Friday, January 27th at the Textile Art Center‘s Manhattan location. Featured alongside the garments will be a backpack collection; Brooklyn-based pattern maker Hannah Flor volunteered with the Awamaki Lab this season, developing a project with the sewing co-op in which each weaver designed their own backpack.

Let your inner green girl shine through in delicious shades of olive.

Green is gorgeous, I think we all agree on that. For a shade that will look great on anyone and go with anything, try donning delicious hues of olive. Pair with other jewel-tones for a personal take on the color-blocking trend or with blacks, grays and browns for a more subtle look.

H Fredriksson Dolman Cardigan
This 100% Alpaca Hand knit Dolman Cardigan is Fairtrade and organic, made in Bolivia in a small mountain village women’s collective. It’s the warmest softest fiber around, and you can wash it in the machine.
$396, H Fredriksson 

Hearts of Darkness Possess Slit-back Bootie
The tonal mix of faux leather and suede bring distinction to these vegan booties. A slit detail in the back brings some added flair. Also available in black, gray and chocolate. Made in an ethical, sweat-shop free factory in China.
$130, Cri De Coeur 

San Isabel Necklace by Green Diva
This sweet little necklace is made with Fair Trade recycled glass, Fair Trade Tagua nut and 100% recycled sterling and fine silver chain and findings. Green Diva Jewelry is a member of 1% For The Planet, which means they donate 1% of their profit to environmental causes.
$95, Green With Glamour 

Begonia Clay Organic Cotton Tank Top by IDEO
This tank top is a great a wardrobe basic, but pretty subtle tone on tone sparkle details on shoulders make it a little more fun. Ethically made in India under fair labor standards using SKAL certified production processes using ECOCERT label Organic cotton and water-based, PVC-free dyes.
$23, Fairtribe

Mujus Piel Ring
This ring by Brooklyn and Lima – a Peru based earth-friendly company – uses the intricate patterns of the bark from the Tagua seed as a design element. Each ring has a unique shape making each of them one of a kind.
$25, Mujus 

Pendleton Portland Collection Shorts
These hot, little shorts from Pendleton’s Portland Collection will look great now with tights and by themselves as the weather gets warmer. Details like slanted pockets at the sides, zipper and button closure and belt loops make them even more gorgeous. Made in the USA from 100% virgin wool.
On sale for $89.60, Kaight