ColumnWhite is synonymous with a lightness and ease associated with summer; it is flattering with every silhouette, looks fresh against sun kissed skin and never goes out of style. Wear a summer white dress casual or dressy–it’s always a blank slate to accessorize. On Trend this summer, here are seven of our favorite white dresses.

1. Ingalls Dress by David Peck

Houston-based designer David Peck is a champion of impeccably tailored feminine garments, with the ease of American practicality.  This dress’ inward-collar neckline extenuates the shoulders for a subtle sexy touch.  Made from the light and luxurious 100 percent Raw Silk Noil. Socially responsible manufacturing add to the strength of this summer white dress.

$395, David Peck

2. Sheer Layered Shirt Dress by Carrie Parry

This dress is fashion forward, and the epitome of a simple staple garment you’ll want to keep forever (and even wear past summer). Made of 100 percent Bemberg Cupro and 100 percent handwoven Silk Georgette Overay, the dress is produced in New York City.  For every garment purchased a tree is planted through the non-profit Trees for the Future.

$385, Carrie Parry

3. Dickson Dress by Rae Francis

Designed and produced in New York City, this light summer white dress is effortlessly chic and fun for any occassion.  It’s made from 100 percent cotton and lined with white silk. Ariel Lilly and Christina Coniglio of Rae Francis describe their collections as ‘Desk to Dinner,’ classic and elegant for an easy going boho-lifestyle summer trend.

$281, Rae Francis

4. Scallop Dress by Loup Charmant

As if from a dream, this garment’s delicate and flowing silhouette is light and just right for summer.  Crafted with a deep V-neckline in the front, its structure was inspired by a found Victorian children’s dress.  Made with organic cotton in New York City.

$490, Loup Charmant

5. La Rambla Lace Dress by Nanette Lapore

Long time designer and advocate in New York City’s Garment Center, Nanette Lapore, mixes lace fabric with a mod silhouette for this cute summer dress.  The Mondrain-esq, asymmetrical detail adds a sense of fun to the charming lace.  Whether it’s afternoon tea or strolling on a city street, this dress gives a rich dimension of texture to the summer trend.

$378, Bergdorf Goodman

6. Clifton Pleated Dress by Lavuk

This dress’ playful drop waist and pleated skirt give a nod to the flapper of the ’20s mixed with the simplicity of modern design. Made with 100 percent cupro, a fabric with a delicate appearance but embodies a durability like cotton, it’s ethically manufactured in Los Angeles. For every Lavuk garment sold a tree is planted through the American Forest Releaf Program.

$260, Modavanti

7. Gianna Dress by Rag and Bone

Made in the US, this dress is a form-fitting take on the classic t-shirt dress.  The fabric is perforated, but it’s fully lined, so no added fuss over what slip to wear underneath. Made with 72 percent viscose, dress is up or down, it’s a sure staple for summer.

$395, Rag and Bone

Images courtesy of the brands featured

Lavuk Clifton Dress photo credit: Urban Outfitters via Wanelo

Nanette Lapore La Ramba Dress photo credit: Bergdorf Goodman

[Editor’s Note: On Trend columnist Johanna Bjork is on vacation and will return later this month. We welcome Juliette in her absence!]

The post On Trend: The Sustainable Summer White Dress 7 Ways appeared first on EcoSalon.

See you tonight!

Join EcoSalon and the Textile Arts Center in Manhattan, tonight from 6:30-9:30, to kick off New York Fashion Week. Talk and shop with over a dozen designers over a Conway Family Winery chardonnay, The Naked Grape Harvest Red and Cabernet Sauvignon, FAIR vodka cocktail or Zhena’s Gypsy Tea and learn about what sustainable fashion means in the midst of a fast fashion crazed society.

Elizabeth Cline, author of Overdressed, The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion will also be on hand to sign copies of her new book. All purchases the night of the event come with an eco-beauty gift from La Bella Figura, Kahina Giving Beauty, Olie Biologique and Stark Skincare (while supplies last!).

Francisca Pineda will also be on hand to promote her ethical fashion abroad program working with indigenous artisans from the Talamanca region near Puerto Viejo.

Shopping, organic cocktails, a little fashion education and a healthy dose of some of your favorite EcoSalon writers? You’d be crazy not to come and join us!

Current designers available to shop tonight include:

EkoLab
Afia
Carrie Parry
Ambika
Erin Considine
Laura Seigel
Adrienne Antonson
Ilana Kohn
A.D.O
VOZ
Kyler Jewelry
Jess Rizzuti Handbags
Pick-Up Stitch
Soham Dave
NYC Fair Trade Coalition

We look forward to seeing you!

The post Join EcoSalon Tonight in NYC For a Fashion Week Kick-Off Party! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Not just a fashion party, a sustainable fashion party.

Join EcoSalon and the Textile Arts Center in Manhattan, on September 6th from 6:30-9:30, to kick off New York Fashion Week. Talk and shop with over a dozen designers over a Conway Family Winery chardonnay, The Naked Grape Harvest Red and Cabernet Sauvignon, FAIR vodka cocktail or Zhena’s Gypsy Tea and learn about what sustainable fashion means in the midst of a fast fashion crazed society.

Elizabeth Cline, author of Overdressed, The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion will also be on hand to sign copies of her new book. All purchases the night of the event come with an eco-beauty gift from La Bella Figura, Kahina Giving Beauty, Olie Biologique and Stark Skincare (while supplies last!).

Francisca Pineda will also be on hand to promote her ethical fashion abroad program working with indigenous artisans from the Talamanca region near Puerto Viejo.

Shopping, organic cocktails, a little fashion education and a healthy dose of some of your favorite EcoSalon writers? You’d be crazy not to come and join us!

Current designers available to shop the night of the event include:

EkoLab
Afia
Carrie Parry
Ambika
Erin Considine
Laura Seigel
Adrienne Antonson
Ilana Kohn
A.D.O
VOZ
Kyler Jewelry
Jess Rizzuti Handbags
Pick-Up Stitch
Soham Dave
NYC Fair Trade Coalition

We look forward to seeing you!

The post Come to EcoSalon’s NYC Party and Help Kick Off Fashion Week! appeared first on EcoSalon.

The post Wear This, Not That: Carrie Parry vs Chloe appeared first on EcoSalon.

The post Wear This, Not That: Carrie Parry vs Chloe appeared first on EcoSalon.

The post Wear This, Not That: Carrie Parry vs Chloé appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dress for long summer days in Scandinavian-inspired pieces that are all about casual elegance and versatility.

Inspired by that particular laid-back Scandinavian style, this look is all about simple, versatile basics that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and time of day. A white dress, like this one by Carrie Parry is a great wardrobe staple for summer. White sneakers give any look a bit of a sporty edge, a big trend this summer, and there are great eco-savvy alternatives to those ubiquitous Converse trainers. Finish it all off with a pair of round glasses, large tote bag and bohemian jewelry and you are totally ready for those long days of summer.

Carrie Parry Sheer Double Layer Shirt Dress
A delicate Peter Pan collar gives this feminine dress by Carrie Parry a dash of attractive androgyny. Ethically made in New York City from 100% handwoven silk georgette with 100% Bemberg cupro underlay.
$385, Fashioning Change

Hip Nighties Sunglasses
These round shades are the perfect mix of hipster cool and vintage elegance. Deadstock original vintage frames by Replay Vintage of Hollywood, CA.
$60, Fashioning Change

Desta Antique Charm Necklace by Raven + Lily
Inspired by a unique pendant found in an Ethiopian market, this charm necklace emits a stunning vintage feel, and will also antique beautifully over time. Handmade, using recycled metals, in Ethiopia by HIV positive women. Raven + Lily gives back by investing in healthcare and literacy programs in the communities where the jewelry is made.
$78, Fashioning Change

Keranga Charm Wrap Bracelet by Raven + Lily
Like the piece above, this gorgeous heirloom-design wrap bracelet by Raven + Lily is handmade by HIV positive women in Ethiopia, from recycled metals. At 22 inches long, it can also be worn as a single strand necklace.
$52, Fashioning Change

Ethletic Low-Top Sneaker
An ethical alternative to the classic style, these sneakers by Autonomie Project are super comfortable and versatile, and also lighten your environmental footprint. Fairly made in Pakistan from organic cotton and FSC-certified natural rubber.
$50, Fashioning Change

Soham Dave Hand-printed Unique Bag
Add some depth to an otherwise simple outfit with this one-of-a-kind bag by Soham Dave. The shell is handmade using a traditional hand block printing technique, and the lining is also block printed by hand with natural dyes. The straps, the bottom and the pocket trims are all made from reclaimed leather. Made by fairtrade cooperatives in Indian villages.
On sale for $144, Fashioning Change

Special curated guest look, all pieces available from Fashioning Change

The post On Trend: Nordic Summer appeared first on EcoSalon.

Show off your best color and shine like the sun in bright yellow hues this summer.

Fashion has been all about bright color for a while now, and that’s not going to change this summer. As nature blooms and shows off her best colors, so should you. Yellow is one of those hues that makes you instantly happy – it’s like wearing sunshine on your sleeve. Dare to be bright and don’t be scared of mixing different hues of yellow either. This summer, it’s time to shine like the sun.

H Fredriksson Fold Neon Dress
This simple, yet bright and fun, neon washed silk dress is just the perfect frock for summer. It’s elegant yet effortless, much thanks to designer Helena Fredriksson’s masterful draping. Made locally in NYC from natural fabrics.
On sale for $215, H Fredriksson

Yellow Translucent Spikey Necklace by Thea Grant
If you don’t want to go all in with yellow, try adding a statement-making accent piece, like this dramatic spikey necklace with bronze beaded balls and chain fringe by Thea Grant, a Brooklyn-based designer who decorates her pieces with vintage and antique objects, fobs, curios and charms found throughout New York and beyond.
$265, Juno & Jove

Organic by John Patrick Shirttail
A bright yellow tee will make for a great closet staple this summer. Wear it with everything from patterned skirts to denim cutoffs. This fitted short sleeve by Organic by John Patrick is a great choice. Made from 100% organic cotton.
$74, Conifer

Baggu Leather Tote
A simple tote bag is the only thing you need to carry your essentials around this summer. Choosing one in bright yellow ensures that no matter what you wear with it, you’ll look very on trend. Made in NYC from soft natural milled leather.
$160, Baggu

Sleeveless Belted Dress by Carrie Parry
This classic buttercup yellow sleeveless shirt dress by Carrie Parry has a feminine Peter Pan collar – button it all the way up or leave a few open – and flattering belt detail. Made in New York City from 100% Bemberg Cupro. 20% of the sale of this dress goes toward supporting the non-profit Trees for the Future
$285, Carrie Parry

The post On Trend: Sunshine Yellow appeared first on EcoSalon.

A list of the top sustainable designers currently on the fashion scene.

Sustainable fashion has come a long way since its humble beginnings with more and more designers taking chances with fabrics, silhouettes and collaborations. Here we offer you an extensive list of what we consider to be the top designers in the sustainable fashion field.

A.D.O. Organics, New York, NY: GOTS (global organic trade standard) certified fabrics, chemical-free herbal dyes, Fair Trade.

Afia, New York, NY: Sustainable women’s clothing line sourced and sewn in Ghana, West Africa.

Ajna, New York, NY: Certified organic and sustainable textiles, collaborates with indigenous textile artisans.

Alabama Chanin, Florence, Alabama: Slow design, organic fabrics, recycled materials, minimal waste, made by local artisans in Florence, Alabama.

Alder, New York, NY: Part of the Pratt Design Incubator, all made in the U.S., materials sourced locally.

Allison Parris, New York, NY: Recycled materials, end run fabrics, organic silks, made in Manhattan.

Ambika, Catskills, NY: Made from shorn and brushed Angora rabbits on Ambika Conroy’s own rabbit farm in upstate New York.

Auralis Herrero, New York/Puerto Rico: Organic fabrics, promotes sustainable economies in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Avery by Wang, Vancouver, Canada: Recently launched, organic cotton, hemp.

Awamaki Lab, New York and Ollantaytambo, Peru: A Peruvian non-profit working with impoverished Quechua women weavers.

Carrie Parry, New York, NY Produced ethically and locally in the New York Garment District, sourcing environmentally conscious materials and textiles supporting artisanal communities worldwide.

Christopher Raeburn, London: Christopher Ræburn has become known for his utilization of re-appropriated military fabrics to create garments that are functional, intelligent and meticulously crafted.

Clary Sage Organics, San Francisco, CA: Clary Sage Organics is committed to using 100% organic or ecologically sustainable products.

Costello Tagliapietra, New York, NY: Uses AirDye waterless technology to create all their prints, made in New York City’s Garment District.

Crop by David Peck, Houston, TX: Manufactured with textiles dyed in the United States and select fabrics imported from fair trade co-operatives in India.

Curator, San Francisco, CA: Made in San Francisco, organic cottons, hemp, minimal waste.

EcoSkin, Los Angeles, CA: EcoSkin uses only environmentally sustainable luxury fabrics woven, dyed and sewn in the U.S.

Eko-Lab, New York, NY: 100% organic materials, natural vegetable dyes, all made locally by New York City artisans.

Elroy, Vancouver, BC: Uses organic cotton, bamboo, tencel, linen, hemp, wild silk, pineapple, wool and upcycled fabrics, manufactured by a small, family-run cottage industry in Indonesia, designed in Canada.

Eva Zingoni, Paris, France: Made in France from recycled materials, limited edition, surplus fabrics from Parisian fashion houses.

Feral Childe, New York City/Oakland, California: Organic textiles, recycled textiles and accessories, made in New York City.

Frei, Chicago: Organic cottons, natural dyes, and locally manufactured textiles.

Gretchen Jones, New York: Sustainable fabrics, made in New York City’s Garment District.

Harricana by Mariouche, Montreal, Canada: Recycled fur, recycled materials.

H Fredriksson, New York, NY: Silk, made in New York City.

Honest By, Antwerp, Belgium: 100% transparent company from production to sales, organic fabric, certified organic wools.

Indigenous, Santa Rosa, CA: organic fabrics, Fair Trade, low impact dyes, free range alpaca.

IOU Project, Tamil Nadu, India: The IOU Project makes unique, handmade, traceable apparel, Fair Trade.

Isoude, Newport, Rhode Island: Made in the U.S.A., silks, hand dyeing.

Juleselin, San Francisco, CA: Created from organic cotton and recycled fabrications, sweatshop free.

Kelly Lane, Pittsburgh, PA: Created from sustainable fabrics, made in New York City’s Garment District.

Koch, Dallas, TX: Sustainable fabrics, made in Dallas and LA.

Lara Miller, Chicago, IL: Multi-functional clothing, organic cottons, hand-loomed bamboo, hemp and vegan silk, made in Chicago.

Lavuk, Los Angeles, CA: Sweatshop free and made locally in Los Angeles with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, tencel, hemp and dead stock silks, multi-functional clothing.

Lina Rennell, Northern California: The Rennell line is an art brand with a heavy focus on original print work, U.S. production, sustainable textiles, craft and high-end tailoring.

Loomstate, New York, NY: Organic cotton, tencel, reduced water consumption, reduced waste, pursuing a closed loop product life cycle.

Loup Charmant, New York, NY: Organic cotton, natural dyes, silks, made in New York City’s Garment District.

Made By, Peruvian Highlands: Eco-friendly Alpaca yarns, hand knit by the local highland Artisans of Peru, Fair Trade, organic colorants.

modaspia, Placerville, CA: Organic fabrics, end run fabrics, made in San Francisco.

Nau, Portland, Oregon: Organic cottons, silks, tencel, recycled materials, cruelty-free wool, partners for change with Ashoka, Ecotrust, Kiva and Mercy Corps.

100% NY, New York, NY: Organic, recycled, and ethical materials, produced entirely in New York.

Organic by John Patrick, New York, NY: Handmade metallic lace, sustainable recycled wool, organic cotton, biodegradable cotton cupro, vegetable-tanned leather, hand-loomed Angora, digitally printed silks,

M. Patmos, New York, NY: Eco-friendly merino wool and alpaca, faux fur made from wool and alpaca, and vegetable tanned leather, handwork techniques from women’s artisan collectives in Nepal and Bolivia, as well as zero-waste seamless knitting technology from Japan.

Portland Pendleton Collection: Portland, Oregon: Pendleton fabrics are woven exclusively in Pendleton’s Northwest Mills and all of the apparel is sourced and produced in the U.S.

Partimi, London: Digitally-printed silks, organic wools, modals, milk fibers, and luxurious cashmere.

Piece x Piece, San Francisco, CA: The fabric used in each piece is selected from a changing stock of luxury discards.

The Podolls, San Francisco, CA: 100% organic Supima Cotton, made in the U.S.

Popomomo, Los Angeles, CA: Organic cottons, Cupro, recycled materials, made in Los Angeles.

Prairie Underground, Seattle, Washington: Organic cotton, hemp, designed and manufactured in the U.S.

Raleigh Denim, Raleigh, NC: Handcrafted denim on vintage machines from the 1920s, sustainable cotton, organic cotton for Fall 12.

RESTORE Clothing, New York, NY: Repreve® Recycled Nylon, made in the New York City Garment District.

Rogan, New York, NY: Silks, organic cotton, alpaca, wool, bamboo, made in the U.S.

Samantha Pleet, New York, NY: Organic cottons, silks, Made in the U.S.

Soham Dave, New York, NY: Soham Dave focuses primarily on using biodegradable fabrics, recycled materials, and hand embroideries.
 

Stewart+Brown, Los Angeles, CA: Organic cotton, organic pima cotton, hemp, surplus fabrics, Mongolian Cashmere produced through a sustainable supply chain, Fair Trade.

Study NY, New York, NY: Organic cotton, linen, recycled materials, zero waste, made in New York.

Suzanne Rae, New York, NY: Silks, organic cottons, other sustainable materials when possible, made in New York City’s Garment District.

Thieves, Toronto, Canada: Soy, hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, Tussah Silk, organic wool, Seacell, tencel.

Titania Inglis, New York, NY: Japanese organic cotton, French vegetable-tanned leather, and dead stock wool from New York’s garment industry, made in New York.

Vaute Couture, New York, NY: Vegan, fair trade.

Did we miss someone? Email amy@ecosalon.com with your tip!

The post The Ultimate List of Sustainable Fashion Designers (From A-Z) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Column10 finalists compete to have their design produced in The IOU Project’s “Made in NYC” Capsule Collection.

The DIY with IOU Sustainable Design Competition recently announced their 10 finalists in the race to have their fashionable creation produced as part of The IOU Project‘s inaugural “Made in NYC” Capsule Collection. Known for their transparent approach about their supply chain, The IOU Project’s products are traceable so purchasers of their fashionable frocks can find out how their garment was produced, where it was made, and who was part of the creation process. Organized in collaboration with Source4Style, the finalists are now in pattern+sample mode, constructing their final entries, which can be either a garment or accessory. For a look at the varying aesthetics these designers harbor, a look from each finalist is showcased below.

Tara St. James

Swati Argade

Lara Miller

Emily Saunders

Minna K

Lisa Linhardt

Francisca Pineda 

Marina Davis

Carrie Parry

Aga Smiechowska

Get Your Madras On

With a variation of The IOU Project‘s statement handwoven madras fabric in hand, each innovative and mindful designer is currently in their zone, on their way to present the final pieces by the end of the month. The fashion designer behind The IOU Project, Kavita Parmar, began the story’s label with handwoven madras fabric from Chennai (which was previously known as Madras). According to Source4Style’s Summer Rayne Oakes, “Kavita met with each and every artisan that The IOU Project currently works with to understand their needs – and to share in the beauty of their craft. The iconic material has such a rich history and an incredibly powerful story; it’s meaningful to share in that with other designers.”

Entrant Jessica Hosoi’s sketches; Oakes tells EcoSalon, “I enjoyed the designers who took the time to submit sketches of products… it showed that they put in thought and effort.”

The IOU Project’s madras will be available on the Source4Style platform after the winner is announced, so any designer will have the option to join in the checked fun. The winning design will be selected on March 29th, and not only will be produced as part of The IOU Project’s “Made in NYC” Capsule Collection, but the standout designer will receive 50% of the profits and have the chance to showcase their piece at a trunk show at ABC Carpet & Home, and sell it on www.TheIOUProject.com and Fab.com.

For Oakes, this competition is all about portraying to the inner and outer sustainable design community that, “there is much joy and reward that comes in valuing the process of making a garment as well as the people along the way.”

The post 10 Finalists Are Off & Designing For The DIY With IOU Competition appeared first on EcoSalon.