Artisan/designer fashion collaborations allow the gorgeous craft traditions and rich heritage of ancient cultures to be celebrated and appreciated by a global market. Check out our 8 favorite fashion collections that showcase the fruits of such collaborations!

1. AFIA
Designer Megan Sebold founded AFIA after studying in Ghana, where she discovered how she could bridge cultures and aesthetics through the world of fashion. The result is a refreshing, vibrant and very wearable collection of gorgeously crafted garments that are ethically made in Ghana from locally and sustainably sourced materials.

2. BANTU
Bantu Swimwear is made using traditional processes and through working exclusively with local African vendors and artisans for lively and seductive collections that are as sexy as they are suited for wearing in the water. Bantu is literally “bad ass swimwear” from Ethiopia.

3. Indigenous
Indigenous manufactures fashion collections that are entirely Fair Trade, made by South American artisans that weave and knit all the materials used by hand. The label’s employees work with artisans mostly in Peru, establishing artisans with fair wages, working conditions and the ability to share their breathtaking crafts with the entire world.

4. IOU Project
The IOU Project was set up by two design enthusiasts and friends with roots in Asia and Europe. Their designs come to life through the honest and beautiful work of artisans in both India and Spain, all working under optimal conditions, fair wages and the ability to have their personal story shared through each item they create.

5. Kore Kamino
Kore Kamino offers collections created by artisans from around the world, whereby local materials, artisans and techniques are celebrated in the modern global market. Collections from places like Brazil, Normandy, Hanoi, Ghana and Nepal can be found through Kore Kamino’s online store, with detailed and heartfelt stories from the characters involved in the creation each piece.

6. Muzungu Sisters
The Muzungu Sisters online Fair Trade fashion store was founded by friends Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo in 2009 to promote fair labor practices and worldwide artisan crafted goods. All items are sustainably sourced exclusively for the Muzungu Sisters, who hope to “shine a light on the rare artistry found in various communities, and to stimulate those local economies, all while providing customers with timeless, hand-selected items of impeccable quality and style.”

7. SUNO NY
SUNO is a high fashion label founded by Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty in 2008 that takes inspiration from the crafts and textiles of cultures around the globe. The designers collaborate with local talent in Kenya, India, Peru and New York to create a collection of unique prints, textures and embroideries that celebrate and beautifully blend the rich heritage of various cultures.

8. VOZ
VOZ is a fashion label aiming to empower indigenous Chilean artisans by bringing designers and artisans together in enriching and motivational collaborations. Collaborative workshops allow artisans to receive training, professional development tools, and the ability to share their craft and skills with the world. All VOZ garments are handmade, featuring premium quality natural and ecological fibers, hand dyed and woven to celebrate ancient traditions.

Related on EcoSalon

Lauren Conrad’s Little Market: Big News for Artisans Worldwide

Zady: An Artisan Powered Platform for Socially Conscious Shopping

5 Gorgeous Handmade in Peru Fashion Collections

Images: AFIA, BANTU, Indigenous, IOU Project, Kore Kamino, Muzungu Sisters, SUNO NY, VOZ

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Each year the fur industry kills more than 50 million animals in the name of fashion. Now, for the first time in America, a city has made it illegal to profit from this animal cruelty.

As of last week, West Hollywood became the first city to take a stand against animal cruelty in the fashion industry by banning the sale of wearable animal furs in retail stores.

City council members passed the law unanimously two years ago, following a heated debate on the issue of animal cruelty, but the law didn’t go into effect until last week. The ban applies to wearable fashion only, so furniture, blankets, or leather products are exempt. Any retailer found violating the ban three times in a year faces a misdemeanor charge.

West Hollywood has long declared itself a “cruelty-free zone for animals,” first banning the sale of cats and dogs, then banning cat declawing and live animal performances.

“We’ve consistently worked to enact cutting-edge animal welfare legislation,” city spokeswoman Tamara White told ABC. “This is in line with our values.”

High Fashion Responds

High-end retailers are outraged, declaring it a slap in the face. Retailers with multiple stores are moving their fur apparel to other locations and independent boutiques are hoping that retailers will buy back their pricey fur pieces.

“The furs are sometimes the most expensive pieces in the collection, so it affects sales dramatically, especially if you sell it at a larger percentage,” Darel Adams, owner of  Kin store on Sunset Boulevard told the LA Times. “To cut off someone’s big-ticket item makes it hard for a business to survive.”

Despite the fact that most Americans are outraged by animal cruelty, the fur trade is a huge industry in the U.S. According to Last Chance for Animals, “In 2009, there were approximately 300 fur farms in the United States. Wisconsin has the most farms (71), followed by Utah (65), Oregon, Minnesota, and Idaho.” Minks are in particular demand, in the U.S., 3 million were killed for their pelts in 2011 alone. But with so many compassionate alternatives to fur available, it’s hard to justify the need for such outward animal cruelty in the name of high fashion.

Related on EcoSalon:
Guilt-Free Fur
The Eco-Ethics of Fur
Faux No: When Fake Fur Isn’t

Image: Matt Kowal

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With 20,000 square feet of space and all the equipment emerging fashion designers need to produce their lines, Manufacture New York will help bring fashion production back to the U.S.

It is probably safe to say that most designers would prefer to produce their pieces close to where they live and work. While the need to keep costs and prices down are often given as a reason why some choose to manufacture overseas, access may be the real issue. The small, dedicated team behind Manufacture New York are trying to change that.

Envisioned as a fashion incubator and factory hybrid, Manufacture New York aims to provide independent designers with the resources and skills they need in order to streamline their production process and transform local manufacturing into the most affordable, innovative option available.

The new facilities, located in Brooklyn’s Industry City offers more than 20,000 square feet of space and will include a fully-equipped sampling room, manufacturing facilities, classroom space, private studios for rent and a state-of-the art computer lab complete with the industry’s latest software for design and production. Some of these spaces will be open to the public, and there will also be a dedicated area for experimentation with environmentally-friendly fabric washes, dyeing, finishes and special textile applications.

To fund this new venture, Manufacture New York is currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The funds raised will go towards three necessary components of the organization: location, equipment and, most importantly, new jobs.

“In the last two decades, the United States has lost 80 percent of its apparel manufacturing jobs, and the decline of the Garment District in NYC is a visible sign of these crippling losses,” says Manufacture New York Founder and CEO Bob Bland. “There isn’t enough support available for emerging designers in the fashion industry currently. We need to join together as a community, engage the public and use our collective voice to resurrect apparel manufacturing for a new generation. Demand for affordable, consistent local production is high, and yet we continue to lose jobs to overseas factories that are facing worker unrest and a desire for higher wages themselves.”

Bland is leveraging a decade of practical experience as a designer, for her own label BrooklynRoyalty, as well as brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Triple Five Soul, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Banana Republic. She is joined by a dynamic team of organizers, including Tara St. James, designer of Study NY and 2011 Ecco Domani winner, as well as a growing community of more than 60 apparel and accessory designers.

Help make this a reality by lending your support to the campaign, which runs through March 31st. Awesome perks include eco-conscious, locally-made goods, tickets to the VIP wrap party, goodie bags, a custom-tailored dress or suit, a two-month membership to Manufacture New York, and tickets to a NYFW runway show.

All images courtesy of Manufacture New York

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How to wear polka dots without looking like a 50s pinup.

Polka dots. You’ve seen them on the runways but aren’t quite sure how to wear them without looking like a 50s pinup or your grandma’s apron. Fear not, there are plenty of ways that this classic pattern can fit into a stylish eco-fashionista’s wardrobe.

Stella Wedge by Calleen Cordero, $455, Juno & Jove // Stella Stars Necklace, $128, Hovey Lee // Lina Rennell Recycled Leather belt, $165, Beklina // Polka Dot Sweater, Approx. $550, Chinti & Parker // Stella Vino clutch by Raven Kauffman, $325, Juno & Jove // Baby Toes Cactus polish, $12.50, Priti NYC // A Line Mini Skirt, on sale for $104, Edun

Let’s start with a Polka Dot Sweater from Chinti & Parker, a basic, versatile piece perfect for a first envoy into this polka dot trend. The mixing of patterns is very hot right now. Don’t be afraid to try ones that you wouldn’t think at first glance will go together — that’s where the magic happens. Mix your polka dot pattern with more pattern, like this woven mini skirt or a bright floral pattern or – why not – a smaller polka dot print on a dark background.

Stars are all the rage right now and just happen to be a great complement to those dots. This necklace from Hovey Lee will ensure your look is more tough than sweet. Add visual interest with with a burgundy bag by Raven Kauffman and shoes by Calleen Cordero. Finish off the look by adding some bright yellow – one of the hottest colors this spring – accents like a belt and nail polish.

If you’re still not convinced that you can rock the polka dots, try a dotty manicure (here’s a tutorial on how to do it yourself).

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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

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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 

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Liven up your monochromatic winter wardrobe with pops of mustard yellow.

Even though bright yellow seems to work best in summer, you can still sport some sunny color right now, if you just tone down the saturation a bit. Mustard-yellow hues happen to work very well with grays and blacks, which is good news for those of us who tend to buy our winter staples in dark monochromatic colors.

Stewart + Brown Knit Panel Zip Pant
These edgy pants are a take on the classic moto riding pant, but with Stewart+Brown’s signature feminine touch. They’ll become a wardrobe staple because they will go so well with all those neutrals you already have. I love the silver hardware and french terry-detail on the inside pant legs. Made in the USA from 100% organic cotton polished twill.
On sale for $122, Stewart + Brown

Envelope Cosmetic Bag by Apple & Bee
This charming envelope make-up bag by Australian company Apple & Bee is designed to fit in all your essentials and can also double as a cute mini-clutch. The outside is made from organic cotton and the inside is lined with hemp. Available in two additional patterns.
$28, Olivine

Amber Recycled Glass Earrings
These earrings are made from recycled glass bottles, individually selected and hand-cut into this circular design. Designed by Kathleen Plate from Atlanta, Georgiia, each one is hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind, which means they will vary slightly in size and shape.
$42, Jute & Jackfruit

Mischa Lampert Nolita Wool Hat
A great hat can work wonders for any outfit. Mischa Lampert‘s hand-knit wool hats are unique, stunning and warm. They’re made from organic merino wool that is naturally dyed and spun by hand in Lambert’s NYC studio (meaning she doesn’t use any electricity). Availability of styles vary.
$93.73 – $131.50, Kaight

Rickshaw Musette Bag
This medium-sized tote bag is made to fit your most important items, like a note book, newspaper, magazine and iPad. It is printed, cut and sewn in San Francisco, featuring made-in-USA fabric — Rickshaw’s signature Performance Tweed fabric made from recycled PET (plastic bottles).
$15, Rickshaw Bagworks

Julie Park Dolman T Dress & Yestadt Millinery Hat
This comfy, casual dress by Julie Park is made from tissue-weight Organic cotton grown in Australia. The diagonal seam along the front and the somewhat shorter back give a great textured, layered effect. It’s the perfect complement to this lemon-colored hat, handmade in NYC by Yestadt Millinery, using traditional, old-world millinery techniques. A high-quality hat like this is sure to last a lifetime.
Dress, on sale for $80 & hat, on sale for $190, both from Beklina.

El Naturalista Taiga Boot
These boots from Spanish shoe label El Naturalista are a freakish hybrid of styles that somehow just works. The lace-up detail on the bottom adds interest and ensures that they work with any kind of pants or skirts. The delicious mustardy hue is called “Leaves Mostaza,” which only makes me want them more.
On sale for approx. $238, El Naturalista

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