The beauty and craftsmanship of an artisan good is unparalleled  (and not even comparable to mass production). And supporting artisan skill is almost like a form of activism–a way of making your slow-fashion beliefs heard (in style, of course). With fall just around the corner, this roundup of artisan scarves are made by traditional weavers and sold through some of the industry’s most groundbreaking companies. A difference you can see—and wear—below are 7 artisan scarves that preserve tradition and elevate unique style. 

1. Artisanal Scarf by Organic by John Patrick

As a member of the CFDA (the Council for Fashion Designers of America), John Patrick is helping to guide mainstream fashion’s perception of sustainable clothing. Often his label creates tried and true, well-made basics from eco textiles like cupro, organic cotton or viscose—simple clothing from the finest materials produced domestically. This beautiful handwoven ikat cotton scarf is a bit of a step away from John Patrick’s usual color palette but the mixture of yellow and blue within the traditional artisan pattern couldn’t be more perfect.

Organic by John Patrick, $142

2. Tropical Blush Scarf by Choolips

Trading fairly and producing locally, Choolips minimizes their impact by creating scarves that are locally sourced and stitched in Ghana from 100% cotton, and then handprinted using the Batik tradition from AZO-free dyes. Bringing back “the luxuries of ancient textiles traditions & high quality craftsmanship,” according to their site, “Choolips seamlessly blends culture with the backbone of sustainability.”

Choolips, $93

 3. Trigo Shawl by VOZ

Just looking at this scarf you can feel the warmth and skill that went into it’s creation. So it’s no surprise this trigo shawl was made in collaboration with Mapuche weavers in Southern Chile. Voz, translating to voice in Spanish, is a certified B Corporation company, meaning it’s a certified sustainable company (like what fairtrade is to coffee). Their motto is “change through beauty.”

VOZ , $195

4. I Love People Tree Scarf by People Tree

Produced ethically in Bangladesh, this scarf was handwoven using recycled yarn. People Tree was the first company ever to receive GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, and the first to integrate an organic cotton supply chain from farm to final product.  It’s is extremely encouraging to see a label bring slow fashion, hope and change to a region which is often a victim of fast fashion production.

People Tree, $16.50

5. Bengal Blue by Indigo Handloom 

For Indigo Handloom it all began when founder Smita Paul went on a freelance writing assignment to India to learn about the silk industry. Continually intrigued by the region, in 2003 she created the label. Using century-old weaving practices and out to support the weavers themselves, the label is a perfect example of fusing artisan skill and modern style. Each artisan scarf is equally beautiful; we love their Bengal Blue scarf (pictured above).

Indigo Handloom, $127.50

6. Plaid Scarf by Kaaru 

Kaaru means artisan in Bengali, and is another amazing label produced ethically by rural artisans in Bangladesh.  Made with 100% organic cotton and hand woven, we love this scarf’s cool colors and casual attitude.  Wear it any season, it’s a unique piece to accessorize with.

Kaaru, $25

7. Pom pom Scarf by Ace & Jig

Certainly one of my favorite labels, Ace & Jig fuses cool styles with a focus on unique textiles.  This scarf is custom woven in India with 100% cotton. Lightweight and extremely soft, the color palette is a cool addition to keep you warm in any outfit.

Ace & Jig, $55

Want more On Trend? See also:

On Trend: The Sustainable White Summer Dress 7 Ways

On Trend: 7 Sustainable (Not Sneaky) Sneakers

On Trend: 9 Powerful Statement Necklaces

Photos courtesy of the designers

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Gretchen Jones channels Haight Ashbury and pom pom flower power for a stunning Spring/Summer 13 collection.

It’s no secret we’re Gretchen Jones fans here at EcoSalon so catching up with her post GenArt Fresh Faces show this past Sunday was like sitting down with an old friend. Known on Project Runway Season 8 as one of the few designers to tout her love of sustainable fashion and design, Jones’ approach has since changed some.

We got her to sit still for a minute to answer some questions about her Spring/Summer 13 collection called “Any Day Now.”

Here’s what she had to say.

Your collections always have a meaningful name. What’s this one all about?

My collections are inspired by a piece of literature and the album I listen to most/what’s connected to the literature. Joan Didion’s essay “Where the Kissing Never Stops,” about Joan Baez’s early years organically found me and was meant to be. I started listening to Joan Baez’s album Any Day Now [which is the collection’s name] which was recorded around the time of Didion’s essay…its seemed like the Universe found my inspiration for me this year.

Though you’re not promoting it this time around, rumor has it this collection is your most sustainable to date.

Around 70% of the collection is made from ethical materials. I’ve incorporated organic cottons, worked with an amazing company called Indigo Handloom who works with off the grid weavers in India for my batik and The shiny boucle and and a few other hand woven silks, My custom prints are still digitally printed to reduce water waste and I continue to support domestic/local production.

What have you learned as a designer about promoting sustainability?
I’m a fashion designer, not an ethically focused designer and I think there is a difference. My ethical choices are honestly for me and my chosen path in supporting my personal need to be thoughtful about how I source and where I create my work. But I don’t think my customer is only a sustainable shopper…and to be quite frank, I believe the real way to continue to move ethical choices into the way we all live is to create strong enough work that stands on its own and can compete in a very competitive industry because it’s just good.

Your favorite piece?
The Short Suit and the Pant Suit for sure.

What’s the deal/inspiration for the cool headpieces?
AMAZING Ban.Do Black Label collaboration! I have been a fan of theirs for years and wanted to create some custom pompom headpieces with them for spring. It just seemed like the perfect collection to pair Ban.do with. They created these custom pieces by incorporating most of my fabrics from the collection. I really adore these pieces and totally feel like they quite literally “topped” off my looks!

I also used Shoes of Prey and created my first custom GJNYC shoes for the season and painted custom belts and jewelry.

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