In the face of both triumph and tragedy, fashion’s masked and intricate supply chain is becoming more transparent. So where is the industry headed in 2014?

I never ever dreamed I would find myself working in the fashion industry. But never say never right? And somewhere between scraping plates for food waste studies and being shoulder deep in a cow’s rumen for ecological restoration research, a lot changed.

Fashion was always an interest of mine, surely an influence from my Parisian mother and catty American high school upbringing, but I always saw the industry as vain–only meant for those that have too much time and money on their hands to care about anything else other than what they wore. For my future, I wanted to be part of something meaningful. So I turned my career efforts to the world of sustainable business. Yet eventually, my environmental blindness led me directly into a relationship I soon wouldn’t be able to untangle.

Unless you are a staunch nudist you consume fashion. As utopian as it might seem to some, few of us are nudists, and so it comes as no surprise that fashion stands as the third largest industry in the entire world, after only energy and food. And like the latter two, consumers want it cheap and fast.

But to churn out fast and cheap in a complicated global supply chain, means processes need to be slimmed, quality diminished and externalities bleeding out at all steps. For fashion, this manifests in thinner, less durable fabric, miniscule pay for workers and over-consumption by us. From growing and harvesting the fiber, to processing and dyeing the textiles, to designing, cutting and sewing the garment, endless resources–be it land or creativity–go into clothing. A lot more than a $5 price tag will ever tell you.

I recently heard ethical fashion pioneer, Elizabeth Cline, speak on her first eye opening experience, when she realized there was something amiss in the industry. In the introduction of her book, “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion”, she remembers how she found herself in a Manhattan K-Mart buying seven pairs of the same shoes because they were marked down from $15 to $7. “What was so interesting about the psychology of that [moment],” says Cline, “is I owned more clothing than anything else, and I knew the least about it out of anything I buy. And I probably cared the least about it. I didn’t consider myself into fashion, yet I owned so much.”

We live in an era of conscious consumerism and yet at large a void still exits between an eco-lifestyle and the clothing we wear.

Our desire for cheap, fast clothing pushed manufacturing out of the United States fast and hard. The heartbreaking estimations that 80 percent of apparel manufacturing jobs were lost in the last twenty years is real and clearly seen in those communities with factories left. On top of the shift to overseas production for the race to the bottom dollar, cut throat, almost impossible deadlines place inhumane pressures on factory workers. So where do we go from here?

The word sustainability is thrown around a lot, and really turns some people off. And I don’t blame them. What is sustainability? No one really knows exactly what it is, or even if we can achieve it. But we know for certain what sustainability isn’t. Sustainability isn’t having more than we need. But how can we know when owning too much clothing is too much?

“Can we actually make sustainable clothing–I mean, really sustainable clothing?,” posed Rhett Godfrey, Sustainability Director of the progressive organic cotton clothing company Loomstate, at the Manufacture New York Sustainable Textile Summit this past November. “It’s one thing using dyes which don’t require water or saving energy or having fair trade and so forth. But at the and of the day are we being sustainable in terms of a systems-thinking, sustainability in term of true ecosystem–in terms of supporting peoples traditional skills and supporting cultures and communities.”

Appreciating the intricate and skilled process of making clothing is vital to make informed decision as wearers. It’s looking beyond a label or tactical marketing campaign. For example, looking beyond just buying organic cotton or made in the U.S.–although these are great clues to guide consumers on how to shop better–it’s a whole system approach, and not it’s individual parts. Aristotle and Wendell Berry know “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

But there is no right or wrong way. Every designer and fashion house approaches the making process differently from the time an idea forms to the process of production. And it’s an ethical process we are seeking. It’s a spectrum of ethics and you need to decide yours to develop a more meaningful attachment to clothing again.

The heart of the issue is it’s about time we start building a fulfilling relationship again with our clothing. But can we really have a relationship with an inanimate object or is the relationship about the one with ourselves?

For all the tragedy which arose within the fashion industry in 2013, there was so much beauty that opened as well. 2013 saw some amazing steps for a more ethical fashion community. Like Nike’s Maker app geared toward designers that beautifully visualized the resource consumption of different textiles. Bib + Tuck, an online site to swap clothing. And Zady, an e-commerce platform dedicated to telling the story of the makers.

Fashion allows us to express our identity and put forth a sense of self. And through what I’ve seen, we are developing a new passion for clothing. Not one that is based on greed and vanity but one reflecting of values, quality and character–a new type of luxury. Clothing is damn hard to make and people are connecting with the beauty and craft of that process, just like we saw with food. “And that is what is so excited to me, clothing is amazing.. and the more you now about them, the more you know about how they are sourced, and the more fulfilling your relationship with them is,” says Cline.

What I had to realize about fashion, and where I think we are heading, is understanding the complexity of our clothing.

“It is about having personal relationships, it is about having transparency, and involvement of your supply chains,” says Godfrey.

So where is sustainable fashion heading in 2014? First, it is knowing there is no difference between sustainable fashion and fashion. In the end we are taking about clothing and expressing ourselves. Next, we are getting closer to a stronger relationship with the clothing we wear, and the story of how they are made.

Our loudest vote is our dollar. And 2014 will continue to shift the market as we put our money where our values lay. Nothing is perfect and everything is a process, but education is key to a brighter future. Ethical fashion champion Vivienne Westwood‘s words always ring in my mind “Buy Less. Buy Better. Make it Last.”

Here’s to 2014.

image: Juliette Donatelli

Related on Ecosalon

 4 Sustainable Fashion Films: The Power of Storytelling to Captivate and Convince

Between The Lines: From NYFW to the Garment Factories of Pakistan 

 Popular Fast Fashion Brands Caught Selling Lead-Tainted Purses, Shoes and Accessories

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsilk

The post Where is Sustainable Fashion Headed in 2014? 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.

10 denim designers prove that organic denim has a place in your wardrobe.

When it doubt, turn to your denim. Jeans have been hanging in our closets since the 1800s, donning the likes of painters, farmers, artists, lumberjacks, gardeners, and everyday people. Above all, each pair represents the All-American classic character who exudes independence, sex appeal, strength, and work ethic. Whether you like them casual or dressy, for lounging or a night on the town, jeans make our world go round. Here are our top 10 picks for brands that make our favorite jeans with the planet and people in mind.

M2F
Today, jeans come in all the colors of the rainbow. Boasting 12 hues, M2F’s skinnys are made for comfort – perfect for riding horses or riding your bike. Either way, they’ll make a statement wherever you rock them.

Second Clothing
Go organic or go home. Second Clothing’s flare pair are completely on-trend and flattering for all. Pair them with your favorite top and channel your favorite 70s tunes for a flashback fashion statement.

Loomstate
Feeling hip today? If so, the Revelation Jean may be over qualified to fit that bill. A creamy, dreamy sky blue, these skinnys can set the tone for any youngster-inspired look.

Monkee Genes
No monkeying around here – these jeans fit like a gem. Organic cotton with a bit of stretch, the navy skinnies are not only style-packed, they were undoubtedly constructed with comfort as another key ingredient.

Pray for Mother Nature
This denim embellished top can turn heads; it works as a companion to a high-waisted skirt or a darker pair of jeans. Donating a portion of all their proceeds to Heal the Bay, Pray for Mother Nature says it all in their name.

Nudie Jeans
Hike ’em up, retro style in these high-waisted super dark denims. Fun fact: for best aging results, you should wear and tear this pair for six months before throwing them in the wash. Now, there’s a way to literally document some history on your denim.

Reuse
With color-blocking still on the radar, these skinny jeans can inspire a neon palette to brighten your winter-wear. Get creative and pair these knickers with bold statement hues or tone them down with earthy shades for a more subdued play on the trend.

Prairie Underground
In a versatile and soothing dusty blue, these slacks won’t be getting any slack when it comes to wear. A nontraditional color gives these denim duds a fresh, modern look.

IOU Project
Telling stories is the IOU Project’s forte. Every one of their items has a tale, and they know the details and background first-hand to tell it. From the fiber to the final product, their Slim Pant is a force to be reckoned with. These trousers radiate vibrancy – in style and ethics.

Kuyichi
While these skinny pants can’t compete with the 80s extreme acid wash interpretations of denim, they’ll suit for rocking out to your favorite hair bands. An ideal pair for when you’re in the mood to flaunt some faded frocks.

The post 10 Eco-Friendly Denim Lines We Love appeared first on EcoSalon.

A graphic take on a natural wonder.

Never discount the power of a great t-shirt and how far it can take you and your wardrobe.

This Owl Tee from Loomstate is one of our favorites and is great as a standalone top or layered with a chunky cardigan so that just the owl’s eyes peer out. That it’s a deep hue of purple is an added bonus to those of us who embrace color.

$45

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Loomstate’s Owl Tee appeared first on EcoSalon.

Loomstate’s feminine summer styles offer comfort and grace in the face of summer heat.

In the summer months, all we want is something light and gauzy to get us through. Loomstate always has the perfect summer dress to take on this task and this Zostera Dress from the New York City based brand is perhaps our season’s top pick.

A sleeveless dress with shoulder detail and tie back made from organic cotton and silk, the Zostera Dress will take you from morning coffee to late day cocktails in sustainable style.

On sale, $146.25

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Loomstate’s Zostera Dress appeared first on EcoSalon.

Favorite t-shirts from designers around the world.

T-shirts. They tell the world what we think, offer up artistic canvases, and make people laugh when they pass us by.

We have drawers full of them, our favorites worn beyond repair, each one imbued with a story that makes us love them even more. Because at some point you’re going to need another, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite graphic tees to replenish stock. Small, indie brands and well known sustainable designers are all here, with the common thread being they’re organic and graphically pleasing.

We know you’ll like.

FluffyCo’s premium apparel line unites organic cotton and eco heather blends printed with FluffyCo’s signature graphic prints. Printed in small batches in the Bay Area, some using water–based inks. All styles have a fabulous soft, luxe feel and hand–printed hangtags. Yes, these are alligators.

FIN is a Norwegian high fashion label producing designer womenswear in a sustainable manner. When we caught site of this fairy tale-based organic tee we were more than smitten.

L.A. based Stewart +Brown have a few great t-shirts like this Tipi Tee. Designers/founders Karen Stewart and Howard Brown are “inspired by their love and respect for nature and a passion for design.” Hard to pull off great collections and infuse them with a few great tees but we can always count on them for it.

Meow. This digitally printed t-shirt from Wiloh combines not just the pairing of cats and space, but bamboo and organic cotton in a deep scoop neck.
Designed by London based fashion and lifestyle blogger Mademoiselle Robot. Wiloh was launched in July of 2010 as a way to promote environmental and social awareness through sustainable street wear and has teamed up with Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), a charitable organization that reaches out to help children affected by natural disasters and poverty, to form a “Tee For Tee” initiative. Every t-shirt sale is matched with the donation of a specially-designed t-shirt to a child in need.

Famed for her high-impact slogan tees, Katherine Hamnett is best known for her political t-shirts and her ethical business philosophy. Having a Hamnett tee is like having a piece of history in your wardrobe.

The Orphan’s Arms is an English label “That harks back to a time of gin, palaces, poor houses and executions. King George IV is on the throne and Paris Hilton upon the public tongue.” Though not a 100% sustainable line, they have a fun selection of hand printed organic t-shirts to peruse.

Loomstate celebrates 41st Earth Day with a limited edition run of super soft graphic tees that includes this one. Launched in New York City in 2004 by designer Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn, Loomstate was founded as a casual brand dedicated to creating demand for certified organic cotton using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production. They do an amazing job.

Boa is an Istanbul-based eco fashion label that stands out from their pack thanks to their commitment to organic cotton, and their whimsical hand-drawn illustrations.

Look For Fiddleheads is a Chicago based line that inspired by the art and writings found in very old books and bound newspapers from 1832-1845, that belonged to designer/illustrator Lee Tracy’s grandmother. We love all the witty designs that are as artistic as they are thought-filled.

Mociun says on their site that they “Explore and integrate the ever-emerging technologies and critical conceptions of sustainability; environmentally healthy production; and, as a type of de facto jouissance, the role of, and the products available to, the individual consumer in society at large.”

We appreciate their gift of supplying us with interesting product.

Blondes Make Better T-Shirts is one of the funniest lines I’ve seen in branding, admittedly at the expense of us brunettes and redheads. This one reads: “Help Global Warming. Donate a Swimming Noodle to a Polar Bear.”

The post The Best Graphic, Organic T-Shirts appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spring’s little white dresses will take you softly into summer.

A clean canvas to build from.

A youthful embrace.

A sexy something to spend a summer day in.

Can you hear it? Your Little White Dress is calling you.

We agree with Lucky Magazine: white dresses are right on trend and really, what don’t they go with? Here are some of our favorites this season:

Kelly B’s Cedar Voile Dress, 100% Organic Cotton Voile, $165

Elroy’s Larkspur Dress, 95% Modal, 5% Spandex, $73.50

Rogan’s Electra Dress, 100% Space-Dyed Jersey, (optional black, 100% silk slip included), $375

Loomstate’s Nautilus Dress, 100% Organic Heavy Gauze Cotton, $295

Feral Childe Loopy Pleated Dress, 100% Organic Cotton, $145

Loup Charmant’s Raglan Touring Dress, 100% Organic Cotton, $312

Linda Loudermilk Lounge Dress, 100% Seacell, $192.50

Main image: John Patrick Organic

The post The Little White Dress Comes Out to Play appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveEcoSalon partners with top green companies for an amazing Earth Day product offer and charity donation.

We’ve brought together some of the best, most desirable eco-conscious brands to give you The Box: a full sized exclusive assortment of home, fashion, beauty, fitness and body products to keep all to yourself or to give for Mother’s Day. No sample sizes here, honey.

This is a one-of-a-kind offer you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve been hard at work all month with the companies below to score you an exclusive $500 worth of in-demand green goodies for just $99! The conscious brands included wanted you to discover their best products, and we wanted to treat our readers to a fantastic spring shopping deal. And thus, The Box was born.

Secure your order today as it’s first come, first serve. Supplies are extremely limited. You’ll want to order today especially, because in honor of Earth Day, 10% of all Earth Day proceeds will go to the Waterkeeper Alliance, a powerful group making way for “Communities to stand up for their right to clean water and for the wise and equitable use of water resources, both locally and globally.” The vision of the Waterkeeper movement is for fishable, swimmable and drinkable waterways worldwide. (Please go to their site to learn more.)

Just what’s in this Box? You won’t believe it. Here’s what EcoSalon and our brand partners have put together just for you!

Envirosax Reusable Bags

Envirosax is proud to help protect the environment for tomorrow’s generations by providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags. Be the envy of all at the farmers’ market, or anywhere you need a bag, with these bags in pops of rich, saturated, cheerful floral colors. These Origami bags offer a spring palette of flamingo, raspberry pink, and key lime. We’re just getting started. Ready? Read on.

(Retail value of $8.95)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34)

GreenSmart’s Akepa Accessory Pouch/iPad Carrier

GreenSmart’s accessory pouch is is perfectly sized to fit an iPad and is also well-suited for cables, power supply sources, extra drives or batteries. The padded Neogreene construction and the plush lining provide a protected, organized pouch to hold all the things that make your mobility possible. We love Greensmart’s Neogreene for its lack of phthalates, VOCs, chlorine, and metals that are traditionally present in neoprene, and we also love that the company uses 25% less energy to manufacture and 25% less petroleum to produce their products.

You will, too!

(Retail value of $19.95)

Sir Richard’s Vegan Condoms

Sir Richard’s believes safe sex is a basic human right and with only a fraction of the global demand for condoms being met each year, they’re donating one condom for every one sold to patients in Haitian healthcare centers. Healthcare providers in the settlement camps and clinics have expressed a need for more free condoms to keep a probable surge of new HIV infections from happening in the post-disaster regions of the country. That the condoms are made from 100% natural latex and without the dairy product casein, which coincidentally also makes them vegan-friendly, is just the sexy sugar on top.

(Box of 3, retail value of $6)

Loomstate’s BLANK V-Neck Tee

Quite possibly the best t-shirt going, Loomstate’s BLANK V-Neck in Eclipse Purple will be one of many you collect for your t-shirt drawer. Made from 100% organic cotton and detailed with signature Loomstate skewed seams, this insanely soft tee features the perfect length, perfect sleeve and perfect neckline. It’s almost as if they created it to perfectly sculpt a woman’s body. (We’re pretty sure they did.)

All of the The Box’s Loomstate t-shirts are sized medium to fit many different body types. Several EcoSalon editors of different shapes and sizes wear the medium well.

(Retail value of $40)

VivaTerra’s Chindi Mat (and $75 discount on all merchandise!)

This bright and cheery Chindi Mat from VivaTerra was crafted in the tradition of rag rugs and potholders. We think it’s the perfect addition to any green girl’s eclectic, personal decor scheme. Rescued from material scraps, tightly woven Indian Chindi begins as a mound of remnants and ends up as vibrant domestic flooring solutions. Each mat is one-of-a-kind and can be used a number of ways including as a bath or kitchen mat, door rug or gardening pad.

It doesn’t stop there! VivaTerra is also offering $75 off any $250 purchase including sale and clearance items, which with Mother’s Day coming up fast, is your golden ticket (and box). Look for the certificate in The Box.

(Retail value of $39 and $75)

Good Clean Love

We’re not sure we have to say anything more than what the Good Clean Love site says: “Good Clean Love products are even better together! When you change the scent, you change the love experience. Using our aphrodisiac products in sequence for multilayered foreplay and then long lasting and luxurious lubrication is a gift that will keep giving back to you.”

Yes, please. Founder and Loveologist, Wendy Strgar, created her core products to meet the personal intimacy needs in her own marriage of 24 years, which in turn inspired her to create a family of products using healthy and natural ingredients that make love accessible in relationships.

Includes Body Candy, Love Oil and personal lubricant.

(Retail value of $30)

Gaiam’s Peace On Earth Yoga Mat

Share your love for Mother Earth while you Downward Dog on Gaiam’s Peace On Earth yoga mat that provides superior grip, padding and stability. This yoga mat is safe for all users and contains no latex.

Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1988 by Jirka Rysavy, Gaiam is a valued resource to customers who appreciate the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative health care and personal development. Is that you? We bet it is.

(Retail value of $21.98)

Alabama Stitch Book

Natalie Chanin is the sustainable world’s ultimate queen. A designer, writer and workshop guru based in Florence, Alabama, her beautiful hardcover book, Alabama Stitch Book, is the first book of an on-going series. Expect to find various projects and stories celebrating hand-sewing, quilting and embroidery, as well as a collection of projects and stories from her clothing and lifestyle company, Alabama Chanin.

We agree.

(Retail value of $34.95)

Potting Shed Creations’ Basil in a Bag

Too cute and convenient for words. Founded in 1998, Potting Shed Creations is now an internationally recognized brand committed to elegant design, handmade craftsmanship and catering to one’s love of something simple and pure: gardening. We love that the entire design team and all employees work out of an old elementary school based in Troy, Idaho, package their products in a minimal amount of packaging and are USDA Organic certified.

Their Basil in a Bag is a great place to start or to add to your kitchen garden.

(Retail value of $8)

Zhena’s Fair Trade Organic Herbal Tea Sampler

In 2000, founder Zhena Muzyka’s son, Sage, was born with a severe birth defect and with a mountain of medical bills, she was struggling but determined to earn the money it would take to pay for the surgeries that would save Sage’s life. Drawing on her degree in aromatherapy and a love of tea, and backed by a little seed money from friends and family, Zhena embraced her Ukranian Gypsy heritage and became a tea cart peddler on California street corners, and consequently, saved her son.

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea offers not only teas but herbal infusions, producing hand-crafted, all natural and organic beverages that are 100% organic and 100% Fair Trade certified. Each sampler contains 4 embossed recyclable air tight tins containing 4 sachets of 100% certified fair trade and organic tea for 16 total sachets of Acai Berry, Lemon Roobios, Fireside Chai, and Italian Chamomile.

(Retail value of $8.99)

People Towels

PeopleTowels are an on-the-go alternative to paper towels made completely out of 100% organic Fair Trade Cotton. These cheeky, clever, versatile personal towels are designed to save trees, reduce landfill waste, cut CO2 emissions and conserve water. Every day, over 3,000 tons of paper towel waste is produced in the U.S., alone which should be a wake up call to carry one of these with you to wash later.

Go here to see the styles you’ll get in your 3-day pack, including More Rings, Less Waste, This Is Not A Paper Towel (above), and Love. You might get so passionate about these you’ll want to become a PeopleTowels Ambassador to proclaim the good news.

(Retail value of $17.99)

All Nighter Hair Powder

If you’re like us, you are so over washing your hair everyday. Allow us to introduce The All-Nighter, an eco-friendly styling powder that builds volume, absorbs excess oil, freshens hair and extends your blowout. Contains microfine, real silk powder to add manageability while imparting a luxurious, satiny feel. No talc, no aluminum, no silica and absolutely no synthetics of any kind. Perfect for humid nights on the town, or, the morning after.

Leave it in for great texture or brush it out for an amazing “fresh from the salon” look.

(Retail value of $18)

Alima Pure Eye Shadow in an EcoSalon Exclusive Obsidian

Alima Pure started out making mineral makeup because they cared deeply about women’s health as much as the planet. They use only the purest cosmetic-grade mineral pigments with no additives, fillers or fragrances that can irritate your skin or clog your pores. All Alima cosmetics have BDIH natural cosmetics certification.

We love that the shadow can be used wet or dry as a lid shadow or eyeliner. Multi-tasking products rule.

(Retail value of $9)

Zoya’s Kimmy Nail Polish

Future Natural, our beauty brand partner for The Box, says of Zoya nail polish: “The average nail polish is basically nothing more than a refined version of automobile paint. We know they make your nails look gorgeous, but they contain a hefty amount of dangerous toxins (dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde). Zoya contains none of these chemicals.” Available in a great range of fashion colors and voted longest wearing nail polish by Womens Health Magazine, as well as being listed in Lucky Magazine’s Green Guide. And it’s recommended by the EcoSalon beauty team.

(Retail value of $8)

A Perfume Organic Sample Set

We were lucky to have Amanda Walker at EcoSalon Shops last June and are happy to have her involved in The Box.  This beautiful set from A Perfume Organic holds four fragrances in a pretty, printed muslin bag. Each perfume is attached to a recycled paper card and is a perfect way to test her collection, to use as a travel companion or to gift. Each organic perfume has a minimum of fourteen beautifully blended notes in the purest apricot kernel, avocado and jojoba oils. All of the oils are obtained from organic, wild-harvested and sustainable sources & each formula is certified USDA organic. The petite bottle and flower seed-embedded box can be planted and recycled.

We’ve still got more for you. Ready?

(Retail value of $20)

Primitive

Who doesn’t need a new lip gloss, and this sheer sienna shade from Primitive, Ibiza, is the perfect companion for sundresses post-beach as well as into the night with that sultry LBD. Future Natural says: “MAC has met its match! This award-winning line of 100% natural lip gloss from Primitive Makeup gives all the high shine of a gloss, without the sticky mess. The gorgeous shades are beautifully wearable and ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E.”

(Retail value of $18)

$25 Juno and Jove gift certificate

$25 Juno and Jove Gift certificate

Launched in 2006 in Sarasota, Florida, Juno and Jove has emerged as a premier shopping destination for the socially conscious consumer both online and at their brick and mortar shop. Looking through their carefully curated list of designers, you might be surprised by how many eco-talents you don’t know as well as solid favorites.

We love that they offer women’s as well as men’s clothing and shoes, and beautiful pieces for the home, too. Once I started perusing the site, I really couldn’t stop. Along with a focus on consumer education, Juno & Jove strives to create a sustainable lifestyle destination by offering clients products from brands that embody social and environmental responsibility. The team at Juno & Jove has carefully chosen designers based on high standards in both outstanding craftsmanship, as well as socially responsible corporate practices. Merchandise is selected for its construction quality, design aesthetics, durability, material content, maintenance, and practicality. We are in love.

(Retail value of $25)

$25 Beklina Gift Certificate

Anyone who follows EcoSalon’s fashion section faithfully will know we have a pretty big crush on Beklina. Designer Angelina Rennell whose line Lina Rennell is also in her very carefully curated shop says she is comforted by nature and inspired by design, “Beklina is passionate about living at the harmonious crossroads of the two.”

Look for stand out lines like Mociun, Stewart+Brown, Shabd, Organic by John Patrick, Rachel Comey and Ivana Helsinki.

Rennell’s shop is a family operation that hand selects the best available in sustainable style and heirloom wares with a modern organic vibe that quite clearly reflects Northern California’s grace and beauty. Beklina believes clothing and design can be precious, radical, nurturing, healing and wonderful.

(Retail value of $25)

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available from 4/22-5/22 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

A big thanks to FutureNatural for arranging the exquisite hair, perfume, skin, nail and beauty assortment in this promotion.

Thank you to all the wonderful brands participating in this very special event!

The post An EcoSalon Exclusive Offer: Announcing…The Box! appeared first on EcoSalon.

The fashion trends of the 1980’s had one thing in common: they were wild. Some of the first things to pop into your head when you recall that beleaguered fashion era might be spandex, excessive shoulder pads, and the hot neon looks inspired by Miami Vice.

But one trend you probably forgot about is mesh, with Madonna as fearless leader.

1980’s Madonna layered in mesh

Consider the different sources of mesh inspiration. 60’s flower power I-want-to-get-stoned-and dirty-in clothes ready for either planting or war looks; 70’s boho-chic Virgin Mary dresses and body hugging pants a la Farrah Fawcett with a hint of Sex Pistols, complete with all the Mohawk and mesh a rebellious Material Girl could stand.

We were all over the place, but are we any better now? Take a look at Gisele in Colcci (image below), and you tell me.

Gisele Bundchen for Colcci

Mesh was born of the desire to show skin post 60’s-70’s, without baring it all. In the 80’s mesh was used to add layers to popular neon crop tops in an attempt to fuse punk with the mainstream so that anyone could wear it and be hip.

The 2011 mesh trend is a recycling of older trends, coming on the tail end of  war inspired garb, 70’s “Lady of the canyon,” with just a little Sex Pistols ready to rock mixed in.

Feral Childe, spring ’11

Mesh can’t help but be edgy with its inherent industrial reference to chains, but designers for spring ’11 have decided to tone it down. Their fresh takes on the old look are tasteful and inventive. Take for instance this cone shaped mesh hat from Issey Miyaki. It provides a little ying to summer’s heavy, sun-filled yang.

Issey Miyaki, spring ’11

Loomstate’s exploration of fabric for the every-woman has us thinking more under the sea than in an underground club.

And Samantha Pleet goes all the way with her netastic floor length dress that leaves just enough to the imagination.

Samantha Pleet, spring ’11. Image from Elisa Hyman

Will all of us be wearing mesh? Probably not, but it definitely makes for texture in the closet and for fun when dressing up as an alternate to solid fabrics.

Top image: Isabel Marant, spring ’11 backstage

The post And Then There Was Mesh appeared first on EcoSalon.

In August 2010, we published a story about Parsons The New School For Design’s first course in zero waste – a first in the world. Watched closely at key junctures throughout the design process by Loomstate co-founder/designer, Scott Mackinkay Hahn, and taught by Timo Rissanen, a Finnish designer, the duo hoped to instill in students the principle that zero waste is possible and can be achieved – and that the end product can be a thing of beauty. They launched the class with that iconic American wardrobe staple, a pair of jeans.

Students had a big carrot in front of them, knowing that at the end of the course, the winning design would be chosen and the student behind it would have the opportunity to intern with the Loomstate production team in their California or New York factory. The design would then be sold at Barneys in New York.

The time is here! An exhibition of all the students’ denim fashions will be on view at the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parsons, February 8-23, 2011. The winning look will be revealed at the opening reception.

Designer news portal Dexigner reports: “Through muslin prototypes, garment patterns, video and photography, the exhibition will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at this cutting-edge approach to sustainable design, which is the focus of a new course of study at Parsons.”

Zero-Waste Fashion is one of a number of sustainable design initiatives in the School of Fashion at Parsons. While this intro to zero waste was a great start, Dexigner says Parsons is looking forward to spring with fashion design students examining ways of extending the life-cycle of a garment. Additionally, fashion marketing and communications design and technology students will collaborate with the advertising agency, Droga 5 (the agency behind the “Great Schlep” campaign of the last presidential election), to research sustainable care practices and develop a global branding campaign called “Wash Cold.”

Meanwhile, those in the BFA Fashion Design program are teaming up with students across Parsons in the Solar Decathlon, a biannual global competition to design and build a solar-powered home, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Parsons students will be designing a sustainable wardrobe for inhabitants of the home, which takes into account energy use and consumption.

The post Loomstate And Parsons Set To Announce Zero Waste Winner appeared first on EcoSalon.