The power pantsuit made a major media and fashion comeback thanks to Hillary Clinton. And for several decades now, women have been ignoring gender norms by wearing clothes inspired by (or actually made for) men. Why the impeccable tailoring, clean lines, and hallmark patterns have been relegated to being “for men,” is still a mystery. However, it’s a fashion arena in which every woman should feel free to participate. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up several menswear-inspired pieces that you can wear any damn where you please in whatever way you feel fit.     

1. Not Your Average Flannel

Ah, the favorite flannel. Practically lived in all season long, flannel shirts are soft, comfy, familiar, and perfect for chilly weather. Infuse a sweet menswear vibe, and you’ve got this brushed navy flannel button down that Kirrin Finch describes as being the softest fabric ever felt, outside of a baby seal! There’s a cool gingham elbow patch, lending extra detail, and a nine button front that reduces boob gape. Feel free to layer this top any way you please; pair it with jeans, khakis, skinny jeans, or leggings, and throw on your favorite boots for the perfect fall look. Priced at $145.

2. Gray Day Herringbone Vest

Vests are a cornerstone of fall fashion. The way they add an instant “extra something” to an ordinary top and pants is uncanny, really. This vest in particular has excellent attention to lines, details, and tailoring, making it the perfect menswear piece, even if you don’t do menswear on the regular. What’s great is you can juxtapose the masculine features of this vest with feminine details, like a fluttery top with flowing sleeves, a statement necklace, and a killer pair of heels, or you can take the menswear idea all the way with trousers, loafers, and a crisp white button down, as shown. Also great with jeans, this can be your new favorite work-to-weekend staple. Priced at $168.

3. Almost Men’s Trousers

There are some patterns we associate more with masculinity, and a power check print like this one is definitely on that list. However, these weren’t necessarily made with the boys in mind. The inclusion of a ruffled paperbag waist, sash belt, and leg-baring cropped length, prove there are plenty of details normally seen in women’s clothing. In other words, you can still channel the menswear look while also incorporating feminine details. Great for fall, these are particularly ideal for work with a coordinating sweater, button down shirt, and your favorite heels or flats. For weekend play, try them with a pair of edgy ankle booties and a chic moto jacket. Priced at $80.

4. Gender Neutral Sweater

Leave it to Vaute Couture, the vegan, cruelty-free, and always inclusive fashion company, to create a handful of beautiful (and gender neutral) sweaters. To say this cable knit is your boyfriend’s wouldn’t actually be a lie. In fact, if you get it in a shareable size, he could also call it a “girlfriend sweater.” Made from recycled cotton using a “wasteless process,” Vaute Couture set out to create the comfiest, wool-free sweater, and here it is. Designed to already be oversized, you can get all the deets from the website, you’ll feel like you’re being wrapped in a cloud all day long. And who wouldn’t love that? Priced at $325.

5. Plush Velvet Bomber Jacket

This list wouldn’t be complete without some sort of menswear-inspired outerwear. But rather than present you with the predictable blazer or trench coat, we’ve opted for this luxe velvet bomber jacket instead. The bomber was originally designed for men, but it’s definitely been borrowed, or completely snagged for that matter, by the girls. Presented in a deep blue shade of yummy velvet, this piece definitely errs on the side of masculine depending on how it’s styled. The jacket would look dashing with something as simple as a plain white tee, jeans, and your favorite boots, but you can get as creative as you’d like. If you’re feeling up to it, lend a bit of an edge to a flirty dress or skirt, and complete the look with tights and boots for the perfect mix of feminine and masculine. Priced at $150.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

Perfectly Suited: The 4 Best in Sustainable Menswear
Breaking Gender Barriers: Ethical Menswear for Everyone
The Promising Future of Men’s Fashion: An Interview with The Discerning Brute’s Joshua Katcher

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So, your boyfriend wants to be fashionable (and what dapper, smart man wouldn’t want to look good when he’s attached to your arm). But your dude seems to be having trouble finding attractive menswear that’s also vegan and sustainable. Needless to say, he often times comes away from a promising store empty handed. Well, if your partner lives in Brooklyn, you may want to call him over to the computer, because this new shop is selling “kind,” totally hot clothing for vegan men.

Girlie Girl Army reports that Brave GentleMan, the “first ever vegan and sustainable-minded mens store” just opened in Brooklyn. The clothing store’s label is considered high-end and all of the store’s pieces are ethically made.

The store was the brainchild of Joshua Katcher, founder of the blog  The Discerning Brute. Katcher was inspired to create the store through his work on the blog. The following is a statement Katcher made about his new Brooklyn store:

“I started this store and fashion line after several years of writing The Discerning Brute, researching the very best men’s designers, brands, and lifestyle products that meet a rare combination of stringent aesthetic and ethical criteria. Brave GentleMan is for the indulgent heroes, protectors, defenders, adventurers, and men with lionhearts. Everything available on BraveGentleMan.com is assured to be 100 percent vegan. We also strive to only showcase items that are sustainably produced in fair-labor conditions, and allow men with a strong sense of personal style to express themselves with pride in their principles,” Katcher says.

Brave GentleMan’s clothing is made from “future-textiles.” Some pieces resemble suede, while others feel more like leather, or wool. The store currently sells “luxury” New York-crafted suiting, footwear made in Portugal, handmade hats from Los Angeles, and outwear. Brave GentleMan also will carry accessories made from the store’s line’s “future-level.” The accessories will be produced in New York’s Historic Garment Center.

Check our some of the store’s offerings here.

Related on EcoSalon

Stylish Socks and Loafers for Fall: On Trend

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The Absolute Best Mens Fashion Eco Designers: On Trend

Image of man in suit from Brave Gentle Man’s Facebook page

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Menswear is invading more than just the women’s fashion world this year–it’s making a mark on the home decor world as well. Among the new year’s home trends, menswear inspired decor is among one of the hottest to be seen.

Traditional fabrics and patterns like herringbone and houndstooth, plaid and pinstripe never go out of style–they are classics. They do have a bit of a stodgy reputation though, but they are being re-imagined in new and modern ways in 2014.

Not exactly sure what is considered menswear? Wondering just how to incorporate the 2014 menswear trend into your home? Read on!

Houndstooth

Image: Overstock

Houndstooth is a broken check pattern and is most common in black and white, but is found in other colorways as well. This black and white chair with its oversize houndstooth pattern is a classic example with a modern twist.

Pinstripe

Image: Osborne & Little

Pinstripe is a pattern featuring a solid color broken up by very thin parallel lines of a contrasting color. It makes for a very sharp suit. Pinstripe is also a great way to add a little pattern and visual interest without going crazy. It makes for an elegant neutral wallpaper.

 Herringbone

Image: West Elm

Herringbone is related to the chevron pattern. It is a v-shaped pattern, but it features a break where chevron does not. Some describe it as a broken zigzag.  To use herringbone in a modern way, consider adding herringbone accessories, like this herringbone patterned mirror.

Plaid

Image: Ralph Lauren

Certainly the most well known pattern, but probably the most underestimated as well. You can choose a plaid that fits the type of room you want to decorate. Choose Tartan for some Scotch-inspired flair, Madras for a bit of preppy color or gingham for some lightweight fun.

Check

Image: Ikea

The check pattern features two bands of color–one horizontal and the other vertical to create a checkerboard pattern. The check pattern can add a bit of whimsy when mixed with other patterns, like florals.

Argyle

Image: Anita Roll Murals

Argyle is a pattern features diamond shapes and inter-crossing lines. Most people probably think of argyle socks, but the pattern can be used in unexpected ways in your home–like the argyle accent wall above by mural artist Anita Roll.

Related on Ecosalon

The Dude Would Approve: 8 Graphic Rugs to Tie Your Room Together

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Create a Moroccan Style Home with These Gorgeous Destination Accessories

 Top Image: Ethan Allen

The post Houndstooth, Plaid, Pinstripe: The Menswear Pattern Trend for Home Decor (High Five!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

As the founder of the ethical men’s lifestyle blog, The Discerning Brute and online men’s fashion shop The Brave Gentleman, which offers stylish sustainable and vegan products, Joshua Katcher is an accomplished and inspiring champion for the rights of animals, a bold voice at the forefront of the rapidly changing and innovative ethical fashion and food scenes.

It’s no mistake that all this sounds rather heroic. The beloved hero archetype is an idea Katcher explores a lot on his blog along with the themes of male identity in relationship to a more sustainable consumer approach. “As far as menswear is concerned, guys want to feel like they are protectors and defenders and heroes, and this is such the perfect opportunity for that,” says Katcher.

As yet another film version of the Superman story opened at box offices this week, its clear that America is a country that wants to be saved. Katcher himself prefers another superhero savior with slightly more sartorial flair for the job: “When you invest in menswear that is made ethically, you are becoming a James Bond because you’re gonna look great and you’re gonna save the world. What guy wouldn’t want to be James Bond?”

It’s an idea he hopes will win over the mainstream and make inroads towards an altogether more modern male consumer and men’s fashion. We caught up with Joshua recently to learn more, here’s what he had to say:

Rowena Ritchie: Why did you start The Discerning Brute?

Joshua Katcher: I started the blog in 2008 because I saw there was a really big void in the market. There wasn’t really anyone talking about ethics and sustainability in relation to lifestyle for men. Everything was geared towards women. I saw that as a problem, because caring about other people, about animals and the environment gets overlooked by a lot of mainstream men because they think it’s feminine or weak – which is a very sexist idea. I wanted to make it more appealing for guys to feel proud for considering these issues.

Image: The Brave GentleMan

RR: Tell us about your journey as a vegan?

JK: I grew up eating the typical American diet. We ate steak and chicken, going to McDonald’s and Burger King once in a while. Eating just like every middle class family did, I never really questioned where my food came from. And when I did start to, I was appalled at what happened to the animals.

I was always an animal lover – I think most people are. They would be shocked if they really knew what goes on in the fashion and food industries.  Most people would be surprised to know that trying out a vegan lifestyle is in line with principles they already have, that they’re just not acting upon.

RR: So many of us know instinctively when we’re children that eating meat is out of sync with our deepest beliefs.  What do you think it is that happens to us culturally so that we grow up going along with the meat industry?

JK: This is one of the issues that we deal with a lot on The Discerning Brute – mainstream masculinity and what that means when it comes to both sustainability and ethics. Often the way that most men express themselves to be considered masculine is to shut down and cut off all those characteristics that would be considered weak, like compassion, empathy and emotion. It’s advocated for men to be very rational and not consider others’ feelings, and that’s just not what human animals are. We’re not robots, we’re not a computer program, we’re emotional animals where feelings are indeed facts.

The fact that we don’t have to prevent our young children from eating the pets in the house should be a sign we’re not natural carnivores. Most carnivores would go after and kill their prey if left alone in a room with them. We are taught to do that, and that’s a very different thing.

RR: From everything I’ve read there isn’t a biological imperative to eat meat at all, and yet this is where the discussion tends to get stuck a lot.

JK: The funny thing is there are so many masculine athletes that are vegan now. Mixed martial artists, boxers and weight trainers, cross fitters, ultra runners and marathoners — all these guys are really strong and powerful and are eating a diet that is the opposite of what we’re taught — that you have to eat muscle to become muscle. It’s such a strange idea… I mean you don’t eat brains to become smarter. And you don’t need to eat another animal’s flesh to become stronger. But so many guys believe that they have to eat meat if they want to be strong.

It ties into the idea as prehistoric man as the hunter and this is where our male identity comes from. A lot of recent anthropological evidence shows that prehistoric humans ate a lot more plant foods than they did meat, unless they we’re in an arctic climate. Survival is a different context that civilization and that’s what’s amazing about being a human animal is that we can make that choice. And if we find out that our sources, our status quo are harmful, dangerous, cruel and unnecessary then why shouldn’t we try to do things differently and try to solve those problems?

Image: The Brave GentleMan

RR: It’s a political position. When you start to get people to reexamine what they know to be true, then you’ve got this source of power and potential to make a real difference in a world where there’s this incredible apathy about being able to do that.

JK: It’s no coincidence that the most exciting innovations in textiles and cuisine are happening in the vegan realm. Plant-based, organic foods and high tech recycled synthetics are our future, and the necessary future. We know the systems we have in place right now are inefficient – our whole civilization is run on animals – and we don’t have enough resources to make it last.  It’s inevitable that this is going to happen.

The best and most exciting cuisine in the world right now is vegan.  The fashion industry that is based on the leather, fur and wool industries is stuck. There’s not really anything they can do to change so much. But what is changing is technology. We are developing plant-based biodegradable polyesters and we’re turning recycled soda bottles into beautiful fabrics that are being woven in heritage mills.  We have 3D printing and bioprinting; we have scientists growing cellulose-based leather on kombucha cultures. There are so many exciting developments happening, but traditional brands aren’t really getting it. They’re stuck in a rut and slow to change to keep up, and that’s going to be their downfall.

RR: You’ve witnessed some exciting changes in the space in just the past few years, is there still a sticking point in your opinion?

JK: It’s a marketing battle really. The people that decide what defines quality in fashion have millions of dollars invested in fur, leather and wool and it’s difficult to fight that when you’re a small startup company. Only through your reputation and your products can you prove that these products are not only replaceable but also in fact better. People assume that the shoes in my shoe collection, Brave Gentleman x Novacas, are going to fall apart quicker or they’re going to be crappy. The material I use I call Future Leather because I don’t like connotations that fake or faux leather is inferior to real leather. They’re better, they last longer, they break in, they breathe and the amount of resources they take to make is shockingly less than regular leather shoes.

There have been some really big victories like Puma, a huge international company, who announced that they’re phasing out leather use in many of their shoes. They realize it’s not sustainable and recognize the toll it’s taking on the animals and the environment and the people working in the tanneries. At this point we know too much and even big global conglomerates realize its inexcusable not to do anything about it.

RR: It’s really an exciting time for innovative entrepreneurs, isn’t it?

JK: The vegan and sustainable designers have to prove ourselves now more than ever, we have to make fashion that is not just as beautiful but better than what already exists. People are realizing they’ll enjoy their clothes even more, when they know exactly where everything comes from. You should be proud of your manufacturing process, not hiding it behind your marketing campaign.

RR: Transparency is the new luxury!

JK: Absolutely. I’m proud of what I do. I want people to know where every thing in my line from my shoulder pads to my thread comes from. This is the future and it’s exciting to be among a new order of ethical brands and manufacturers.

Top Image: Melissa Schwartz

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Menswear is booming. Luckily, the trend for classic, heritage and American-made style means there are plenty of sustainable options for the well-dressed guy who wants to know where his stuff comes from.

For fashion watchers, menswear is officially the market to watch. Formerly in the shadows of womenswear, industry experts report that growth in sales of men’s fashion outpaced that of womenswear for the past two years. The trend is most pronounced in the U.S–the world’s largest apparel market–but booming markets in India and China look set to compound exploding consumer demand.

What’s spurring men’s sudden interest in dressing well?  It’s no secret that the accessibility of the Internet has fueled the democratization of womenswear; now everyone seems to know everything about designers and fashionable celebrities, where previously few only a few insiders had the scoop on the latest styles. Influential style blogs have succeeded in attracting a broader male audience than print magazines managed.

In addition to a new generation of men wanting to learn about modern, slimmer fits, new color combinations, fabric interplays and the basics of getting dressed online, men’s shopping habits are perfectly suited to e-tailing. If you’ve ever dragged a man around a busy shopping mall, you’d know that most men regard shopping as a chore to be avoided at all costs. Less interested in the exploration of shopping than women, online shopping gives men a straightforward and time-saving solution to buying clothes.

The good news is that great menswear will always have more to do with style than fashion, lending itself to well-crafted design and artisanal approaches. In fact, womenswear could learn a lot from the menswear tradition of creating a wardrobe foundation based on style classics like well-made suits or blazers in high quality fabrics.

In addition to thrift stores, which are full of high-quality menswear, there are many locally-made, vegan and sustainable style options for men looking to experiment more with new colors, silhouettes and accessories. Here are some of our favorites places to find them:

1. Northern Grade: A mobile pop-up menswear market open to the public consumer and showing only well-made items from brands manufacturing products in the United States. Check out their site to find the next market happening near you to find everything you need from clothing, footwear and grooming supplies.

2. BraveGentleMan – The online shop from Joshua Katcher, the editor of ethical men’s lifestyle blog, The Discerning Brute. A well curated collection of the  very best men’s designers, brands, and lifestyle products that are sustainably produced in fair-labor conditions and 100 percent vegan.

3. Taylor Stitch – An independent San Francisco outfitter and store that specializes in designing locally made and well-crafted staples for the modern man. Every Wednesday morning they release a new collection.

4. A QUESTION OF –  A sustainable street fashion brand that produces clean and playful designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts and shirts only using GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Top Image: Taylor Stitch

The post Perfectly Suited: The 4 Best in Sustainable Menswear appeared first on EcoSalon.

Nonetheless Garments combine functionality and effortless class in a menswear collection that is based on triple bottom line and cradle-to-cradle philosophies.

“For years, traveling to school, work, and social occasions via public transportation or bicycle was a daily inconvenience. I found myself needing to ride with excess belongings like a momentary visitor in my own city. Restrictions were taking away from my multifaceted life and times, which became a core problem. More telling, authentic solutions mindfully took on a new product category to supply an industry. A new kind of menswear was born for us active professionals needing tailored yet functional goods.” – Jonathan Shaun, founder Nonetheless  Garments

If you’re looking for a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift for your special gent, Nonetheless Garments offers the perfect gear for a guy on the go. Marrying functional textiles, polished aesthetics, and modular design into tailored and sophisticated menswear makes these garments ideal for an urban commuter that needs practicality and class. As all Nonetheless pieces are made to last through purpose-driven design; this is definitely a gift he can use and treasure for years.

In 2009 Jonathan Shaun founded a menswear label that would provide men with sharp, tailored and stylish garments that could endure the bicycle rides of the modern city dweller. Based in Chicago, Nonetheless Garments are crafted for the nomadic individual with sustainable practices at the core of the design. All items are designed to be Cradle-to-Cradle products, and the label aims for a zero waste production as an ultimate goal. Re-purposed, recycled and high performance, highly functional materials make up the Nonetheless collection, which can be washed in cold cycles and easily line-dried. All garments are designed and manufactured in Chicago in fair wage environments, with meticulous internal auditing of factories.

Practical refinement is personified in the Weatherproof Commuter Pant, made out of a soft shell fabric that will take the wearer through any weather, but is 100 percent more breathable than any weatherproof material on the market because of convective properties. The slim fit and sleek stitching make these trousers office and “wine and beer garden appropriate.” The 5-pocket design is meant to hold a bevy of small items like mobile devices, keys and cards, while a gusseted crotch for more freedom of movement, a gripper waistband for no-slip performance, and extra room in the thigh area all provide comfort and ease whether on or off the bike.

Along the same lines is the NeoShell Heavy Duty Jean, made out out of the same soft shell material as the Weatherproof Commuter Pant, featuring a 4-way stretch technology and anti-sprocket leg openings. Slightly more affordable is the Narra Wool Pant, made out of 46 percent wool, 51 percent recycled polyester and 3 percent spandex. This unique fabric blend is a collaboration between Japanese Teijin Fibers Ltd., who pioneered the first recycled polyester and wool blends. Amazingly soft, odor and wrinkle resistant, these pants are ideal for the core commuter. Stay tuned for the soon to be available Elixir Commuter Pant, a lightweight version for the upcoming warmer months.

Shaun has also designed 2 shirt jackets: The Fluid Wool Jacket and the Trench Shirt/Jacket. Both are crafted with traditional dress shirt details in mind, with added features that enhance performance and allow for ease of movement. The Fluid Wool Jacket is manufactured from the same wool/polyester blend as the Narra Wool Pant, while the Trench Shirt/Jacket is made from a nylon/cotton blend with an expandable vertical seam on the back for increased mobility and ventilation. Both shirt jackets feature gusseted armpits and longer arms for freedom of movement, as well as side pockets and a zip chest pocket for nifty storage.

Perfect gear for guarding gadgets, sleek and stylish enough to wear pretty much anywhere, made to last, ideal for the bike saddle or on the go, and manufactured with respect for the planet and its people – sounds like it’ll hit the sweet spot. Pair with a cold Northwestern microbrew and a big kiss for best results.

Images: Nonetheless Garments

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Whether you go for sexy or androgynous when styling these menswear-inspired eco-fashion picks, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, women all over the country are thinking about the men in their lives and perhaps even shopping for gifts for them. Why not take it a step further and dress the part as well. With these menswear-inspired eco-savvy picks you will be the coolest girl on the street. You can either go for sexy with dramatic eye makeup, red lips and big hair or do the androgynous thing, with minimal makeup and hair pulled back into a messy low ponytail. Either way, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

Hank Rey Org. Shade Blue Jeans by Nudie Jeans Co.
Loose-fitting denim in a very washed out light blue shade is totally right this summer. These, by Nudie Jeans Co., are made from Turkish organic cotton denim and have organic trims as well. The wash and abrasions are done using old school techniques that cause minimal environmental impact. Roll them up and wear with killer heels or low Doc Martens.
$225, Nudie Jeans Co.

Vegan 3 Eye Gibson Dr. Martens
These classic 3-eye Gibson shoes by Dr. Martens are completely vegan. Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes has allowed these classic worker boots to be made entirely from animal-free materials without compromising quality and durability. Felix microfiber uppers emulate the good qualities of leather in texture and breathability, and the shoes are built on traditional Dr. Martens soles with all synthetic glues and materials.
$115, Moo Shoes

Tiboli Beater
Melissa Dizon, the designer of Eairth, is known for her innovative use of draping, slashing, tucks and multi-seaming. This version of a classic wife-beater (side note-we despise the name of that garment) features a V-shaped mix of materials that gives it a flattering feminine edge — perfect for pairing with those other, more loose-fitting men’s-inspired pieces. Organic materials, mixed with a strong artisanal mentality, the use of natural dyes and age-old manufacturing processes ensures that each piece is one of a kind.
$68, Juno & Jove

Half Bar Globe Watch Pendant by Love Nail Tree
This timeless piece is a throwback to the times when men all used to wear their watches on chains instead of their wrists. Maybe your grandfather once did? Honor that heritage by wearing this brass necklace, made from a working vintage watch. Love Nail Tree is an LA-based company that aims to use storytelling to “move people to action and inspire a deep change within them.”
$36, Love Nail Tree

We Are All Smith Hoodie
This unisex pullover hoodie by We Are All Smith is something a girl would give to her boyfriend just so she can borrow it, and what’s wrong with that? Made from a natural fleece alternative and dyed with low-impact dyes, it offers both comfort and warmth with a distinct sustainable appeal. At this time it’s only available in size large, but that’s totally fine with us.
$69, Smith Town Market

Honest By Recycled Wool Caban Coat
This impeccably cut navy blue coat is designed by Bruno Pieters and comes in a limited edition of 20 pieces. Made out of recycled wool and entirely finished with organic cotton bias tape, it features both unique, sharp tailoring and a comfortable oversized fit. A pioneer in fashion industry transparency, Honest By lists the actual production cost and total carbon impact of all materials combined, which for this piece is 5,74 kg of CO2 — the equivalent of driving a car for 22.3 miles or using a classic light bulb for 220,77 hours.
$1,009, Honest By

The post Borrowed From The Boys appeared first on EcoSalon.

It should be no surprise to us in this burgeoning age of conscious consumerism that we would want more than just the same old sustainable tale. In fact, as consumers seek to have more storied clothing in 2011, forward-thinking designers are realizing that the more story a garment can weave within, the more appealing it is to buy. This requires not only a tremendous amount of serious thought towards the actual clothing design,  but a knowledge of story and where to draw from.

Take for instance the Awamaki Lab fashion design residency. The lab is giving young designers the opportunity to develop capsule collections in partnership with the Awamaki and its association of indigenous Quechua women weavers.  Study designer Tara St James has been a mentor for the lab and for its inaugural season, Awamaki Lab and St James worked with designer Nieli Vallin, who studied design in Paris at the Chambre Syndical de la Couture. Brought together by the program’s director, Annie Millican, BlackBook reports “The three American fashion devotees will work with the vivid textiles and simple draping of the lliqllas (yik-ee-yaahs) – traditional woolen shawls worn by the Andean women and children – that characterize Quechuan clothing.”

Poncho by the Nielli Vallin/Awamaki/St James Collaboration

Tara says of the collaboration on her The Square Project blog:

“This is an unparalleled opportunity for selected designer participants to develop a capsule collection in the serene environment of Ollantaytambo, Peru. Through the process, designers hone their artistic skills and lend a modern perspective to Awamaki’s range of products. This will improve the organization’s marketability and help to stimulate economic growth in the isolated, rural communities where Awamaki works.”

Domestic economic growth – which we we hope to see flourish more – especially with Native Americans, is with the iconic label Pendleton and three young designers: Nathaniel Crissman, Rachel Turk and John Blasioli. Crissman and Turk, the designers behind the label Church and State worked with menswear designer Blasioli and Pendleton to domestically manufacture the entire line with all domestic wool.

Having been a family owned business for more than 140 years based in the Pacific Northwest (Pendleton, Oregon), the company has always incorporated Native American patterns into their 100 percent virgin wool, reflecting ancient designs and legends. Stay tuned for fall ’11 to see breathtaking ponchos, open back dresses and Native American inspired cardigan sweaters for men and women from the collaboration.

My prediction? Storied clothing in addition to sustainable fabrics is the next wave of conscious fashion where we consumers can be more invested in what we buy from a historical standpoint, designers can learn more ancient trades utilizing their design muse, and with that demand, poor economic sectors will see growth teaching trades they’ve always known. We’re in for an exciting time.

Top Image by Owyn Ruck of Textile Arts Center

The post Storytelling: Awamaki Lab and Pendleton’s Portland Collection appeared first on EcoSalon.