Nationally, 11 million pieces of clothing are thrown away each year: This week’s On Trend is a nod to Sass Brown’s new book, ReFashioned: Cutting-Edge Clothing From Upcycled Materials, featuring 46 designers who are using pre- or post-consumer fabric waste to create beautiful fashion. 

Fabric production takes a ton of resources and energy to produce, so getting the most out of every piece makes sense. While it’s true that one person’s rubbish is another [ecologically-inclined, outside-the-box, responsible person]’s treasure, the magic spin these designers put their found materials through are so transforming you’d never be able to tell someone once wanted to toss it. This is upcycling at its best. 

1. Denim denim Rug by Nudie Jeans

Using only 100% organic cotton, and ensuring “anyone who participates in manufacturing” is paid a living wage, Nudie Jeans is a rockstar company. But as their denim denim rug shows, they care about the end of lifecycle process too. These rugs are made from old, worn out Nudie denim. The discarded jeans are first cut into strips, then handwoven using indigo dyed thread (the same thread they use in their jeans).

Nudie Jeans, $599

2. Anna by From Somewhere*

From Somewhere is one of the best known fashion labels using pre-consumer textile waste. They’re most famous for their Speedo dresses made from the Olympian swimsuit LZR Racer Elite’s overstock material after regulations banned the style. Their more recent collaboration with TopShop and Reclaim to Wear transformed surplus stock into new garments that were sold in limited editions. This shirt is a beautiful example of how From Somewhere reclaims fabric waste from high end fashion brands “bringing quality and craftsmanship to ‘exquisite rubbish.'”

From Somewhere, 220 GBP

3. Let’s Ketchup Card by Bloomin

This card is adorable, a little quirky, and a great way to connect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. How is this upcycling? This card is not only made with 100% post-consumer paper (really, who needs to new when you can reuse), it’s also filled with wildflower seeds! Truly the card that keeps on giving.

Bloomin, $3.50

4. Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand by Stacy Borocz

A beautiful (practical!) addition to any rustic kitchen, this butcher block cookbook stand will excuse your cookbooks from being held open with an olive oil bottle. To make each piece, Stacy Borocz travels around Europe reclaiming timber and upcycles them into home decor pieces. This single piece of sturdy wood could have be gathered some any old building, and each tells a different story.

Uncommon Goods, $115

5. Baby Chicken Earrings by PearlReef

Who would have thought something as grimy and used up as bike innertubes could be turned into adorable chick earrings?! Each set of upcycled earrings are custom made, and you can even work with the designer and order a specialized pair. (Unfortunately, baby chicks not included.)

Etsy, $15

6. Division Tunic by Piece x Piece*

Piece x Piece “is a personal response to the overwhelming amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. Every year, thousands of sample fabric swatches are discarded each season and up until now it has been difficult to imagine a useful purpose for them.” And yet, Elizabeth Brunner, founder and head designer of the label, has masterfully filled that gap with her work, addressing the problem piece by piece. Each garment is made in San Francisco in limited quantities.

Piece x Piece, $290

 7. Nippleocalypse Dress by Rachel Freire* (main article image) 

This designer designer transforms a true waste product, cow nipples (!), into something truly romantic.

Want more On Trend? See Also:

On Trend: Dark and Tan – The Smartly Sexy Fall 2013 Color Trends

Covering Up With Ethical and Organic Leggings: On Trend 

Personality Pops With Patterned Pants: On Trend

Classic Trends in Dichromatic Black and White Sophistication: On Trend

images from the brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli with featured design by Rachel Freire*.

*Designers featured in Sass Brown’s new book

keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

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A new online space for curated, sustainable fashion. 

Nau is known for its simple lines and urban aesthetic. The sustainable Portland-based lifestyle brand represents a design ethos that is different in the world of fast fashion: make products that are meant to last, both in how they are made and in how they look, meant to be multipurpose, and meant to inspire a discussion about conscious consumption.

In that spirit, the brand is now launching the Nau Collective on its revamped website, a curated selection of brands and products that reflect good design for a conscious shopper. With the idea of “design for the conscious life” the collective will offer high-performance goods for a low-impact lifestyle, putting like-minded brands that have responsible design and a refined aesthetic all in one place.

Nau Collective is launching with five partner brands that include select styles from Nudie Jeans, blankets and throws from Pendleton’s Eco-Wise collection and select men’s and women’s footwear from the Timberland Boot Collection. The Collective also features co-branded gear from Klean Kanteen and Snow Peak, with goods like stainless steel reusable water bottles and flasks.

We caught up with General Manager Mark Galbraith to learn more about the Nau Collective and what being conscious means in a world of fast fashion.

What does “conscious shopper” mean to Nau? How does the Nau Collective embody that?

There is a discerning group of people that view themselves as global citizens and take that as a responsibility to make considered, conscious decisions about their life. These people are the early adopters who are having a positive influence in the world. The concept of Nau Collective is to bring like-minded companies together to engage with this progressive audience and bring about positive change. The Collective will expand our community and provide a curated offering of products and ideas for better living.

How much power does the consumer have in making positive change?

I compare consumer decision-making to voting in a democracy. It’s imperative for change. The support we give to companies and corporations by purchasing their products and services is essentially a vote with our dollars. The consumer has the ultimate power to vote for or against the type of companies and corporations we want in our world. The scale of this power is universally impactful, transcending the local, state or national level. The multi-national global corporation is the most powerful entity in the world; it trumps religion, race and national identity as a force for change. We, the consumers, have the choice of who and what we want to support.

In a world of “fast fashion” how are Nau and the other brands in the Nau Collective different?

Underlying the world of “fast fashion” is a dark reality of consume and discard. The effect is the same with a shirt we use for one season and then throw away, or the single use of a plastic cup or fork. The brands in the Nau Collective offer a more sustainable alternative to this trend. We are showing a collection of essential products that share a similar philosophy of clean, classic, long-lasting designs made in the lowest impact manner.

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For a weekend of space age-style camping in France, fill your bag with comfy pieces that are good for spending a night under the stars.

When packing for a weekend stay at one of these chic white-and-clear sphere hotels – funky bubble tents popping up all over France – bring comfy pieces that are perfect for a night of laid-back stargazing. Think about being warm and cozy, of course, but don’t forget to throw a little something unexpected in the mix too.

Made By… Open Back Party Sweater
Just like staying in a see-through bubble is not your regular type of camping, this is not just an ordinary cable knit sweater. The front is simple and traditional, but the back is gorgeously open and decorated with a snazzy bow. This doesn’t mean it’s any less appropriate for cozying up next to a camp fire. Made By… uses sustainable practices and fair trade labor to produce their garments
$334, Future:Standard

Jensen-Conroy Encased Brass Cuff
This gorgeous cuff by Jensen-Conroy is beachy and maritime-inspired without getting into clichées. It’s tough and craftsy at the same time, and is the perfect way to bring those simple solids in your wardrobe to life. Made from brass and encased with a knitted cord.
$275, Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Hanky Panky Organic Cotton Boyshorts
I don’t know about you, but when I get ready to immerse myself in nature, all I want to do is sit around in comfy knits (see above), fluffy boots (see below) and boyshorts. These cute ones from Hanky Panky’s Cotton with a Conscience Organic cotton collection are made with Supima cotton organically farmed in the United States.
$29, Hanky Panky

Astrological Sign Necklace by Kimberly Baker
One of the best parts of sleeping in a bubble is that you can lay awake all night and just watch the stars. Wear Kimberly Baker‘s astrological sign necklace around your neck and try to find your own sign in the night sky.
$110, Olivine

Frock Los Angeles Kyla Dress
Who says you can’t dress up just because you happen to be spending the night in a tent-like structure? Channel the shape of your sleeping bubble and get dolled up in this asymetrical backless dress by Frock Los Angeles, sustainably made in the U.S.
On sale for $137, Frock Los Angeles

Julian Organic Scarf by Nudie Jeans
A good scarf is a must when traveling, and when you’re spending time on the beach it can double up as a sarong and towel to lay out on.
Made from soft organic cotton jersey, the color is grey melange that is overdyed with strong blue.
$49, Nudie Jeans

EMU Stinger Lo Aust Made
I know what you’re thinking right now – “did she really include UGG-like boots in a fashion post?” Oh, yes I did. I happen to have a pair like this that I wear around the house almost every day to warm my always cold feet. Even if this is glamorous camping (“glamping,” if you will) it may get chilly at night and you’ll thank me for telling you to pack these along. EMU’s Aust Made line is made in Australia using Australian eco sheepskin and 100% pure Australian wool.
$149, EMU

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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.

Embrace life as an uncomplicated tomboy in classic oxfords and feminine button downs.

As the leaves and temperatures start falling across the country, it’s time for us to get comfy and cozy. Good news for us ladies is that flat shoes, especially oxfords and brogues, are all the rage right now. Worn with thick socks, they’ll be good through the winter, and your feet will thank you for giving them a break from heels. Plaids have been around for a while now, but are still going strong in the trend-department. Instead of just a plain plaid shirt, try a figure-hugging skirt, á la Mad Men-era secretary, a below-the knee shirt dress, or steal a shirt from your boyfriend, belt it, and make it a dress (or just wear it to snuggle up in the sofa, under a cozy eco-wool blanket).

Herbert Organic Light Twill Shirt by Nudie Jeans
This shirt was made for boys, but looks equally good (or better) on their girlfriends. Just add a belt, and wear it with a short skirt or shorts.
$199, shop.nudiejeans.com

Black & White Spectator Lace-Up Oxfords
These classic two-tone oxford brogues are made in contrasting black and white man-made leather, for all you stylish vegans out there.
$28, lulus.com

Pendleton Eco-wise Plaid Easy-care Blanket
From the sheep to the shelf, Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool® passes strict standards of sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. It’s made in the U.S., machine-washable and sure to only grow softer and more beautiful with age.
$108-198, pendleton.com

Maggie Shirt Dress from People Tree
This casual below-the-knee dress is hand woven in Bangladesh. Match with a weathered belt and vintage boots.
approx. $118, peopletree.com

Vintage 50s Skirt
Plaid skirts from the 1950s are usually pretty easy to find in well-stocked second-hand stores. Up the trend-factor by making it a pleated one. This one, from Etsy seller Small Earth Vintage, has a classic plaid pattern in red, Kelly Green, white, indigo and yellow and is made from durable linen.
$26, etsy.com/shop/SmallEarthVintage

Vegan Brogues
These classic vegan brogues are made from breathable Vegetan Bucky material, which is a breathable microfiber that looks, feels and creases like supple leather and only gets better with age.
approx. $110, vegetarianshoes.co.uk

Organic Plaid Scarf by Sundance
This mellow-hued plaid scarf is made from soft organic cotton. The diamond shape makes it highly versatile and the raw, unfinished edges add a touch of casual cool.
$38, sundancecatalog.com

TOMS Black Suede Women’s Desert Botas
For a more casual alternative to oxfords, try this adaption of a desert boot from TOMS. For every pair you buy, TOMS will donate one pair of shoes to a child in need.
$68, toms.com

The post On Trend: Oxfords & Plaid appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s no secret the denim industry is extremely resource intensive.

We’ve learned just how intensive in recent years, thanks to research by eco journalists and, notably, an article in WWD by Ross Tucker in which Levi Strauss & Co. publicly “shared results of its life cycle assessment on what went into making one pair of its iconic Levi’s 501 style.”

Levi’s being to jeans what Kleenex is to tissue, people were listening.

According to Tucker, Levi’s found that making one pair of 501’s requires almost 920 gallons of water and 400 megajoules of energy while expelling 32 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

“Levi’s said this was equivalent to running a garden hose for 106 minutes, driving 78 miles and powering a computer for 556 hours,” writes Tucker.

Ouch.

If you consider denim one of your wardrobe staples (and who doesn’t?) best to think sustainably designed. To help, we’ve put together a denim guide with plenty of suggestions from the fabulous Jaime Palmucci of Denim Debutante.

Here are 17 good eco bets for denim:

Loomstate: Probably the most well-known of the “green” denim lines, Loomstate is known for their basic cuts and mid-weight organic cotton denim. Like Edun, Loomstate has temporarily put their denim line on hiatus based on fit issues, but there are still pairs online waiting to be bought.

REUSE: A new brand out of the U.S., REUSE creates their jeans with 80% recycled denim. Standard styles for women (men’s jeans are reportedly on the way) and a wallet-friendly retail price of $75-95.

James Jeans: Eco-friendly washes for a dry aged denim look. Note: while this line doesn’t use organic cotton, James Jeans creator Seun Lim uses organic compounds and sun bleaching to create the washes of her jeans.

Serfontaine: Eco-friendly washes and abrasions. Like James Jeans, Serfontaine doesn’t use organic cotton. For their washes, they substitute organic fruit enzymes for chemical dyes and irritants.

reco jeans: Like REUSE, reco uses Recycled Denim in their process. They go so far as to create seeded, plantable tags on their products to eliminate unneeded waste. (Factoid: Alanis Morrisette and Woody Harrelson created the line.)

Levi’s Eco: Organic cotton, recycled rivets and buttons. Styles made with 100% organic cotton include the Red Tab Vintage Straight Jean for men, the women’s Skinny Jean and Skinny Knee Knocker Short. Other elements of the Levi’s® Capital Eâ„¢ lines include the use of recycled buttons, rivets and zippers and natural indigo to dye some styles ensuring minimized impact on the environment. Price range starts at $69.

Nudie Jeans: The Swedish brand known for their Selvedge also has some 100% organic pairs. They follow organic production procedures and use products like potato starch and pre-reduced indigo in lieu of chemicals.

7 For All Mankind: The eponymous brand and forefather of premium denim, 7 For All Mankind does carry some 100% organic pairs.

Rogan Denim: Products are Fair-Trade approved and sweat-shop free. Rogan (the namesake line of Loomstate’s Rogan Gregory) has teamed with Bono to ensure their products are sweat-shop free and fair trade. They also promote minimal washing and no machine washing.

Good Society: The Good Society “is a movement,” according to the website. “A belief that in all things we must love, will and do good. A forward thinking community blending the fashion conscious with the socially conscious.” Being organic fairly traded denim that is fully sustainable surely helps. Another denim line taking a hiatus until current inventory moves. Go forth and buy!

Joe’s Organic: Though the brand only offers a small selection, it does have an organic denim line consisting of some of their best sellers like the Provocateur, Stardust, Muse and Socialite.

Edun: Launched in Spring 2005 by Ali Hewson and U2’s Bono, the company’s mission is to help develop countries in Africa as viable sources of production for fashion by “investing in the development of a community-based value chain, beginning with organic cotton.”  Their denim line is temporarily on hold because of fit issues – stay tuned.

Linda Loudermilk: Linda Loudermilk trademarked the term “Luxury Eco” and researches products that are sustainable by meeting with and learning from scientists, and seeking out companies that create fibers without pesticides or other toxic processes. Her denim line has been made from lyocell and bamboo blends.

Kuyichi: Made from a hemp and organic cotton tencel blend with natural dyes. You’ll love this company! A European label slowly moving into the U.S.

Howie’s: Featuring organic cotton washed with an “eco-ball” for extra softness, this European denim line has been around since 1995 and is about to have a Renaissance, I’m predicting, thanks to some better-known American denim lines taking a break.

J Brand: J Brand’s Green label is coming out soon, we’re told. Made with 100% organic cotton and vegetable dyes, J Brand is widely recognized as a go-to eco denim line. Let’s hope they shrink the fit to something less than what a 6’8″ woman would wear. Normal gals, J, normal gals.

Denim Design Lab: This company transforms salvaged denim woven on vintage shuttle looms to create a “Modern Vintage” look. Sold through “only the most premium denim based retailers globally.” Well, you can’t win ’em all.

To get your daily denim fill, be sure to follow Jaime on Twitter @denimdebutante.

Image: littledan77

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