The GreenShows snag a coveted spot at Lincoln Center.

Too often, sustainable fashion is relegated to the sidelines of events like Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This season, however, that changed with the addition of The GreenShows to the official line-up at Lincoln Center.

Held Friday morning at Lincoln Center’s The Box, the presentation featured carefully curated ensembles from eight sustainable brands, assembled by star stylist Julie Ragolia. In selecting the participating designers, TGS considered a number of ethical manufacturing criteria, including use of organic/bio-based textiles and materials, recycled/upcycled fabrics, low-impact dyes, zero waste/fabric waste reduction, local production, craft/artisan production, and fair/ethical trade.

The Box was packed shoulder-to-shoulder for the event, which GreenShows director Lou Sagar called a “milestone” in the sustainable fashion movement.

Sustainable fashion is now a global movement, it’s no longer a trend. (The GreenShows) are a demonstration that fashion always has to be beautiful and appealing, but it doesn’t have to be at the compromise of using sustainable materials and ethical practices. I think the fashion industry is demonstrating a desire to embrace that more and more. We don’t have to feel that we’re alternative because social change is mainstream.

Here, scenes from the show and more information on the featured designers.

The entrance to The GreenShows.

The Lincoln Center lobby, hub of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Venezuelan designer Luis Valenzuela collaborated with Lulan Artisans on this gorgeous hourglass dress, made from raw Cambodian silk, hand-woven and hand-dyed by women artisans. Eve Blossom, founder of Lulan Artisans, told EcoSalon, “By working with these artisans, we prevent them from falling into human trafficking, because we give them job security and options, which prevents them from getting into desperate situations. And these artisans are very proud and incredible masters. All you need to do is help them, highlight them, and create partnerships, and it makes all the difference in the world.”

The model in the background wears a silver, organic cotton jersey gown made from metallic thread.

United Bamboo is a fashion collective from collaborators Miho Aoki and Thuy Pham, focused on the reinvention of tradition and committed to local production. For The GreenShows, they used a traditional plaid on dresses, skirts, and bomber jackets.

Bamboo By United Bamboo is a line of organic “room wear” inspired by the birth of Aoki’s first child. In the foreground, the model wears a black organic wool hooded sweater and white organic cotton romper; just behind there’s a black linen pinafore dress layered over an organic cotton fitted shirt; and in the back there’s a cropped jacket, striped organic knit sweater, and cropped pant.

For STUDY NY‘s fall line, designer Tara St. James‘ focus was on convertability. “Everything can be personalized and is meant to be worn your own way. I think that’s an important part of sustainability. Fast fashion is so recognizable on the street, and you don’t want to be wearing what everyone else is. Even if you’re wearing the same piece it can look very different.”

This olive tweed, 100 percent wool convertible jacket is layered over an olive tweed skirt.

Ajna, from designer Beryl Man, embraces beauty and simplicity while exclusively utilizing organic and sustainable textiles. The knits in the show were fabulously cozy and perfectly paired with the models’ rosy cheeks and fifties-style coiffes. Here, a multicolor organic wool hand-knit turtleneck over a sage organic wool draped skirt.

Using primarily upcycled materials, Brooklyn-based Artists & Revolutionaries put together a stunning collection of pieces using repurposed leather, cashmere, and organic cotton. From left to right: a camel washed wool jacket with repurposed leather sleeve and trim, with black washed wool pant; a white/black spliced repurposed washed wool sweater with black repurposed leather short; and a floral organic dip-dyed ruffle top with check washed wool flip skirt.

Ensembles from The Battalion were sleek, slim, and simple, incorporating materials like bamboo, organic cotton, faux fur, and peace silk. I loved this black modal, spandex zip jacket, paired with a black organic bamboo legging.

The distinctive textiles present in H. Fredriksson pieces are inspired by designer Helena Fredriksson’s own drawings and photographs. The model in the front is wearing an olive 100 percent reclaimed wool batwing coat over a printed silk crepe Stina dress, while the model in the back sports a blue 100 percent silk Milos dress.

Images: Jessica Marati and Jennifer Barckley

The post EcoSalon at NYFW: The GreenShows appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fashion Weeks are chocked-full of style inspiration! It is the perfect time to see current trends in action and decide for yourself if they are a fad or a fashion you want to sport or forgo. Outside Somerset House during London Fashion Week, there was plenty of real life fashion prancing to peruse. Here are our picks for ‘the trends to try now’, direct from LondonTown.

1. Detailed tights and ankle socks. Nothing transcends an Indian summer into fall better than a great pair of tights you can add to your already tried and true summer outfits. This season, crazy prints are all the rage. Add some ankle socks to amp the fashion status up one more notch! Get an eco-fab pair of tights and socks from Sock Dreams.

2. Printed pants. It seems the Abudabi influence is certainly upon us! A smattering of bold patterns in differing hues were diffused throughout the dark sea of black and gray de rigueur uniforms of fashion. Feral Childe has just the pair for you to channel this Middle Eastern trend gone mainstream.

3. Shoe Booties. They are as stylish as they are comfortable, so it makes sense that the fashion pack is trekking around all of London in these wedge shoe booties! Get an ethical pair from Nini Dolcetti.

4. Fur Toppers. Nothing brings a little luxe into your wardrobe like a piece of faux fur! From cropped vests, to classic 20s style coats, The Battalion has your faux fur friend, ready and waiting.

The post What They Wore: London Fashion Week S/S 11 appeared first on EcoSalon.

Don’t fret about being pinched if you don’t wear green on Earth Day, but dressing appropriately for the day in which we celebrate Mother Earth is certainly in order. What’s more invigorating than toasting our beloved planet in style? The best way to dress for Earth Day – this coming Thursday – is to take cues from the planet herself, and keep the colors neutral and the materials organic.

Whether you are off to a charity fundraiser or meeting some friends for a BBQ in the park, earth tones are the way to go. Seashell beige and cloud white accented with mineral gold and silver, and a hint of lagoon blue capture the essence of the sea and sky. Organic cotton and bamboo sourced brands The Battalion and Brigid Catiis supply the essentials to build a beautiful outfit, while Cri de Coeur and Matt & Nat provide eye-catching accessories.

Go straight for the Earth Day inspired jacket from Stella McCartney for an easy layer that will keep any outfit stylish during E-Day festivities. Whatever you decide to wear – make your Mother proud and source eco for fashion that is focused on ensuring there are many Earth Days to come.

The post What to Wear on Earth Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

What hooked me into the fashion world was never labels – it’s always been fashion as an art form. I’m just as wowed by artists’ inspiration as I am at the finished products. Sometimes it’s hard for designers to get their messages across in mere words: ever tried to articulate your love, your vision, your art? It’s not easy.

Here’s a list of some of my mini film favorites of designers sharing their passion. Think of this as a fashion inspiration mix tape, just for you.

Amy’s Mix: Girls on Film

cmarchuska

What can you do with a scarf? See designer Christine Marchuska herself in the last shot lifting her own.

Samantha Pleet

Au Revoir Simone and a cool newspaper-riddled wall is always inspiring.

Reet Aus

She designs for swanky boutiques but also, movies…

Feral Childe

Always quirky and artsy and makes me giggle.

Mothlove

Is just plain beautiful.

Image: geishaboy500

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