I, as a 90s child, know nothing about the pre-historic flying days, (you know, back in the 60s and stuff), except what I learned on the short-lived airline drama-based television series Pan Am (2011-2012). That means that my idea of airline travel during the Mad Men era is quite dramatic, luxurious, and…beautiful. Seriously. After seeing a 1960s era Christina Ricci rock a perfectly-fitting and fashionable bright blue flight attendant uniform, I began to recognize the incredible dullness which radiated from the style of every flight attendent I came across during my real world travels in present times.
When I learned that Virgin Airlines not only hired Vivienne Westwood, legendary designer of dramatic, luxurious and… beautiful clothing, to design a new line of uniforms for them,but that all uniforms would be eco-friendly, I kind of wet myself.
Basically, according to Virgin Airlines, they have always been pioneers of flight attendant style and they are sick and tired of every other lame-ass airline stealing their design (paraphrasing). So they did what any sensible airline would: they hired VIVIENNE EFFING WESTWOOD.
Vivienne, being a pioneer herself, took special care to work with Virgin and find a fabric that was both environmentally and economically friendly. They accomplished this by using recycled materials like canvas, scrap leather, and polyester yarn produced from plastic bottles.
The designs successfully display a classic vintage vibe that our generation really does not know but often tries to emulate. Excited to see these designs implemented in July 2013!
It’s officially May and, along with sending my coats to their special storage box, I am SO looking forward to sharing eco-conscious trends and news with you throughout this season– my favorite time of year for fashion!
I am currently considering designers, fashionistas and all those who inspire conscious and beautiful life for features on live hi up.
OK, I’ll admit it. Before I found Ms. Catherine Sothern’s site I don’t think I had ever heard of the term “neck torc” much less known what they are. But now that I have, I can say with great certainty that they are an essential addition to every chic and fun wardrobe.
Catherine is an eco-fashion designer who believes that, “discarded and often beautiful off-cut fabric samples deserve another life.” And from that, her gorgeous neck torcs and bibs are born.
She hails from the land of Ireland and brings a contemporary look with a vintage feel to her pieces. Her neck torcs and bibs are handmade originals and she uses incredible accents such as vintage beads, buttons, vintage lace, fresh water pearls, fox fur and handmade rosettes.
Below are a few of her stunning neck torc designs. They truly are beautiful, and those bibs are an extremely popular style right now. Be sure to mosey on over to her site and check out the rest of her original designs.
“The pleasure of seeing the finished piece inspires me to create the next.” — Catherine Sothern
I really love supporting smaller designers who hand make all their pieces. There’s a very personal realness about something made from the hands of a recognizable face. It gives pieces more of a story.
Imagine opening up an entire closet filled with hand-made originals every morning. Your clothes would be 100 percent unique and 100 percent alive with their character and history. That’s how clothing should be!
Ahh… the smell of great fashion in the Spring. H&M recently revealed its new Conscious Collection and I must say, I am drooling.
Rose-trimmed Dress — $129
Top with Peplum — $69.95
Tulle Dress — $199
Dress with Beaded Embroidery — $129
Clutch with Beaded Embroidery — $34.95
The company announced this collection at a press conference in March, along with some of their upcoming sustainable initiatives. View more of H&M’s Spring Conscious Collection here.
Similar to stores like Forever 21 and Wet Seal, H&M is widely known for its fast-fashion business model. Cheap disposable clothes that are basically knock-offs of popular run-way looks. But the Swedish mega-chain (and the world’s second largest clothing retailer) claims change is a’ comin’. “Sustainability is high on our daily agenda and has been an integral part of our business for some time.” – H&M CEO CEO Karl-Johan Persson during a telephone conference, March 21, 2013. Along with the release of their 2012 sustainability report, last month H&M also announced a new fashion line within its Conscious Collection and some upcoming sustainable initiatives:
organic cotton
H&M is quick to point out that they are the world’s largest user of organic cotton (of course, the quality of clothing they are producing with that cotton remains unmentioned). Currently about 11 percent of the cotton in H&M’s clothing is from sustainable sources with about 8 percent of that being organic cotton. By 2020, H&M aims to course 100 percent of its cotton from “more responsible” sources.
recycling
I would say the greatest thing about H&M is their recycling program. In participating stores, consumers can hand in their old fashion duds from any brand for a small reward. The chain plans to increase the number of participating stores in the next year.
water-saving production techniques
H&M adopted WWF’s Water Risk Filter tool and as a result, most suppliers have improved their water efficiency to less than 100 liters per kilogram of clothing (down from the previous norm of 200 liters/kg). In 2012 alone, H&M conserved an estimated 119 million gallons (450 million liters) of water.
ethical supply chain
With more consumers becoming ethically conscious about their shopping choices, like a lot of stores, H&M has been ramping up their supplier audits, working training, and increasing transparency of its business practices. The company conducted over 2,500 ethical audits last year and has trained over 570,000 works in Bangladesh about their rights.
Actress Helen Hunt wears a custom designed piece from H&M’s Conscious Collection at the 2013 Oscars.
These are all admirable changes but what could make even more of a difference is producing higher quality clothing that will last consumers longer and lead to a more sustainable model overall. I totally wouldn’t mind shelling out a few more bucks for H&M fashions if I thought the construction would hold up longer than a few months of wear (that goes for you too, Forever 21!) H&M released their Conscious Collection on April 4th.
Seems like these days I do a lot of posting about Macklemore, Goodwill & Beyonce. But these are definitely some of my favorite things sooo c’est la vie.
Goodwill is doing a week-long giveaway, asking a question at 9:00am and 4:00pm every day on their Facebook page. They’ve got some pretty nifty prizes like a new Juicy Couture bag, James Avery necklace, espresso set and tickets to events like Seattle Storm and the Mariners! The grand prize, which contestants are entered to win every time the enter a giveaway, is two tickets for the Macklemore show in Vancouver in August (!!!)
There will be a special Earth Day donation drive April 20-21 where you’re encouraged to bring donations and support the cause of Goodwill. I hear there may be a special guest or two at the drive…
“We want to remind folks that when you donate to Goodwill, you are keeping items out of landfills and creating an opportunity for Goodwill to provide free job training for those facing economic barriers in our local community.” — Katherine Boury, Goodwill Communications Manager
Beyonce: SUPER MEGA STAR, singer, actress, business woman…
and Goodwill’s newest advocate!
The performer will lend her voice on her upcoming tour to promote Goodwill’s mission to transform lives through the power of work.
Beyonce fans will be encouraged to bring their used goods to donation drives at her North American concerts. Goodwill will be at 28 Beyonce tour locations collecting clothing, electronics and small household goods. These donations will directly benefit local Goodwill stores in the effort to help those with disabilities and disadvantages, and anyone facing challenges to finding employment.
Mrs. Carter is crazy committed to Goodwill’s cause– also lined-up is “in-concert education” and social media promotion of Goodwill’s mission. She’ll also auction special ticket packages with the revenue benefitting Goodwill.
Personally, I give props to Macklemore for this amazing affiliation. It was he who made it cool to for celebs to associate with Goodwill!
“Goodwill helps people get back to work by providing education, job training and placement. I wanted to team up with an organization that puts people first and works every day to help them improve and
re-establish their lives.” – Beyoncé.
Spring has come finally. Though somedays here in Seattle it still feels like December…
That’s why when you have good weather you have to take full-advantage of it! I busted out a crop top, skirt and sandals at the first sight of some sunshine.
Shop genuine and faux designer shoes and accessories at this weekend-long sale in Goodwill’s U-District location. In its fourth year of existence, this annual event will feature labels like Valentino and Marc Jacobs (!!) For all you fashionable Goodwill-ers out there in Seattle, this sale is not one to miss.
All purchases, like always, will benefit Goodwill’s free job training and education programs offered around the region.
WHEN: March 8 and 9 from 9am to 8pm
WHERE: U-District Goodwill – 4552 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Check out my interview below with Adrina Fanore, a talented eco-fashion designer on the rise.
what does “beauty” mean to you?
Beauty is simplicity. Sometimes we take away the character and essence of something when we complicate it with so many details. Not just fashion but everything.
why is eco-fashion important to you?
When I started Adrina Fanore, I wanted it to be more than a fashion brand but also have a cause. We have to be aware of the world around us…what we eat and wear. Growing up I knew about organic foods, because we had a garden. I always saw cotton fields in my hometown, so I decided to do research on organic fabrics. I wanted to know how organic materials were better than chemically processed fabrics and how it effects us. I think what we put on our body is as important as what we put in it.
“I think what we put on our body is as important as what we put in it.”
where did the inspiration from your latest line come from?
The Tropics! I’ve been to a lot of islands (Puerto Rico, Bahamas,etc), and the colors are vibrant and bold. People dress comfortably but still have style, so I wanted to incorporate that into this line.
talk about the fabrics used to make your clothing?
This line is made from organic cotton. A few pieces are made from a jersey organic cotton and a woven. All are medium-weight and are cool during the warm months. They are also certified to Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), SKAL, & CU organic standards for all processed from growing, spinning, and weaving/knitting. Dyeing and printing are used with GOTS certified eco-friendly water-based inks and dyes.
can you talk a little bit about your involvement with community organizations to promote sustainable lifestyles?
I became eco conscious over a year ago. Each day, I’m trying to find ways to incorporate green living into my lifestyle as well as my business. I’ve participated in trash pickups in the community and health fairs promoting the consumption of organic foods. My next project is to get involved with Green Green Guerillas of NYC. This organization turns vacant lots into beautiful gardens that serve the residents in the neighborhood with organic foods and plants. More importantly, they involve the youth of the community.
what aspects of the fashion industry would you most like to see influenced by the eco-fashion movement?
I would like to see more fashion marketing campaigns influence by eco fashion movement. The digital community is growing and is easily accessible to consumers. Sometimes campaigns, ads, etc are consumed with handing out flyers, coupons, stores use several bags at a time. I applaud Urban Outfitters because they’ve invested in recyclable totes. As an incentive, they provide certain discounts when you bring your tote back in when purchasing items. I think this is beneficial to their brand and the eco movement.
where is your line available for purchase?
I have scarves available for purchase at my website now at www.adrinafanore.com. The spring line will be available in March. I’m currently working to get them in a boutique near you!
closing words?
I always close with this advice: Your dreams shouldn’t be just that. Make them a reality, and make it beneficial to someone other than yourself. We are here to make a difference.
If you’re in Seattle, get your buns down to Rosichelli Design for their Holiday Mix Sale Thursday, December 6 from 4-8pm
I’m a avid lover of all things vintage. That’s probably why I had such a great experience working with Piper (of Piper Lauri Salogga Interiors) and her pal from college, Jon Rosichelli to create this video featuring some of the amazing items that will sell at the Holiday Mix Sale.
The sale is ONE DAY only and will feature art, jewelry, vintage items, and fabrics. Also, I’ve heard talk that there is to be champagne and cupcakes as well. Don’t miss out!
i’ll be home for christmas
you can count on me
please have snow and mistletoe
and presents on the tree
christmas eve will find me
where the lovelight gleams
i’ll be home for christmas
if only in my dreams
thrifted outfit
All pieces in this outfit were found at the Goodwill in Edmonds, except shoes.
Can I just say I’m in love with the bright red suitcase. Not only is it super cute and vintage, it’s sturdy as hell. Made better than any suitcase I’ve bought in the last five years for sure. Go Samsonite!
