Green Cotton

We have been covering Fashion Week (particularly New York and London shows) at Green Cotton for the last few seasons, always keeping an eco eye on the runway. Though we are not always able to find much “green” in the tents, we are able to review the latest trends and predict how they will impact the eco scene. We are also thrilled to report whenever we see the green movement making major strides in the fashion industry. Thankfully, this is one of those posts. While Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week chose to make its last season at Bryant Park a carbon-neutral production (see Treehugger’s report), there was another even more eco event going on in the city while mainstream designers sent their wares down the runways. We are thrilled to report on The GreenShows Eco Fashion Week, which was held right alongside the mainstream shows at New York’s Fashion Week, from Sunday, February 14-17, 2010.

This season’s GreenShows event was its second annual (after a successful debut during New York Fashion Week last September). So far it is the only exclusively eco-fashion showcase that takes place during Fashion Week. Devoted to showing only eco-friendly, ethically sound and fair-trade designers, The GreenShows promised to keep its production 100% environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Taking place at the aptly-titled 311 E11 Village Green, the first LEED-Gold certified residence in the East Village, with sets made out of recycled and compostable materials, it appears The GreenShows kept to the highest environmental standards.

Ten star designers on the eco-fashion front were chosen to showcase their wares, including Samantha Pleet, Vaute Couture, Popomomo and Gary Harvey (for a complete list of designers, see The GreenShows website).

Samantha Pleet (collection featured top right) is a Brooklyn designer who creates garments from organic cotton and organic wool in a wind-powered NYC factory. She has gained fame as the designer behind Rapscallion for Urban Outfitters and the erstwhile one-half of eco-design duo Bodkin. Her romantic designs, from sweet pleated skirts to plaid rompers to long layered dresses, are clearly retro-inspired—what quirky-indie darling Zooey Deschanel might wear to a movie premiere or just on a bike ride (on a vintage bicycle, natch). Indeed, Eco-Chick writer Starre Vartan reports that Pleet was influenced by the movies—and by romance. “I love cinema and I love my husband, so the line is influenced by that,” Pleet said. The Fall 2010 collection exudes the same charm and whimsy that makes her Urban Outfitters line so popular—only much more eco-chic.

Chicago-based Vaute Couture (pictured above in purple and white coats) is perhaps best know for their line of quality vegan coats (no wool, silk, or animal-derived products are used; instead, designer Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart uses an alternative fiber called Primaloft ECO). Their GreenShows debut featured some gorgeous coats, including one ultra-feminine, high-collared, buttoned style in stunning white, along with knitwear made from soy bean farming waste. Any woman could instantly become a glamazon in one these amazing coats—but knowing she would be stepping out in eco-style makes the luxe designs even more satisfying.

L.A. line Popomomo made its New York Fashion Week debut—and lived up to its name, (which stands for “post-postmodern movement”) with its “City of Quartz” collection (inspired by the Mike Davis book of the same name and CIA satellite images of polar ice caps). The easy-breezy collection featured looks that L.A. girls love, and for good reason. Simple dresses with striking details, like pops of color, ruffles and exposed zippers, may not be ideal for fall on the East Coast; for eco-fashionistas in the City of Angels, however, this line is truly heaven-sent. Organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp denim and Tencel are just some of the fabrics used in these L.A.-made designs. Like fellow GreenShows featured designer Pleet, Popomomo’s Lizz Wasserman also has “Urban Outfitters designer” on her resume.

British designer Gary Harvey (Tshirt dress pictured above) upped the ante on upcycling with his couture collection of gowns—all created from recycled, upcycled and recyclable materials. Nothing, it seems, is off-limits in Harvey’s imagination, from old Levi’s and wedding dresses to laundry bags and issues of the Financial Times (30 copies, to be exact). His jaw-dropping designs will have you rethinking how to recycle paper—and what on earth to do with all your old t-shirts.

While these clever designers weren’t the only ones to put their visions on display at The GreenShows, the above group represents a few of our favorites. Green Cotton will keep an eye out for more designers like these in the future. We are also currently sifting through the London and Milan Fashion Week shows and will share all the “green” we can find.

We would also love to know: do you follow Fashion Week? If so, what do you think of this season’s shows? Are you eager to see more from The GreenShows next season? We know we are, and can’t wait to see which emerging eco-fashion talents will appear next. Stay tuned to Green Cotton for more Runway coverage!

Image sources:
Photo source: Samantha Pleet plaid romper (photo by Starre Vartan) at Eco-chick
Photo source: Blue Vaute Couture coat, Vaute Couture
Photo source: White VC coat at Ecouterre
Photo source: Popomomo dress
Photo source: John Garvey white organic tshirt dress (Treehugger)

By Erin Dale

Doo.Ri at NY Fashion Week

Last week, fashion lovers saw a scaled-back version of New York’s Fall Fashion Week. Fewer designers showed at the tents than usual; many regulars, like Vera Wang and Betsey Johnson, opted for showroom presentations instead. The recession was reflected in many collections, but, in most cases, this turned out to be a good thing. Doom and gloom may be prevalent in the economy, but Fashion Week’s spunky designers showed that it doesn’t rule the runways.

Donna Karan, DKNY and Victoria Beckham offered modern, minimalist designs with mix-and-match potential, perfect for stretching a wardrobe budget.
Marc Jacobs drew heavily upon eighties’ excess for inspiration, resurrecting slick, spiky hairstyles and even shoulder pads to recall a time when “creative people could afford to live in [the] city.”

DKNY, NY Fashion Week

Michael Kors, too, had an eighties moment, applying unexpected splashes of neon to an otherwise neutral palette. And to drive home the point that the eighties are back in full force, Kors one-upped Jacobs’ shoulder pads with another bygone accessory: arm warmers. And he even managed to make them look office-appropriate!

Michael Kors at NY Fashion Week

Christian Siriano seemed to have the most fun with neutrals, showing luscious silks and organza clothes drenched in shades of chocolate, mocha and latte, paired perfectly with mauve, bronze and turquoise. And he was, perhaps, the most budget-friendly, outfitting his models with Payless shoes of his own design.

Christian Siriano at NY Fashion Week

Alexander Wang, Doo.Ri and Rag & Bone all showed updated versions of fall 2008’s glam rock goddess. Alexander Wang added polish with a sparkling dress and snakeskin blazer. Doo.Ri (featured top) used sophisticated touches of silver atop basic black and a slim silhouette. Rag & Bone made rock ‘n’ roll look downright cozy, topping leather leggings with chunky knitwear, scarves, and pops of blue and red. Later, the same leggings were paired with a snug charcoal-hued coat.

Diane Von Furstenburg gave us exotic patterns, animal prints and opulent hats straight out of a global bazaar. Matthew Williamson also went the exotic route, but with a distinct Native American flare.

Diane Von Furstenburg at NY Fashion Week

And the always-entertaining Izaac Mizrahi delivered a zany range of colors—and an inventive new way to wear handbags!

If this year’s Fall Fashion Week has taught us anything, it’s that a fall wardrobe – on any budget – need never be boring, and you can always accessorize with whatever you have on hand!

Isaac Mizrahi at NY Fashion Week

And some eco-friendly ideas on how to rock the best fall fashion styles? If you bought any trendy pieces last fall, use ‘em again this year. Update them with those special touches, like a global necklace, wide belt and sky-high footwear. Buy vintage, organic, or fair trade as often as you can, and have fun mixing and matching! Don’t let the recession put a crimp in your style—let it inspire you to get creative with the pieces you already own. What do you think of the New York fashion shows? Tell us about your impressions.

*All photos are from New York Magazine, nymag.com and hyperlinks to the sources are listed for each designer above.

By Erin Dale

Autumn has always been my favorite season, especially when it comes to shopping. Growing up, I actually looked forward to summer’s end; to me, dropping temperatures meant it was time for a new wardrobe! My yearly back-to-school shopping fest was a chance to completely reinvent myself.

Now that I’ve graduated, I no longer have school as my excuse to create a new wardrobe every autumn. Throw in the economic recession, and I know I’m not the only one scaling back my fall shopping plans. Budgeting can be tough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of fall trends— and be eco-chic!

The six following items are swoon-worthy finds: perfect for fall, eco-friendly, and priced under $99!

Del Forte Calla Jeans
These dark blue, organic cotton slim fit jeans will work for any season; they just happen to be on sale for $57 at shopenvi.com. Pair them with your favorite cardigan and chic ankle boots.

Terra Plana Bronte Bootie
You can count on sustainable shoe company Terra Plana for the perfect pair of eco-friendly shoes. They even have vegetable-tanned leather ankle boots—exactly on-trend for fall. Even better? They’re on sale for $69. Shopenvi to the rescue, again!

Red Angel Dress by Jonano
This irresistibly soft ecoKashmere Angel dress shirt is a marvel. Made with organic cotton and bamboo, you will not want to take this number off. Perfect with leggings,  denim or just “as is” (eg for all you lucky people in California), the dress or shirt, if you will has limitless uses. The avocado wrap top is also a deal at $72 (featured top). Both are available at juteandjackfruit.com for only $80 and in black too.

Urban Renewal Fair Isle Sweater Vest
Yes, you can shop vintage at Urban Outfitters! I’ve been a longtime fan of the Urban Renewal line: scraps of vintage fabrics are reworked into eco-chic masterpieces, assembled right in the U.S.A. The Fair Isle Sweater Vest would look beautiful over summer-light jersey dresses or turtlenecks. And for $58, it’s practically a steal!

Circle of the Sun Absolutely Alpaca Scarf
This handknit Bolivian scarf is fair trade, organic and chemical-free. It will only set you back $35, and the proceeds go back to the artisan family that crafted it.

Purple Candy Wrapper Bags
OK, so we know that purple is in this fall, so lets just get right down to it. The perfect way to pop that color into any outfit? You guessed it, accessories. The very hot (and eco) Nahui Ollin candy wrapper bags have a gorgeous purple collection—all of which are under $99. You might try the Itsy Bitsy coin/credit card purse (just $24) or the larger camera bag ($36) for outings, and for those dolled-up nights on the town, try the Grand Ball ($90).

Eco-fashionistas know that shopping for organic, fair trade and sustainable clothing can be pricier than settling for conventional clothing. But with a little savvy and a nose for sales, you can find gorgeous clothes and accessories that help protect the environment and support communities for reasonable prices. And if you want to splurge on investment pieces, like wool coats or sturdy leather bags, remember that you can find eco-luxe goods that are just as fancy as designer brands—but are actually committed to social and eco-consciousness. Have you found some other fabulous fall finds? Let us know if so, and stay tuned for next week’s sequel with more recession-proof, trendsetting items.

By Erin Dale