Green Cotton

Dear Readers,

I will be in Las Vegas for the next few days attending MAGIC’s Eco-Collection show as well as POOL. Stay tuned and I will bring you back some of the latet and greatest trends in eco-fashion!

Photosource above: Inhabitat.com

Calling all eco-fashion designers—enter into Ecco Domani’s contest by October 5, 2008 and be eligible to receive $25,000 plus recognition as one of this years 7 sustainable fashion designers. Winners will showcase their line at the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in New York (February).

Makers of Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Chianti wines, Ecco Domani also happens to have a fashion foundation, the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation (EDFF). In 2007 they pioneered an eco-fashion sustainability in design award. Met with great success, they are continuing it this year, and expect even more high quality entrants.

Specifically, the award is known as ‘The Sustainable Design Award,’ and is geared toward three elements of sustainability: environment, social equity, and economic viability. Designs must use environmentally friendly materials and production must adopt fair trade practices and/or promote social justice among workers. Applicants may design for women or men.

This year’s judging panel includes Marylou Luther (Editor of the International Fashion Syndicate), Sally Singer (Fashion News & Features Director at Vogue), Christopher Bollen (Editor-In-Chief of Interview), Kim Hastreiter (Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Paper), Nicole Fischelis (Fashion Director at Macy’s), and Julie Gilhart (VP of Fashion Merchandising at Barneys New York). Former award winners include Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, and Alexander Wang.

According to the Green Loop Blog: “Fashion is a very real reflection of the times we live in, and Ecco Domani is the first to create an award for those emerging designers who are not only thinking about fashion design, but also how the whole process affects the planet,” said Julie Gilhart. “True talent, in my opinion, is creating the same great design, style and energy that talented designers give, but also being concerned about lessening the footprint they are creating. It is most definitely the future of fashion, and with this new category, the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation is once again breaking new ground.”

All entries must be completed by Friday, October 3, 2008 at 5:00pm EST. Visit EDFF to apply.

Photo source top: http://fiftyrx3.blogspot.com/2007/01/congratulations-to-sans-2007-ecco_11.html

I just came across this site and am really psyched about this company. They appear to be very green and VERY hip with an edge on comfortable, stylish wears for the women on the run. While I must say their website got me from the beginning, I am now reading their ‘ABOUT’ section closely and noticed that they say their collection is made from 95% certified organically grown fibers, primarily bamboo. So, I now realize that there is a problem with that statement - bamboo is NOT certifiable organic because the process of turning it into bamboo is non-organic (it turns it into a synthetic fiber, like rayon).

So I guess I am going to have to take my enthusiasm down a notch, but I do give them a 10 on style. For a glimpse at their runway collection and their site.

Photosource above: http://web.mac.com/chryswong/THEBATTALION/HOME.html