Green Cotton

Second World,  a non-profit fair trade organization in Lowell Mass is running a Fair Trade Festival, called the New England Culture Fest next Saturday September 6 from 2pm – 10pm. Come check it out!

As part of that festival, Second World is running a Fashionably Fair Runway Show. Featured designers include:

Nomad’s Hemp Wear is an eco-sustainable clothing company based out of British Columbia (BC) producing two eco-fashion collections a year, mostly for their own stores in BC.

Norden Art Company Ltd a company that grew out of a desire to provide an equitable wholesale relationship between independent artists in Nepal and international retailers. Designs are unique and colorful designs inspired by the latest trends, yet carefully crafted from hand woven fabric by artists in Nepal.

Princess Cornflower is an organic fibers clothing company specializing in classic, feminine appeal and vintage-inspired designs.

The Emancipation Network a clothing line that is made by fair trade with a purpose. The Emancipation Network empowers people whose lives have been shattered by slavery, or who are at extremely high risk of being trafficked. Their products are labeled Made By Survivors.

While I must say that none of these designers were featured at Eco-Collection in Las Vegas, they are definitely doing some interesting work. The common thread throughout all, is the fair trade component. As such, they are not necessarily using organic or sustainable fibers, but they do promote fair trade. Hemp Wear is eco-sustainable and so is Princess Cornflower however.

Second World aims to create long-term partnerships between consumers in the North American market and producers in developing regions.

WHAT: New England Culture Fest
WHERE: Lowell, MA (across From 172 Middle Street, Lowell, MA 01852)
WHEN: September 6 from 2pm to 10pm
FASHIONABLY FAIR RUNWAY SHOW: to start at 7:45pm sharp

A tremendous line up of very cool, artists and musicians will also be at the fest – from Samba Tremeterra to The Juanito Pascual Flamenco Quartet, La Tuza Mexican roots music, as well as interactive Salsa Lessons,the tribal rock and fire dancing of Incus, the ladies of Vadalna Tribal Dance Company and many other world class acts. All are ‘in honor of a more sustainable, vibrant, and unified world’ according to Second World.

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 latest 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

FutureFashion jump-started a remarkable eco-runway show yesterday in New York with more than 30 top designers showcasing luxurious, hot, AND environmentally-friendly designs. As one of the largest eco-huate couture events to date, designers including Behnaz Sarapfour, Bottega Veneta, Boudicca, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Derek Lam, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Doo.Ri, Doro Olowu, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Isabel Toledo, Jil Sander, Marc Jacobs, Marni, Martin Grant, Martin Margiela, Michael Kors, Moschino, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Rodarte, Rogan, Stella McCartney, Thakoon, Threeasfour, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent contributed to the success.

Designers made garments with renewable, reusable, non-polluting materials including sasawashi, piña, bamboo, organic cotton and wool, corn-based fibers, recycled fibers and/or fabrics and biopolymers. Designers are encouraged to use techniques that reduce environmental impacts of manufacturing and production as well as source locally produced sustainable materials. For example, designers not only aim to reduce their manufacturing carbon footprint, but also to reduce toxic chemical usage in fabric processing (one concern with bamboo).

As part of Earth Pledge, FutureFashion is an initiative to educate, research and demonstrate the inherent value and increasing potential of fusing style with sustainability within the fashion industry. Fashion week 2008 is one of their many events of this year.

FutureFashion notes that ‘25% of agricultural pesticides are used on cotton, causing major water pollution, chronic illness in farm workers, and devastating impacts on wildlife. In the United States, cancer rates in states that produce cotton are significantly higher than in neighboring states that do not. The acidic chemicals used to process synthetic fabrics find their way into our rivers and streams, lowering the pH and destroying ecosystems. Materials such as bamboo and hemp are faster growing, more durable, and more renewable than conventional textiles. ‘

According to FutureFashion, sustainable style is attainable and does not require limitations in the variety or quality of products that designers offer: from couture to sportswear to home furnishings.

More information: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jj12tiyXwcmvhCzVTXBUsLiGhnjQD8UHPSQG0

Top Photo by Dan Lecca
Top Dress by Halston