Green Cotton

Eco-fashion has been big in the U.K. for a while, and it’s about time it gets recognized. On November 13, British style icons will gather in London to celebrate fashion and eco-awareness at the RE: Fashion Awards. This highly anticipated event will be the first of its kind—an awards ceremony dedicated solely to ethical fashion.

The celebration is proof that mainstream fashion and the new wave of eco-fashion can go hand in hand, rather than run in opposition to one another. Model of the moment Daisy Lowe will work the runway in a customized dress by legendary London designer Vivienne Westwood. Other hot designers, including Jonathan Saunders and Preen, will be showcasing eco-chic looks, all in an effort to usher sustainable, fair trade and organic style into the mainstream.

Of course, the runway show is just part of the celebration; the rest of the night is dedicated to awarding the best and brightest ethical fashion talents in the British fashion industry. Award nominations include: RE: Designer of the Year, RE: Retailer of the Year, RE: Africa Award, RE: Cotton Award, RE: Environment Award, and more.

Nominees include People Tree (Designer of the Year, Consumer Awareness and People Award), also featured top in designer collection (photo), Izzy Lane (New Designer of the Year) and Adili (Retailer of the Year).

Got any favorite U.K. eco-fashion designers? Stay tuned to find out how they fare on ethical fashion’s big night after November 13th. Let’s hope the U.S. gets in on this trend and casts a spotlight on ethical fashion, too!

Resources/More information: Treehugger, and Vogue UK

By Erin Dale

Photosource top: People Tree, featuring Fall Designer Collection

Green Festivals hosted 5 times a year by Coop America and Global Exchange is one of the biggest eco events in America. Taking place in 5 select cities, the DC Fest will be this Saturday and Sunday at the Convention Center. Tens of thousands are expected to fill the venue, plus hundreds of exhibitors.

If you have never been, I highly recommend attending. It is a HUGE marketplace, community gathering and all around fun time. Featuring new and old companies (including at least 20 in eco-fashion alone), inspirational speakers, musical acts, innovative products, informative exhibits and DELICIOUS food (organic and vegetarian), including tons of samples, you will not be bored.

Last year I attended as my first Green Fest (as an attendee) and had a blast. Staying several more hours than expected, I ended up doing ALL my holiday shopping in one swoop- it was THAT good. Friends and family loved the gifts. What was great too is that I prevented the usual last minute rushes to the mall and other stores by getting it done early - and all gifts were eco-friendly.

TIME:
Saturday November 8th 10am- 7PM
Sunday November 9th 11am – 6pm

PLACE: DC Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Festival provides ample opportunity to mix, mingle and sample. You will undoubtedly walk away with new knowledge, new connections and new ideas. Entry fee is $15 per person for all day, including both days if you want.

DC speakers this year include Barbara Ehrenreich, William McDonough, Lester Brown , Herve Kempf as well as Madeline  Kunin among dozens of others.

We are excited to see what is new and hot in the eco-fashion world on behalf of Green Cotton at this event and will report back next week on the details. Stay tuned!

For more information on the Washington DC Green Festivals, visit www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc-2008/

For information on purchasing tickets click here. Entry fee is $15 per person for all day, both days if desired.

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