Green Cotton

Emma Cook Collection featured in NYMag.com

Autumn is underway, and the change in temperature has me reaching for cardigans and hot lattes, replacing my summer-light scarves and iced coffee. But with Spring ’09 Fashion Week in full swing, I’m already looking ahead to warmer weather.

New York Fashion Week provided us with plenty of inspiration. Last week, we showed you how to rock a heavy metal trend with eco-friendly pieces that are transitional enough to wear now and this coming spring. But this week, after glimpsing the London collections, I’m all about bright, light and frothy: London’s playful spring looks will have you dreaming of seaside vacations, summer carnivals, and triple-scoop ice cream cones in your favorite flavors.

Citrus Explosion
Betty Jackson, Nathan Jenden, Eley Kishimoto and Ossie Clark all showed gorgeous clothes in mouth-watering, tutti-frutti hues.

Candy Confections

Jenny Packham’s sweet pastel dresses smacked of cotton candy. Erdem (see below) and Jasper Conran both unveiled daring sheer designs that were still on the shy side.

Caught in the Rain

Erdem Collection, featured at NYMag.com

In London this is a daily occurrence, but don’t worry—Emma Cook, Erdem and Paul Smith showed us what to wear so we’re always prepared for a little spring shower. Why not stand out with sparkle and sequins?

Polka Dots and Prints Galore

House of Holland Collection, featured at NYMag.com

You’ll feel like a kid again if you wear Issa or House of Holland. Both sent out dizzying arrays of polka dots and playful prints.

Prim, Proper… Party Princess!

Luella Bartley Collection, featured in NYMag.com

For little girls who just have to grow up, Luella Bartley, Basso and Brooke, Jaeger London, Giles Deacon, Nathan Jenden and Temperley London all showed us how to do what Brits do best: look lovely and ladylike—but still funkify a fussy frock!

Eco Me Over!

Of course, we wouldn’t be doing our job at Green Cotton if we didn’t suggest some eco alternatives to these London looks:

For flirty style in a fresh hue, try the Wave dress by Kelly Lane. Available in three colors (Ocean, Sunset and Coral), you’re sure to find one to match your mood. This dress is from the Spring ’08 collection, and Kelly Lane’s Fall collection is currently available at Jute & Jackfruit!

Kelly Lane Spring Dress

Add an unexpected splash of color with Form & Fauna’s Peacock shoe in yellow, similar to the yellow zippered shoes shown at House of Holland.

Form and Fauna Peacock Toe Shoes found at formandfauna.com

Made from biodegradable synthetic materials and recycled wood, these heels are fashion-forward and eco-conscious. And not only does the sunny hue complement an equally bright dress—it will also perk up an all-black ensemble or everyday jeans.

Jute & Jackfruit has the perfect earrings for this look: try these Anna Built recycled tin drop earrings in turquoise and gold.

Finally, in tribute to the citrus shades at London Fashion Week, complete your look with the Nahui Ollin Ritual bag in, of course, “tutti-frutti.” It’s made from recycled candy wrappers and structured to hold your wallet, cell, i-Pod, makeup and other goodies! It’s the perfect fusion of grown-up girl sensibility with the childhood fun of a trip to the candy store.

Have fun trying on eco-friendly fashions in the latest trends, and let us know what you think about London and New York Fashion Week!

By Erin Dale

Above: Diane Von Furstenburg Collection

Here at Green Cotton, we look at fashion from an eco-eye, discussing sustainable fabrics, fair trade practices, and eco-friendly options for the most discerning fashionista. New York Fashion Week, hardly an all-green event (yet), gives us an opportunity to spy the trends and find “greener” ways to rock them.
I’ve been peeking at the collections all week, and my favorite designers have not disappointed. While there haven’t been any eco shows since last week’s Be EcoChic event, plenty of designers have been showing boho-chic looks that unite the “haute” and the “hippie.”

For a brief fashion history lesson, the term “boho-chic” was coined in the early 2000s to describe the style of British It-Girls Kate Moss and Sienna Miller (fashion lovers to this day continue to dispute which one actually started the trend). Some sources (including a Wikipedia entry) claim that this trend reached its height in 2004-5, and the derivations we’re seeing now can be classified as “boho rock,” even “goth-rock.”

You’ll notice hints of gothic in this fall’s fashions, carrying over from the Fall 2008 collections shown this past spring. But the free-spirited boho look was even more prominent on the runways. Badgley Mischka and Just Cavalli took a trip to the 1970s with relaxed fits and floppy hats. D&G showed tartans, checks and plaids that had a playful, down-home feel. But Gucci best embodied the “haute hippie” and elevated her to rock star glory: right at home with earthy prints and flowing scarves were fringed boots, black skinny pants, bare shoulders and chunky chains.

Despite the debate over its dwindling relevance, boho-chic is clearly still alive and well on the Spring 2009 runways!

Diane Von Furstenburg (featured above) showed plenty of bright colors and dared to mix prints, giving her line a flower child vibe that she dubbed “Rock Goddess.”

Photo: Charlotte Ronson Collection

Charlotte Ronson’s flowy dresses and floral patterns are simple yet chic, exuding peaceful, natural beauty.

Photo: Miss Sixty’s Collection

In Miss Sixty’s very 70s spring collection, scarves, sunglasses and denim onesies abound, with loose silhouettes and bright patterns reminiscent of groovier times.

Photo: Jill Stuart’s Collection

Jill Stuart used a pastel palette to transport the wearer back to the 70s, complete with butterfly sleeves, asymmetrical hemlines, draping scarves and the occasional chunky knit.

Photo: Anna Sui’s Collection

Photo: Anna Sui’s Collection

Anna Sui’s boho girls were sweet as Swiss misses, but still had a rock-and-roll edge. The collection displays a wide range of shapes, from prairie blouses and skirts to sheaths and caftans, along with a dizzying array of colors (orange, fuchsia, royal blue and more rainbow brights compete with a few all-black ensembles) and patterns (floral, geometric shapes, beaded embellishments, even a paisley “peacock” look). There are so many looks, it almost appears the designer couldn’t make up her mind, but the overall bohemian spirit makes the collection feel cohesive.

Photo: Nanette Lepore’s Collection

Nanette Lepore gave the earthy girl a new level of sophistication. She’s grounded her in floral patterns and earth tones but dressed her up in blazers and high-waisted shorts, giving her polish and a slimmer silhouette. This collection shows, perhaps, where the boho-chic trend is headed, but not without a nod to the past: a few baby-dolls and crocheted knits peeked out from bright trenches and slinky silks.

What do you think of the boho-chic trend? Do you think it will still be going strong next season? How do you think it coincides with (or not) the eco-fashion movement? Let us know your thoughts….

Post By Erin Dale

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.

We here at Green Cotton take pride in bring you (our eco-fabulous readers) the best, highest quality information in the world of eco-fashion, and are very excited to be voted in the top 10 eco-fashion blogs. Thank you Ecoable!  We appreciate your recognition of GC in top ten!

For those of you not familiar with Green Cotton, here is a quick run down. We cover issues from designers and fabrics, to hot styles and emerging trends. A few of our top posts:

• BAMBOO - What are the pros and cons of bamboo fabric? Bamboo resources, Bamboo processing I, and Bamboo Processing II?
• ORGANIC VS. CONVENTIONAL COTTON: How much is the market growing? What is the difference between conventional and organic cotton?
• ECO-CELEBRITIES Is this a fad or the real thing?
• NATURAL DYES: Are they a viable alternative to synthetics?
  
• 2008 BEST ECO-FASHION AWARD: $25,000 award offered by Ecco Domani

On another note, GC just returned from one of the largest and most cutting edge eco-fashion shows in America. Stay tuned for the low-down on some of the hottest new designers.

Kenneth Cole pumps at Dig N’ Swap
By Erin Dale

With fall fashion looks hitting stores now, it’s tempting to pop into the Gap, H&M or Anthropologie and supplement your current wardrobe, even create a whole new one. Sure, if you’re craving something new, you can go eco and buy something organic from a more sustainable store. But before you go hunting for brand new pieces, take a peek at Dig ‘N’ Swap.

Trading clothes with someone is an easy way to clean out your closet and give yourself a whole new look. But if you don’t have a trendy friend nearby who’d let you raid her wardrobe, Dig ‘N’ Swap makes life a little easier. First, you gotta dig: find things in your own closet that you’re ready to part with; then take digital photos of them and upload them to the Dig ‘N’ Swap website. Next, browse until you find something you love. The site is simple to navigate: you can search by keyword or click on the type of clothing or accessory you need. You can also click on the brands listed, from DKNY to Prada. Place a bid using one (or all) of the items you’d like to trade. Then, if your bid is accepted, voila! You’ve successfully swapped. Now you can feel great about scoring new fashions without negatively impacting the environment.

That’s the mission behind Dig ‘N’ Swap: to put less strain on natural resources “by allowing an item to go through several lives.” So what are you waiting for? Ready… set… swap!

A few highlights from my “digging”:

“Like new” Anne Taylor heels

Marc Jacobs pink winter coat

Vintage black Prada handbag

Kenneth Cole black leather rosebud heels featured top.