Green Cotton

Down 2 Earth (D2E): An Exploration in Sustainable Living is entering its second year in Boston (to be held April 3, 4 and 5 2009 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston), and is bound to once again bring a jam pac’d weekend filled with great people, delicious food, inspiring speakers and demonstrations, as well as fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities. D2E will once again host dozens of environmentally-driven companies, exhibitors, non-profits and other groups this year together with thousands of local residents to create a truly dynamic eco-event. With the motto, “Back to Basics” this year’s D2E is a perfect remedy for our current climate.

D2E this year will host an interactive marketplace for eco-friendly products, numerous interactive environmental activities (many of which are kid-friendly), a public stage for community initiatives, and an educational forum that addresses sustainability issues. In addition, there will be local and organic food booths, a kids’ block, eco-fashion, potential for energy savings and new information about the future of cars!t?

This festival is not only for strong environmentalists but also those who are just discovering an interest in the green movement. Everyone will find at least a couple new ways to green their lifestyle further.

For the green trendsetters out there, Down:2:Earth will showcase new environmental products ready to revolutionize the markets, as well as well known products that we all love. With an emphasis on local and innovative solutions, D2E will connect consumers with progressive companies that are investing in a more sustainable future. So if you’re anywhere near Boston, this festival will be worth checking out!

Of particular interest to Eco-Fashion Gurus will be the two Eco-Fashion Shows to take place throughout the weekend: one at 4:30 on Saturday April 4, 2009 and the other at 1:30 pm on Sunday April 5^th. The fashion shows will feature this season’s hottest new trends by a number of designers, especially those in New England. Organized by the School of Fashion Design of Boston in collaboration with D2E, the show is sure to be a great. Green Cotton will be there, covering the event, so stay tuned for some expert reporting on the fashion show. Meanwhile, check out D2E’s funny video clip “Eco Suit,” promoting the event: Eco Suit. View more of these D2E spots on The Hired Pens production site.

So who is behind this great even?

Photosource: Boston.com
Betty Fulton and Lorelei Grazier are the founders and co-directors of D2E, which is now approaching its second year. As some of you may be aware, the Green Festivals, which is one of (if not THE) largest consumer-oriented green expo’s in the country (and happens to be one of my favorite all time green events nationwide) does not come to Boston, sadly. Despite this, Betty and Lorelei set out to create a similar dyanmic green event in Boston and so far they have proven it possible. Down 2 Earth has quickly filled this gap, and if last year’s program is any indication, this year will be even more successful, especially given that sustainability and the environment are even more prominantely on our minds.

Details: Down:2:Earth will be held in the Hynes Convention Center, downtown Boston, Friday through Sunday April 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th.

The Hynes Convention Center is easily accessible by public transportation as it has a stop on the Green Line. Address:

900 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02115Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors.

Visit www.d2eboston.com for more details and to purchase discounted tickets.

Show Hours:

• Friday, April 3: 5pm–9pm (with a special cocktail hour event)
• Saturday, April 4: 11am–7pm
• Sunday, April 5: 11am–5pm

For a detailed look at the days schedule of events.

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