Tag Archives: global

Sustainable Style – Choose Eco-Friendly Fashion

Leave a reply

^ special thanks to writer Eve for her take on how to be ‘fashainable’ in this guest post:

Anyone with an ear to the fashion grapevine will know that sustainability is totally on-trend right now. Medical advancements mean that infant mortality rates have dropped hugely and we are now living longer than ever before – with the result that our clothing consumption has hit an all-time high. This means higher production rates, an increase in the number of designers wanting to break into this tough industry and, above all, a need for more and more materials.

Sustainable fashion, also known as eco fashion, has begun to infiltrate local chain stores as well as the catwalks, with designers from the top down using fair trade workers and non-toxic dyes in order to make a sustainable statement.

Understanding Eco Fashion

Many people assume that eco fashion is all about recycled fabrics and clothes made from leaves, but this is not true at all. There are a number of different ways you can make a difference to the way you shop without changing your style at all – in fact, you could already be eco-shopping without knowing it!

For example, if you choose faux fur over the genuine article or avoid leather like the plague, you are already following a vegan fashion pattern. Vegans will not wear (or eat) any animal by-product, therefore keeping fur and leather well away from their wardrobes. Or maybe you prefer your fashion one of a kind and therefore buy handmade items? In doing this, you are helping to cut down on waste which is created by mass manufacturing, whilst also ensuring you are buying a quality product which is created to last for years. This cuts down the need to constantly replace worn or damaged clothing, and thus saves the planet. Easy, huh?

There are plenty of resources out there which provide information on sustainable fashion, and once you understand how many ways there are to adopt a sustainable wardrobe, making the switch is a piece of cake.

How You Can Help

So you’ve already decided to cross-check every label for toxic dyes and sworn off anything which isn’t made from organic materials – excellent! You’ve taken a huge step forward and are definitely doing your bit for sustainable shopping. Yet the part many people forget is what to do with the clothes once you’ve finished with them. Shockingly many people forget that clothing and textiles are just as recyclable as plastics, cardboard and glass, and as a result tons of unwanted clothes end up on landfill sites every year. However, it is estimated that up to 95 per cent of these items could be re-worn, re-used or recycled. In that case – why not get creative?

Donating an unwanted sweater to charity or shredding up and old shirt to use as a cleaning cloth is a good place to start, but hardly the most inventive use of the materials at hand. An old pair of jeans with a hole in the knee could be turned into a cute pair of Daisy Dukes or a new purse, while the unused bottom half could be cut up, dyed or redesigned and turned into patches to customise other items. Sometimes, of course, things are too damaged to be saved or re-used, but this is where the true meaning of recycling comes in. Textile fibres or insulating materials can be created from these garments in an ideal example of preventing waste.

Smart Stores

Fortunately, fashion chain stores are now beginning to realise the impact our massive demand for new clothes is having on our planet. Last year, Zara announced its commitment to going toxic-free by reducing the number of hazardous chemicals used in its garment production, while H&M has recently launched an ethical fashion range called Conscious. As well as cutting down on the amount of water used in denim production and committing to using only organic cotton, the retailer is also rewarding customers for dropping off bags of recyclable clothing by giving them money off vouchers for each bag donated. It is very clear that the fashion world is embracing sustainability in a way few other industries are – while clothing manufacturers are making an attempt to use non-toxic dyes in clearing our waterways, the pharmaceutical industry continues to dump harmful materials in the system, for example.

As consumers, we dictate the trends, the styles and the way things are produced; or to put it more simply, if we don’t buy it they won’t make it. By raising awareness of the need for sustainability in all industries, we truly can change the world.

Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday! The Today Show Goes Green with Modavanti.com

Leave a reply

today

What’s the “new crop of eco-friendly clothes?” NBC News’ the Today Show says it’s “eco-chic” and doesn’t look quite like it used to anymore thanks to retailers like Modavanti.

Chassie Post from Gilt Groupe joined Today Show host Natalie Morales this morning to show us that yes, eco-fashion can be stylish. A family-friendly floral print from H&M’s Conscious Collection flounced down the outdoor runway—on a pair of women’s pants and on a dress for young girls made out of recycled polyester and organic cotton—setting the scene for what it means to be green.

Another eco-fabric showcased was Tencel, as seen on a model in a maxi dress by ecoSkin. Weary of water usage? The vest in that ensemble is from Levi’s Water<Less denim line which uses 90% less water in production. A vegan leather peplum top from Tinley Road followed and was paired with Edun jeans.

Edun will be on our site soon and joins our recently-added brand, Olsenhaus, which was featured in the next look of the Today Goes Green segment: the brand’s purely vegan sandals and a chambray shirt (by Kut from the Kloth) complimented our fairly-traded Peplum Skirt in Yellow by Afia. Help support a women’s cooperative in Ghana just by shopping the stylish skirt at Modavanti.com. Fahertybrand.com wrapped up the show with an eco-swimsuit and beach wrap.

The models looked great and you can, too, since Modavanti is moving #fashion #forward. The two fashion-forward hosts highlighted our philosophy—that eco-conscious means many things—so many, that we empower the consumer to design their own style philosophy and encourage users to shop what’s important to them. Wear our set of Sustainability Badges with pride as you decide for yourself what it means to be green.

Eco-fashion has evolved. Will you? #Jointhefuture

New York Socialite Shines Her Light on a New Social Project

Leave a reply

It happens on the subway, the sidewalk, and online: a second glance at a stylish somebody. Pair that figure with a fashionable pair of footwear and you’ve got yourself a case of the double-take. What makes me zoom-in? When a person surprises you with their outfit choice—those who take risks and explore new fashion territory. Enter: Olivia Palermo in Pikolinos. Decked out in beautiful, authentic pieces and standing proudly alongside members of an African tribe, Palermo’s photographed stance certainly made me look twice. In fact, it made me take a look through the Spanish brand’s 2013 campaign including an exceptional look book and of course, the special collection of shoes and bags.

pic-project-1

Johannes Huebl for Pikolinos

Where’s the script? There is none. No, this is not an episode of The City. Yes, this is an episode of the social star’s reality. The impeccable, dare I say iconic, Olivia Palermo has successfully navigated her way on-set to shooting on-location. She’s no stranger to the camera, yet these images made me see her in a new light. Her bright smile reflecting those of the Massai tribesmen and women was a refreshing take-five from her popular elegant pose. Of course, Palermo’s style is unrivaled: classically-chic with a perfectly approved seal of carefully selected accessories. Who better to star as the campaign’s new “protagonist” for this year’s Massai Project?

pic-project-1

1,600 women hand embroider the leather for the Pikolinos sandals

Now in its third year, the Massai Project was launched by Pikolinos to provide a mode of sustained employment for women in the Massai Mara of Kenya and Tanzania. The brand has maintained a special relationship with the project as it reaches new audiences. Hundreds of women benefit from the artisanal work in handcrafting and embroidering the line of sandals, children have increased access to education, and men learn about the opportunity to improve their family’s well-being when a woman works outside of the home. Olivia herself is another beneficiary; she was able to stitch soles alongside the female artisans and experience the African Savannah alongside the souls of the endangered Massai tribe.

pic-project-1

Olivia Palermo learning alongside Massai Mara women

Another special relationship is that of the ambassador and the campaign’s photographer who aptly captured an intimate glance at the oftentimes exposed personality. The relatable star makes you picture a reality where “another world is possible” while the talented cameraman uses technology as a medium to illustrate global evolvement—photography with a purpose as opposed to paparazzi with flashbulbs. International actors like Palermo, her partner (photographer Johannes Huebl), and the partner NGO ADCAM are necessary to this specific project’s effectiveness and to the overall progress towards sustainable development. Plus, the shoes are equal parts stunning and wearable (see below for my fave).

pic-project-1

Amani Watermelon

The current climate consists of talks about using technology to harness new energy sources. I’m elated to see this brand aid in harnessing arguably the most important source of energy on our planet: human nature. The most valuable component of sustainability to me is social inclusion. Can you picture yourself smiling brightly alongside the Massai? Pikolinos’ Massai Project is both inclusive and exclusive! Become a part of the production and follow @MassaiProject or take center-stage in Chelsea at the brand’s new pop-up store on Tuesday, April 16th. I can’t wait to get dressed with other #passionistas and join Olivia in NYC for the chance to shop shoes, make bracelets, and learn more about this amazing group of people lighting up the world!

Walking in a Pattern of History

Leave a reply

ATTENTION CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS: The Aztec/Geo/Tribal trend has gone global! Not that you needed that news flash since the multi-faceted design has erupted around the world. Just give the Manhattan-once-over to your fellow subway patrons, glance over the editorial magazines, or take a scroll through the blogosphere and you’re sure to witness the print’s explosion.

Of course you’ll find the typical photos snapped of rounded beauty Kim Kardashian strolling down the sidewalk dressed in a tight, form-fitting, geometric-print maxi with the slightest hint of color.

fashionbeautyglamour

And of course there are the troops of angular models clad in brightly-colored armor charging down the runways.

styloko

But even more exciting, Aztec/Geo/Tribal is growing in fields of everyday people seen sprouting their sense of appreciation for the international eye-catcher. The evolution of this tri-fold trend has made its way home to craftsmen in South America after circling ‘round the world.

Originally established in the Americas, ancient Mesoamerican architecture with massive structures of stairways and enclaves provided protection and served as temples. The Aztec/Geo/Tribal print of intricate lines and interlocking shapes is testament to that architectural aspect.

flickr

Originating in Central and South America during ancient times, the amalgamation of Spanish and New World tribal influences collided; these empires’ influential intersection in a fusion of foods, mixing of music, and amalgamation of art still exists today in the worldly wardrobe staple that is “geo.”

The geo-tribal influence returned to Europe in epic fashion proportions. From London-based designer Matthew Williamson’s fierce focus on “dynamic prints” in his 2009 collection to later collections at L.A.M.B., Missoni, and new-comer Whitney Eve; this pop of print has popped up all over the globe. Head down-under to find an Australian interpretation of the design at The Fashion Niche or to India for a glitzy glimpse of the print on the Bollywood scene.

Deepika Padukone

In the past, tribal clothing served as a means of separation among one’s position in society, but at present, the tribal trend is positioned as a universal unifier. Splashed across everything from couture dresses to commercial mini-skirts, men’s tank-tops, and basically every garment imaginable, the trend has flowed to footwear! And while the general consensus is to style the loud print with classic silhouettes and subtle accessory additions, I say go louder!

Flip this trend around with funky shoes like these Matthew Williamson sandals:

Matthew Williamson

Turn up the hype on mixing prints and wear a pair of Inkkas with your favorite Aztec top for a complimentary combination or just kick-it in some Low Tops with an ethical jean choice and an organic cotton tee.

Personally, I’d pair a pair of Inkkas High Tops with a white linen, ruffled eyelet dress and be one fly señorita.

Blue Mist High Tops

Only a true trend-setter can pull off Inkkas’ line of sneakers.

The only question is:

are you willing to make the sacrifice?

Inkkas foregoes 10% of its profits to benefit the Amazon rain forest and its collections are hand-made by artisans in Peru. The brand’s fabrics sourced from local regions in beautiful bold patterns is sustainable fashion development at its finest.

Keep the geo trend evolving with a bright step forward in Inkkas’ products.

Inkkas

“Don’t just buy a product, buy a small piece of a better world.”