Today we’re changing it up and heading in the direction of eco-fashion. Since LPN focuses on all aspects of natural living and wellness, it’s interesting to highlight things a bit off the beauty and skincare path once in a while. Today I’m excited to feature a guest post from a fellow eco-blogger, Annika Tibando. Residing in New York, Annika has a passion for fashion – sustainable fashion that is. As we roll out of summer and into the fall, she wraps up for us the summer trends in eco-fashion. If you want to see more comment below!
Light and love headed your way!
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Fashionably Green Guest Post
I am constantly thrilled to learn about new sustainable brands, companies and organizations which are setting the benchmark for inspiring design an innovation. Long gone are the old stereotypes of bland “Eco” fashion. That mentality is slowly melting away as people become better educated and interested in sustainable design.
And with this in mind, now that summer may be approaching an end, lets take this moment to recap some of my summer fav’s from head to toe; jewelry, swim, clothing, accessories and shoes! Focusing on New York based designers. It’s best to remember though, that fashion conscious brands like the ones listed here run in smaller volumes using high-quality materials with sustainable and ethical practices, thus these are not forever 21 prices. You pay for the integrity of these brands, which I must say are fairly priced when considering the alternatives!
MARA HOFFMAN
A total babe & spiritual goddess, Mara is undoubtedly known for her kaleidoscope of tribal prints, evil eyes, dream-catchers & crystals that create a truly modern take on the boho style. Oh and how could I almost forget, her swimwear! They are top of my list for summer purchases.
Having met her a few times now, I feel a tease in her presence. She collaborates with a number of local artists with sustainable fashion initiatives, such as Pamella Love & Osborn Shoes.
Why I like her label,? Well besides the bold prints and lively colour palette, her brand radiates good karma. Although I wish there was a stronger focus on sustainable initiatives within her own styles, many of designs are made in the US, while she promotes those who do and designs with positive intention.
Mara is a contemporary designer brand, you can expect prices between $200- 800 +.
Where to Buy: Online at www.marahoffman.com
LEMLEM
Lemlem may very well be the coolest way to breeze through the summer heat. But first lets start with the founder, Supermodel / actress and former World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede! She discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods and wanted to do something about it. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving
I have a total crush on the Rucha Split Cover-ups, as well as their scarfs. And well for those with kids, she’s got that covered too!
Lemlem is a contemporary brand fairly priced btw $110-500.
Where to Buy: Online on Lemlem’s website (stock list also available), as well as Barneys, Jcrew, Scoop & Creatures of Comfort.
ACE & JIG
I discovered Ace & Jig in my native home, Vancouver a little over a year ago at another fav boutique, One of a Few in Gastown. I was drawn to the gauze cotton cut in minimalistic styles and bold pattern and colours. I quickly inquired about their story and learned that the label works with textile specialists in India, weaving on ancient wooden handlooms. They travel several times a year to work one-on-one with weavers to create their authentic fabrics. Their Indian partners equally share their core values and practice holistic kaizen philosophy, while providing free childcare and using reclaimed water to grow organic produce for their employees.
This contemporary brand is affordable with price points between $150-500 respectively.
Where to Buy:
Online on their website: http://www.aceandjig.com . New York: Barneys, Steve Allan among many others… In Vancouver Canada at: One of a Few. Check on the website for the entire global stock list.
PAMELLA LOVE
Her name itself sparks interest. Even if you’ve never heard of her before now, you’re probably thinking you have, the name is just to familiar and has that star like quality. That’s not far off, as her gemstones have the luster and sparkle like the night skies. Pamella’s carefully crafted collection is committed to sustainability and local production. As stated on her website, “all gemstones and semiprecious stones are ethically sourced and almost all metal used is recycled. The entire jewelry-making process, from design to sampling to full-scale production, is completed domestically with the majority of it done in-house at Pamela Love’s Manhattan studio.”
Too boot, Pamela Love’s creations are rooted with spiritual and intuitive influence from astronomy, astrology, alchemy, botany, the American Southwest and the architecture of her home, New York City. Quite often she incorporates traditional tribal artisan patterns from North Africa, Mexican folk art, and medieval European iconography into her designs. The result is signature pieces, easily identifiable with the Pamella aesthetic.
Pamella’s collaborated with a number of designers, which include some of my favorites as well: Suno, Mara Hoffman, as well as, Zadig & Voltaire, Zac Posen, JCrew,, and Opening Ceremony.
Her price point varies depending on the metals and gems used ($200-1000+) but you are guaranteed to have a timeless piece in your jewelry collection.
Now that’s beautiful!
Where to Buy: Online at www.pamelalovenyc.com (full stock list of stores available).
OSBORN SHOES
Last year I posted this photos on Instagram:
A true summer favourite of mine. In fact when I love something I usually buy them in twos! This was no exception. I bought the ones above and these little lace slip-ons as well. Truth be told, I had to break them in and the first few wears were a little painful. However once they were broken in, they were a total dream to wear from morning to night, pounding the pavement!
I discovered them at the New York, Brooklyn Flea Market in Williamsburg. After eyeing them on a few visits, I finally made the move to buy them. By that time I was a regular visitor to the co-owner who ran the market location. It was during these visits I learned and fell in love with their story behind the brand.
Vertically integrated, these shoes are made ethically in Guatemala using traditional techniques sustainably to craft hand spun, woven & dyed textiles, using local leather for the soles and upper. They are among the few who carefully offer small-batch, direct to consumer footwear using eco-materials, which ultimately create one of kind creations. In fact, I am wearing one of them now as I write this!
There shoes are actually very reasonably priced, and the quality is fantastic. You’ll have them for years to come!
Where to Buy: Online at www.shoposborn.com (stock list available)
About Annika
Annika who resides in New York City is originally from Vancouver, Canada. She’s a graduate of the Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design Program from Ryerson University in Toronto. Annika has since designed for the global design house of Diane Von Furstenberg and sustainable-designer, Nina Skarra. Currently, she is the Creative Director behind & upcoming performance based, lifestyle driven brand Aroque Athletic. Learn more about sustainable-fashion and her experience on her site: http://annikatibando.com/
