Eco Chic: Movement? Or Marketing?

The term Eco-chic represents a current trend merging the concepts of high-fashion, global responsibility and sustainability. This term has been circulating in main stream media for a few years now but I have often wondered if it is just a genius marketing ploy for large corporations to ride on the heels of scientific information and the global concern for our planet, to capitalize on the demise of the earth as we know it; Or is there really something to the whole Eco-chic concept as a mind set or a movement in the right direction? It seems that the latest must have fashion accessory is a social conscience and I say it’s about time! Eco chic to me is a lifestyle. To merge global awareness and living green into your lifestyle in all that you do, including how you dress.

Try these facts on:

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Textile Recycling, used clothing and/or textile waste (which is also includes shoes, household linens and accessories) represents up to 5% of U.S. landfills.

According to data from the EPA (www.epa.gov) In the US an estimated 12.4 million tons of textiles were generated in 2008, or 5.0 percent of total municipal solid waste (MSW) generation.

What about the clothing and textiles that DO sit in the landfill, besides taking up space they are toxic to the water and soil. This presents real problems as synthetic fibres do not decompose and while items made from natural fibres like cotton do, they produce methane which contributes to global warming.

According to: http://www.anturwaunfawr.org/English%20site/clothes_recycling.htm
"Textile waste in landfill contributes to the formation of leachate (is the liquid that drains or 'leaches' from a landfill) as it decomposes, which has the potential to contaminate both surface and groundwater sources. Another product of decomposition in landfill is methane gas, which is a major greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to global warming.

The decomposition of organic fibres and yarn such as wool produces large amounts of ammonia as well as methane. Ammonia is highly toxic in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, and can be toxic in gaseous form. It has the potential to increase nitrogen in drinking water, which can have adverse effect on humans "




SOME people are getting the message: The textile recycling industry annually prevents 2.5 billion pounds of postconsumer textile product waste from entering the solid waste stream, according to the Council for Textile Recycling.

and a UK recycling website suggests "If each person in the bought one recycled garment each year, it would save an average of 371 million gallons of water and 480 tonnes of chemical dyestuffs. (http://www.anturwaunfawr.org/English%20site/clothes_recycling.htm)

How can YOU make an impact on the environment through fashion?


1) Buy Vintage, Used or Resale clothing. Purchasing vintage clothing and taking a look into fashion’s past is a wonderful way to recycle fashion. Choose vintage pieces and style them with the clothing and accessories that you already have. You can visit your local thrift, consignment, or on-line boutiques for vintage (pre 1989) and contemporary, previously loved clothing, shoes and accessories. Having a passion for the past and styling vintage current is also showing your respect for the future by limiting your consumption.

2) Re-Style what you already have. Take a stroll through you closet, drawers and storage facility and put your creativity to the test. Re-style new looks using the clothing shoes and accessories that you already have, thereby avoiding acquiring more. It IS possible to revamp your own wardrobe, be gentler to the environment and your wallet.

3) Donate clothes from your personal collection and pay it forward. Give someone else an opportunity to style your used clothing into their Eco chic wardrobe. Take your clothes to a consignment shop or a donation center and recycle them the same way you recycle your cans and bottles.

4) Re-purpose and re-design your clothing buy making minor alterations to make the garment new and fresh. You love your black long sleeved tunic what about removing the sleeves to give it a new appearance and style it with accessories, a bag and/or shoes you have never worn before.

The concept of Eco chic should not encourage more consumerism but inspire a lifestyle change and adaptation to a new view of your wardrobe and all it’s possibilities. This is not to say you will not or do not buy new items but give a second look at what you have. It is unrealistic to assume that you would not purchase new items or consume new clothing or accessories. However, my ECO-CHIC message is simply that you could reduce the amount you consume being gntler on the environmant, fashion-forward AND stylish! Give those creative muscles a work out and try to recycle, re-style fashion and respect the environment.

My final thoughts: Making the decision NOT to be Eco-Chic is real GARBAGE!

L
XO

SHOP FOR VINTAGE AND DESIGNER RE-SALE ITEMS ~ www.evolution-vintage.com

Ferragamo Fabulous

*Spring/Summer 2010 AD* (VERY Vintage inspired .. reminds me of the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock’s film “To Catch a Thief")




SHOES ... the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Ferragamo, right after I stop salivating at the thought of one of his luxury, hand crafted pieces slipping onto my anti-Cinderella foot. Imagine my very own foot mould - WHAT? *DREAMY*




Salvatore Ferragamo (June 5, 1898 - August 7, 1960) was a 20th century shoe designer from Italy who supplied Hollywood's beautiful people and select clients with unique and hand crafted shoes. He became a favourite of actors and actresses like Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Rodolfo Valentino, who fell in love with those shoes made by hand and smoothly embracing their feet, created with the most extravagant materials, oriental silk, feathers, brocade.


Joan Crawford in Ferragamo Hollywood store - 1928


Sophia Loren


Sophia Loren ~ 1950's


Audrey Hepburn



He soon expanded his brand to encompass all things fabulous: Footwear, handbags, scarves, ties, men's and women's ready to wear, bijoux (French for:something delicate, elegant, or highly prized) , watches, fragrances and eye wear.

His career really started in California where he designed specifically for Hollywood productions in the 1920's. Although it must be mentioned that he designed and crafted his first par of shoes at the age of 9 for his sisters confirmation and never looked back. What were you doing at age 9? not making shoes .. sneaking into your older sisters room to read her Vogue mags and tear out the Versace ad's so you could marvel at them maybe, but hand crafting wearable confirmation footwear?? umm no.

Flash Forward: Salvatore Ferragamo Italia S.p.A., founded in 1927, is one of the most prestigious and internationally known luxury brands, with more than 450 stores in over 55 countries!!!


Recently (Feb 09) the company has attempted to become more Eco-Fabulous by introducing a line of bags that are said to have been developed to underscore Ferragamo’s core values and its focus on global conservation. The bags are crafted with an innovative tanning technique that results in metal-free colored leathers without pollutants and that they are dyed using tannins derived from tree barks, a process certified by the German Institute SG — Mark guaranteeing that no environmentally harmful substances have been used based on 10 strict parameters.The soft bags also reportedly have a natural texture and sheen, are lined in handwoven hem, and are completely biodegradable and water resistant.






The house of Ferragamo has a rich history and a HUGE celebrity following.


Demi, Eva & Hilary all <3 The Ferragamo clutch


Celeb Stylist (and the woman who has my DREAM job!) Rachel Zoe 2009


SJP with a Ferragamo feather clutch

((There are literally Thousands of celebs wearing Ferragamo clothing & accessories, on and off the red carpet .. I could not possible post them all))


Take a piece of fashion history home. Evolution Vintage is currently featuring 3 pairs of Ferragamo footwear (shop: www.evolution-vintage.com):











Planning to visit Italy?? Go to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence (opened to the public since 1995). The museum was created/opened in an effort to illustrate Ferragamo's artistic qualities and the important role he played in the history of shoe design and international fashion. Besides photographs, patents, sketches, books, magazines and wooden lasts of various famous feet, the museum boasts a collection of draws 10,000 models designed by Ferragamo from the end of the 1920's until 1960, the year of his death.




The exhibits are constantly changing based on seasons and themes. It also promotes and hosts exhibitions and events linked to art and culture. The current show (according to their web site) is "Creativity in Color"













(http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Ferragamo_museum.html). This fashionable feast for the eyes have been added to my personal "Life to do List".

Can you imagine these creations & designs in the 1940's? 2 words: Genius & Visionary:


Patent 19736, 1941:
Layered platform sole and connection between heel and sole.
(image courtesy museo Salvatore Ferragamo)


Sandal 1940 (I want to meet the woman who ROCKED these in the 40's) Made from covered Cork.

The invisible shoe:

in 1947, ferragamo designed a continuous thread upper
consisting of a transparent nylon thread-like element, which gave rise
to the invisible sandal, a classic in today's footwear.



Ferragamo Fabulous ~ Good for the sole.



SHOP: www.ferragamo.com

To Turban or not To Turban?

One of the season's most interesting accessories is the "Turban" or "Turband". We've seen it all before, just like any "trend" but would you ROCK it for summer 2010?

It's not just for covering up those roots between colours or for "difficult"/bad hair days. It is a new chic hair/head accessory... or is it? YOU DECIDE. To Turban or not to Turban that is the Spring/Summer 2010 accessory question.

Turbans tromped town the runways in 2007 courtesy of Miuccia Prada and Ralph Lauren.
PRADA 2007



Celebs like Mary Kate Olsen and JLO rocked the Turband in 07:


Mary Kate's Turband 07


JLO @ MTV Awards 07


Kate Moss gave us a shining example of a chic turban in 2009 on the red carpet at the MET.


Carol Alt Rocks a Turband in the 1980s

The pages of Marie Clair magazine featured the turban for S/S 2010

Marie Clair - March 2010

and it has even made it's way into the much anticipated Sex and the City sequel film on the fab head of Carrie Bradshaw.


We have seen many versions over the years but where did they come from?

According to my research the first mention of turbans dates back to the end of the fourteenth Century, at the end of the Moorish occupation in Spain. Turbans were first introduced into English fashion in the 1790’s inspired by England’s increased trade with India for cotton. The French brought the Turban to the forefront of fashion in the 20th century via couturier Paul Poiret. See his wife Denise and muse in one of his designs:

Paul Poiret and his Oriental influence - Costume 1911

Many versions manifested from the 1920's well through the 1950's. All different versions, styles, colours, fabrics.

VINTAGE YSL (Velvet)

MY GRANDMOTHER Phyllis 1943

Vintage Turban (Crochet)


Middle-East meets mid-town Manhattan ... Can you Turban?

I know I CAN!!!

Wear your own skin

Faux Fur is a topic that I feel is very important in fashion. Many designers and brands have opted to utilize this synthetic fabric as opposed to causing unnecessary harm to defenceless animals - BRAVO! I think killing and removing another living creatures skin to wear it is the LEAST luxurious thing you can do. It does not exude status or style it shows me a lack of character and compassion. It is not CHIC it is WEAK.

Let's talk about the wonder that is faux fur shall we.

FAUX FUR FACS: Fake fur is a type of textile fabric fashioned to look like genuine animal fur. It is known as a pile fabric and is typically made from polymeric fibers that are processed, dyed, and cut to match a specific fur texture and color. First introduced in 1929, advances in polymer technology have greatly improved faux fur quality. Today's fake furs can be nearly indistinguishable from the natural furs they imitate.

In the 1940s, the quality of fake furs was vastly improved by advances in textile manufacture technology. However, the true modern fake furs were not developed until the mid 1950s, with the introduction of acrylic polymers as replacements for alpaca hair. These polymers were particularly important because they could provide the bulk required to imitate real fur without the weight associated with other fake fur fabrics. They were also easier to color and texture than alpaca fibers.


What does Tim Gunn & PETA Say? do YOU know where fur comes from? really?







I was pleasantly surprised to learn that even Karl Lagerfeld, for CHANEL has changed his perspective on fur for F/W 2010 collection: “Technical advances are so perfect you can hardly tell fake fur from the real thing. Fake is not chic — we have got a new Chanel tweed to stop copies — but fake fur is.”


FAUX

FAUX


FAUX

He still needs to change his "Fendi" attitude as he will continue to show real fur in his collections for the house.

Other FUR-FREE designers/Retailers include (but are not limited to the following): Betsey Johnson, Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Top shop, Polo Ralph Lauren, Old Navy/Gap/Piperlime/Bananna Republic, Liz Claiborne, Inc.(incl. 15 brands), H&M, Guess? Inc., BCBG Max Azria ...and MANY others. My Faux Fur hat off to all of you! for being Compassionate & Creative!

List of Friendly & Fabulous Designers

Designers duty to fashion and clients is to be CREATIVE. With the thousands of other textile choices why choose cruelty or murder? real fur is FAUX-Fabulous ~ Wear your own skin!


SHOP FAUX FUR @ EVOLUTION VINTAGE



Beige VINTAGE FAUX Fur Capelet Jacket/Cape. Floral pattern on silk liner. "Glenoit" label (A Luxuriant Pile Fabric) - No Size. Open Concept. Front Arm slits. Excellent condition with the exception of an "H" written on the liner in black marker (inside @ neckine) - I wonder who Mrs/Miss "H" was?

Vintage Saks Fifth Ave Faux Fur Bomber Jacket

Spring/Summer 2010: Buggy-licious

I have just found my 2 new favorite Spring/Summer 2010 accessories and felt compelled to share them.

Both come from the magical world that is Betsey Johnson: The Large Beetle Charm Necklace with double black and white gingham bows was the perfect addition to my accessory collection. It reminded me of an Egyptian artifact, a Scarab. I think I was channeling my inner Cleopatra at the time of purchase. I just got 5 inches chopped from my black locks and now sport a Cleo-esque long bob. Yummy for summer and perfect for my new Beetle friend. His eyes are 2 emerald stones and the body is gold/white.




When moving away from the counter out of the corner of my eye I saw a black bejeweled snake ring peering at me inside the case. curled up in a hot pink satin ring box lined with leopard print fabric I had to take a closer look. I'm not usually a snake fan however one with jeweled eyes I can tolerate and learn to love. Upon closer inspection I instantly gave it a new home on my index finger.




Make your summer Buggy-licious and try a new accessory: A butterfly broach, a ladybug ring, or grab yourself a beetle bracelet.

I DARE YOU...

To try a new fragrance this Spring/Summer. Tis the season to stop and smell the proverbial roses, take in the scents and sights now that we have left winter behind. Spring metaphorically represents renewal, change, and romanticism to me. So does trying a new fragrance.

I have recently discovered a new scent to add to my aroma arsenal: Baby Phat's DARE ME by Kimora Lee Simmons. This is the 5th fragrance to join my collection and the 5th created by KLS. It is an interesting concept more of us should adopt, in spring and all seasons.

Her description on the box:

"Dare me is the essence of independence.
Life is your runway.. Own the catwalk.
Take center stage.
You are bold and fearless.
You are sexy and smart.
Dare to be glamorous.
Dare to be edgy.
If you can dream it, you can be it.
I DARE you."



KIMORA SAYS: “It was extremely important to me that my new fragrance help inspire young women. My goal was to send a strong and very real message about independence and empowerment. In doing so, I wrote an inspirational quote (inscribed on the DARE ME carton) for young women.”


Is this a mantra in a bottle? a spray of confidence perhaps? You be the judge. I think that it is uplifting, inspiring and FABULOUS - XO Women young and old need more messages like this!!

It's packaging is bright and pretty and the price is right. The collection includes:

Eau de Toilette 1.0 oz / 30ml $28.00

Eau de Toilette 0.5 oz / 15ml $17.00

Eau de Toilette Travel Size $12.99



I love the jeweled cap: VERY KIMORA!

The Scent it's self in my opinion is Floral Flirty Fun! I am partial to citrus scents but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. There are fruity undertones and the floral scents are not overwhelming but subtle and clean.

The Scent Specifics:

Top Notes: Magnolia & Coconut Milk & Neroli

Mid Notes: Honeysuckle Nectar, Blackberry Crème & Red Vinella Orchid

Bottom notes: Crème de Musk and Sandalwood

Give it a try if you DARE. I really like it. However I have to honestly say that it is my 2nd favourite KLS fragrance right behind "Fabulosity" which is always in heavy aromatic rotation in my daily routine.

Where to get/sample DARE ME?

It is widely available in the US & CANADA at the following locations (which include but are not limited to)USA: Walgreens, Target, Kohl's, Walmart, Sears, Rite*Aide, K-Mart & CAN: Shoppers Drug Mart, Zellers (Sears/Walmart)

for more about the Baby Phat fragrance line visit: http://www.babyphatfragrances.com/

FOLLOW Baby Phat for daily chances to win your very own bottle of DARE ME, but be prepared to be bold and participate in their daily dare:

www.twitter.com/babyphat

AND

FOLLOW Kimora on Twitter for your daily does of virtual Fabulosity:

www.twitter.com/OfficialKimora