What's Happening Right NOW...

Have you met Amy?

2011-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Feb. 20th 4-6:30 pm
Are you a buyer? Have a sustainable shopping venue you want to promote? A new exhibit or collaboration your store is about to launch? Then come meet Amy DuFault, Fashion Editor of EcoSalon, (the web's #1 sustainable site for women), and give her an earful. DuFault will be on hand from 4-6 at NOW's cocktail party and ready with pad and paper to take notes, your card and any funny story you want to tell her.

News and Updates...

2011-02-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Feb. 19th 4-6:30 pm

Were you a fan of last season's Project Runway? Then come meet the winner. Gretchen Jone s, designer and EcoSalon fashion columnist of "My Designer Life," will be on hand at The Now Showcase cocktail party from 4-6 to talk about anything you deem sustainable. About to launch her first collection since her PR win, Jones will have look books on hand to show.

eco-chic . eco-smart . eco-sexy

2011-02-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

EcoSkin A collection of chic, modern styles in soft, luxurious fabrics created by an environmentally responsible production process (www.ecoskincollections.com)

"commitment and devotion to eco-sexy fashion"

2011-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Deborah Lingquist Environmentally conscious couture and ready-to-wear apparel that incorporates a mix of “reincarnated” and new Earth-friendly fabrics, specifically known for its vintage cashmere (www.deborahlindquist.com)

"Its not enough for us to be happy, everyone has to be happy".

2011-02-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Creem Sustainably-produced active wear inspired by their soft and luscious fabrics

(www.creemcollection.com)

"Sustainable Apparel"

2011-02-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

Chem Line Vintage-inspired and classically tailored women's collection using sustainable and organic textiles and materials (www.chemlineapparel.com)

"A natural love story"

2011-02-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Andy Lifschutz Artisan-style jewelry incorporating raw elements such as reclaimed metals, wood, bone and stone (www.andylifschutz.com)

We love...

2011-02-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

A.D.O. A line of comfortable clothing designed for the active woman using the Indian tradition of natural herb dyes (www.adoclothing.com)

NOW Showcase Featured Brands

2011-02-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

“Last season, NOW Showcase drew over 600 visits from U.S., European and Asian buyers,” says NOW Showcase Co-Founder Raina Blyer. “We’re building on that success to continue to grow and accommodate more brands while nurturing returning designers, demonstrating the green movement’s rising prominence within the fashion industry.”

NOW Showcase Featured Brands Include:

Adie and George Collection of flowing eco knits made from soft color dyes of plants indigenous to California (www.adieandgeorge.blogspot.com)

Eco-Fashion Trade Show NOW Showcase Returns: Gathering Sustainable Fashion, Accessory & Beauty Brands Under One Roof

2011-02-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

New York City, February 3, 2011 – NOW Showcase (www.nowshowcase.com), the United States’ premier ethical trade show, is gathering together the most exciting and cutting-edge environmentally focused fashion, accessory and beauty brands at their 6^th semi-annual event in New York City. NOW Showcase creates an intimate and personal platform for designers to collaborate and combine resources, permitting them to collectively forward their sustainable brands through this unique eco-fashion trade show, held February 19-21 at the Terminal Building (651 West 27^th St).

NOW Showcase is the launch pad for new ideas and a new breed of design. All participating designers are aligned for the show’s conscious credo and forward style, employing environmentally conscious practices or sustainable materials. Buyers and retailers will be given the opportunity to see the newest in progressive, independent, environmentally conscious, locally produced, fashion, accessory and lifestyle brands between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

To further facilitate interaction and valuable networking, this year’s show will provide breakfast on-site 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. daily for all designers and buyers, as well as cocktail hours from 4 – 6:30 p.m. sponsored by Gypsy Tea and Fair Vodka. Sustainable fashion designer Gretchen Jones, winner of Project Runway season eight and writer for EcoSalon will host the cocktail hour on Saturday. Amy DuFault, Fashion editor for EcoSalon will host the cocktail hour on Sunday, February 20^th at which Default will be interviewing buyers to get their thoughts on the collections for her blog.

The NOW Showcase designers brought a bit of eclectic luxury to SoEthic

2011-01-31T06:22:00.000-08:00

Jenifer Miller of Mission Savvy an Eco fashion boutique in WV teamed up with The NOW Showcase and journeyed with the crew to Paris for the So Ethic Pret a Porter Show. Here is what she had to say.

One prediction that was impossible to make prior to arriving in Paris was how exactly US based ethical brands would blend with resident European brands at SoEthic.

I mentioned previously that in speaking with local boutiques in Paris I understood two things: 1) Most (except one) choose to not brand themselves as “green” or any cousin form of the word & 2) do not intentionally seek out ethical designers for their collections.

It's difficult to steer clear of the perpetual comparison to NY market. After touring SoEthic the first day this popped into my mind: maybe their reaction to ethical designs has something to do with what is available to them?

Let me just preface this first by saying that this is merely a personal perspective and a reflection of a personal sense of what my consumers want and in no way is meant to degrade any European label I encountered. Differentiating is not degrading, it's understanding how they all compliment each other under this same ethical brand.

My drafted conclusion is that the NOW Showcase designers brought a bit of eclectic luxury to SoEthic that was missing.

Alex Bell and Shira Entis, the lovely, vibratious designers behind Fleabags, a high end and successful collecion of totes, explained to me that while their collection is

created with organic and reclaimed materials “being environmentally conscious is only part of the story,” says Shira. The concept behind the look and development for a particular market is another part of the story. It is essential that their collection be merchandised with other high end collections. And if the buyers are not going to voluntarily seek out SoEthic they may need to reconsider their future approach to showcasing. “But this is something we could have never known, you always have to give something a shot once and then you learn. Coming as a group with NOW was the right move for us this trip.”

The same can be applied to the other designers that joined NOW in Paris. This is all feedback NOW will consider when traveling abroad next season. How can seemingly more high end, ethical, US based brands integrate internatinoally under the umbrella of the “green” label.

So who were our neighbors? Here's some of the best of!

What was really interesting were the number of fair trade brands such as Samomaya (Andes), L' Herberouge (Madagascar) and Bibico (India and Nepal). All of which work with communities to support artisan craft. It's relatively easy for US based boutiques, like myself, to fill racks with “Made In the USA” mindset. The diversity and quantity is available to us and it's a great marketing statement to use.

However, seeing for the first time these fair trade garments up and close and really listening to how personally invested these labels are with on-the-ground production is comforting that “Made In India” or whatever the country is actually OK. (See interesting article by Amy Dufault on Eco Salon “Is The Made In China Backlash Racist?”)

Overall these fair trade brands bring in collections heavy in wool, alpacha and mohair because their livelihoods revolve around the humane farming of these animals for clothing. Hence the large quantity of sweaters at SoEthic in all styles for the Fall season!

Locally produced brands included the sophisticated label KAMI which has been around for 20 years and Eros & Agape with its very southern France feel. These were my two favorites.

NOW designers enter international market

2011-01-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

Taking this first step abroad outside the comforts of NYC, where a collaborative of designers have grown exponentially the past three years, the NOW Showcase begins to clear a new path for ethical designers internationally.

At the moment NOW's select group of six US based designers have joined a Paris showcase called So Ethic within a larger showcase called Prêt à Porter - complimenting an expanding collection of European ethical designers who have supported So Ethic for the past several years.

“Alliances among designers and collaborations with other companies is the foundation of NOW” says co-founder Eileen Moran. “It is how and why we started three years ago.”

Two days in and with a consistent flow of buyers from all over the world, NOW designers are reassured that this trip is the link connecting current success in the US with the potential for growth. A potential obtained by expanding the horizon of sales opportunities internationally.

Heidi of Heidi Roland was anxious to “see what is happening in the fashion pulse of the world. Paris has pushed me to the next level with my collections, to really look at who the brand is, to thoroughly research product sourcement and become an expert.” Heidi has always had plans to travel to Paris when her collection, but she emphasized the appeal of joining the NOW designers and anticipates new discoveries in this journey that will benefit her in the long run.

Dana Ayanna of ARTAYA has been developing the presentation of her jewelry collection since 2004 and now, just in time for Paris has an appearance that she knows works really well. “Keeping it simple using aged and antique wood pieces against the bold colors of the jewelry” is the secret she says. Seven years in, Dana knew she was ready to go international and will continue to benefit from the alliance of ethical designers at NOW.

While the advantages of traveling and showcasing together have played into the designers favor this season, skepticism on the buying end still needs some convincing.

Yesterday I was visiting a number of boutiques in a popular shopping district in Paris and had an extended conversation with one boutique owner about the quality of ethical designs. She said to me that her experience with ethical designers is that they are more concerned with environmental responsibility than design. I'm not entirely sure what her experiences had been in the ethical world to form such an opinion but this is a perfect example of how the presence of multiple designers, independently strong in design can challenge those perceptions. Of course I offered her a personal invitation to So Ethic :)

“We select the designers from the buyers perspective and choosing a diverse and dynamic sampling of accessories, handbags and womenswear”, says Eileen. “For Paris we chose designers that were interesting, offering something different from what other designers are showing, but the designers also had to be prepared to sell abroad and handle all that entails (early production, shipping, taxes, etc).”

Joining forces in this new experience together allows everyone go through the learning curve together and ultimately saves time in the long run.

For Kelly of Kelly Lane Designs this international trip will help her develop her brand and test out the overall reaction to her collection in a new way. “I see this as an opportunity to better understand the ethical market in general,” she says and “the ability to try something new with the safety net of a group is priceless.” Kelly plans to make adjustments in her timetable of production from now on to accommodate an international market. Her designs can now be found in Rome and Paris.

Eileen comments that “we had a vision since the beginning to take our designers and the community to other cities and this opportunity presented itself at the perfect moment. We hope to expand our horizons, be inspired, share information, learn how they do what they do and join forces where possible.”

Stay tuned for more from Paris as we continue to further investigate the international ethical world from a designer and buyer perspective!

Why people love NOW

2011-01-23T04:54:00.000-08:00

Suzan Beers, our intern from the Netherlands joined our team last November. Working with NOW opened her eyes: "While I was finishing my Bachelors Communication and Information Studies I thought about how everybody just keeps on going. Students finish their studies and search for a job, just as people expect them to do. For me simply continue and start my Masters would be too easy. Besides, I thought I was too young to really decide what I wanted to study for my Masters and then go to work. That's why I decided to pack my bags and go to New York for half a year to study Fashion & Design. After some struggling I switched to Media & Art and started looking for an internship.

My ideal job would be a combination of marketing, communication, fashion and as international as possible, as I speak a lot of languages. Eileen crossed my path with the NOW SHOWCASE and I started to work in the eco fashionworld. It is fashion, with a little extra. You never know what you can expect and look where I am now: living with five inspiring, ambitious and very interesting ladies in a small apartment in Paris to show Europe how beautiful US eco design is. It's an experience of a lifetime and it changes the way I look at things. I love it."

NOW arrived in Paris!

2011-01-21T04:25:00.000-08:00

The designers of the NOW SHOWCASE didn’t have much time to enjoy one of the most beautiful and lovely cities of Europe. After arriving in Paris it was time to get things ready to role! At their own risk the designers of Fleabags, JAI & JAI Activewear, ARTAYA, Kelly Lane, Heidi Roland, Ailin and Origin 23 took a couple of metro trains, packed with suitcases full of their fall 2011 creations. The trip to Porte de Versailles was an adventure on itself.

Florence, the coordinator of So Ethic, gave us a warm welcome in Hall 7. And after a long day we magically transferred the cold white space into a cozy, natural area full of the most beautiful sustainable and organic bags, clothes and accessories.

To get a bit of a feeling about how it works getting our ambitious and excited ready for a trade show, of course we have some pictures. NOW get that champagne popping! We are totally ready to make our debut in Paris!

Why NOW SHOWCASE at SO ETHIC PARIS?

2011-01-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

NOW co-founder Eileen Moran of Origin23 Showroom says “I first attended this Prêt à Porter Paris in '08 and was impressed with how many incredible designers were there from so many countries showcasing ‘their take’ on ethical fashion, especially England, such as Ciel among others, but was curious why there were not more eco designers from the US on display at that time. Since starting up NOW Showcase in NYC 3 years ago and since my last visit to this show in Paris, the US community of designers committed to working fairly has grown exponentially... its amazing to see. The designers we invited to bring with us are a fresh and dynamic sampling of what the US has to offer right NOW”

Eileen Moran
NOW co-founder and founder of Origin Twenty Three
www.origintwentythree.com

What is in the future for NOW? PARIS

2011-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

First-ever partnership of NOW Showcase at So Ethic Prêt à Porter Paris

With a mission to promote US designers SoEthic Prêt à Porter Paris has invited a handful of designers to participate in the Fall 2011 show next week!

Featuring 6 up and coming US designers from NYC, DC, Pittsburg and Philadelphia who are all showing Handbags, Jewelry, Women’s Ready To Wear, Outerwear and Accessories lines for the first time in Paris.

NOW that's a good start to the year!

Looking at the NOW...

2011-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

www.savethegarmentcenter.org

On the terrace at one of our NYC shows.

There are always treats and surprises for you when your in with The NOW.

Ace Marketing sponsored these eco-friendly notebooks that we gave away at the last show! Did you get one?

NOW Collaborations....

2011-01-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

NOWSHOWCASE usually occurs during NYC Market Week, alongside D&A, Coterie and Train. Last season, its 5^th, for the first time ever, The Train, The Box, and Rendez-Vouz collaborated with NOW Showcase in a rare NY Market Week partnership in the Terminal building opening the flow of attendees to each others show drawing 600 visits from U.S., European and Asian buyers. All of the designers are known for the show’s conscious credo and forward style: Fair. Sustainable. Forward….That’s why buyers from high-end retail like Harvey Nichols, Takashimaya Tokyo, Fred Segal, Joan Shepp, Anthropologie and ABC Carpet & Home write orders every season. NOW lines are also carried at edgy boutiques, like New York’s Kaight, Santa Barbara’s Wendy Foster, Chicago’s Bonnie and Clyde’s, and LA’s Thesis.

Its all about the NOW right!!!

Happy New Year with Love from The NOW Showcase crew

2011-01-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

2011 is going to be a fantastic Year and we at The NOW Showcase are super excited about this season....NOW is going Global, so stay tuned!!!!

Paris here we come...

2011-01-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

At the start of a new eco-fabulous decade Now Showcase is taking six ethical designers on a trip to Paris! How fantastic is that?! With a special feature at the So Ethic PRÊT À PORTER PARIS show, US brands JAI & JAI Activewear, Fleabags, Ailin, ARTAYA, Kelly Lane, Heidi Roland and Origin 23 are ready for some Euro fun.

From the 22nd-25th of January you can admire amazing, real
American, eco-friendly Handbags, Jewelry, Women’s Ready To Wear, Outerwear and Accessories lines for the first time in booths F114 and F116, Hall 7 of Port de Versaille.

*Fleabags

Fleamarket addicts Shira Entis and Alexandra Bell craved a convenient yet fashionable tote to fit all of their finds and launched their company Fleabags with an inspired carry-all that is luxurious, modern, and eco-minded. The collection is comprised of a signature year-round framed tote, distinguished by a hand-written edition number, and seasonal limited-edition styles using vintage and

one-of-a-kind materials.

*JAI & JAI Activewear created by NYC based British Designer Kizzy Knight is a Playfully Regal Ethical Apparel brand for Ambassadors of Contemporary Elegance. Smart Design = Sustainability = Contemporary Elegance.*Origin Twenty Three, NYC based ethical fashion agency, will be there to represent this collection.

*Ailin means “compassion for nature”, a representation of designer, Erin Bell’s Chinese name. Her line is a fashion-focused women's apparel and outerwear brand designed for accomplished female climbers, surfers, skiers, riders, runners, yogis and explorers and is dedicated to the ongoing development of sustainability and environmental responsiveness within the outdoor apparel industry through integration of eco-friendly fabrics, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and consumers end-use making Ailin truly compassionate for the nature that the collection was created to celebrate.

*Kelly Lane creates bold compositions of color, print, and line to form flattering silhouettes for women that are as wearable as they are stylish from eco-friendly fabrics and ethically produced by a family-run business in New York’s garment district. The result is limited run, high-quality clothing with a conscience.

*Heidi Roland accessories collection of sustainably sourced leather and feathers, Heidi Roland, is keeping sound social and environmental action at the forefront of decisions. Heidi Roland reminds us that fashion is not about changing who you are on the outside, but rather about expressing who you are on the inside.

*ARTAYA This eco label was recently named one of the "District's most promising design talents" in The Washington Post, Dana Ayanna Greaves is making an impact with her ethical line of recycled paper jewelry. Her designs combine multi-cultural influences with graphic prints and modern shapes.

Paris here we come!

In with The NOW!

2010-09-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to have Tumeric, Divine Chocolate, and Perrier as sponsors of the NOW Spring 2011 Showcase, and on a broader scale, sponsors of the eco-movement. It is exciting to see companies, big and small, taking action against the environmental crisis and doing their part to help the planet. From small actions such as operating under sustainable standards, to larger actions such as creating jobs for communities and improving social and living conditions, and providing global consumer audiences with the chance to recycle brand products, no matter where they are. Find out more about what these companies do for the environment [below].

Tumeric Alive:
Taking a thousand-year-old natural remedy from the Far East and bottling it as a transformational beverage, Tumeric-Elixir is not only a refreshing organic drink but also an amazing formula of extraordinary therapeutic value. The drink is a concoction of natural ingredients and essential minerals such as turmeric, ginger, mint, cardamom, lemon, honey and more-- mixed together they offer detoxification, enhanced circulation, improved mental clarity and empowerment for the immune system. One sip from this delicious bright yellow drink can literally change your whole being! Based in NYC, the beverage brand practices sustainability in every facet of production, and buys from, sells to and supports local businesses. These bottles are available in many local new york markets, grocers, gourmet food stores, and even high class gyms!

Divine Chocolate:
Starting as a small farmer's co-op in Ghana, and now recognized as a leading Fair Trade brand in the UK and a pioneer in the world of socially responsible enterprise, Divine Chocolate represents not only a product that is divine, but also a green endeavor that effectively supports its workers and the environment. With a firm belief in environmentally friendly cultivation of cocoa, Divine Chocolate stands out as an eco-tasty treat that is simply delicious! Featuring delectable cocoa bars, chocolate drinks, and seasonal treats (what would Easter or Christmas be without some good, sweet chocolate?), Divine is a brand that is constantly branching out-- expanding its market and its message.

Perrier:
Get fresh with Perrier! Sparkling water that is crisp, refreshing, and light. With its famous green bottle standing as an emblem for its quality and taste, the brand contributes to the sustenance of the environment while at the same time providing water that sustains its consumers. Each glass bottle is recyclable, and their new plastic take-anywhere bottles are made from 100% recyclable materials. Inside each of these classic green bottles is water that is completely natural, caffeine-free, and free of additives.

What's in a name?

2010-09-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

In April of 2010, Julie Gilhart, Barney's SVP and Fashion Director, commented on the term 'eco-fashion' and explained why she thinks the movement needs a new name. "I don't like the word 'eco' design," she says. "I think there's good design, period." In lieu of the phrase, she offers suggestions such as "earth-friendly" and "conscious" fashion (which all fundamentally denote the same concept), and continues by expressing her concern that using a term like 'eco-fashion' separates these designs from mainstream designs-- our ultimate goal should be moving towards a state where the term won't be necessary anymore, where fashion is just fashion. There is great validity in that point. As designers, manufacturers and consumers, the time has come to change the way we create and shop for fashion. As an environmentally conscious community and fashion collective, we (the NOW Showcase) can't wait for the day when ALL fashion is sustainable and socially responsible. However, until that point of togetherness is reached, being classified as 'eco-fashion' is imperative-- what sets us apart in title, style, and motive is also the key to gaining more attention for our cause. By exposing consumers to 'Eco-Fashion' as a healthier alternative to the harmful effects of current mainstream garment production, we are helping people to realize that there are better and greener ways to living in style, and essentially moving towards a stage where fashion as a whole will be environmentally conscious.

Is it a new name we need, or is it a new image? For many outside of the green circle, just the thought of eco-fashion triggers images of 'hippy' clothing, something that designers are constantly fighting by pushing out more modern and avant-garde collections, shaping environmentally-minded fashion into an image of contemporary aesthetics, versatility, and the cutting-edge. Constantly blurring lines of style, these designers aim to create original clothing that is indistinguishable from mainstream collections, but with the added bonus of knowing that the production of these garments further the longevity of earth's natural resources rather than deplete them. Designers such as those included in the lineup of the NOW Spring 2011 Showcase, including JAI, EcoSkin, Kelly Lane, Turk+Taylor and boutique fashion agency Origin 23.

Origin 23:
As purveyors of sustainability and style, boutique eco-fashion agency Origin 23 serves as a support base and outlet for effective social and environmental change through fashion. The agency represents a fine cluster of eco-collections, all chosen for their forward style, fair trade standards and eco-conscious tastes. Overseeing these emerging labels, Origin 23 works towards incorporating more ethical standards in design and merchandise production through consultations with designers and established organizations that are interested in becoming more environmentally responsible. In addition to its work as a boutique for fashion [r]evolution, Origin 23 has also played a large role in the inception and development of the NOW Showcacse and also represents a few of the independent collections involved in the NOW forum. Learn more about Origin 23 here: http://www.origintwentythree.com/

JAI:
"No longer simply one to watch, but one to collect, covet, and flaunt with some regal eco-attitude," said eco-fashion blogger Abigail Doan in praise of sustainable brand JAI and its performance at the LA D&A Market Show and noteworthy mention in WWD in May of 2010. Following the simple equation of Smart Design= Sustainability= Contemporary Elegance, it is easy to see why Kizzy Jai Knight, design guru behind the JAI and JAI Activewear lines, has been able to produce these elegant garments time and time again with geometric and stylistic precision. Mathematics aside, JAI is a brand geared towards women on the go who love to look and feel amazing. These women, crowned 'ambassadors of contemporary elegance,' are the main consumer audience for JAI's Playfully Regal collection, inspired by movement, versatility, and flexibility. Playfully titled pieces such as Miss Jumpsuit, Sunningdale Classic, Lady Romper and Long Leg Jen are very present in the line, demonstrating a style of clothing that marries luxury, comfort, and elegance with eco-conscious sensibility. Find out more about Jai's inspiration and holistic approaches to fashion here: http://kizzyjaiknight.com

EcoSkin:
Using her years of experience in the apparel industry and her entrepreneurial drive, Sandy Skinner founded eco-chic, eco-smart, and eco-sexy brand ecoSkin. More than just an answer to the call of women living a green lifestyle with a desire to look more fashionable, the clothing line also incorporates many green standards into the production of the collections, from materials to dyeing, sewing, and label and tag production, taking every chance it can to help clean up the planet and push green living forward as an option to mainstream living, with an easy transition between lifestyles. The collection is an amazing assortment of classic pieces mixed with interesting folds, tucks, drapes and cuts, and the occasional print. See more of ecoSkin here: http://www.ecoskincollections.com/ecoskin/

Turk+Taylor:
You need to have a good time when you open up your closet door, and Turk+Taylor is here to make sure that you do. Whether you are looking for a rain jacket made out of recycled, durable and weather-resistant sailcloth, streamlined blazers, smartly cut dresses, tops and bottoms, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in the eco-urban collection's selection of styles. Dedicated to creating clothing that is sustainable, fresh, stylish, bold, and colorful, Turk+Taylor has whipped up some ultra-cool looks for the upcoming spring. Flirty beach gear, durable outerwear, and even windbreakers cut from retired hot air balloon fabric-- their creativity and fashion sense knows no boundaries! Check out some more of Turk+Taylor's designs here: http://www.turkandtaylor.com/

Kelly Lane:
Armed with her formal training in graphic design, great artistic talent, and a passion for fashion, Kelly Lane creates explosions of colors, prints, and shapes in her womenswear line. At its core, the brand is artful sophistication with an eye towards sustainability-- a tasteful blend of flattering feminine silhouettes emboldened by vivid hues, well placed lines and a smart use of original iconic prints. The Spring/Summer 2011 collection is simply breathtaking! Inspired by wet, cloudy days, puddle-filled streets and raindrops, it is filled with sophisticated dresses for both work and play, with the rain drop printed motif carrying through. See the collection here: http://www.kellylanedesign.com/

"Nothing less than admirable"

2010-09-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

The manner in which designers of eco-fashion brands apply themselves to the work set in front of them, daily and seasonally, is nothing less than admirable. As eco-designers, they are allotted the double task of creating fashion that is forward, stylish, and original, as well as promoting awareness of the harmful impacts on the environment and offering solutions to the crisis. It's not easy making fashion statements and environmental statements, but these designers have proved repeatedly that they are more than willing and capable to manage the task. The NOW Showcase is proud to have such a collective of green designers ready to save the world in a stitch, a ruche, and a cinch! These brands, including Rain Tees, SDN, Rebe, and AngelRox, will all be featured at this year's Spring 11 Showcase. Behind every garment rack is a story-- come and see these sustainable collections and learn more about green efforts!

Rain Tees:
Saving Trees with Tees-- more than just an organic t-shirt line, Rain Tees is a brand that is wholly dedicated to the improvement of the environment and quality of life in rainforest communities. Launched in 2007 by Beth Doane as a response to the issues surrounding logging, oil drilling and agricultural expansion in the Amazon, as well as the toxic effects that the fashion industry has on the environment, Rain Tees serves as a venue for the education of consumers on these eco-harming factors and also provides a direct way for Rain Tees customers to help sponsor a child's education and the planting of new trees. Each tee is branded with original artwork made by children in endangered rainforest dwellings. School supplies are donated to the children, and then they are asked to draw what they see happening around them. Next, these illustrations are printed on 100% organic cotton tees using eco-friendly inks and dyes. Buy a tee, save a tree-- just one simple way to help out in the environment! Learn more about Rain Tees and the story behind the shirts here: http://www.raintees.com/

SDN:
One of the NOW Showcase's regulars, menswear/womenswear brand SDN continues to stun with wonderfully stylized original creations, cut from quality upcycled vintage fabrics. Adding to his already inventive stockpile of designs (including the pant-shoes, satin vests boasting arabesque motifs, and 1920s noir inspired capes and collar dresses), SDN mastermind Marcus Hicks introduces a new spring collection set against the backdrop of a deadly festive Día de los Muertos scene. With wrap-backs, smartly cut blazers, pinafore-front dresses, elegant blouses, and a handsome distribution of blacks, whites, greys and blue recycled denim in the new collection, SDN once again pushes past previous boundaries set in regards to design and style. What will we see next from this amazing designer? We're holding our breath in anticipation! See more of SDN here: http://www.sarahdixonsnova.com/

REBE:
Mother-daughter design duo Debra Weiss and Hillery Sproatt are the clever conceivers of this spritely buoyant womenswear and accessories line. A marriage of Debra's textile design expertise and Hillery's artistic and design sense, Rebe sports a collection full of polka dots, stripes, plaid, quilted patterns and fun textiles-- clothing reminiscent of childhood imagination, dreams captured in fabric, and overall fashion sensibility. In addition to gorgeous coats, dresses, tops, and trousers, the eco-brand also carries a wild assortment of handmade bags and purses (for dogs and babies too!) as well as knit and beaded jewelry. View the full collection on their website here: http://www.myrebe.com/

AngelRox:
"We're all angels," says Roxi Sugar, designer of green fashion brand AngelRox. This may be true, but after seeing her collection, it's clear that the 'angels' are really the designs that make up her collection. Branded by a cross and halo (a logo that represents balance), AngelRox's little angels are beautiful ethereal wrap dresses, cap sleeved winged tunic tops, outfits geared for travel and celestial flight, eternal vintage jeans, graceful maternity dresses, and more. With a conscious mind for the environment, Roxi uses an eco-friendly blend of sustainable fabrics including bamboo jersey and organic cotton for her luxurious creations in soothing colors of vanilla, espresso, sterling, and black. Focusing on versatility, AngelRox's headlining piece, the wrap, is a multi-wearable design, switching from use as a skirt, to become a dress, a cape, a flowing top, and more. See more of AngelRox's heavenly pieces here, including the line's ventures into bridalwear and eco-lingerie: http://www.angelrox.com/

See these designers and more at the NOW Spring 2011 Showcase, September 20-22.

Who's Who and Who's NOW?

2010-09-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Looking good means feeling great. Thus eating organic foods and wearing organic clothing free from the artificial preservatives and chemical pesticides found in a large percentage of products consumed daily will keep you healthy and happy. Organic products are known to contain more vitamins and minerals to nourish our bodies inside and out. Such facts have supported the rise of farmers markets and pick your own fruit and vegetable farms that feed local consumers across the globe making organic products the new norm!

Nature vs future, Feral Childe and Creem collections are superb examples of fashion brands that remind consumers why eco-friendly clothing has become the status quo.

Creem Collection is designed for those who maintain a relaxed lifestyle and appreciate the simplicity of luxurious basics. Free spirited, open minded, loose fitting and care free. A sustainable collection, which uses a variety of organic fabrics, maintains a healthy balance of great quality and superb versatility, with clothes that transform into endless possibilities. The Creem Collection is about supporting you the confident woman by making you feel great.

Moriah Carlson, who was raised in Brooklyn, NY and Alice Wu whose native hometown is Oakland, CA both have an interest in fine arts and continue to be inspired by unfamiliar fabrics, vibrant colors and unordinary materials. These profoundly creative women give you fantastically fun patterned scarves, funky dresses to match up with vibrant leggings. Quality, "untamed creativity", and undeniable saviness have led to the great heights and brilliance we know as Feral Childe.

Nina Valentini born in the heart of Brooklyn, New York decided to launch her own fashion line Nature vs Future to make women feel great by sharing inspiration rooted in her eco-friendly sensibility. Nina's vision of "nature and future" illuminates a sustainable path where organic textiles, sustainable materials and everyday recyclables dress women across the globe. She makes garments that are comfortable, durable and form-fitting. Nina's innovative fashion sense sets her apart from the rest as she continually illustrates change and claims international success.

Who knew vegetable dyes, hemp, organic cottons and silks would have made for riveting items we've seen these designers produce but, it has, because they've changed the rules!

Sponsoring The NOW!

2010-09-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Companies both corporate and independent are realizing the importance of progressive, conscious-minded product design and are continually supporting, developing and learning ways to lessen our heavy footprints. This season the NOW Showcase is pleased to announce a tasty, stylish, thirst quenching, refreshing, informative, sparkly list of companies sponsoring the event.

Deluxe Honey drop began with a simple idea that would allow them to give us the consumers “a flavorful, healthful beverage that comes from the land…not the lab.” The founder David Luks after having cancer began to research the benefits of an organic lifestyle and began creating a product that would be free from the artificial preservatives, sweeteners and chemical pesticides found in a large percentage of products consumed daily. He did such a great job that refreshing Honey drenched drinks his now available at whole foods. You’ll be sipping Deluxe Honey drop at The NOW Showcase.
www.honeydrop.com

For food to honor the person who eats it, the meal should be made with love, respect and other nutrients is the philosophy that has put The Regal Vegan on the map. The brand was created to fill the void in healthy, plant-based cuisine in the New York community. Using East Coast ingredients with a West Coast soul, Ella creates inventive meals inspired by recipes she discovered while traveling around the globe, to satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike. The Regal Vegan food is a sensory gift to the individual who appreciates it, I am telling you now you need some Regal Vegan in your life! Taste the delight of The Regal Vegan at The NOW Showcase.
www.theregalvegan.com

Tierra Farm is a small, privately-owned, certified organic producer and roasting company in upstate New York that specialize in nut and seed roasting and dried fruits. They are well attuned to the facts that organic foods are a great way to nurture the land and the body, thus they only sells certified organic products and they make no exceptions! All roasting, mixing and flavoring is conducted in-house, at their certified organic, peanut-free roasting and processing facility which, makes Tierra Farm products a tasty addition to your grocery shopping list. Sample the goodness of Tierra Farm at The NOW Showcase.
www.tierrafarm.com

Founded by Dean and Melissa Long in 1997 and located on Nantucket Island, Triple Eight Distillery is the region’s first micro-distillery. Named after its ultra pure water source, well #888, Triple Eight Distillery makes a variety of premium spirits, all of which are hand crafted in small batches using only natural ingredients. Triple Eight Vodka is an ultra-premium vodka because it is triple distilled from the highest quality organically grown grain. It is then blended with our exceptionally clean and soft water drawn from well #888. Triple Eight outscored Ketel One in the 2003 and 2004 World Spirit Championships. Sip cocktails made with Triple Eight vodka at The Now Showcase.
www.ciscobrewers.com

One Bag One Earth, aka, "OBOE" is makes reusable bags that are dependable, durable, good-looking, and easy to use. They have a fantastically fun selection of reusable bags designed to replace your everyday dependence on plastic bags, that are designed for the big shopping trips to the grocery store. With styles made out of environmentally friendly, recycled materials that are produced with social and environmental respect OBOE is the new it bag! Come to the NOW Showcase and get your bag on!
www.onebagoneearth.com

Who's Who and whats NOW?

2010-09-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

From what used to be considered just a simple subset of wearable fashion, comes some of today's most illustrious and inventive designs. 'Eco-fashion' has always been literally defined as clothing that utilizes ethical methods in the production of sustainable designs; clothing that pays attention to nature and its preservation and builds an awareness of environmental responsibility for it's consumers and global audience. And while these terms still and will always apply, redefinitions are in order. After surveying the surge of cutting edge, stunning, and fashion-futuristic styles that have been emerging from the workrooms of these green-thumbed eco-oriented designers, perhaps 'edgy, innovative, versatile, accessible, and clever' should be added to that list.

Don't miss out on your chance to see, shop and experience some of the amazing new green designs for the upcoming spring season at the NOW Showcase. On display will be an assemblage of designers that, through visually appealing collections and sustainable motives, fully demonstrate why eco is the future of fashion. Among these brands are accessories line Feisty Elle, women's wear brand Chulette, and timeless designs by Modaspia.

Feisty Elle:
These feisty jewelry designs by California native Leslie Yang are more than just fun-filled and exuberant! They're clean, original, and smartly made. With a background in graphic design and fiber arts, Leslie has been able to continually evolve in the design and production of her accessories since the launch of her brand in 2005. Using sustainable materials such as bamboo ply, textiles, and merino wool felt (she is one of the first to produce jewelry out of this beautiful, light material), Leslie creates bold and fun pieces in an assortment of dahlia, leaf, feather and petal drop shapes. See more here: http://feistyelle.com/

Modaspia:
Rescuing and recycling old fabrics from Italy, designer Ursula Dean of clothing brand Modaspia creates pieces that last a lifetime, both in style and in quality. A line for both women and children, each piece is designed with great fit, lightness and simplicity in mind, and are cut from only high quality remnants of older fabrics. The collection, full of neat little pintucks, keyholes, flowing tunic garbs and other fabulous cotton, linen, silk and wool creations, exudes a sense of timelessness, brightness, and spirit. Think of sun-filled moments in Capri, quiet afternoons on the hillside, a morning at the market, a fine garden dinner lit by paper lanterns... that's Modaspia. Check out limited pieces online here: http://www.modaspia.com/about

Chulette:
Lee Phutrakul weaves a collection rich with stunning lines, subtle colors, and very forward style. Incorporating a sense of sophisticated detail with a blend of simplicity and effortless construction, eco-brand Chulette stands out for its luxurious flair and urban attitude. This coming from someone who had never aspired to fashion design, but through her work as an assistant fashion editor at Esquire magazine, Lee was led to pursue a career as a designer. Her brand has been a great addition to the green fashion movement-- each dress, vest, jacket, pant and blouse that she creates raises the bar on the high-edge styles that can be made sustainably. Find out more about Chulette here: http://www.chulette.com/

See these designers and more at the NOW Showcase, September 20-22.

Who's Who? Eco is NOW!

2010-09-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Eco is NOW. All over the globe, people are becoming more aware and more in-tune with the Earth, its resources, and our responsibility to nurture, not destroy, our planet. This is what the NOW Showcase is all about-- a marriage of fashion, social and environmental consciousness, continually making efforts to provide better and more eco-friendly alternatives to chic-living. This season, we are glad to introduce to our roster of innovative eco-designers, showcasing their exciting and fresh designs, three amazing brands that are in-sync with our green mantra: fair. sustainable. forward. Lalesso, hailing from Kenya, Juleselin, based in San Francisco, and Eco-Couture by Los Angeles designer Deborah Lindquist.

Lalesso:
This summer fashion line will make you wish it was warm all year round! Launched by design duo Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser in 2005, this brand was inspired by a trip to the remote island of Lamu off the coast of Kenya, nearby to Olivia's hometown. The strong patterning and vibrant colors of the traditional womens attire (called 'khanga' or 'lesso') sparked the idea of creating a product for the everyday woman with a bold sense of style and summer spirit. In addition to creating clothing inspired by these Kenyan women, Alice and Olivia have also worked to help improve the quality of living in the environment. Growing from a project of two seamstresses, and then sixteen, the designers began a group called SOKO in 2009, which is the first globally recognized eco and ethical clothing production unit in East Africa. The manufacturers are well-paid, the community is completely involved, and life is getting better for the town. This is a perfect example of green fashion making a difference and working towards a greener world. Check out Lalesso's designs here: http://www.lalesso.com/.

Juleselin:
Julia Burnbaum's knitwear line features a versatile collection of jackets, sweaters, and dresses created from organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrications. As a line that emerged from the designer's need to have a jacket that would be comfortable for wearing both inside and outside, and would be well suited to the western coastal environment in her base of San Francisco, the line has grown to include a delightful range of coats and sweaters, each inspired and named after someone very close to Julia. With styles from individuals such as Elin from 1926 Iceland, pullovers inspired by John Arthur from Larkspur, CA, and a sharp double-breasted coat inspired by Jessica from London, Julia has sewn something personal into each garment, making this collection very special. You'll never want to take these jackets off, and thankfully, you won't have to! In addition to being comfortable for any kind of wear, anywhere, the line is full of wonderful feminine touches such as ruffled collars, face-framing hoods, and belted waistlines, proving once again that style isn't lost when green comes into play. Save the world, one cute jacket at a time! Find out more about Juleselin and the new collection here: http://www.juleselin.com.

Deborah Lindquist:
Well known as a pioneer and trendsetter in the eco fashion world, LA designer Deborah Lindquist uses her line as a venue for introducing and re-branding unusual fabrics to the world of fashion while keeping true to her love for the environment. Given this creative freedom to explore new materials for use in her designs, Deborah Lindquist produces remarkable cutting-edge pieces like no other. Vintage cashmere, wool, leather, beaded wool, peace silk, micromodal blends, hemp blends, alpaca, and organic cottons are just a few of the ingredients used to create this stirring collection that has shown us that green is just as good as gold-- there are no sacrifices made in the areas of style or quality when it comes to eco-fashion. Currently featuring a collection titled "Rocker Girl meets The Gyspy," Deborah Lindquist continues to wow us with her eco-conscious approach to innovative design. See the collection here: http://www.deborahlindquist.com/.

Don't miss out on these great designers at our upcoming Spring Showcase, September 20-22 at 651 West 27th street, New York, NY.

Spring 11 with The NOW

2010-08-31T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Now Showcase Spring 11
With a new season around the corner The NOW showcase makes its return, featuring a selection of impressive and intriguing designers who will present their eco and aesthetically friendly work.

During the past few months and since the last showcase, there have been a fantastic number of sustainable eco-friendly projects, from recyclable bookstores to collective solar power presented to the world. Innovative thinkers, across a multitude of industries, seem to be growing smarter and with out a doubt greener. One of the most exciting is the Heliotrope a rotating solar house created by German Architect Rolf Disch, the house is able to generate up to five times the energy that it actually uses by rotating during the day to follow the sun…. Amazing, right?!
Lets us not forget the Bio-Diversity Project, a sustainable skyscraper farm. This innovative idea combines reusable consumer packaging with seeds, which are then sown and harvested to produce edible crops and trees. Ingenious no? So its true, we are getting better and better at eco-friendly living and people are really starting to pay attention.

There are now universities that specialize in sustainable design, entrepreneurships and innovation! Look at us go! We should be very proud and encouraged by the progress made but not forget that we can always do more to protect the environment that must guard and provide for generations to come. But you all knew that already, right!

From September 20th to September 22nd, The NOW Showcase will be serving up an enticing display of independent designers delivering new collections that feature the best in sustainable creation. Be part of the discovery, be included in The NOW and see what’s new, what’s next, what’s happening, in the world of sustainable fashion.
So mark the date in your diary, take a step forward and enjoy. ;)

2010-08-29T04:12:00.000-07:00

Spring 11
Save The Dates
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Monday, 9-20
• Tuesday, 9-21
• Wednesday, 9-22

Terminal Building
651 W. 27th St.
NYC 10001

With the new spring 11 season just steps away stay in the know with
THE NOW SHOWCASE.

Origin 23 -- Welcome to the [R]evolution

2010-02-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the [R]evolution for effective social and environmental change through fashion, spearheaded by boutique fashion agency Origin 23. Guided by an appreciation for the point from which something starts or sets out, or the person or thing from which it is ultimately derived (its origin), this fashion organization has selected a mélange of sustainable and stylish collections that address the growing demand for social and environmental sensibility through their forward style, fair trade standards, and eco-conscious tastes. In representing these emerging labels, Origin 23 works towards incorporating more ethical standards in design and merchandise production by consulting with designers and established organizations that are interested in becoming more environmentally responsible.

Origin 23 played a large role in the inception and development of the NOW Showcase, and also represents a few of the independent collections involved in the NOW forum, including JAI, Alchem1st, Timbuktu, g=9.8, Ecowrist, and more.

Check out Origin 23 at the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase, Feb 20-22, at the ICO Gallery.

Go Green Expo

2010-02-16T23:43:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the film "An Inconvenient Truth," Bradford Rand and his team of managers and event producers set out to to make a difference in the world-- this was the birth of Go Green Expo, a showcase of environmentalism at its finest. Featuring large and small companies that have taken steps to reducing their carbon footprint, the Go Green Expo is a green event from the bottom up. Everything involved in the production of these conferences is thought out ecologically, from the biodegradable trashbags, eco-friendly printing, table coverings, recycled signs, compostable banners and more. With an aim to change the public's perception of environmentalism, the Go Green Expo travels across the nation showcasing their eco-friendly alternatives to current everyday products and services.

On March 19-21, The Go Green Expo will be in New York! Visit their site at www.gogreenexpo.com to find out more information about the event and to purchase tickets. The Go Green Expo is also involved in this year's NOW Fall 2010 Showcase. We are glad to have this group as a sponsor for our event, helping to promote fair, forward, and sustainable style.

Follow the Expo on Twitter -- http://twitter.com/gogreenexpo
Follow the Expo on Facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8254588769
Follow the Expo on LinkedIn -- http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=113721
Go Green Expo Youtube Channel -- http://www.youtube.com/GoGreenExpo

Sustainable Style Foundation and NOW

2010-02-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

Founded in 2003 by Rebecca Luke and Sean Schmidt, the Sustainable Style Foundation is an international, member-supported nonprofit organization that provides information, resources, and innovative programs that promote sustainable living and design. Who says that being environmentally responsible is limiting? SSF, through a myriad of methods, demonstrates how much fun and creative living eco-consciously can be, and proves that sustainable style isn't about trading in 'fabulous' trends for more eco-conscious threads. From fashion, food and film to interior design, travel, music and more, SSF provides a positive message in attracting more consumers to go green.

SSF is a sponsor of the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase, and will be presenting some of their ideas to the Showcase audience. On Sunday, Feb 21 at 10am, Rebecca Luke (co-founder of the SSF, stylist, costume designer) will be hosting an SSF salon "How To Sell Sustainability." She will also be joined by a guest interior designer from the NBBJ. Breakfast will be served. Please Join us!

NOW supports Save The Garment Center

2010-02-16T15:55:00.000-08:00

Save The Garment Center Rally - 10/21, NYC from Save The Garment Center on Vimeo.

More than just a center for the mega-industry of fashion based in New York as well as in the greater United States, the Garment District located in Manhattan is also a historical and cultural landmark. Due to recent zoning laws, this area, which currently houses a large number of fashion's creative geniuses, is fading away, slowly being replaced by a largely increasing number of commercial enterprises. In an effort to preserve this district and protect the wholesalers, retail stores, showrooms and couture houses located in this center, a group of designers, fashion manufacturers, and organizations have banded together to affect change in the area. The campaign, called Save The Garment Center, is led by designers Nanette Lepore and Anna Sui. By informing other business owners and fashion lovers about the potential loss of this vibrant and fashion-crucial distrist, the group hopes to preserve the Garment District and it's future tenants.

You can help out too! Join the Save The Garment Center on Facebook to find out more about how you can get involved. http://www.facebook.com/savethegarmentcenter

Visit Save The Garment Center at their official website here: http://www.savethegarmentcenter.org

Playfully Regal by JAI Activewear

2010-02-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

Smart Design=Sustainability=Contemporary Elegance

Out of a determination to reduce damage caused to the environment by the mechanisms employed by the fashion industry, emerged a sustainable clothing line custom tailored to meet the needs of the modern day princess-- women on the go who love to look and feel amazing. These women, crowned 'ambassadors of contemporary elegance,' are the main consumer audience for the Playfully Regal line by JAI Activewear, a brand that promotes holistic approaches to fashion and style, featuring eco-friendly and and socially conscious clothing that bridges the gap between comfort, fashion, style, and sustainability.

JAI Activewear is exactly that... activewear. The collection was launched last season and is now evolving into a contemporary woman's wear brand, keeping the activewear line as a continuum.

Crafted by British designer Kizzy Jai Knight, JAI is a brand elegantly influenced by movement, versatility, and flexibility. With a degree in Dance from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, as well as a background in yoga, Knight uses her designs to captivate the essence of her extensive physical artistry. "As a dancer and choreographer I learned about the fluidity of fabrics and how clothing should compliment and assist the body. Styling created opportunities that contextualized these discoveries and gave me a platform for testing and developing ideas with a mainstream audience," says Knight. With pieces appropriately and playfully named-- Miss Jumpsuit, Sunningdale Classic, Lady Romper, Long Len Jen-- Knight creates a style of clothing that marries luxury, comfort, and elegance with eco-conscious sensibility.

Ranked in the Top 2 on a list of Seven Up-And-Coming Green Designers of 2009 by online green fashion magazine Ecouterre, Kizzy Jai Knight continues to exceed herself by continually upgrading her style, designing uniquely fashioned and environmentally mindful pieces that prove the future of fashion is sustainability. Using biodegradable and recycled fabrics such as tencel, recycled nylon, and recycled cotton, Knight ensures the longevity of her line, as well as the endurance of the green fashion movement. Recycling is a cyclic process-- by generating products of this caliber, it becomes self-sustainable and keeps in tune with preserving our planet's resources.

The NOW is JAI-- Look out for JAI's Fall/Winter '10 collection at the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase, Feb 20-22, at the ICO Gallery. Spring immediate collections will also be available.

ANGeLRoX: We are all Angels.

2010-02-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

Owning an ANGeLRoX garment is about far more than adding a new piece to your closet-- it is about participating in a new way to look at clothing and life. The designer Roxi Sugar can sum up her philosophy of living in two words-- radiate joy-- and that's what these clothes create. The kicky print wings on the back of the polished jersey top are "a reminder" that "we are all angels." But it's not all Sugar in Roxi's world-- there is the most subtle and flirtatious hint of a goth vibe in her angel wing motif and the thick cross logo. It's a play of good and evil, to be sure, all enacted in the most understated and elegant of iconographies. Think high-class Tantric transcendence. These sleek and glossy garments are made from sumptuous and sustainable fabrics like bamboo jersey and the finest organic cotton, all biodegradable. The signature elegant wrap dress remains a classic, and for underneath, the angel undies promise a seamless transition into night.

Roxi has a reputation for being one of the most generous designers in New York, supporting a myriad of social causes with her clothes and staying true to her vision of fashion's future. For Roxi, a professor at NY's Parsons School of Design, fashion has moved beyond trends and she designs with longevity in mind. Every detail is done with care and with an eye towards a holistic product that clothes the body and uplifts the spirit. Her clothes have a celebrity following, with Sharon Stone and Bette Midler on board, and her line is carried in boutiques all over the US. Check out yet another Brooklyn visionary at the Now Fall 2010 Showcase, Feb 20-22, at the ICO Gallery.

Feral Childe: Fashion at Play!

2010-02-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Feral Childe is the eco-loving Indigo baby of two art girls--Moriah Carlson and Alice Wu--who met over a sink of eggshells at an art installation and have been making killer clothes ever since. Their line is especially whimsical and one-of-a-kind to say the least: even the buttons used in their pieces are hand-cast so that no two are exactly alike. Taking fabrics hot in the organic world like soy, hemp, organic cotton, and mill-end scraps, they paint and dye by hand to make unexpected prints. The creative process is a wild thing in the designers' Feral world of play and craft. After all, they launched into fashion fame by making clothes for each other and getting stopped so often on the street that they had to start selling. Now their clothes are sold all across the US, as well as in Japan and Korea. Paired with a playful sensibility is their serious dedication to green fashion, which for them isn't just about changing the state of our environment for the better, but also changing the way the world produces and receives fashion. Their vision is that collaboration among conscious designers will allow for change in the fashion industry, bringing forth more eco-conscious ideas and more eco-friendly designs.

Spring 2010 was reminiscent of making music on the Swiss Alps: the collection was called "The Hills are Alive," referencing The Sound of Music, though the locally produced garments still managed to exude a strong sense of Brooklyn. The hand-drawn textiles hide some tricky images--alpine mushrooms, wild pigs, lightening bolts, and rainbows--reinforcing the Childe-ish chaos motif that runs luxuriously through their collection. With every piece comes a little surprise. Notice their wheat cowl neck pull-over with neck-tabs, and a little blue babydoll dress printed with what looks like underwater photography on textile. Last year, the inspiration was Ansel Adams and the year before, Buckminster Fuller. But this year it's back to the classics, Feral-style. Fall looks like it will be mixing in some tweedy greys and ribbon skirts. For more, make sure to visit Feral Childe at their website here: http://www.feralchilde.com/

Feral Childe will be displaying their Fall collection at the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase, February 20-22 at ICO Gallery. Spring immediate collections will also be available.

naturevsfuture: organic-futurism

2010-02-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

Launched in the spring of 2002, naturevsfuture was born out of a desire to generate unique designs that would blend imagination with architecture, nature with technology, and fashion with eco-consciousness. Founded by Parsons alum and Brooklyn native Nina Valenti, naturevsfuture is a striking fusion of classic and cutting-edge, with a futuristic aesthetic that employs the use of innovative sculptural design and sustainable fabrics. Using the body as a palette, and adding the elements of balance, line quality, rhythm and movement to the mix, Valenti constructs clothing that is functional, comfortable, bold, and fitting to the shape of the female physique. Trading her former métier of designing streetwear for her new organic-futuristic line, Valenti now focuses on creating pieces that not only defy contemporary trends, but also confronts the plight of our environment. In an effort to address these environmental concerns and promote the need to preserve and respect the earth, Valenti increasingly incorporates organic, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable materials in the collection each season. These fabrics include organic cotton, organic wool, hemp, soy, bamboo, seacell, lyocell, and Ingeo (created from corn), as well as recycled and technological fabrics such as Polartec (made from soda pop bottles or industry waste). This eco-conscious approach to fashion is the basis for her line as well as the inspiration for the brand's name-- "The more we advance the more we need to consider nature before we deplete it. In this tension to find balance is the living energy of the collection and hence the name," says Valenti.

In the span of a few years, naturevsfuture has garnered an impressive amount of positive attention from the press including reviews in WWD, Italian Vogue, ELLE Girl, Nylon, Fader, The New York Times, Time Magazine, as well as featurettes in online magazines such as Treehugger, The Huffington Post, Trendcentral, Daily Candy, and The VillageVoice.com. In addition, naturevsfuture has also made onscreen appearances on the Today Show, General Hospital, Gilmore Girls, and What Not to Wear. With so much already accomplished, what's next for this futuristic brand? Menswear.

Check out naturevsfuture at their website here: http://www.naturevsfuture.com/ to be updated on news events about the brand, press releases, as well as access their online store.

Naturevsfuture will be presenting their fall collection at the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase. Spring immediate collection will also be available.

SDN: Vintage Fabrics for Modern Designs

2010-02-07T13:48:00.001-08:00

From the beginning, it was all about the worn, beautiful quality of vintage fabrics. Working at a vintage clothing store in San Francisco in the early 90s, Marcus Hicks developed a penchant for the attractiveness and versatility of these antiquated materials that would later become the foundation for his own clothing line, SDN. Dissatisfied with the standard of mainstream retail at the time, Hicks began to put his designs into production, recycling old fabrics to make one-of-a-kind screen-printed t-shirts.

Stemming from the singular idea of creating beautiful and stunning upcycled clothing, SDN has become a popular eco-fashion label, with menswear and womenswear included in the collection. In keeping his fabric supply rich and unique, Hicks obtains entirely organic, sustainable, and recycled textiles, and works his designs around the fabrics. With brilliant red vests, skinny pinstriped shirts, capes, and collar-dresses, SDN’s 1920s-hipster inspired clothing bleeds an aesthetic of clean lines and bright red lipstick, fedora-clad men in dark alleyways, a touch of grunge, glam, and the effervescence of youth. This noir-chic brand not only addresses style in an innovative way, but also takes care to address world situations by using textiles that are good for the earth, people, and even politics. SDN supports “progressive political causes” and does not utilize sweatshop labor in the creation of their clothing. SDN merchandise can be found in NYC at Tessan, Kaight, and Sodafine, and will also be featured at the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase, February 20-22 at the ICO Gallery.

Check out more of SDN's looks here: http://www.sarahdixonsnova.com/

NOW Fall 2010 Showcase gains more sponsors!

2010-02-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

NOW Fall 2010 Showcase is pleased to add Green Paper Products, EnviroVita, and Ace Marketing & Promotions Inc. to our list of sponsors. With their additional support, we can further impact the fashion world, demonstrating the values of eco-friendly green trends-- Fair. Sustainable. Forward. NOW Showcase. It's about time.

With an online catalog fully stocked with high quality compostable and biodegradable tableware, Green Paper Products makes it easier and more affordable to save the planet... without even leaving the kitchen! Their line of cups, cutlery, containers, plates, bowls, trays and trashbags are all made from eco-friendly renewable resources. By providing these compostable and biodegradable products, Green Paper Products aims to reduce dependence on foreign oil, divert waste from America's growing landfills, and promote sustainability while moving towards become a zero waste society.Join the Ecolution! As an enviro-marketing company that advertises promotional marketing solutions for the eco-conscious, EnviroVita provides high quality services for their clientele, while also helping to improve the planet. Featuring a collection of products custom branded to fit their client's needs, EnviroVita offers green alternatives to promotional products. Whether it's a calendar, notepad, tote bag, pen, towel, or Frisbee, these items are all environmentally friendly and generally made out of recycled and biodegradable materials.

Ace Marketing & Promotions Inc. is a promotional marketing company offering a wide array of business solutions. Established in 1998, the company has quickly expanded to now include over 2000 customer accounts. In addition to branded merchandise, Ace also offers services in importing, printing/forms management, e-commerce/website design, and more-- setting Ace apart from other companies in the promotional product industry. Ace carries an impressive amount of merchandise, including many environmentally friendly products.

And Now a Word from our Sponsors...

2010-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

What do sweet honey drinks, delicious chocolate, an online fashion magazine, sparkling water, a building materials surplus warehouse, and a social networking community all have in common? The keyword is GREEN. Honeydrop, Divine Chocolate, Ecouterre, Perrier, Build It Green! NYC, and Ecohookups.com all share in their efforts to sustain the environment, utilizing individual methods such as recycling, reusing, and raising eco-awareness, to promote the preservation of a healthy planet. In addition to these commonalities, these companies have all banded together this year to support the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase, featuring sustainable fashion by independent designers.

Honeydrop is a healthy honey beverage brand, founded by David Luks, which carries an assortment of fantastic blended honey drinks. Based on the simple idea of creating a drink that is natural and not from the lab, Honeydrop features products that are made from 100% organic honey, free of harmful pesticides and chemical additives. To add to the flavor, the drinks are then induced with ingredients such as organic apples, blood-orange juice and orange peel, blueberry juice, and chamomile. In an effort to save energy and keep the planet healthy, Honeydrop uses fully recyclable plastic bottles and gathers their honey from organic bees that are sustained in natural habitats and are not exterminated at the end of each harvest cycle.

Starting as a small farmer's co-op in Ghana, and now recognized as a leading Fair Trade brand in the UK and a pioneer in the world of socially responsible enterprise, Divine Chocolate represents not only a product that is divine, but also a green endeavor that effectively supports its workers and the environment. With a firm belief in environmentally friendly cultivation of cocoa, Divine Chocolate stands out as an eco-tasty treat that is simply delicious!

As an online fashion magazine that supports the future of sustainable fashion, Ecouterre makes many efforts to raise the level of eco-awareness in the realm of clothing and design. Though many might not realize, clothing production uses a lot of energy and also accounts for a large amount of toxins being released into the ecosphere. Ecouterre believes that clothing production can be accomplished in a better, smarter, and more socially and environmentally sustainable way. Through a steady supply of daily postings, articles, links to blogs, featurettes on new green fashion trends, clothing items and designers, Ecouterre provides a forum for fashionistas and greenies alike to learn more about eco-fashion while supporting our environment.

What comes to mind when thinking about crisp, refreshing, sparkling mineral water? Perrier. With its famous green bottle standing as an emblem for its quality and taste, the brand contributes to the sustenance of the environment while at the same time providing water that sustains its consumers. Each glass bottle is recyclable, and their new plastic take-anywhere bottles are made from 100% recyclable materials. Inside each of these classic green bottles is water that is completely natural, caffeine-free, and free of additives.

Build It Green! NYC is a retail outlet for salvaged and surplus building materials, as well as other items including furniture, small odds and ends, and movie props. This non-profit organization promotes reuse as an alternative to more manufacturing. By keeping these materials out of landfills, Build It Green! helps to reduce the amount of carbon being released into the air, and prevents the clogging of landfills.

Tagged as a social network with purpose, Ecohookups.com takes the theme of sites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, and gives them a big green makeover. Featuring eco-fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food, technology and design, Ecohookups.com is an online network where people can support each other as a green community. Members are called "peeps" and everyone has their "yard," and through blog posts, comments, and inter-web dialogue, useful tips are traded, and everyone is kept up to date with what's new on the green scene.

In supporting fair trade and sustainability, Honeydrop, Divine Chocolate, Ecouterre, Perrier, Build It Green! NYC and Ecohookups.com all make efforts to create a healthier environment. NOW is glad to have these groups as our sponsors. With their help, the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase can further make an impact in the fashion world, presenting an alternative to conventional and ecologically harmful designs. Fair. Sustainable. Forward. NOW Showcase. It's about time.

Now Fall 2010 Showcase

2010-01-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

Fair. Sustainable. Forward. NOW Showcase. It's about time. This year you've got to be seen in green, and the NOW Fall 2010 Showcase is here to help! From February 20-22 at the ICO Gallery, come and see some of the hottest and freshest trends in green fashion. For an extended three days, NOW will play host to a list of independent designers solely dedicated to the production of progressive, conscious-minded, and locally manufactured products. On display will be a stunning array of womenswear, menswear, accessories, and eco lingerie.

Since it’s 3rd season last year, NOW Showcase has expanded to include 20+ designers, all of whom will be presenting their fall collections at this year’s event. Their forward style and eco-conscious credo—fair-trade labor, local production, sustainable materials—draws attention not only from high-end retail buyers such as Fred Segal, Joan Shepp, and ABC Carpet & Home, but also attracts buyers from Europe, Asia, and the U.S. In addition, this year's event adds online magazine Ecouterre to its list of sponsors, gaining support from a group that promotes the future of sustainable fashion design.

Now we would like you to become a part of the NOW experience.

Join us for the Opening Cocktail Reception of NOW at ICO Gallery.

Cool off with live beats and delicious cocktails while checking out the freshest in eco fashion and independent design.

Keep connected with us via Facebook to learn more about this year’s showcase and to receive event updates. http://www.facebook.com/NOWSHOWCASE

T-Luxe - Beauty is Sustainable

2009-09-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

T-Luxe is proving that beauty is sustainable with its eco-friendly lingerie line.

'Eco-lingerie' may seem like an oxyomoron to some – a silly self-indulgence that really does not get to the core of what might be essential for streamlining an eco-friendly closet or sustainable wardrobe. But consider the fact that what lies right next to your skin is indeed your second skin and a measure of who you are and how your feel about being naked or exposed. If anything is going to send the right message about your crusade to save the planet or reducing your carbon footprint, it’s the skivvies you flaunt!

Designer Tiffany Phipps ensures that all of T-Luxe's designs feature only the most sensuous sustainable fabrics, such as soy, organic cotton and organic silks, which are colored through a low-impact natural dye process. Super cute T-Luxe bras, undies, and lingerie separates are handmade in Brooklyn, NY and all of their green fabrics are sourced from North America (Canada and the U.S.). Even sexier? All of the energy used to produce T-Luxe designs is off-set through carbon off-set programs.

Buyers and consumers alike love the garments for its flexibility - vintage inspired nightdresses can be worn as tops or layering pieces as well.

You can buy this sexy lingerie directly from T-Luxe or through online retailer Nimli. Or you can shop at three exclusive boutiques in NYC, Beverly Hills and Kansas City, Missouri.

* natural high *

2009-09-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

"A company with a purpose, Natural High has set out to redefine the way we as individuals spend our time, and how we as a collective manage the limited resources of planet earth.

Drawing influence from California culture, we focus on three essential elements:

yoga lifestyle
surf culture
environmental awareness

Our mission is to continue to raise awareness regarding the importance of choosing sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable resources, while inspiring consciousness through surfing, yoga and meditation. We are confident you will enjoy living the Natural High Lifestyle."

Natural High Lifestyle aspires to be the thread that merges fashion, conscious living, and a healthy planet Earth. Established in Los Angeles in 1998, the company inspires consumers to become more aware of the impact of their purchases, inviting individuals to choose products that are not only stylish, functional and durable but also made from fast-growing, sustainable natural resources.
The company offers a distinctive line of West Coast-inspired clothing, bags, and accessories for men and women that is well suited for yoga, surfing, and California lifestyles. They also offer a line of home accessories including duvet covers, meditation cushions, and beach blankets, demonstrating the versatility of natural fabrics and affirming the company’s commitment to a comfortable, conscious lifestyle. Downtempo, ambient music, a “mix-your-own” essential oil bar (located at the company flagship store in Santa Monica) and annual, destination-driven lifestyle retreats round out the unique mix of products/services that Natural High Lifestyle offers to its clientele of hipsters, urban dwellers, beach bums and yogis.
The company continues to engage a growing, diverse audience of cultural creatives who are set on making a sociopolitical statement regarding the wise use of Earth’s resources, and who appreciate the style and comfort offered by Natural High Lifestyle.

Some of the environmentally conscious and trend setting celebs who have embraced Natural High Lifestyle apparel include: Alicia Silverstone, Brad Pitt, The Black Eyed Peas, Christina Applegate, Debra Messing, Jeremy Piven, Lawrence Fishburne, Marissa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Sting, Tiffani Amber Thiessen, Woody Harrelson, and many more While wardrobe departments for the big and small screen have also taken an interest in the brand, with stylists from movies like The Mexican, Scorched, and Red Dragon and from TV shows like CSI and Will & Grace choosing to dress their stars in Natural High Lifestyle apparel. Within the yoga community, some of the most respected teachers in the West sporting Natural High Lifestyle include Rodney Yee, John Friend, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Bryan Kest, Sean Corne, Sarah Ivanhoe, Rainbeau Mars, Govindas, Vinny Marino, Twee Merrigan, and Hala Khouri.

Natural High Lifestyle products are currently available both online at the Natural High Lifestyle website and at the company’s flagship store located at 2400 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405. The brand is also carried by upscale boutiques across the USA including Hollywood Trading Company at Fred Segal Santa Monica and Rolo in San Francisco as well as over 50 yoga studios and spas from coast to coast. The line has also branched out internationally, and is available in retails stores in Austria, Canada and Japan.

2009-09-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

"ANGeLRoX is very concerned about sustainability and our impact on our planet. We design product that is timeless and transcends the wasteful fashion engine that encourages consumers to wear items for a season and then consider them "out" the next."

The ANGeLRoX collection is recognized for its dedication to bringing timeless comfort and style with only the best natural fabrics.

It is a timeless womens collection, comfortable, versatile, & ideal for travel. A versatile line, ANGeLRoX is perfect for any activity, day or night. Fabrics (cotton, bamboo & rayon viscose) are natural, renewable, & sumptuous. The collection utilizes local suppliers in the New York area and is adamant about fair labor.

Created by Roxi Suger, a professor at Parsons the New School for Design, the collection embodies the philosophy of balancing out what we take from the Earth. ANGeLRoX strives to lessen the blow of the fashion industry on the world by creating beautiful designs that will last.

Every ANGeLRoX garment you purchase comes with video demonstrations available on the website and a brochure showing some of the infinite variations that come with your purchase.

The brand already has a definite celebrity following - Sharon Stone, Bebe Neuwirth, and even MTV's SuChin Pak all own some ANGeLRoX pieces.

The line is available in several online and offline boutiques across the United States and you can also order directly off the website.

* Snoflake *

2009-09-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

Toronto-based designer Debbie Sutton has played the fashion field. After graduating from Toronto's International Academy of Fashion Merchandising and Design, she worked her way through the ranks from cutter to assistant fashion designer, fashion merchandiser, stylist and key-team member with a successful Canadian bridal designer.
It was her work in bridal fashions that gave her the final kick to follow her urge to get more creative and branch out.

In 2000, she launched her own contemporary women's boutique line. All of her garments provide the perfect blend of quality, great tailoring, feminine detailing and inspired flourishes. Her line is designed and manufactured exclusively in Canada and she has already developed a strong clientele of young, urban, professional women.

The Snowflake line is sold in stores across Canada and the United States and you can also find some great deals and get more info on Snowflake's website.

2009-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

kelly lane

kelly lane's designs are inspired by stories her grandfather in north carolina would tell her of her childhood. as a young girl, she used whatever canvas she could find to express herself - walls, concrete basement floors at her parents' house...her passion for art and design led to two degrees in graphic design.

but it was not until 2005, when her husband gave her a sewing machine, that she discovered her love and talent for clothing design. in the fall of 2006 she launched her first line - enhancing her own true colors.

artful sophistication with an eye towards sustainability is at the heart of kelly lane. she carefully blends the versatility of jersey with the sturdiness of woven fabric to create beautiful feminine silhouettes.
kelly takes great pride in hand-making each piece, resulting in limited-run high-quality pieces with a conscience.

kelly lane is sold both online - on sites like eco-tique and in independent boutiques across north america.

rebe

2009-09-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

rebe

the creative designer team behind rebe, debra weiss and hillery sproat, make cute bags, belts, wallets, notecards and apparel for women and kids. they even make a cute pet carrier to boot. saw a cute purse or diaper carrier on their website, but you want to add your own design? not a problem! rebe [pronounced like debbie] will take requests and integrate your wishes.

with such a big age gap - hillery was 15 when rebe was conceived in 2000, while mom debra has raised 3 children - you would think these two would have totally different tastes, however, both are extremely artistic and know how to make their whimsical tastes work.

rebe uses a mix of recycled fibers and vintage kimonos to produce fabulous garments and accessories.

hillery also sells art pieces on a separate website.

you can find rebe's pieces in stores throughout north america, the uk, asia and australia and you can also order directly off the website.

RESTORE Clothing featured on Crain's Business

2009-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

"As more mainstream consumers demand green products, companies are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Along with learning how to make everything more sustainable, from raw materials to production to distribution, these companies are eager to do more business with local suppliers - especially if those suppliers are also going green."

Made in NYC - a website initially created as a b2b directory during the post-Sept. 11 economic downturn, is now being used by green-focused consumers to buy local.

To find out how RESTORE Clothing uses this directory and what other businesses you could find, follow this link.

Linda Loudermilk with NOW Showcase

2009-09-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Linda Loudermilk

She has been named one of "W" Magazine's Top 20 innovators to watch - she has been coined as the "Vivienne Westwood of eco" by ELLE - she has spearheaded the creation of a new luxury ecoTM lifestyle.
With her revolutionary designs and her radical spirit, Linda Loudermilk has literally redefined sustainability as alluringly sexy, fun and edgy!

Linda's purpose - in life and in her designs - is to ignite expressiveness and make us aware of our surroundings - the earth on which we live.

Six years ago, Loudermilk had made it to the Paris runways and should have been on top of the world, but instead she felt empty. "I was creating beauty, but beauty without soul." It was right there and then that she realized she wanted to change the way people think about the earth. She began researching sustainable products, by meeting with and learning from scientists and seeking out companies that create fibers without pesticides or other toxic processes. She also developed relationships with manufacturers who do not poison the water supply.

Loudermilk has trademarked the term luxury ecoTM, thereby becoming the first designer to create a luxury+eco lifestyle brand under one umbrella.

According to Loudermilk, nature is the original punk. Her garments are packed with drama - drawn from her studies of Shakespeare and costume design at Oxford University in England.

Beyond her revolutionary designs, Loudermilk is bringing together the global pioneers who are producing “green” and “gold” at the same time. By establishing the luxury eco™ Stamp of Approval, she seeks to identify those who are also breaking new ground in their respective fields. The emblem is a message to the consumer that the products or services are not only eco-friendly – but also superior in luxury quality, design and craftsmanship. It is the only Luxury Certification.

Loudermilk’s mission is to define every aspect of life as radically and decidedly eco-responsible. She is recognized as the first to identify and successfully market to the luxury eco™ consumer.

We are incredibly lucky to have such an amazing designer in our showcase!!!

Tracey Tanner * Feral Childe * modaspia

2009-09-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Tracey Tanner

LA native Tracey Tanner makes the most fun, stylish handmade accessories for women. She makes everything from bags, wristbands, wallets to little extras such as MP3 sleeves to keychains.

On the fashion scene since 2001, Tanner has had such success that she has been heavily featured in the press - Black Book, Jane, Nylon, Heeb, and even The New York Times have featured her eco-conscious accessories.

Tanner's line is available at upscale boutiques like the MOMA Store in NYC, Fred Segal in LA and Stitch in Chicago. You can also buy her latest designs in wallets, bags, wristbands and "extras" directly off the company's website.

Corporate jobs by day and designers by night - this best describes Alice Wu and Moriah Carlson, the geniuses behind this clothing line, in the early days of this line.

The two designers met over a sink of broken eggshells and became fast friends. They were soon faxing each other designs and drawings throughout the day, dreaming about their new "New York wardrobe". At night, they stripped off their corporate attire and searched the city for unusual fabrics, tried their creations on each other, took apart and resewed, redesigned and slashed at the clothes until they were satisfied. They made up stories to go along with this wild and untamed process and thus FeRaL ChiLde was born.

Passerby, neighbors and strangers stopped Alice and Moriah in the streets and the subway asking where they could buy such clothes. Young, old, traditionalists and renegades were all attracted to this unusual fashion line.

Brooklyn-based and locally produced, FeRaL CHiLde is sold by independent-minded stores - in the US, abroad and online - that see the garments as their rarest finds.

modaspia

Ursula Dean's inspiration comes from film, travel and the playground - old fairy tale illustrations of billowy childrens' clothing speak to her just as much as Brigit Bardot's carefree glamour. Dean's garments are meant to become an owner's timeless keepsake, which is why she puts a lot of effort into the design and fit of each garment. She uses natural textiles, like printed cotton from Italy or wool from England - to Dean, these are like special treasures to share. Her best friend and former co-designer occasionally designs prints exclusively for modaspia.

Dean recently added a children's line to her label, which is exclusively sold at etsy. Her women's line is sold in stores across the United States.

To keep up with what inspires and moves this designer, check out her blog.

O Ryann's Belt

2009-09-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Check out Ideal Bite's feature on our very own Ryann!!

G=9.8 * Serial Cultura * ecoSkin

2009-09-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

I bet the last time you looked at a pine tree, you did not think of lingerie. g=9.8 is a French lingerie label produced in the small town of Montilliers. Every item in these sexy, yet sophisticated collections are produced using pine tree. Eco-conscious designer Sophie Young works with tree companies to collect this fully renewable, pesticide-free source material for production. Once collected it is enzymically processed into fibers (think of the process as kinda like making beer) to make an array of bras, panties, high stockings, strappy tops, and sexy boxers for guys. The comfort of silk, feel of cashmere and the coolness of linen combine to keep you warm and stress free. Bet you never thought you could be so comfortable sporting wood ;)

Young's studies in architecture led to the design of a recycling facility in the center of Paris. This inspired her to create a fashion line, which would be environmentally conscious and help to preserve water sources, amongst other things.

Every tree used in the production of this line is specifically grown for production and then replanted.

You can buy Young's sexy and fashionable, yet timeless pieces at various online retailers as well as the company's own website.

Serial Cultura

Jennifer Jennings is a true artist - she focuses on merging "printed art with organically structured silhouettes". This NoCal-based women's clothing line integrates photography, textile design, printing and dyeing.

The Spring 2010 collection - in production as I write this - is Jenning's fifth collection. It's focus: geometric shapes. Does that mean her tops will be triangular and her skirts square? No, it rather means that Jennings original artwork is either hand-printed or digitally printed onto each individual garment - each reminding the consumer of geometry.

Jennings studied the art of fiber arts in Kansas City and from there moved on to explore her interests in screen printing and clothing design in Oregon. After a semester a resident artist she moved on to the fashion capital of the world, NYC of course, to deepen her skills at Parsons School of Design. After school, her heart drew her back out west to Oakland, CA where she resides today.

The Serial Cultura collection is available in several boutiques on both East and West Coast, as well as the website's store. To spot some of her newest designs and find out what inspired every piece, take a look at Jenning's blog.

ecoSkin

eco-chic, eco-smart, eco-sexy

"ecoSkin is a privately-held California apparel company offering chic, contemporary designs for the eco-conscious but fashion-savvy woman."

Sandy Skinner is the founder and brainchild behind this eco-consicious women's line. After 17+ years in the fashion Industry, Skinner wanted to find a way to be more environmentally responsible. She also knew that there had to be a way to offer more responsible choices to women who wanted to live a responsible, green lifestyle while looking eco-chic and sexy. In 2007 she used her years of experience in the apparel industry and her entrepreneurial drive and she founded ecoSkin.

This LA native runs her apparel company with close attention to detail. She oversees the production of every single garment from choice of raw materials to dyeing, sewing, green hangtags and labels. "We are in our infancy with many aspects of eco-friendly apparel. Green technology and environmental standards are still evolving and quality raw materials and dyes are scarce. All of this is challenging but worth the effort. The more customers demand responsibly-produced eco-friendly products, the more the industry will demand responsible suppliers and the faster we will clean up our planet, making green living mainstream living,” she says.

ecoSkin is available in boutiques in North America, Australia and Europe, as well as an online store.

* SDN * RESTORE CLOTHING *** Alchem1st

2009-09-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

SDN - aka Sarah Dixons Nova

...a Brooklyn-based men's line that literally started from the ground up. In 2003, the line was born - recycling used T-shirts, hand dying them and screen-printing collages on them. And they continue this tradition today. “We actively find old T-shirts and cold water dyes,” says Kyle Goen who started the line with lifelong friend Marcus Hicks. “We put the word out to friends before they throw them out. We clean them, dye them and silkscreen them. It’s tough to find T-shirts with nothing on them.” After much success with the t-shirts, Hicks and Goen recognized the need and demand for sustainable clothing made from recycled and eco-friendly fabrics.
What started out as a men's line, made with organic cotton, soy and bamboo, was launched as a full line of men's and women's clothing, made entirely of recycled, organic and other sustainable fabrics in 2008. Like all eco-fashion lines, SDN is very socially responsible. In addition to that, however, SDN ensures that all products are created without the use of sweatshops. And to top it all off, SDN also supports political causes.
The line is available at New York boutiques Sodafine and Kaight.

RESTORE® CLOTHING

"The Restore® acronym stands for "Responsible, Earth Friendly, Sustainable, Technological, Organic, Recycled and Ergonomic", a name that represents the standards and innovation they stand for."

RESTORE CLOTHING - Extra-Ordinary fabrics. Timeless Silhouettes. Clothing cut and manufactured for lifestyles that crossover Fitness & Fashion, Yoga & Spa, Work Out & Out after Work.
As fashion industry veterans, long time New York City residents and devoted environmentalists, Anthony and Celeste Lilore understand firsthand the needs of modern, urban dwellers to have crossover clothing that blends functionality, fashion and responsible production. In creating their line, these two are fashionably caring for our environment, while at the same time creating comfy clothes that move with us. The men and women who wear the line, appreciate and expect comfort and flawlessly executed earth clothing.
The fabrics used range from organic cotton and Repreve® nylon made from recycled fabrics and water bottles to lining made of Cocona®, an activated carbon made from the shells of coconuts! But they don't stop there! Their zippers come strictly from eco-conscious manufacturers, their hangtags are printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper with soy ink and their garments are shipped in biodegradable bags and recycled cardboard boxes.
The Lilores not only want to design fabulous clothing, but they also want to connect with their consumers, by sharing everyday concerns and fabulous stories in their Responsiblog. You can purchase this fabulous line right off the website.

alchem1st

A pret-a-porter women's line, hailing from the UK - incorporating fabulous ensembles that can go from day to night, with accessories and jewellery to boot. Designer Aisyah Syahdinar even includes swimwear and some unisex accessories into her collections.
In addition to organic silk, low-impact bamboo and organic wool and cotton, alchem1st also features garments made from natural hides and organic leather - all featuring unique embroidery, beading and contemporary prints.
Beautiful clothing can only stem from a beautiful environment and atmosphere - all of alchem1st's garments are produced in open air factories overlooking the beautiful tropical gardens and grand rice fields of Bali. It was there that Syahdinar found some of the most talented silversmiths in the world, alongside amiable workers who are unparalleled in the detail and intricacy of their work.
The sewers and workers - in essence the creators of the designer's vision - come first in the company. Local artists are supported in their individual talents, to assure old traditions are not lost. All staff working for the company are provided with the basics of room, board and health insurance, but they also receive regular yoga classes to maintain their mental and spiritual wellness.

You can obtain this eco-friendly fashion forward line in many retailers throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

The NOW Designer Series - featuring....SUST Ryann naturevsfuture

2009-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

SUST.... stands for:

sustainable, adj. - Ecol. Of, relating to, or designating forms of human economic activity and culture that do not lead to environmental degradation, esp. avoiding the long-term depletion of natural resources.

sussed, adj., Brit. colloq. - Well-informed, in the know; streetwise, 'cool'.

This is the self-proclaimed definition, or slogan if you will, you will find on SUST's website.

Founded in 2007, SUST consists of eccentric, yet high quality, stylish and timeless basics. Tristan Gribbin and Marion McKee - best friends since 1980 - fill every collection they design with a rainbow of brilliant colors. Based in San Francisco, the line is influenced by NoCal's alternative culture. New Wave, mod, punk and the retro styles of the 80s fueled and molded Tristan's and Marion's creative juices early on. Both designers traveled the world and evolved their own creative vision, always keeping the idea of a new fashion movement - designed to unite the masses - in the back of their minds. During a birthday weekend that reunited these two, SUST was born.
You can order this fabulous line right off the website.

Ryann

"...Ryann, created by designer Raina Blyer, is a guilt free wearable collection with a downtown punch for the fashion warrior in all of us."

Ryann focuses on design and tailoring, with fabrics varying in color and chosen according to the season. Elegant and timeless, but yet modern and current Ryann tries to appeal to the eco-conscious fashionista in all of us. Collections are meant to be worn for many seasons to come. Organic cotton and wool, Ahisma and conventional silk, soy and recycled fibers, bamboo, hemp and linen are all used when creating this fabulous women's fashion line.
Lifelong environmentalist Raina Blyer is the brains behind this genius operation. The Brooklyn native learned to sew at the age of three. Studies in Holistic Health drew her to Boston, but her heart remained in New York, where she returned to study at FIT. Working for designer Arjan Khiani, she helped to sew and design clothes for celebs like Britney Spears and Cindy Lauper. Being immersed in the industry allowed Raina to see firsthand, that much of what was going on contradicted her beliefs. Though many experts told her that a 'sustainable' fashion line would never get off the ground, she was determined and thus, in 2005 Ryann was born. As the fashion industry has grown and changed, so has Raina - never losing sight of her ideals along the way.
You can find Ryann on Raina's website or at various local retailers in New York City.

naturevsfuture®

“The more we advance the more we need to consider nature before we deplete it. In this tension to find balance is the living energy of the collection and hence the name.” says Valenti.

In 2002, six years after graduating from Parsons and designing Streetwear, Brooklyn native Nina Valenti founded 'naturevsfuture'. For her, it was a way to expose her unique aesthetic. Inherently classic with a futuristic edge, this women's fashion line teeters the line between cutting edge fashion and 'eco-consiousness'. Valenti incorporates more and more organic, sustainable, renewable and biodegradable materials in current and future collections. Mixing such fabrics as organic cotton, organic wool, hemp, soy, bamboo, seacell® (seaweed), lyocell (wood pulp), Ingeo™ (created from corn), along with recycled and technological fabrics such as Polartec® (made from soda pop bottles or industry waste) she believes in creating pieces for longevity. Nina's inspiration is drawn from everything that stimulates her senses - architecture, furniture, music and art, incorporating rhythm and movement into each piece.
The women who wear ‘naturevsfuture’ are intelligent, independent and creative women who do not follow trends but rather make their own statement. They like to look sexy but with a sophisticated and creative edge.
'naturevsfuture' has already received a promising amount of press in such publications as WWD, Italian Vogue, ELLEgirl, Nylon and Fader. She has been featured on the show Gilmore Girls and in 2004 was asked to design uniforms for the staff of the Alex Hotel's Restaurant Riingo.
In 2008 Valenti added a men's line.
Her line can be purchased through her website and in various retail stores throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

What is Eco-Design? A Small Glimpse...

2009-09-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

“It is important to emphasise that eco-design is not about dismissing the fundamental principles of design simply in favour of environmental gains. Positive environmental outcomes can be achieved during the design stage to ensure the best performance or result can be delivered over the long term without compromising form or function.”

When bying clothing, the average shopper probably does not think about the process of the clothing production and all that is involved - I know I never did. And when hearing of 'eco-clothing' I always pictured the "crunchy granola" girl in Birkenstocks, with baggy pants, a scarf and maybe some dreads. Well, I have to say I have been thoroughly educated. I never realized the environmental damage the production of clothing can cause - from the extraction of raw materials, material processing, manufacture and distribution, to even the shipping and marketing process.

In my research over the past few weeks, I definitely corrected my image of eco-clothing and learned that it is not just about the selection of 'eco-materials' such as organic cotton, hemp and soy - just to name a few, but it is also about making decisions that will reduce the overall environmental impact. And it is also about using, or not using, textile materials in a way that reduces consumption and makes them more sustainable.

Sustainability

2009-09-13T10:15:00.001-07:00

Main Entry: sus·tain·able
Pronunciation: \sə-ˈstā-nə-bəl\
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1727

1 : capable of being sustained
2 a : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged <sustainable techniques> <sustainable agriculture> b : of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods <sustainable society>

The NOW Showcase: Spring '10 Collection and Fall Immediates

2009-08-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

2009-08-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

Write up!

2009-02-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

Its nice to have your efforts recognized...

Thanks Ec0 Fashion World!

NOW is the time. NOW is the place.

2009-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

Now is an independent market for men and women that runs the gamut from underwear to outerwear - these collections represent a new model for fashion - one that is fresh and stylish while maintaining integrity as sustainable.

Now designers have staying power, evidenced by their incredible creativity, their deep-rooted commitment to responsibility, and their equally important consumer demand and loyalty.

Now Showcase puts the spotlight on bringing you garments of quality, versatility and a greater lifespan with an emphasis on organic, sustainable materials and quality local construction.

NOW is a forum that features collections for Autumn/Winter '09 by the most progressive independent designers in this field: Ryann, naturevsfuture, SDN, Turk + Taylor, Restore Clothing, G=9.8, Alchem1st, Kate, ANGeLRox, Enamore, and Natural High Lifestyle.

For more information, please visit our website.

NOW Showcase

2008-10-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

We are all gearing up and getting very excited for the NOW Showcase fall/winter edition .

Collections are available for viewing Saturday February 21st through Monday February 23rd.

Join us for the Opening Cockail Reception at the beautiful RARE Gallery at 521 W.26th Street in Chelsea. Check out the freshest in eco-fashion and independent design while taking in live beats and delicious cocktails on Sunday, February 22nd from 5-8.

Spring '09 Showcase

2008-10-27T09:40:00.001-07:00