NOW designers enter international market

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!

NOW arrived in Paris!

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!

What's in a name?

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"

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 whats NOW?

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!

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.

Origin 23 -- Welcome to the [R]evolution

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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...

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.