EDUN - CATWALK REPORT - New York Spring/Summer 2012

By Lorna

EXCITING TIMES!!!!!! New York fashion week is going on as I type and London Fashion Week starts on friday (16th). Most of my friends are frantically cutting patterns, sewing together final outfits, printing lookbooks and sending out invites. One of the New York shows I was most looking forward to was ethical label EDUN. Since Sharon Wauchob took the creative direction reins, this label has had a profound injection of style and craftsmanship. The SS12 show featured a skillful mash-up of iconic florals overprinted with african patterns, mesh sportswear references and a beautiful optomistic pallete of red and blue hues. Edun supports six factories accross Africa where 37 per cent of the women's line is made, the label's ethos being ''Trade not Aid''. I LOVE IT!!

A beautiful boutique

by Naomi

I discovered a great ethical find, whilst in the gorgeous city of York (which is really worth a visit!).

I don't think I would have chanced upon it, had I not got completely lost, but I'm glad I did!

Tucked away down a cobbled side street is......

the One Responsibly Gorgeous Ethical Boutique.

It is bursting at the seams with lovely ethical treats. My heart skipped a beat when I spied a stunning cropped bustier by Deborah Lindquist, made from vintage kimono material. It was delicious.

I couldn't find similar online, but the brand does some pretty cool other bits including this sexy Racquel shredded organic cotton t-shirt at $160.

I was also hankering after the jewellery by Kate Hamilton Hunter and Just Trade, and the clothing by Patchouli Fair.

They also have a website here, if you can't get to York anytime soon!

xx

A Fairtrade Monday treat

by Naomi


We all need a little lift on a Monday; something to make the week start well. For me it tends to be chocolate, the latest episode of Glee (yes I am a Gleek!), getting the update from my favourite blogs or a fashion find.


To help all you Eco-Goddesses avoid the post-weekend blues I have decided to make sure that all you have something lovely to look at every Monday!


You may well know, it's the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight so in keeping with this, I bring you a piece of magnificent Fairtrade goodness in the shape of this handwoven Cory Tie Top by People Tree, £48.

The daffodil yellow reassures me that summer is on the way and the tie detail manages to be playful yet chic at the same time. I want it and I want it now! 
I hope you enjoy! -x-


P.S. The folks at the Fairtrade Foundation have lots of fun things going on this week, check out Fairtrade Fortnight here.


Facts: 
Monday treat: Fairtrade Fortnight; People Tree Cory Tie Top, £48, handwoven, Fairtrade.

Monsoon launches L.O.V.E collection at LFW!

by Naomi

Monsoon has just launched a new ethical and sustainable collection, called L.O.V.E at London Fashion Week! The sponsors of LFW's eco/ethical exhibition, Esthetica, Monsoon are already kind of up there on their ethical policy and now they have a dedicated collection!

Featuring recycled materials, Indian crafts and organic fabrics the first collection is boho-tastic, here is a little snippet:





Pradesh Dress, organic cotton, traditional hand-crafted woodblock print, £190. Delhi Top, organic cotton, hand-sewn mother of pearl bib, £150.

These floaty numbers have got me fantasising about summer holidays spent on the beach and those lovely warm evenings spent in the pub!

See the rest of the collection here.

Compassionate Fashion - Gucci & UNICEF

By Lorna 

Gucci Creative Director, Frida Giannini will be honoured on February 11th 2011 at UNICEF's annual Women of Compassion luncheon. Jennifer Lopez will present the award with honorary chairwomen Rihanna and Mary J Blige.

Under Frida Giannini's direction, Gucci has committed over $9million to UNICEF to support UNICEF orphans and children affected by AIDS in Africa, where over 11 million children have lost one or both parents to the disease. This has been achieved through various special projects and commissioned exclusive design pieces for Gucci to retail. The most recent of these projects was a special edition Sukey bag which has been stocked in Gucci stores in 20 countries with 25% of the retail price donated.

"Gucci's ongoing commitment is helping UNICEF and our partners reach our goal of benefiting 4 million children through the Schools for Africa campaign."

"For most of Africa's children, particularly orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS, education represents a way out of a life of entrenched poverty,” said Nichole Brown, UNICEF Chief of Corporate and Foundation Fundraising. “By providing children with access to a quality education in a safe and protective environment, we are building better lives for not only these children, but future generations as well."

When you look at the problems people face all over the world, it is easy to feel helpless. That is why these Women of Compassion awards are so important; they are inspiration to the likes of women (and men) in industries everywhere that it is possible to make a difference and improve our world for the better, congratulations Frida!  

Find more info on the Gucci and UNICEF partnership, at Gucci or UNICEF

Eco Party Dresses: Prepare to drop jaws in Dazzling Dior!!

By Lorna

A couple of weeks ago I set myself the challenge of finding lots of perfect Christmas party dresses. My intention was to provide you with a multitude of stunning cocktail dresses (all ethically made of course) which you could rock with glowing pride for your work Christmas party’s. I’ll be honest... its not been an easy task. Whilst everyday chic looks are something the ethical fashion pack are great at, proper party dresses seem to get a bit overlooked. Perhaps this is because as we strive to be more ethical in our lives, the idea of buying an expensive dress to wear once and then have it relegated to the back of the wardrobe does seem a tad at odds.

This is why I am super excited to tell you about my first find! It’s an AMAZING resource for eco fashion savvy girls wanting a taste of iconic fashion history. Lucy in Disguise established this summer by Lilly Allen and her sister is a beautiful store, which claims to have  ‘more drop dead gorgeous gowns than you could shake a feather bower at!’  We at EcoGoddess likee!

Lilly and her sister, Sarah Owen share a love of fashion, sourcing and hording vintage finds and have put their talents to excellent use! In Lucy In Disguise you can find everything from whichever decade you choose! Beaded flapped dressed from the 20s, 30s evening gowns, 40’s tea dressed, 50s prom dressed, Ossie Clark and Biba from the 60’s and 70’s, sequins and sparkle from the 70’s and 80’s... this really is a vintage wardrobe from heaven!

Their aim is to make vintage style attainable and to bring the highest quality pieces of iconic fashion history direct to the customer for their special night out. In hiring a piece of fashion history everyone can afford to look a million dollars!!!

There is also a lovely video of girls getting ready for a night out (which we all know is half the fun!) on the website, watch it by clicking here.

Calling all EcoGoddess’s -please email us pictures of your best Vintage looks at ecogoddess@live.co.uk

FACTS: Vintage, Hire, Lilly Allen, Christmas Party, Dresses, Biba, Ossie Clark, Yves Saint Laurent, All Photos by Rankin.

Bbbrrrrrrr....wrap up this Christmas with gorgeous knitwear

by Naomi

In my opinion sexy boots and scrumptious knitwear are two of the most important fashion saviours in the cold weather, and as Lorna has so wonderfully covered the former below, I am here to bring you a delightful selection of the latter. Warning: you will want to purchase and wrap up in all of these!

There is something eternally girly about bows - I can't get enough of them! 

Hand-Knitted Bow Scarf by Emmadime, £30 from Miki Organic.

Camilla Norrback Trompe L'Oeil Bow Jumper Dress,  £60 from Fashion Conscience.

Alpine prints are really hot...and these will keep you warm! Plus, they can't help but make you feel festive (and want a cameo in Wham's Last Christmas video...or is that just me?!)

Nordic Vintage Tunic by Lowie, £210.

Nordic Vintage Fingerless gloves by Lowie, £38.

Nordic Vintage earmuffs by Lowie, £38.

People Tree Fairisle Fair Trade Cardigan £92.

Last but by no means least, no-one can feel the winter blues whilst wearing a cape - it defies the laws of science...or at least the laws of wonderful knitwear.

Hooded Cable Cape by Lowie, £178.

Faux Fur Collar Cape by Tara Starlet

Facts: gorgeous organic, eco and ethical knitwear by Emmadime, Camilla Norrback, Lowie, People Tree and Tara Starlet. Perfect for winter!

Stella McCartney does Paris Fashion Week...

By Lorna

Ok so I'll admit its not exactly the best weather to show you beautiful light summery clothes but when offered a sneak preview of Stella McCartney's Summer 2011 collection i bet you'll find it just as hard to resist as I did!!

The collection was shown yesterday at Paris Fashion Week- Highlights include an array of soft pastel colored tailored suits, modern thigh high split dresses and a tangy vibrant all-over print to add a flash of bright colors. The accessories are also well worth a lustful glance and as always with the lovely Stella, its all animal friendly!

You can check out pics from the catwalk here 


Facts: Stella McCartney, Animal Friendly, SS11 Catwalk

Roll up, roll up! London Fashion Week designer raffle!!

By Lorna

Exciting eco-fashion news! The Environmental Justice Foundation have launched a charity fashion raffle with over £100 prizes, worth over £8000!! 

Launched at London Fashion Week, tickets are only £5 each and the winners will be drawn on Oct 15th. 

100% of profits from the sale of raffle tickets goes to support the EJF's work empowering people who suffer most from environmental and human rights abuses around the world.

Be quick to snap up your chances to win now by heading to the EJF online shop.

Facts: Charity Designer Raffle, Environmental Justice Foundation, London Fashion Week.

Go organic between the sheets with our number 1!

by Naomi

Having hopefully provided you with some inspiration with 10 through to 2 in our Top 10 Organic Finds, coming in at number 1 is something that could get your manshapes (or ladyshapes!) excited about going organic!

The beautiful organic silk designs from Knickers In a Box are enough to get anyone's blood pumping!

The knickers, which we first featured a little while ago, have gorgeous side-tie bows and frilly edges. Prices start at £28 for the pieces in organic silk.

And now you can rule the boudoir in these stunning silk slips, starting at £120:

There's nothing more sumptuous and luxurious feeling than silk and that's why they're our number 1!

Facts: Knickers In A Box: luxury organic silk lingerie and nightwear.

Chinti and Parker...in at number 2

by Naomi

There is nothing more exciting about the changing seasons than the new fashion, especially when that new season means the end of summer and the onset of dark nights and chilly days! I much prefer to dream up new looks and lust over new fashion pieces!

Chinti and Parker is a brand that I discovered in Elle, and is one of my finds of the new season, hence it's place at number 2 in our Top 10 Organic Finds.

The brand launched in October 2009 with the vision of creating versatile luxury wardrobe staples. Organic cotton jersey separates and basics come in three easy-to-wear weights, oh and then there's the Cashmere pieces. Swoon.

Prices start at around £45 for t-shirts and £260 for knitwear, and are available direct from Chinti and Parker as well as a selection of London boutiques.

Facts: Chinti and Parker: luxury womenswear, organic cotton jersey, cashmere, featured in Elle magazine.