Posts Tagged ‘eco’

Recently there has been lots of talk at the shop regarding the green fashion movement. After a quick inventory we realized that most of our designers fall under some sort of eco-criteria. For some it’s the fabrics or the process and for others it’s simply by sourcing locally and producing in Canada. So with a stroke of incredibly good timing one of our favorite stylists popped in looking for pieces to feature in an upcoming Marilyn Denis Show feature on green fashion.

click the photo to watch the segment!

Check out the outfit second to the left. The Chartreuse Biker jacket by Stacey Zhang is matched with a tank by The Paddock (a collection by Carrie Hayes exclusive to Shopgirls!)  They don’t talk about the accessories too much in the segment but note the orange and grey necklace by Ashen Drift made from upcycled tshirts, the bag by Anna Zigowski, the silver necklace by Norwegian Wood, and the blue crochet earrings by This Ilk.

So click the photo to watch the segment & then come in and try it all on!!

The first annual Eco Fashion Week ran from September 27-30 this year in Vancouver. While I wasn’t lucky enough to attend in person I have been checking out the photos and articles from those who were. Touted by many as a great success, the event featured speakers, seminars, and panel discussions along with the traditional runway and trade show.

Nobel Prize winner Dr. Andrew Weaver was there as a keynote speaker and The Green Advisory Board was made up of experts from across the country including Toronto’s own Adria Vasil of Ecoholic and Kelly Drennen from Fashion Takes Action. The GAB put together ‘eco criteria’ to ensure all exhibitors and designers strove for sustainability in their practices. (My personal fave designs by Elena Garcia are pictured below but you can check out some of the other designers here)

Its encouraging to see an event of this scale put together by people from East to West and even more exciting to hear positive reviews and press. As WGSN‘s Carly Stojsic stated in her seminar on the opening day, eco fashion is indeed a movement, NOT a trend.

What kind of work do you do and what materials do you use?
I make hand-detailed undies from earth-friendly materials such as bamboo and organic cottons. I recently started incorporating lace into my designs and am planning on experimenting with hand dyeing over the next few months.

What makes your work unique?
Well first and foremost I like to keep the cuts of the undies comfy while using ruffles and other embellishments to up the cute factor. Anything that isn’t sewn by me personally is manufactured in Canada at fair prices and I pick fabrics with as little environmental impact as possible; the dye process for all of the fabrics is certified by the Oeko-tex standard 100, which ensures chemicals weren’t released back into the environment and there’s no harmful chemical residue on the fabric either (your lady parts will thank you)!

Who or what are your influences?
Candy Pants started because I couldn’t find earth friendly underwear for myself that wasn’t beige or cut like granny panties. Social responsibility is important but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice fit or style. In that respect I’m mainly influenced by my own needs and wants as well as those of the other women in my life. I think women should celebrate their curves rather than try to downplay and cover up. My mom plays a big part since she’s not afraid to tell the truth when something isn’t as good as it could be.

What is your current creative obsession?
hand dying and body painting! I’m getting ready to pack up for a summer in Alberta leaving me free to set up in my parents basement and work creatively with some women there who i find super inspiring. I’m going to get my hands dirty learning how to dye with berries, herbs, and other natural ingredients. I’m also planning a photo shoot in collaboration with my friend Marley Blair Wilson who is an amazing makeup artist and airbrusher (see: topless women of all shapes and sizes)!

Who’s your favorite Canadian artist or designer?
Hmm that’s a hard one. I think its a tie between Zuzanium, Faren, and Stacey Zhang. They all make pieces that are feminine, easy to wear, and drape beautifully. I’m also loving Elemental, the current exhibit in the shop by Jessica Rode.

There are those who dispute the ability of the fashion industry to run sustainably. (See comments on my last column!) “Isn’t fashion about keeping up with the trends, constantly buying and discarding?” Sometimes it seems that way, especially in a mass consumer culture such as ours. But let us not get caught on the racks at the fast fashion boutiques nor hypnotized by mainstream media; there is a future for fashion. It’s just that some of us may need to change our definition of the word.

Clothing for me has always been about self-expression. Fashion, therefore, is how I express myself in a way that pleases the eye of another. Trends may come and go but true style lasts, and so do well made pieces (when they are treated with the care they deserve). If you don’t like my definition lets look to a credible source… Webster’s Dictionary perhaps?

fash•ion
Pronunciation: \ˈfa-shən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English facioun, fasoun shape, manner, from Anglo-French façun, fauschoun, from Latin faction-, factio act of making, faction, from facere to make — more at do
Date: 14th century

1 a : the make or form of something b archaic : kind, sort
2 a : a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way b : mode of action or operation
3 a : a prevailing custom, usage, or style b (1) : the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time (2) : a garment in such a style c : social standing or prominence especially as signalized by dress or conduct
(Source: merriam-webster.com)

It seems the word has deep roots beyond the history of department store shopping. So then, lets break fashion (and responsibility) down into three parts: 1, the formation (designers); 2, logistics (distributors/manufacturers) and 3, societal norms (consumers). In this post I’ll write exclusively about the first category.

Part 1: The Designers

If independent, the designer is the person in charge of production. He or she picks fabric, decides on function, dictates quality, and chooses who distributes. When done on a small scale there is very little waste involved in this step of the process, simply because we really can’t afford it (see: starving artist). Since we’re talking about the future let’s highlight some up-and-comings as seen in Mass Exodus – a Ryerson graduation sendoff and a sneak peek at those who will soon be setting the standards in fashion and beyond.

During the opening speech the production team boasted an “eco-friendly set” with recycled steel and wood from sustainably farmed forests.

Jade Sullivan-Vallentyne is the woman behind the cheeky menswear label A2B. Designed for the twenty-something traveling man her garments are made from materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, fabric ends, and former tents. Hers are a prime example of unique conversation pieces that could spice up a wardrobe without falling victim to passing trends.

When thinking about designs to last a lifetime we can’t forget about Bridal. Enter Lilly Nichols – Eco Bridal.

Each piece is hand crafted by Kim Barr using natural fabrics such as organic hemp/silk blends, peace silks, and gauzes. In place of lace (which can have negative associations when it comes to lace makers and labor rights), Kim has laser cut her own design by hand, leaving a personal touch reminiscent of apples, orchards, and trellises. In her words, “Nature inspired lace that isn’t super girlie but feminine and modern.”

So there’s just a small taste of the many talented designers taking responsibility into their own hands. Stay tuned for what’s looking to be a 3-part spotlight on those working towards sustainable style.

** Both A2B and Lilly Nichols will be on display (among others) this summer in the windows of Holt Renfrew’s Bloor street location (50 Bloor Street West).