We are very excited to announce our next Ethical Fashion Academy event in NYC!

Breakthroughs in Sustainable Fashion: Strategies For Real Change,
an intimate session with Sass Brown, Marieke Eyskoot, and Tara St. James
Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EST)New York, NY

Join this intimate and timely conversation between international fashion industry experts, Sass Brown, Marieke Eyskoot, and Tara St. James.  Each will share from their vast experiences and focus on constructive strategies that have helped to bring about lasting and impactful change towards a more sustainable fashion industry.
Please arrive at 6:30 to check in as the talk will begin at 7 and end at 7:45 to allow for Q&A till 8. 
This event is Free, but please RSVP HERE.

Learn more about Sass Brown at ecofashiontalk.com
Learn more about Marieke Eyskoot at mariekeeyskoot.nl/?lang=en
Learn more about Tara St. James at study-ny.com

TrimLab is the cooperative effort of a group of world-class fastener and trim companies, a hi-tech product development center and showroom in the heart of the fashion district.
TrimLab welcomes established, emerging, and start-up fashion companies to visit their showroom.
Contact Dave to learn more:  [email protected]

Study NY is an ethical contemporary womenswear brand based in New York City that produces seasonless clothing with sustainably sourced materials through ethical production.   Passionate about transparency, the Study NY website provides full sourcing maps and shares the story of how each item is made, with the belief that the hands that manipulate the materials are just as important as the quality and sustainability of those materials. Most recently, Study NY has begun global collaborations with designers and artisan groups that share the belief that clothes should be well-made using quality materials. 

Tara St James, founder and designer, was born and raised in Montreal where she dreamt of becoming the first female Prime Minister of Canada. But then she attended a technical design school where she fell in love with menswear tailoring. After spending 6 years in the denim industry, she moved to New York and co-founded an eco-friendly mass-consumer line in Canada called Covet. Determined to apply her vast knowledge of production and textile sourcing to a larger market, Tara started Study NY in 2009 with a focus on no-waste patternmaking and open sourcing materials. Supportive of the burgeoning sustainable design community in her new found home, in 2010 she launched Study Hall, a small design-focused incubator that saw young designers developing, producing and selling their own sustainable mini collections. After winning the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award in 2011, Tara served as mentor at the Awamaki Lab, a program that fosters cross-cultural partnerships between young designers and Peru's Awamaki indigenous weaver collective. These created a foundation of collaboration and mutual learning that has become a cornerstone of Study NY and the ever-evolving cross-cultural collaborations that share sustainable best-practices with fellow artisan and designers.

 Sari Bibliowicz, Co-Founder of Bib+Tuck talks to Ethical Fashion Academy on a new  sustainable trend: recycling your closet. 

What is Bib + Tuck's story and what does it mean to you?
Sari and I were living with 3 other friends in the same building in NYC. With no closet space to spare and with the economy taking a nosedive, we started sharing clothes. It was like shopping without spending, and we thought ‘this is genius', let’s make it a thing.

Our vision has always been to transform the way you perceive your closet. It’s become really easy to shop online but selling is still a hassle. The bigger vision is micro logistics - the idea that with a little bit of help, our closets can each become tiny distribution centers.

You are both Co-Founders, who does what?
We have very clear and defined roles -- to put it simply, Sari A handles Operations and I'm in charge of Marketing. 

What has been the biggest challenge?
In the beginning it’s really easy to doubt yourself. You just have to get your hands really dirty. Entrepreneurship is glorified in many ways-- you have to know what you’re getting yourself into. It’s not well documented what the process is like. To this day, there’s a lot of stuff that you have to deal with. At the beginning, you’re wearing two or three different hats. If you work in a startup company you have to be comfortable with the risk. If you’re not comfortable with the risk, then you won’t succeed, Fear is going to overcome you. 

You just launched your cash out feature, very exciting addition. What's next? How do you see Bib + Tuck 5 years from now?
Yes! It's been such a great addition to the site, in the last 2 weeks we've seen a 200% increase in listings. We've actually released a hillarious video series to launch the cash out. Watch it here. I can't tell you where we'll be in 5 years (although I'd love to know!), but I can tell you we are simply trying to change the way people shop second-hand by adding creativity and fun to the mix!

What inspires you?
I know this sounds super cheesy, but I'd have to say Sari Azout. We look at things very differently, so her perspective is always very inspiring and interesting. It never gets dull or boring here, and I have her to thank for that!

Has the fashion landscape changed? What kinds of trends are you seeing in the industry?
Definitely! I think consumers are getting smarter - they know what they want and can't be easily fooled, which changes the way brands have to think about their product and attracting consumers. It's important to be transparent, attainable, and inspirational so that people can connect to you as a brand. Marketing the  "old fashion" way won't fly anymore, innovation and creativity is critical right now.  

How would you describe your styles?
Sari A dresses like she was born in a strawberry field in the 70's. You'll find her in bell bottoms, a floral top, platforms, and tons of accessories. 
I'm a lot more urban NYC I would say. You'll usually find me in black ripped jeans, a gray tshirt, nike sneakers, a floor length cardigan, and dainty simple jewelry. 

What words of advice would you give for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Never give up. We all have our moments of doubt and ups & downs, but if you keep pushing through and keep your head up high, you will surprise yourself by the things you've accomplished that you never thought you were capable of. 

You both must be extremely busy, what keeps you grounded?
Personally, spending time with the people I love and doing yoga at my neighborhood studio :)

Well, what are you waiting for?  Go Bib + Tuck and thank us later ;)

XO -Dominica

For a new take on Fashion that is ethical, we introduce Focus Life Gear.  The latest that technology has to offer to get rid of the latest that technology has to offer.  Focus Life Gear, a line of “garments to protect us from the storm of information,” from designer Kunihiko Morinaga.  Made from hi-tech fabrics that cut off your cellphone’s connection whenever you wear it.  The novel concepts brings attention to the physical human beings and experience of our life.  The video gives us a glimpse of the lazer cut, seamless, and hi-tech methods used to produce the collection.

NYC SUSTAINABLE DESIGN TRENDSTALK & TOUR SUNDAY June 22, 2014
Join us to explore one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the world and observe the rising importance of sustainable, slow, local, and artisan based enterprises in NYC’s trend setting Soho neighborhood. Learn from the top examples of branding, marketing, and design from over 20 retail stores in New York City.  There is limited space and we sold out on the last tour we had. Join us on this exciting, fun and educational tour!
 Click here to learn more.

#FASHION FILTER:  Perceptions of Beauty
Monday, April 7, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Wix Lounge 235 W 23rd St New York, NY

An inspiring conversation about the perceptions of human beauty through art and design. We are proud to feature an amazing group of panelists each with their own perspective and artistic discipline.

Fine-Art Photographer, Jen Kiaba  

Choreographer,  Jennifer Montoya of Touch Theory

Fashion Designer, Tabitha St Bernard-Jacobs

Author, Illustrator and Parsons Teacher, Laura Volpinesta

Journalist and ethical fashion advocate, Bianca Alexander, Esq.

Moderator:  Francisca Pineda, EthicalFashionAcademy founder 

In addition, we believe in action and encourage you to bring one unique item of clothing that you are ready to part with for a very special swap exchange following the panel discussion. 

$5, FREE for students
 RSVP here:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-filter-tickets-10829392003

This event is sponsored by Wix Lounge, the easiest way to make a professional website or online portfolio.


Jen Kiaba is an award winning fine art photographer based in Hudson Valley, NY. Her work seeks to examine and reclaim the soulful beauty and sensuality in the female form by addressing cultural mores and structures that both society and her culture of origin place upon women. Her newest body of work, "Burdens of a White Dress" recently received the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women in Photography.
Fine art: http://www.jenkiaba-fineart.comCommissioned Portraiture: http://www.jenkiabaphotography.com

Bianca Alexander, Esq. is an EMMY© award winning TV journalist, yogini and ethical fashion advocate. She is currently the Director of Communications for Fashion Revolution USA, a global campaign in 30+ countries mounted after the Rana Plaza sweatshop factory collapse in Bangladesh to bring more justice and transparency to the global fashion supply chain. In 2007, Bianca launched Conscious Living TV, a digital media platform  covering the people, places and pioneers on the front lines of sustainability and evolution. Bianca has curated and produced several of the top eco-fashion shows in the U.S., including Vert Couture and THREADS, and has covered the ethical fashion movement from the runways of Paris to New York and L.A. Bianca has presented around the world as an expert on sustainable fashion, including at the World Congress on Organic Cotton in Interlaken, the Textile Exchange, and Green Festivals across the U.S. Bianca is a graduate of Princeton and the University of Virginia School of Law. Connect with her on twitter @ConsciousTV or Conscious Living TV’s facebook fan page.
http://fashionrevolutionusa.org

Tabitha St. Bernard is the co-founder and designer of Tabii Just, a zero waste clothing line designed and manufactured in New York City. Drawing on Tabitha's rich Trinidadian heritage, the aesthetic of Tabii Just is a marriage of Caribbean flair and Brooklyn edge, resulting in vibrant prints done in stream-lined silhouettes. Tabii Just has been featured on NY1, Style Blazer and Essence Magazine among others. Tabitha is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology. She honed her skills while interning at Vivienne Tam and working at Tahari ASL. She left the corporate fashion industry to launch Tabii Just, which is committed to supporting New York-based labor and resources. Tabii Just clothing is manufactured in facilities that uphold fair labor practices in Brooklyn and the Garment District. Tabitha also blogs for various outlets about fashion and beauty with a focus on sustainability. 
http://tabiijust.com/

Laura Volpintesta, BFA 1995 Parsons School of Design (NY and Paris), has been teaching since 1997 (BFA Fashion pattern/draping/sewing) and 2000 (AAS Fashion drawing, design, portfolio).  While on the full time faculty, she developed Parsons Fashion's first fully online fashion studio art and design class in 2008 which she still teaches. Only now, she refuses to teach the unrealistic body proportions that she learned to draw as a fashion student.  Founding Fashion Illustration Tribe, shecreates and guides online fashion art and drawing courses to foster "fashion in our own image": fashion and portfolio courses that offer an alternative to expensive, university programs by encouraging study from home that embraces sustainability, diversity and inclusion, integrity, honesty, and small business models in a non-competitive, encouraging community environment more aligned with a sustainable lifestyle. This is founded on the belief that the kinder we are to ourselves, the kinder we will be with the outside world.  She just published her first book the Language of Fashion Design on Rockport featuring designers and models from all continents and biographies of men and women with unique approaches to design, materials, and business.  She is also a homeschooling mother, doula, and  singer, primarily of Brazilian jazz and MPB, who believes celebration, affirmation, craft, color, joy, and positive energy are fundamental to fashion.  "True Fashion is both a personal and a public service".  
http://www.fashionillustrationtribe.com/

Choreographer, Jennifer Montoya, formed Touch Theory Dance and uses her background in improvisational dance to create movement which caters specifically to the strengths of the dancers. I often ask the dancers to "see each other," in rehearsal because there is a lot happening in the dance musically, technically, spatially and it can frazzle a performer. It takes focus to create great dance and when the dancers take the time to see each other it has an instant calming effect on the whole piece.
Read more at http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwdance/article/Touch-Theory-Dance-Presents-PANDEMONIUM-214-15-20140211#osf1dV6Fv6jPOYaJ.99

Theresa VanderMeer is an American tech-professional and the founder of social enterprise, WORK+SHELTER, an ethical outsourcing solution and a safe space where women in India receive training and earn a fair wage. Theresa is a graduate of the University of Michigan and currently lives in Brooklyn. NY. She is interested in women's empowerment, how technology can be harnessed for social change, and deeply identifies with the statement, "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."
www.workshelter.org 

Tamara Leacock is an artist and blogger who uses the vocabulary of fashion to explore themes of environmentalism, social justice, and imagination. Her current fashion line, ReciclaGEM, is a line of unique unisex pieces of wearable art, constructed from recycled materials, and designed with the idea of transcending domineering cultural design values in mind. Through her designs, blog, artistic collaborations, and travels, Tamara seeks to galvanize people around exploring how fashion can be a vehicle, and think tank, for addressing critical social issues to enact and inspire positive social change.
Website: www.reciclagemny.com
Blog: www.reciclagem-themovement.com

She's a writer, she's a teacher, a designer, an activist, a traveler. No this isn't the newest rendition of Alanis Morissette's song but the venturous life of Sass Brown: the brilliant Avante Garde, Eco-fashion activist. Outlined in her newest book Refashioned: Cutting-edge clothing from Upcycled Materials, Sass goes down a path less traveled curating the best in upcycled fashion. The designs? Illustrious. The ideas? Timely exigencies for change. I sat down with Sass at Cafe Moda across from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) where she serves as Assistant Dean. The Italian cafe, she says, reminds her of living in Florence. After ordering coffee and tea, she thanks the man at the counter with an eloquent "grazie" --a kind British-Italian accent you only hear in the movies. We settled into a cozy corner in the back, where Sass opened up to me about life and unraveled the world of Eco-fashion. 

You have a lot of roles, which do you identify with most?

"Hmm..I love the research and writing. One component leads to another, and when I say research, I mean talking to the artisans and the designers and makers. I was in Seoul for the second time in late summer and I was there doing a two week workshop with some colleagues from FIT and I spent an additional week to do some research. So, wherever I am I tag on my own time kind of typical of most of my trips. During this trip, I managed luckily to connect to other people who connected me to other people and I ended up meeting what is classified as "national treasures" in South Korea: the holders of the crafts and craftsmen, hand loomers, weavers and tailors. It was an amazing experience. I try to do the same wherever I am."

You travel a lot and have so much going on, what keeps you grounded..what keeps you going?

"I have to sustain myself to be able to sustain my work. A lot of people are at this junction..[Sass laughs]. I have to meditate everyday, I do a particular type of meditation, a written form of mediation. I do a stream of consciousness writing every morning for 40 minutes, first thing I do when I wake up. I also cook regularly you know, nothing fancy but wholesome and nutritious. In addition, I visit the museum as much as I can. I really need and value my solitary time."

How would you describe the green movement?

"It is in a way,  the same sort of pathway as the slow food movement which has the same roots back in the 60s and 70s. It took a very long time to get from there to whole foods. I remember being 21 and getting into being vegetarian for the first time..having to seek out vegetarian places. It was hard to seek out places. From there to now, slow food was really something that started very much by the Italians: expensive chefs and restaurateurs building their cuisine around it and the love and beauty of creating. The eco-fashion is in that same process, not nearly as developed but getting close to a tipping point."     

What are some ways to catalyze the movement?

"One of the most important things that need to happen in Eco-fashion is the work has to be re-contextualized in a different way than "niche". We always talk to people who support us and know this industry as opposed to outside of that, we’re not preaching to the mainstream for the most part.  Diversity is also important because each place has something to add to the conversation. Designers in Chile have something entirely different to say than designers in New York. We all have our voice in this movement and something vital to say, a unique experience."
 
What options do consumers have, how can they get involved?

"There’s lots of ways..I know that money is one of the barriers but when you’re talking about an emerging market you’re talking about small designers who don’t have scale to counter balance their costs with. You are always going to be talking about a more expensive market until it hits mainstream. There are also mainstream options slowly emerging, too. You have H&M’s conscious collection and you do have a lot of vintage and flea market opportunities. You have Bib and Tuck where you can exchange clothes and get virtual bucks. You can have the clothes you are tired of and have them remodeled or remade. There's also the option of supporting local designers whether it’s pop up shops or small local designers. All of those are options and there are so many great vehicles."

What's your next step?

"Refashioned has only been out a few months, I'm technically still in PR mode..[Sass laughs]..but I'm trying to organize a pop up shop around the designers in the book. Hopefully, at a multitude of major luxury retailers around the world. I have interest in New York, Paris and Milan at the moment, but it it takes a lot of time and a lot of conversations."

Want to join the conversation with Sass Brown? You can find more information on her website Eco-Fashion Talk and check out her latest book Refashioned: Cutting-edge Clothing from Upcycled Materials.


x -Dom

February 1 thru February 18th: Market 605 announces a West Village-based, month long celebration of ethical fashion. The collaborative pop-up shop is organized and run by nine of New York’s best local designers and independent label creators and offers a finely curated array of womenswear, accessories, jewelry, home goods and gifts. Customers will have the chance to meet the designers while shopping a handpicked selection of exclusive items. (11-7pm) 
  
Launch Party -- February 8, 7-10pm: Ethical fashion e-tailer HELPSY and East Village boutique, The Deep End Club, will co-host the launch of the HELPSY popup shop in Market 605. RSVP: [email protected]

DJ’d by Tennessee Thomas. Sponsored by Harmless Harvest Coconut Water and Owney’s Rum. 
Feb 8,9-- HELPSY will hold popup shop in the Market 605 space. 
http://www.shopHELPSY.com

February 19- 25, 10-8pm-- The collaborative Market 605 space becomes a wholesale showroom for buyers only during FW14 market week.

Address: 605 Hudson Street at W. 12th Street, NYC

For further information please contact: rachel(at)shophelpsy(dot)com or market605nyc(at)gmail(dot)com

About Market 605 designers:

Dirty Librarian Chains For nearly a decade, Dirty Librarian Chains designer, Susan Domelsmith, has been working at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement.  Her collection of bold retro-futuristic jewelry is based on a zero waste design model and ensures the production of every piece utilizes USA made materials dating from the 1960’s to the 1980’s.  
dirtylibrarianchains.com

Feral Childe is the bicoastal design duo of Moriah Carlson (Brooklyn, NY) and Alice Wu (Oakland, CA), who both come from a fine arts background. The two collaborate on the drawings and collages that form each collection's signature textile designs. Feral Childe combines thoughtful choice of sustainable materials and attention to quality construction to make smart, wearable silhouettes for forward-thinking women, and is proudly manufactured in New York City. 
feralchilde.com

Gamma Folk is the jewelry of designer and maker Lily Piyathaisere. Created out of the spirit of past and present, Gamma Folk is a celebration of aesthetics, experiments in materials and the preservation of craft.  
gammafolk.com

IMAGO-A (pronounced ee-mah-go ah) is a NYC-based leather handbag and accessories line. The IMAGO-A collection is built upon geometric and sculptural shapes that are both innovative and functional. All IMAGO-A pieces are produced locally by luxury-leather craftsmen in NYC. 
imago-a.com

MAISON CAPRON was born from a desire to create beautiful pieces made with integrity and respect to the environment.  Sustainably designed and produced domestically in Los Angeles using natural fibers, ethically sourced materials, natural plant and low impact dyes and local, artisanal resources.  The line works to optimize beautiful, handcrafted design with an attitude of relaxed glamour, while promoting a harmonious and responsible relationship between business, community, and nature. 
maisoncapron.com

Kordal is a women's knitwear collection that fuses innovative forms and textures with functionality. We believe in creating garments that will inspire creativity and wearability. All of our knits are designed and and produced in NYC in an effort to support American manufacturing.  
kordalknitwear.com

by natalie frigo - Natalie Frigo's passion is creating unique, heirloom jewelry. Natalie's inspiration ranges from early metallurgy and textile design to recent architectural developments, culminating in a collection that is contemporary, but by referencing venerable artifacts, also feels timeless.  
bynataliefrigo.com

Nettie Kent creates handcrafted jewelry from recycled metals in Brooklyn, New York. Nettie Kent has earned a cult following and loyal clientele that appreciates her sculptural forms, unique designs and her ethical approach to jewelry making that emphasizes sustainable design and sourcing recycled materials. Summers on the beach and winters in Brooklyn influence all of Nettie's designs, a mix of organic shapes cast in rough golden metals juxtaposed with soft leathers. 
nettiekent.com

Study NY is a sustainable womenswear label based in Brooklyn, NY.  We make season-less clothing locally and ethically without subscribing to the traditional fashion calendar.  Our goal is to create the ideal wardrobe for our customers. We believe the clothes we wear should be well-made using quality materials, and the hands that manipulate those materials should be respected and cared for.  We tell the story of how our clothing is made, one step at a time. 
studyny.squarespace.com

BHAVA is a women's fashion shoe brand founded by designers Francisca Pineda and Rushali A. Sanghani. Bhava is named after the designers' shared devotion to purity and consideration for others, the highest form of Bhava. This collection sets a new standard in footwear design by sourcing the highest quality hand-woven, organic, recycled and cruelty free components. The Bhava aesthetic represents timeless elegance with a dose of ingénue charm. Our mission is to create a harmonious footwear experience, as in tune with our environment as our spirit.

AND many more from Freedom of Animals, State, Kallio, The Greater Goods, Shino Ceramics, Titania Inglis, Pima Doll, Mullein & Sparrow, Susan Alexandra, Bing Bang NYC, Andrea Diodati, Marble&Milkweed, Job&Boss, Good Candle ...

HELPSY is an online platform for dope ethical fashion, run and owned by Rachel Kibbe. Shopping the platform, customers can sort purchases by 11 ethical categories. Her aim is to curate the coolest designs available which are also ethically produced, proving sustainable fashion is not an esthetic and great design does not have to be sacrificed. She also aims to raise awareness, through the HELPSY platform, about the importance of shopping ethically. 
shophelpsy.com

The Deep End Club is an East Village store owned and run by activist and DJ, Tennessee Thomas. Offering an array of clothing, books, art, and accessories, most of the products are locally made and many have been handcrafted. The Deep End Club is also home to an ongoing series of workshops addressing themes of sustainability and environmental preservation through art and fashion. 
thedeependclub.com

Many of us search our lives for something meaningful. A few truly find it.

For Sasibai Kimis, it was a kind of journey that took an investment banker around the world and a lot of savings to create Earth Heir. Earth Heir is a social business focusing on issues and supporting sustainable communities.

On a cold rainy night in December, I “hulked" out of my parka and charged into the inviting, cozy doors of Le Pain Quotidian and met Sasibai. Our conversation was immediately ignited over stories and experiences in what we soon discovered to be a tale of two cities and our mutual love for New York and Malaysia--I could remember Merdeka Square like it was yesterday!

Saisibai’s story begins after leaving New York City in 2001 and moving to London to work for a wealth investment company, Khazanah Nasionala. She decided to pack her bags one day and return to her roots in Malaysia in 2009: "I gave it all up and wanted to do something meaningful, something I cared about. " She traded her computer for face to face interaction, paper documents for beautifully hand-woven silk, and her clients for local weavers and artisans. Along the way, she has built relationships with families living in small communities that even Google maps would have a difficult time finding.

(Picture above: Sasibai named one of "Malaysia's women of style and substance." Marie Claire August 2013)

Since February of 2013, Sasibai has been living in Kuala Lumpur where Earth Heir was born. Whether it's been tuk-tuking to remote communities or facing dangerous crossroads, the journey has been arduous but "equally rewarding."

After handling the scarves and hearing the stories behind them, I was inspired and left with stitches of ideas on how I would style them. Every individual scarf is unique and has undergone it's own journey. One silk scarf took two months to make, covered with intricate lace details that had me dreaming of my future wedding dress. Another scarf was bought from a man in Cambodia who hand dyed the beautiful cloth himself with interesting hues of orange, pink and yellow and a imprint that seemed to mirror the diversity and beauty of the Cambodian people. One scarf was even hand-woven from excess silk by a woman who owns a loom located underneath her home. 

The scarves are bought with fair wage and "cuts the middle man out," which helps to keep consumers aware of where and from whom the items are being bought.

Earth Heir's products exude a fabric of culture that hopes to connect women around the world. From Malaysia, to India, to London and even the U.S., silk scarves, cashmere/pashmina and clutches are sold worldwide - all with the same ethos of being ethically sourced and made. In addition, 10% of all sales go towards charities. Chab Dai, a coalition of NGOs working with sex trafficking victims in Cambodia seeks to empower trafficked persons and WeForest plants two trees for every scarf sold. 

Before we bid farewell, after asking Sasi what kind of advice she would give others about social entrepreneurship, her wisdom speaks, "You can't cast your net too wide and help everyone because then you lose track of what you're doing. I do my small part and I'm still on that journey."

Until next time..

Dominica
Fashion Editor

As 2013 comes to a close, it is customary to look back and reflect on some of the highlights of the year. This past year, in the world of fashion, new designers emerged, companies adopted friendlier practices, and communities came together to do social good.

Clothes play a vital role in our lives whether it protects us from the extreme heat and torrential down pour, builds self-image and confidence, or nurtures our inner creativity and expressions (let’s not forget the much needed therapy it can bring).

Many people tell me that they want to be conscious consumers but have no idea where to shop.

Well, here is a list Ethical Fashion Academy put together just for you compiled with our favorite eco-shops and designers of the year:

wrap:
http://www.encircled.ca/#

coat
http://studyny.squarespace.com/0913/

panties
http://www.shop-state.com/category/intimates

dress
http://vautecouture.com/collections/women/products/the-heart-dress-red-satin

dress:
http://awaveawake.com/F2013.html

shoes:
http://bhavastudio.com/

tights:
http://www.kaightshop.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/snowflake-tights-hose

jewelry:

http://bynataliefrigo.com/

http://jeanettewalkerjewellery.com/

cold weather:
http://ambikaboutique.com/friendlyfurs.html

http://lurapparel.com/Our-Clothing/Tops/Snapdragon-Top.html

I’ve also picked some of my favorite items below!

Plaids a must

From Study New York, this plaid jacket plays the part when it comes to utilitarian grunge (a popular trend this past Summer and Fall) yet also perform chic enough for a girl’s night out paired with your little black dress and classic pumps. The lines in this jacket perfectly intersect with its philosophy: connecting ethical sourced products with innovation and of course, giving back to the community. A jacket that would warm the hearts of Alexander McQueen fans all the way to Anna Wintour herself. 

Awaken your inner goddess

At AwaveAwake, the realm of whimsical fashion becomes reality. In a world where 1930s romance swirls with 1970s nonconformity, this silhouette marries elegance and cognizance—creating garments with the greatest degree of social responsibility. You can wear this beautiful neutral clay pot color for a slow fashion wardrobe year round by mixing and matching the two pieces. The top would go perfectly with my favorite leggings for a casual night out in the Fall. The skirt would bloom beautifully with my favorite tank and oversized hat during Spring (I’m a sucker for two pieces). Check out their yellow goddess dress and black lace romper, too!

Take care of your basics ladies

For basics, you can find refuge at STATE, your safe choice for panties and bras. A company that stands by a “farm-to-hanger” ethos, the designs are as simple and charming as they come. The bralette and undies set is made of organic cotton and comes in two colors: black and tan. If you’re like me and have difficulty finding comfortable intimates with an unfortunate tendency to have sensitive skin, this is a great alternative for you. All items are made delicately by hand and made of sustainable, recycled and reclaimed materials. 

A loaf of heaven

 These shoes by BHAVA are exquisite. Skip the dilemma of trying to find comfortable, chic shoes to complete your outfit and slip into these 'Harper' loafers. The classic black and tan duo will match virtually anything. Going shopping? Throw on your boyfriend jeans, tee and green trench coat. Date night? Black jeans, blouse and your favorite faux leather jacket will keep you confident and comfortable all night. For me, I can't wait to wear these all summer with as many black and white ensembles as possible (tan black and white are my favorite combo). Best part? This all season shoe is lined with organic cotton and quality assured to last. 


I hope you get to enjoy some of these amazing items and a Happy New Year from the Ethical Fashion Academy!

Sincerely,

Dominica Lim
Fashion Editor
Ethical Fashion Academy

When is the last time you looked at the tag on your clothes to see where it came from? Many of us, in the hustle and bustle of life, probably have no idea where most of our clothes come from. We, at Ethical Fashion Academy, believe that knowing what is on our bodies is equally important as knowing what we consume into our bodies, especially if toxic, cancer causing chemicals are involved.

Manufacture New York, a social entrepreneur company also shares this philosophy. Last month,  we had the opportunity to attend MNY's Sustainable Textile Summit at the Loeb and Loeb building. 

It was a chilly, brisk afternoon in New York City, but inspiration warmed the room where artists, designers, teachers and fashion lovers alike shared their ideas and passion over cups of coffee and tea. 

Manufacture New York, started by Bob Bland and team, aims to support local designers while emphasizing the importance of eco-fashion from recycled garments. MNY is creating a sustainable fashion community right here in New York.

During the summit, vital information was unearthed. For someone like me, who is neither a designer nor a business woman, I experience information overload. Guest speakers took a dive into pioneering ways of creating sustainable communities, empowered others to join the movement, and stimulated resourceful ideas on how to truly sustain an eco-system of slow, ethical fashion. 

Ethical Fashion Academy’s Francisca spoke on a panel with designers and while explaining the difficulty of running an eco-friendly business said, “It doesn’t take an expert, anyone can get involved and everyone can do their small part.”

Other guest speakers on the panel moderated by Holly Henderson of Simply Natural were, the Head of Sourcing and Production at SUNO, Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart  Founder of Vaute Couture.  

Cheryl Campbell Head of Eileen Fisher foundation and Green Eileen clothing recycling initiative, and Ross Gibson of Patagonia also contributed as panelists.

You can only imagine all of the great tips and insights that were unleashed by seasoned fashionistas and industry experts with decades of experience and knowledge. After learning some of the most grotesque practices to mankind and deconstructing the beautiful realm of fashion in my mind, I have to admit, I was a little disenchanted by the glamour of all I once worshipped-let’s say- as far back as a young teenager buying my first teen Vogue magazine and well, hoarding as many graphic t-shirts as possible--just to keep up with my friends (I had an impressive collection). 

Many of the statistics and facts were shocking as additional guest speakers spilled their stories and passion for eco-fashion.

Rhett Godfrey, representing organic cotton company Loomstate, would say that there is probably more cotton digested inside of your body than on the backs of those gorgeous models in the magazine, or perhaps that 85% of textiles ends in landfill. Having traveled to the end of the world to gain first-hand knowledge of organic cotton farming, my guess is this isn't just something he read out of a magazine.

Sass Brown, author of ‘Refashioned’ and acting Assistant Dean for the School of Art and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, would tell you that thousands of people in Bangladesh were killed due to hazardous environmental facilities, and that communities in India are given permanent reminders of how toxins can eat away human skin. With her experience as an international activist, your guess would be right that these aren’t just characters in a book. This is real life.

Not all companies should be put into this category, however. There are many brands making efforts to transition into more environmentally and socially conscious clothing, but we all have challenges that we face: money and time.

Not sure where to start? You can begin by using some of the takeaways from the summit. Recycle your gently used clothes at your local donation center, research designers by using an app like 'Source Map' created by CEO, Leo Bonnani who built a system capable of tracking down your product even "down to the Chiquita banana farm" if you so wished. He says it keeps businesses "accountable and transparent." 

After the summit, the group moved to Manufacture New York’s studio on 36th street where everyone had the chance to get a hands-on experience with local designers and products. I learned how to spin fabric from Zaida of Balmaseda (so much easier than I imagined) . I also met designer Tabitha St Bernard-Jacobs of Tabii Just who showed us about zero-waste design.

In all, the event was a success and as Francisca stated, everyone can make a small contribution. Designers were able to educate one another on best practices, employees of the fashion industry had a platform to discuss their challenges, and everyone was able to walk away with a piece of education that is much more valuable than any t-shirt or handbag, especially if they only last your average 2-3 year life cycle!

Next time you go shopping during this busy Christmas time and you're looking for presents or the perfect New Years outfit, look at the tag, research, and think about it. Is it really worth what you're paying for? Can you mix and match your favorite crop top, or re-wear that classy little black dress? How about swapping a piece with your friend?

Let's be honest, I can't afford a Stella McCartney shirt that has a life span of your grandmother's best kept winter coat. I am also guilty of this and yes, 'fast fashion' is an enormous beast. I have had to buy last minute dresses and only worn them once. Guilty. 

We're all in this together, to share ideas and information and empower each other to make more sustainable and ethical decisions. If we all take steps forward a trifle do our part then we can collectively improve the lives of animals, people and our planet.

-Dominica
Fashion Editor
Ethical Fashion Academy