Written by Katya | Date posted: 08/24/2007 | 2 Comments
Yes. There are several!
I recently bought a recent issue of metropop showing a short list of high end and mid range designers who are turning their industry in a more eco friendly direction. I’ve compiled a list and a run down so the next time you shop on ebay, a local boutique or Street Market, you’ll remember these names as companies doing their part.
“Handcrafted line inspired by the craftsmanship of the Gilded Age, using organic materials, natural dyes and artisanal fabrics, reminiscent of an era that predates mass production”
The fall U.S. introduction is part of a global launch of products made with 100% organic cotton. In Europe, the Levi’s® brand will offer certified organic denim versions of its most popular styles – the Levi’s® 506 Standard Fit Jean for guys and the Levi’s® 570 Straight Fit Jean for girls. They will be available in select stores within Europe at the end of 2006. Additional styles made from 100%, or a significant percentage of, organic cotton will be introduced in both regions in 2007.
Toms shoes was started from a trip to Argentina. Blake Mycoskie, founder, found a comfortable pair of shoes (all my comfortable shoes are from Argentina too coincidentally) that were traditionally worn by farmers, workers and just about anyone outside its gentrified capital. While enjoying this discovery, he noticed the many many children who had no shoes at all, or ones barely hanging on their feet. He decided to dedicate his entire company to the production of comfortable shoes in an Argentine style, and donate one shoe for each sale to a child somewhere in the world without shoes. Its a noble campaign and theres really no going wrong on the deal from any side, you get a comfortable shoes a great price (average adult price $48 – $68 US) and you get to feel awesome about the kid who’s wearing a pair of shoes because of you. He also says in an interview, “Even if I break even, ill concider [the company] a sucess”
Ashley Watson started making bags from leather found at thrift stores when they became so popular, she just had to keep making them. She picks the leather from charitable organizations and says that the used leather tells a Story and she sees beauty and potential even in leather with rips and tears. Average purse at an online place like www.sodafine.com is about $250.
“In the fall of 2005, our previous name, Calledyourbluff, was changed to Passenger Pigeon, a change that coincided with the company’s conversion to environmentally friendly textiles. Organic cotton and hemp, harvested and manufactured without using pesticides and or sweatshop labour, now consist of the majority of the fabrics used in our garments. This decision reflects the company’s deep appreciation for the environment, as well as our strong conviction to promote healthy living conditions. Our garments are designed, sewn, dyed, and screenprinted in Toronto, Canada”
If you can afford to, also keep an eye out for high fashion lnes like ‘John Patrick Organic, carried at places like Barneys of NY and Swedish designer Camilla Norrback who has been eco freindly since 2002. Let us know about any other eco friendly designers you know of!
