e c c o * e c o

Luis Valenzuela at The GreenShows

2012-02-13T08:57:00.003-05:00

Luis Valenzuela and Victoria Simes Jewelry in profile

Luis Valenzuela and Victoria Simes Jewelry detail

An exquisite eco fashion silhouette by Luis Valenzuela

Beauty is in the silhouettes and details with Luis Valenzuela

(all photos by Nicole Lenzen for Ecco*Eco)

Venezualan-born designer Luis Valenzuela assembled an exquisite range of eco fashion dresses for The GreenShows presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Valenzuela, who has made an international name for himself as an eco-design-creative, presented some of the most stunning and sculpturally draped pieces on view. With a philosophy that incorporates a mission to continually green his design methodology, it is refreshing to see these 'art to wear' pieces demonstrate just how luxurious eco-fabrics and sustainable textiles can be.

We love the details that Nicole Lenzen captured for us at last Friday's presentation at Lincoln Center – almost as good as being there in person.

United Bamboo's 'Bamboo By' at The GreenShows

2012-02-12T23:29:00.001-05:00

(all photos of Bamboo By shot by Nicole Lenzen for Ecco*Eco)

Bamboo By's classic organic cotton, hemp, and linen separates are meant to grow softer and even more covetable from season-to-seaon. Created by the cool female component of the United Bamboo design team, Miho Aoki, these layered knits and woolens (also referred to as "room wear") were definite favorites at The GreenShows presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's Lincoln Center Box on Friday.

United Bamboo design duo, Miho Aoki and Thuy Pham

(photo via All About Models)

Our stylish photographer for the day, Nicole Lenzen, shared that Bamboo By's collection was particularly adorable and wearable, with great detailing and patternmaking on the woven tailored pieces. Nicole would know – she is an impeccable pattern maker and couture designer herself.

Stay tuned for more designer profiles and behind the scenes photos from The GreenShows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

NYFW: Titania Inglis A/W 2012 Collection

2012-02-12T03:15:00.001-05:00

Titania Inglis A/W 2012 (photos by Dan Lecca)

Titania Inglis identified the perfect venue for her inaugural runway show at New York Fashion Week. The Brooklyn-based designer's presentation at Eyebeam Art + Technology Center on Thursday was consistent with the space's reputation as a cool incubator for creativity and reflection as well as investigations related to contemporary culture and the social landscape.

Titania Inglis fashion week invite via Refinery 29

Ecco Domani award winner Inglis demonstrated that her multi-faceted approach to design can definitely co-exist in the realms of sustainable fashion as well as mainstream circles. With a proven commitment to sourcing fabrics responsibly, producing locally, and streamlining each collection with versatile silhouettes as well as experimenting with zero-waste principles, Inglis is a definite front runner on the fashion frontier. She thinks long and hard about the big picture of fashion and consumption, and this makes her work totally believable and smart.

We asked Inglis how she felt about doing it all over again for September, and she shared these wise thoughts: "I'd love to present at Fashion Week again next season if I can drum up the resources, but it's an expensive and time-consuming endeavor, and what's most important to me is to concentrate my energy on the line itself. The Ecco Domani award has already opened up a lot of doors for me, and I'm excited to see what's on the other side."

Accessories for Titania Inglis A/W 2012 include

custom leather designs by Bliss Lau and shoes by Dr. Martens

Set designer Ryan Crozier created a modular triangle wall from cardboard, aluminum, and medium-density fiberboard (mdf). The cardboard and aluminum sections were reused for an Eyebeam installation, and the mdf triangles will become shelving for Titania's design studio.

(A special thanks to Ariel Clay for her input from the show)

NYFW: Creative Styling Profile

2012-02-11T03:24:00.002-05:00

Creatures of The Wind A/W 2012 preview (courtesy of the designers)

Read the full review by Nicole Phelps on Style.com

The GreenShows NYFW Behind The Scenes Preview

2012-02-10T07:50:00.000-05:00

NYFW: Ariel Clay Reports on Gretchen Jones Collection for Autumn/Winter 2012

2012-02-09T07:40:00.003-05:00

(photo by Nicole Lenzen)

Emanating from an original source that navigates the cosmic wheel of life and death, Gretchen Jones A/W 2012 collection embodies those transitional and eerily, lonely places that infiltrate our earthly lives and beyond. Jones created this latest textile-rich collection in the wake of her father's passing, and in turn, it reflects the prismatic mindscape of the complex (under) world that she personally understands and so vividly conjures as an artist and designer.

Each collection is a manifestation of Jones' current moods and tastes.

A/W 2012 was inspired by Through the Looking-Glass

and The Raven as well as the album, Desertshore by Nico.

Wednesday afternoon's presentation by Jones was held in a womb-like room at Chelsea's ROOT Drive-In with haunting spotlights beaming down on the models. The installation was staged on a medicine wheel of sorts with mandala patterns and new age rocks. Hints of the occult permeated the space while the opposing forces of life/death and past/present were alchemically melded in fluid continuity.

(photo by Ariel Clay)

Jones designed all of her own digital print fabrics, and they seemed to be ebbing with life force ala their soft abstractions and alluring hues. An Indian Ikat print illustrates a traditional Apache basket weave in the form of a snake, which Jones views as the 'molting' that has taken place since her father (who was part Apache) left the waking world.

(photo by Ariel Clay)

The collection's luxuriously long dresses and below the knee skirts seemed to represent the hope and vitality of a long life. Textiles are the real story for Jones – emotionally, they always hold the secret to where she is currently at in her life.

We loved this burnt orange lattice weave textile (photo by Ariel Clay)

(photo by Nicole Lenzen)

Southwestern style also heavily influences Jones' tastes and harkens back to her free-spirited youth and the romanticism of the 1960's and 70's. This collection's pieces were accented by vintage Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni jewelry from Ruby + George, a family run business in Colorado (where Jones was raised). The custom-made felt hats from Little Doe, added an eclectic feel that mirrored the bohemian spirit of the desert vibe.

While in the process of creating this collection Jones was no doubt evolving out of the skin she has worn so resiliently. With A/W 2012 she continues to allow us access to her continued creative evolution and expression of emotion through textiles, fashion, and cool personal adornment.

Text by Ariel Clay & Abigail Doan / photos by Ariel Clay & Nicole Lenzen

Beckmans College of Design's Bright Young Stars at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Stockholm

2012-02-05T09:08:00.002-05:00

The future of fashion definitely resides in the hearts, hands, and minds of today's fashion students. Here are some of my favorite runway designs from second year students at Beckman's College of Design during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Stockholm. Diversity, textured handwork, and process-driven design prevailed in this impressive catwalk line-up.

*images courtesy of the designers and Mercedes-Benz FW Stockholm

Cruelty Free Friday: Faux Fur Luxury by The Battalion

2012-02-03T02:15:00.002-05:00

Some might laugh if they could see just how 'stylish' I have been looking this past week with extreme winter temperatures here in Sofia and four year old twins sick at home from preschool. I mean, I try my best on some days – principally to rise to the occasion for blogging and writing about fashion and textiles, but I surely will not be taking any photos right now of 'how to get this look' or 'how to be feverishly green'.

I did spy the above faux fur vest by The Battalion online earlier this week, and I instantly thought that it might look rather show stopping with the wool mini-skirt, tights, knitted cap, and scarf that I have been wearing around the house since like Monday? It is so rocker chic, and what multi-tasking mother administering cold medicine (and of course, homeopathic drops) would not want to be seen dashing between the kitchen and the bedroom sporting this covetable, cruelty free piece? Sign me up.

Faux fur 'Fletcher' cape by The Battalion

Cruelty free is so genuinely luxurious

When I finally emerge from this mid-winter cocoon, I am going to treat myself to The Battalion's faux-fur 'Fletcher' poncho cape. What better way to shed this weighty chrysalis than with a statement piece that allows for a smooth transition from winter to spring? I feel better already.

Congratulations to The Battalion on their inclusion in next Friday's runway presentation with The GreenShows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. I will be sure to dress up for the occasion from my post here in Eastern Europe. Not to worry, we will have full coverage of this event and some of the other shows that officially kick off (eco) fashion week season.

Ariel Clay Reports on The Andean Collection's Cayambe Line for Spring/Summer 2012

2012-02-02T03:50:00.001-05:00

The Andean Collection introduces the Cayambe Line for S/S 2012

New York City's sustainable fashion and fair trade community was out in full force this past Tuesday for the launch of The Andean Collection's Cayambe Line for Spring/Summer 2012.

Colorblock Rope Necklace handmade out of açaí seeds

Riverbed bracelets made of tagua 'vegetable ivory'

This latest collection features bold and chunky necklaces, statement-piece bracelets and earrings – all interchangeable in a vibrant and colorfully-charged palette. Handcrafted by Ecuadorean artisans using tagua, açaí, and pambil seeds from the rainforest, these gorgeous, sustainable designs illustrate the natural beauty and deep cultural continuity of Andean communities.

Fair trade, artisan-made accessories usher in bright new era in fashion

Since their launch in 2008, The Andean Collection (TAC) has steadily grown its artisan team and partnerships, while also maintaining a genuine commitment to their six founding artisans. All of these individuals have seen dramatic changes in their lives since they began working with TAC – including access to clean water, electricity, and educational programs for their families. Not only have their economic lives improved, but by also working collaboratively with other artisans in TAC's network, they have developed lasting friendships and ties to people outside of their families and villages. According to founder Amanda Judge, this is rather unusual in these indigenous communities.

You can read inspiring profiles about the artisans here or meet them in person when they visit New York for the first time during July 2012.

theAndeanProject from John Murillo on Vimeo.

Follow The Andean Collection's blog here and their Facebook page here.

Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda at Amsterdam Fashion Week's The Green Fashion Competition

2012-02-01T09:49:00.003-05:00

All photos courtesy of the designer and AFW photographer, Peter Stigter.

Follow updates on Zaida's latest collections and projects via her blog.

Do not miss this great profile of Zaida on Sass Brown's Eco Fashion Talk.

Binario Undici Boutique/Gallery Opens in Torino

2012-02-01T04:08:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth Prince Design UK

Depeapa Veronica de Arriba's

'illustrated wooden necklaces'

Binario Undici on Via Vicenza Monti

in Torino opened on November 2011

Congratulations to artisan and designer friends at Binario Undici for the opening of this inviting, new space in Turin (Torino), Italy. With a mission to showcase vintage and one-of-a-kind fashion and art creations – many of which celebrate unique hand craft, illustration, and recycling, this chic boutique/gallery is a key place to visit if you are traveling in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

Ruphus Molly Charms Brooch

Depeapa Veronica de Arriba

Whitehide

For updates on new designers and events,

follow Binario Undici on Facebook.

Ariel Clay Reports on the Awamaki Lab Season 2 Launch

2012-01-29T06:02:00.002-05:00

Awamaki Lab 'Season 2' presentation at the Textile Arts Center in NYC

(photos by Ariel Clay)

Last Friday evening's launch of Awamaki Lab Season 2 at the Textile Arts Center in Manhattan's West Village was an exciting mid-winter's night out for New York's growing sustainable fashion and textile community.

Awamaki Lab Season 2 debuts in NYC

Awamaki is a non-profit focused on community development projects with artisans in and around Ollantaytambo, Cuzco, Peru. This region, also known as the Sacred Valley and the gateway to Machu Picchu, is well known for its strong tourism industry and intricately woven alpaca fabric. Awamaki seeks to create opportunities within the local Ollantaytambo weaving community by implementing programs in micro-enterprise craft cooperatives, health care initiatives, education, and sustainable tourism.

The Awamaki Lab Season 2 collection was created by Parson's graduates and best friends, Andria Crescioni and Courtney Cedarholm. Both young designers spent over four months in Peru developing the collection with Awamaki artisans. The tailoring of Season 2's clothing was inspired by vintage expedition wear, similar to that worn by Hiram Bingham III when he "discovered" Machu Picchu in the early 1900's – references to anorak jackets, ponchos, and durable canvas can be found throughout.

Archival imagery and inspiration board for Awamaki Season 2

(images courtesy of the designers)

Crescioni, who focuses on wovens, and Cedarholm who is an expert in knits, have confronted the challenges of working within the artisans' established skill sets while also striving to create clothing that appeals to the international consumer market. As a result, they chose to use the traditional Quechua color palate and designs, but applied them in a new, fashion-forward manner. For example, the heavy woven fabric which is typically found in pillow covers and wall hangings is used as pocket detailing and even made into mini-skirts. Seeing this weaving in a new context makes the collection modern without loosing sight of the fine craftsmanship and tradition of weaving from this region of Peru.

It is also interesting to learn that this ancient and highly traditional weaving technique is being passed on to future generations. Annie Millican, a full time employee of Awamaki and resident of Ollantaytambo, confirms that girls as young as four years old begin to observe, follow, and study their mother's weaving – all the way from tending the alpaca sheep herd, to fleecing the flock and spinning the yarn, to natural dying and then eventually weaving on a backstrap loom. Clearly, this shows that the skill is still valued culturally and monetarily amongst families, a possible guarantee for the true preservation of craft. Additionally, the artisans are developing new skills with Awamaki – in fact, each of the weavers designed a backpack for the collection.

Andria Crescioni and Courtney Cedarholm will both continue to design for Awamaki's next collection with help from a new internship program for design students interested in working with Peruvian artisans. The current collection is available for pre-sale orders. We look forward to seeing more vibrant and culturally rich collections from this amazing textile design team.

You can also read more about Awamaki Lab in Kestrel Jenkins' recent article on EcoSalon as well a via an interview with Annie Millican on Source4Style.

Off The Grid Runway: The Moss & Rust Collection

2012-01-27T03:38:00.000-05:00

*image source

R.A.W. Textiles rust-print tunic

photography by Brent Barnett at OSI Photography

Annie Farrer's 'Hanging Moss'

*image source

HAF by Hafsteinn Juliusson moss ring

*image source

In the next installment in our 'Off The Grid Runway' series we explore ideas related to moss and rust – two hues on the spectrum of life and death. I have always found moss to be such an alluring texture and rust holds such possibilities – even in its various phases of corrosion. In a world of ever increasing extremes, it is calming to observe how these two states might co-exist.

Ariel Clay Reports on the Maiyet + Nest Collaboration

2012-01-26T04:19:00.000-05:00

I am really excited about the recent collaboration between Maiyet and Nest, primarily because it is such a great step forward for Fair Trade initiatives.

Maiyet, a pioneering luxury brand, and Nest, a non-profit dedicated to promoting artisan skills and revitalized communities, have created a new partnership to assist in the creation of economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship in developing countries. Folded into this joint effort is a commitment to promoting traditional craftsmanship and the advancement of regional stability.

Maiyet's Cristy Kaylor, Paul van Zyl, and Daniel Lubetzky wanted to create a brand that would use the power of the market to allocate capital for peace and justice programs in fragile regions. Hopefully, other fashion brands will follow suit and see that the true definition of 'fashion luxury' encompasses artisanal, ethically-made, and hand-crafted designs – all the while working to alleviate poverty through fair wages and prices for goods.

Maiyet + Nest artisan collaboration (photo courtesy of Barneys)

"Partners include carved-block printers in Jaipur, India; hand-loom silk jacquard weavers in Varanasi, India; and Kenyan jewelers working with poured brass, carved horn and bone in Nairobi." – The Window, Barneys New York

'Maiyet' is named for the Egyptian goddess of truth and harmony

Nest has worked diligently for years to create a network of artisan workshops around the world that demonstrate strong leadership, scalability, and the ability to transform communities by alleviating local poverty, empowering women, and establishing peace. Nest helps Maiyet to make ethically produced high-end fashion collections and accessories by forging lasting partnerships with talented artisans. The team also works closely with each artisan organization to implement short and long-term sustained training engagements – in turn, Maiyet dedicates a percentage of their profits to these programs.

Maiyet | International Artisan to Paris Runway from M A I Y E T on Vimeo.

Maiyet launched its first ready-to-wear collection in October 2011, and it is currently available for pre-order at Barneys New York. I love the thoughtful details and simple silky lines – luxury with a social conscious is always in fashion.

Learn more about Ariel Clay here. Images courtesy of Maiyet, Nest, and Barneys New York.

Tumblr Tuesday: love lemlem

2012-01-24T04:07:00.000-05:00

lemlem / paul maffi photoshoot with natasa vojnovic

lemlem waletta scarf / source: soulhunting

lemlem / source: nautical bohemia

lemlem / source: miss moss blog

lemlem / source: every day workshop

lemlem/ Rebecca Ward installation via pharmaco

As a textile adidict, love lemlem is definitely a Tumblr fashion site that I follow regularly. Supermodel, WHO Goodwill ambassador, and designer Liya Kebede has an amazing eye for all things colorful and environmentally charged. Her exquisite hand woven scarves, chic clothing, and textile accessories are responsibly crafted in her Ethiopian homeland and serve as a pure testament to the beauty of connection with source. I always find that love lemlem images tug at my heart strings and latest styling desires.

View the latest lemlem collection here.

Narelle Dore's Art Fashion Alchemy From Antwerp

2012-01-22T04:04:00.000-05:00

Women At Sitting Rock Collection / 2011 by Narelle Dore

Antwerp-based designer Narelle Dore's designs really epitomize the artful fusion of fashion + the environment + site specific poetry. Her neo-romantic spirit is deeply rooted in handcrafting techniques (a cool fusion of crochet, knitting, macramé), extensive visual research, as well as her studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.

I am very curious to see what this designer concocts for Friday's Green Fashion Competition at Amsterdam Fashion Week. Stay tuned for more coverage on this event.

For now, you can learn more about Narelle's artistry and fashion alchemy on Not Just A Label, where the above photos were sourced from. This 2011 article from Dazed Digital also features an 'organic' installation/event that the talented designer created for RA Boutique in Antwerp.

Follow Narelle Dore's blog, Coated Arms here.

Off The Grid Runway: The Tree Collection

2012-01-20T05:55:00.000-05:00

*image source

As many of you may already know, I keep a visual journal on Tumblr called, Lost In Fiber. I started gathering these images as a record of my research on ideas related to 'fashioning self and the environment'. For a long time, I have been dreaming of highlighting select images from Lost in Fiber in a new series called, Off The Grid Runway – an illustrated sequencing of how contemporary fashion can and should exist in the context of environmental relatedness. For me, this is an important layer in our understanding of why fashioning self is an act of artful resourcefulness and deeper connectivity.

*image source

My first 'off the grid' feature is called The Tree Collection. I have tried to credit sources as accurately as possible. I hope that this new idea inspires you to go even deeper in your quest for conscious, personal style.

* image source Juma Studio

* image source

* Tim Walker for Vogue UK / source

*image source

*Valerie Hagerty / source

* image source

*image source

Julia Ramsey's PELT NYC Launch

2012-01-16T11:23:00.002-05:00

Julia Ramsey in one of her own PELT creations

A huge congratulations to talented knit wear designer Julia Ramsey on her exhibition at the Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn as well as the official launch of her stunningly luxurious PELT collection.

It was such a sweet moment for me to see friends like Kestrel Jenkins, Ariel Clay, Amanda Coen, Rachel Miller, Amira Marion, Judy Lee, Owyn Ruck, Jessica Marati and the list goes on at the 'Second Edition: Artist in Residence' opening at TAC on Friday evening. It surely made me miss NYC and the momentum that is building towards a genuine appreciation for the role of fiber and handcraft in conscious, local fashion.

Xi Sinsong's wild and woolly fashion photography

What can I say? I feel like a proud Mom of sorts when I see young designers like Julia doing such beautiful sculptural work with raw organic merino roving. Julia's vision allows us to take shelter and refuge in the comfort of fiber as well as the slow production methods that connect us to space, time, and self. I also love the photography by Xi Sinsong for Julia's latest look book. Such a great expression of 'fashioning self and the environment understanding'.

exhibition photos by Abigail Doan / look book by Xi Sinsong

Fashioning Self and The Environment: Reflections

2012-01-13T07:48:00.001-05:00

Only while strolling up Madison Avenue 'after hours' might one experience such layered and alluring nighttime reflections. Proof perhaps that our personal fashion choices are more spatially and conceptually integrated than at first glance. Style is a prism into self.

(photos by Abigail Doan, 12 January 2011)

Fiber And Fashion Entwined For Good

2012-01-09T07:02:00.000-05:00

Scrap fabric handspun by designer Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda

for The Green Fashion Competition at Amsterdam Fashion Week

My latest contribution to EcoSalon is currently online. 'Plying A More Fashionable Fiber Frontier' examines the continuation of my ongoing mission to seek out individuals who understand the power of creative resourcefulness and the collective twining of fiber taking flight.

"Our day-to-day lives are riddled with break out moments of stylistic genius, but it is is our immediate environs that influence how we look and feel in a sustained manner. I like the idea of casting the net wider to consider ideas related to ‘fashioning self and the environment’ – meaning that, a true understanding of how to map out a lasting fashion sensibility must now include a closer (smarter) examination of self in relation to one’s environment and the resources available."

(image via LA PopSugar)

More images of my recycled fiber and 'plarn' pieces for Vogue Knitting Live's curated art gallery will be posted later this week. It's a beautiful time for the fusion of recycled fiber and fashion.

Cut Steel Flowers / Blackfield

2012-01-04T03:19:00.000-05:00

This is what I am looking at this morning as I put finishing touches on the recycled fiber forms that I will be bringing to NYC for Vogue Knitting Live's art gallery next weekend. These cut steel flowers and botanical silhouettes simply take my breath away. Proof that no complex process is too daunting or out of reach.

view the installation video here

"London-based artist Zadok Ben David created this incredible installation using 12,000 cut steel botanical specimens modeled from old textbook illustrations, each embedded in a thin layer of sand. On first encountering the sprawling array of plants they appear completely black, thus the installation’s title: Blackfield. However when viewed from the opposite side, a field of black turns into a wall of color." via This is Colossal

A special thanks to photographer Zlatimir Arakliev for the great tip.

Make It New And Make It Yours

2012-01-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

'Plastic Baskets' by Josh Blackwell

2012. A new year and a fresh start. I have never really believed that we shed the previous year's cast-off scraps and bits but rather convert the best swatches into our very own quilt or textured mantle for the year to come. Make it new or rather remake what you love and have come to cherish – is probably a better mantra for me.

'Plastic Basket' by Josh Blackwell

In that spirit, I wanted to share these amazing 'Plastic Baskets' handcrafted by artist Josh Blackwell. Creative plastic bag upcycling never looked so vibrant. I love that the rhythmic stitching of these one-of-a-kind art pieces serves as a tactile manifesto of sorts.

'Fiber Flotsam' by Abigail Doan

I also invite you to read my first curatorial piece for Source4Style entitled, 'Homespun Textiles of an Avant-Garde Nature'. "Recycling as an art form or expression of environmental responsibility is something that we all should take personally. We now live in an era of heightened awareness about the need to reduce household waste and reprogram our consumption, but the ability to creatively visualize the transformation of cast-off objects and materials is, in my opinion, critical to adopting a truly sustainable plan of action."

Tumblr Tuesday: Ermie

2011-12-27T02:16:00.000-05:00

Louisa Parris on Ermie

Jim Hodges on Ermie (via The Sphinx & The Milkyway)

Akina Cox on Ermie (via Hadley's blog)

I love these gorgeous finds on Ermie's tumblr site. This California-based textile and clothing designer really has a keen eye for vibrant textures, hues, and artistic details. The flow from image to image is completely captivating and so tactile.

Do not miss Ermie's wearable textile creations via her online shop.

Ermie's Topanga Knit Maxi Dress / 100% organic cotton

Incubating Now

2011-12-17T13:35:00.005-05:00

It is not officially the holidays yet but I will be incubating and posting rather infrequently as I put the finishing touches on several fiber pieces that I am creating for Vogue Knitting Live in January. You can always follow my daily posts on Ecco*Eco's Facebook page as well as checking in with my visual journal, Lost in Fiber. See you here and there when I put my crochet hook down for a breather. I might be eating some cookies, too.

*image via Secret Little Gem

Under The Mistletoe: Beauty Is In The Crafting Details

2011-12-15T08:39:00.003-05:00

A Peruvian artisan proudly displays her embroidered belt made for Annie O.

Embroidered floral belts by women artistans in Peru for Annie O.

The Andean Collection's Trapezoid Necklace in Sunset Orange

Alabama Chanin Jersey Border Napkins for Heath Ceramics

The IOU Madras Scarf (unisex)

Pick Up Stitch hand-knit belts by Eleanor DuFault

Knitta iPhone covers

It is often said that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder', and honestly it is also resides in the patient heart and mind of the crafter. I salute all of these artisans and designers for sticking with their craft to make the world a more colorful and uniquely textured place. Whether from a remote mountain top in Bethel, Maine, or the Andean highlands of Peru, there is no denying the satisfaction that comes from seeing your vision come to life. The stories behind these pieces are as inspiring as the end product. That's good (sustainable) value in my opinion.

Support Rural Artisans in India By Shopping Tilonia

2011-12-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

Ariel Clay in a handloomed 'wild silk scarf' from Tilonia

This artisan-crafted, 'wild silk scarf' is made by the Avani cooperative and is available online as part of the Tilonia collection. I wore it to last night's festive Holiday Pop Up Shop and Party at the Gershwin Hotel in NYC.

Avani artisan weaving for the Tilonia collection

Tilonia is a mission-driven, social enterprise aimed at developing the entrepreneurial skills and business capacity of artisan enterprises managed and owned by artisans in rural India. This non-profit was named after the small village of Tilonia, which is home of the Barefoot College. Since 1972, the college has worked to improve the lives of the poorest of the poor by training them to become “Barefoot” professionals. These semi-literate women and men from rural communities become Barefoot solar and water engineers, architects, teachers, midwives and paramedics, thus creating their own solutions to meet basic needs for water, electricity, housing, health, education and income. Tilonia is replicating the “Barefoot” model by developing and working with cooperatives (such as Avani) to train Barefoot e-commerce managers who operate the web-based platform and online store, manage and sustain the enterprise, and enjoy the economic benefit of a successful business operation.

Ariel visiting the Avani cooperative in rural India

I had the chance to visit Avani last October to spend some time with the local artisans. Avani is a voluntary organization based in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas in northern India, providing employment and educational opportunities to over 475 artisans in these remote mountain villages. The artisans use wild silk, Tibetan sheep wool, and natural dyes to produce elegant, handloomed textiles. Avani is one of only a few cooperatives that manages the whole process of textile production, from working with farmers that grow the silk worm, to dying and weaving the textiles, to then marketing and selling the final product.

The Tilonia artisan collections feature more than just handloomed, silk scarves – they also offer luxurious block printed home textiles, colorful women’s accessories and gifts reflective of contemporary styles that are respectful of Indian craft traditions. We encourage you to bring the color and spice of India into your home by shopping Tilonia during the holidays.

Under The Mistletoe: Global Good Tidings

2011-12-13T10:42:00.001-05:00

'Alhambra Organic Cotton Voile Scarf' by Beau Monde Organics

'Olga Wrap Bracelet' from Mercado Global

Sololá artisan-crafted, recycled vintage huipil purse by Grain

Handknit Yaprak Sifa Silverized Cotton Slippers from Bazaar Bayar

Hearts + Stars for Haiti Ornaments / a collaboration with

HAND/EYE fund and magazine + West Elm

'Chocolate Mandala' serving dish handcrafted

traditional Bulgarian ceramics by BulgarUSA

Wool Felt Teardrop Vessel by CraftedSystems in collaboration

with the YWCA's Women's Shelter of Portland available at Branch

'Auto' Modal Scarf in yellow + gray by Salvor Projects

Handcrafting goodness and artisan/designer collaborations are circling the globe this holiday season, and it is so inspiring to see the artful shapes, patterns, and dimensions that these efforts are taking. Here are a few more of my favorite holiday finds. Join me in celebrating the good tidings that these talented individuals bring to craft and design.

Under The Mistletoe: Artisan + Designer Handcraft Love

2011-12-12T03:46:00.001-05:00

Hazel & Hunter 'Storm' rectangular pillow / hand-dyed, 100% organic cotton

Crochet patchwork, hand-dyed shawl by Milena Macrame

For Me, For You Vintage Ceramic Bead Brass Necklace

Fabric necklaces by Imke Klee at Chellis Wilson

'Box of Hours' by Maria Moyer

Embroidered cord cuff with moss and acorns by Ceca Georgieva

'Mimo' hand-knit and woven silk bag by Roxanne Duchini

Alabama Chanin 'Cast Fabric Cuff'

with hand-sewing and organic cotton jersey tie closure

The great thing about writing a blog like Ecco*Eco is the dialogue that I have with amazing artisans and designers who enter my life on a daily basis. I want to lavish these folks with kisses and praise for the great handcraft and design work that they do.

This my first 'gift guide' installment of unique work by individuals who I want to give thanks to this holiday season. I hope that you enjoy getting to know their thoughtful artistry and resourceful use of materials.

Cruelty Free Friday: Share The Black & White Reality of We Animals and Cow Jones Industrials

2011-12-08T13:26:00.001-05:00

'Polar bear in captivity at the Toronto Zoo, 2005'

photograph by Jo-Anne McArthur of We-Animals

Matt & Nat vegan 'Clyde Bag' from Cow Jones Industrials

Novacas vegan 'Sullivan Boot' from Cow Jones Industrials

popopomo 'Pallazo Pants' from Cow Jones Industrials

We Animals by Jo-Anne MacArthur

My amazing friend Donna Oakes of Cow Jones Industrials has a very special in store event tomorrow, Saturday, December 10, as well as an online special thru Tuesday 12/13.

As Donna shared with us: "For those of you who can make it to the shop, there will be the most delicious chocolates ever from Lagusta’s Luscious of New Paltz. Any item that is not already marked down will be 20% off that day with the online sale continuing thru 12/13."

Cow Jones Industrials will also donate 5% of gross proceeds from all sales during the month of December to the We Animals project. "I can’t describe how amazed I am by this project and photographer/activist Jo-Anne McArthur who is also the human subject in the The Ghosts in Our Machine," says Donna.

We Animals by Jo-Anne MacArthur

Jane Goodall’s words about Jo-Anne and her photos say it all: “Powerfully disturbing. These images take us to dark and hidden places visited by only a few determined and courageous individuals like Jo-Anne McArthur. They reveal the secret practices that many people will not want to know about."

Join me in contributing to this inspiring collaborative effort to eliminate cruelty towards animals by shopping at Cow Jones Industrials and fundraising for the We Animals project. Do It For The Ghosts.

Fundudzi Handmade Accessories Celebrate African Textiles and Cultural Preservation

2011-12-08T02:32:00.001-05:00

I love the spirit of these accordian-style, handcrafted textiles accessories by Fundudzi designer Craig Jacobs and his team of talented local artisans in South Africa. This award winning designer uses re-inforced, laser cut traditional print fabrics to create one of a kind pieces for wearing as necklaces, bracelets, or cuffs.

Fundudzi is now available online at JP Selects, and with an outstanding track record at South African Fashion Week and UN climate change events and sustainable fashion exhibitions, this vibrant and environmentally aware label is all about fusing traditional crafting methods with both cultural and ecological preservation measures. Other Fundudzi designs include the use of gorgeous colorful 'Venda' fabrics, sourced from the Limpopo Region where sacred Lake Fundudzi is located. The South African Government is currently reviewing the possibilities for making Lake Fundudzi a World Heritage Site. Craig Jacobs shared the following with us regarding this special fabric from the region:

Venda cloth (image via Zoe Ann)

"A traditional print called 'seshweshwe' was quite ubiquitous in the late 1990's, and as a design writer then, I started investigating other prints and came up with the Venda print, which I felt was unexplored in our local design vernacular. I wanted to subsequently create a label which straddles traditional techniques and fabrications with a modern twist and fell in love with the Venda cloth and started researching the culture."

Jacket cover of New African Fashion by Helen Jennings.

via Marian Kihogo

With the release of Helen Jennings' book New African Fashion, it is increasingly apparent that African textiles are an intrinsic part of our richly diverse global lexicon and need no longer be viewed as a regional phenomenon or subject to clichés or fashion stereotypes. Hopefully new fashion labels like Fundudzi will continue to help to redefine these style expressions and the application of new design methods.

Beklina Holiday Graphic High Five

2011-12-07T07:09:00.001-05:00

SWASH Fringe Scarf in Jangala Teal

SWASH Fringe Scarf in Jangala Teal (detail)

African Woven (raffia) Clutches

Podolls Collins 'blue grain ikat print' Dress (side view)

Mociun 'bold graphic' Bustier Top

Lina Rennell Scarf from the Lamp Collection

There is no question that Beklina is the go to source for stunningly bold graphic separates for the season's holiday parties and unique gift giving. These designs are not only total works of art but investments for a lifetime. Shouldn't everything you wear be worthy of being framed in your own little Fashion Hall of Fame? High five, Beklina. You have rocked it, yet again.

Hooligan Studios Holiday Bazaar and Shopping Local in NYC/Brooklyn With Ariel Clay

2011-12-06T11:09:00.001-05:00

Ariel Clay looking holiday festive in a design by H Fredriksson

I was thrilled to attend the Hooligan Studios Holiday Bazaar this past Sunday afternoon inthe very hip neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The whole experience reminded me just howfun holiday shopping can be when you are supporting local designers andartisans.

Recycled vintage chain jewelry by DLC Brooklyn

The 'Hooligan' is a collaborative Brooklyn studio space thatcurrently houses the studios of DLC Brooklyn (recycled vintage/chainjewelry with a whole lot of artful bling), H Fredriksson (beautiful eco silktops), Ecco*Eco favorite, Titania Inglis, and Tirana Jewelry. For the bazaar this weekend, thestudio also featured designs by Study New York andCheek-ie (colorful fabric necklaces and rings). I loved the spiritof this community-based event and the chance to meet some of the designersbehind these great labels.

inspiration courtesy of Study New York

All of the clothing and accessory designs showcased were genuinely state-of-the-art and representative of a fusion of craft andfashion sensibilities. I particularly fell in love with Study New York, though. With a commitment to local production and a Fair Trade ethos, their look book statement is something that I now have pinned it to my office wall as a reminder of how to accurately talkabout Fair Trade with anyone who might not be familiar with the term or understand it.

I also really loved this hang tag by H Fredriksson

Shopping local looks and feels good

I encourage you to shop at local craft fairs, holiday pop-up shops,Christmas bazaars and holiday markets this season. Somany popping up here in New York City and Brooklyn. I still plan to attendthe December 13th NYC Fair Trade Coalition Holiday Party & Pop-Up Shop, and I hope to make it to the December 7th Mary Meyer Holiday Pop-Up Shop. It is also worth visiting theshops at UnionSquare Holiday Market, where surprisingly, I noticed quite a few eco-friendly andFair Trade vendors.

Shopping local and knowing who makes your gifts and how adds a whole new dimension to the holidays and one's personal shopping experience.

Tumblr Tuesday: This City Called Earth

2011-12-06T01:28:00.001-05:00

This City Called Earth by Carey Young, location unknown

This City Called Earth by 木十, Hong Kong

This City Called Earth by AJ Brustein, Nairobi

This City Called Earth by and submitted by 2, location unknown

This City Called Earth by Axel Stevens, Leuven, Belgium

This City Called Earth by Chen Jiagang, location unknown

I visit the Tumblr site, This City Called Earth, quite regularly for viewing images related 'fashioning self and the environment'. I honestly believe that we cannot address our ideas about ethical fashion, expressions of personal style, and environmental awareness without considering the 'you' quotient in relation to your surroundings. This City Called Earth is an eye-opening archive of photographs submitted from around our rapidly changing world.

Kirsten Muenster Jewelry: New Chain Collection

2011-12-05T14:21:00.001-05:00

Introducing Kirsten Muenster Jewelry: Chain Collection

"it starts with a raw spool of wire

the wire is hand spun into a coil

the coil is hand cut into individual links

the links are "woven" into chain, one by one"

– designer, Kirsten Muenster

Kirsten Muenster, you amaze me. Hand-coiled, hand-cut, hand-woven, hand-linked chain jewelry? How absolutely incredible in these fast-paced, no time to unkink times. This latest collection truly defines slow crafting goodness and timeless adornment. Congratulations on leading the way for a whole generation of ethical jewelers. We love what you are about.

For anyone lucky enough to be in San Francisco, this Friday, Kirsten will have an artist reception at D&H Sustainable Jewelers from 5 to 8pm.

Follow Kirsten Muenster Jewelry on Facebook as well as via her thoughtfully written blog.

all images courtesy of the designer

Ones To Watch in Amsterdam 2012 and Beyond: Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda

2011-12-05T05:31:00.001-05:00

Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda's 'Mossformations Dress'

with mulesing free wool, hand-embroidery,

and hand-painted with non-toxic 'greener dyes'

There is no doubt that I have a real soft spot for the innovative use of fiber in contemporary fashion and wearable art. Puerto-Rican born designer Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda really epitomizes a new era in ethical knitwear design via her waste-free, free form sculpting, and resourceful use of naturally dyed fibers, hand-spun yarns, and recycled materials. Hovering at the edge of extreme organicism, the craftsmanship behind each of Zaida's pieces serves as a hands-on manifesto regarding the symbiotic relationship that we could all potentially have with our clothing and accessories.

In this spirit, I was excited to see that Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda had been named one of eight finalists for Amsterdam Fashion Week's The Green Fashion Competition in January 2012. This rising design star and self-proclaimed 'concoctionist' definitely definitely has a thing or two to creatively demonstrate about how we might (re)define green fashion and artisan-driven production methods.

image via the designer and Study NY's blog

Work in progress for the runway in Amsterdam

(courtesy of Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda)

Stay tuned for more updates on the journey that Zaida takes from NYC to Amsterdam. With internships with Twinkle by Wenlan, Auralis Studio, and Study NY, as well as impressive international design studies and exhibitions up her sleeve, Zaida Adriana Goveo Balmaseda is definitely one to watch on the runway and beyond. Follow the news via Zaida's blog.

Read more about The Green Fashion Competition on Vogue Italia and Ecouterre.

Cruelty Free Friday: Shooting and Eating Wild Beauties

2011-12-02T01:07:00.001-05:00

It is amazing what pops up when one does an image search for 'horses in fashion'. It is pretty apparent that the fashion industry has been using horses and ponies in styled shoots and magazine spreads as a means to celebrate couture expressions, the open spaces of the wild west, and also the raw untamable beauty of the women who walk this planet. It is not clear that all horses are treated well during these photo sessions, but one would hope so given our love for the spirit and grace of horses everywhere.

It is common to see lanky models draped on horses

Or kicking-back with their miniature ponies

Or looking coldly detached from nature

Or with the imprints of our ideas about freedom

Or styled in the equestrian death look

But all of these examples aside, it appears as if we have take a sharp turn for the worse with recent legislation to approve the consumption of horse meat in the United States. Forgive me if I am wrong, but we are not nomadic herders in Outer Mongolia trying to subsist on and make do with resources from our native environment? We have choices and we have a conscience, or at least I thought so. This latest move is simply about greed and profit as a significant amount of this meat is for export, and the U.S. based slaughterhouses stand to make some very quick bucks.

If you love horses as much as I do, you will pay attention to this issue and face the fact that our romantic ideas about the 'partnership' that we have with these creatures is not at all on equal ground or out in the open, for that matter. Cruelty free fashion is very much about transparency in the images that we create and export in the name of natural beauty.

images via The Equinest and Fashionasty

Amara Ethical Gold Holiday Selections

2011-12-01T02:57:00.001-05:00

14K Gold Bubbly Bib Necklace

14K Gold Clockwork Drop Earrings

December 1 marks the official start of my holiday season as well as anupcoming wedding anniversary, and ethical gold jewelry is surely a greatway to honor these celebratory occasions. I am not really a jewelry person perse, but I love the spirit and clean design sensibility of these stunning andoriginal designs by Amara Goldjewelry.

14K Gold Finely Textured Stackable Ring

Amara's ethical gold jewelry is crafted out of 100%recycled gold with the fine detailing and authenticity that honors athoughtful and sustainable design process. I adore these featured designs fortheir pure geometric simplicity as well as their ability to redefine luxurystatement pieces and classic gold adornment. I would totally renew my vowswith several of Amara's stackable 14K gold finely textured rings or celebrate amilestone anniversary with their timeless gold square link bracelet.

14K Gold Square Link Bracelet

"Each piece of jewelry in the Amara lineproudly displays its quality mark symbolizing the brand’s commitment toproviding the highest quality gold jewelry available on the market today. Theorigin of the fine grain gold and silver used to create each and every piece ofjewelry that bears Amara brand trademark can be authenticated. Amara believesin total transparency and provides a “Certificate of Authenticity” that ensuresevery piece of Amara brand jewelry is made from 100% recycled gold."

The important thing that consumers need to realize is that there are stylishalternatives for buying luxury jewelry from companies that use ethical gold andban the use of blood orconflict diamonds. Today's jewelry pieces are investments for a lifetime aswell as heirloom expressions. It makes sense that any pieces that are passeddown from generation to generation should send the right message while alsolooking state-of-the-art.

Visit Amara Gold for more holiday selections.

Tumblr Tuesday: Designer Inspiration Threads

2011-11-29T08:01:00.001-05:00

Gretchen Jones on Tumblr (source: Rafa Castells)

One of the things that I love about Tumblr is the trail that my designer friends weave as they integrate inspirational images into their stream of current designs or look books. There is something really captivating about these intimate glimpses into their creative worlds.

Heather Heron on Tumblr

Native Kee on Tumblr (source: Obsidian Obelisk)

Erin Considine on Tumblr

Mociun on Tumblr

Mady Dooijes / Abundunce Of (source: Alison Worman)

Who do you tumble with?

Erin Considine Jewelry Autumn/Winter 2011

2011-11-28T04:34:00.001-05:00

Erin Considine's A/W 2011 'Brass Datum' earrings

There are only a handful of jewelry designers who I feel bridge the realms of art and design seamlessly, and Erin Considine is definitely one of them. Erin's commitment to sustainable methods and personal craftsmanship makes every piece in her collection a work of art that one wants to collect and wear but also gaze at as an example of pure sculptural ingenuity.

Erin Considine's A/W 2011 jewelry collection

Erin Considine's A/W 2011 collection, photographed by the amazingly talented Shawn Brackbill, celebrates the marriage of fiber/textile traditions and recycled metals in a manner that completely pushes the potential of hard/soft and ancient/future design boundaries.

The artist's slowcrafting process is shared in the following words via her website: "(Erin) tests new textile construction methods with every collection, incorporating weaving, crocheting, and the Japanese braiding style of kumihimo into an ever-expanding roster of creation tools. Her metal forms are mined from the dregs of industrialism – whether it by repurposing dead-stock jewelry findings or sculpting models inspired by the antique metier."

I could not think of better holiday investment pieces for the season ahead and years to come. Erin Considine is one of the most original talents on the sustainable style frontier.

You can shop her new collection here and follow her blog here. Do not miss events and updates on the EC Facebook page as well. Stay tuned for more jewelry designer profiles throughout the course of this week.

Coclico Footwear Spring/Summer 2012: Building A Sustainable Vision One Step At A Time

2011-11-27T02:30:00.001-05:00

Coclico SS 2012 featured in the Kaelen presentation

during NY fashion week (photo by Jeannine Tan)

After ten days on the 'ghost free' vegan challenge, I have had a lot of time to think about the inner workings and cogs of the fashion system. One thing is for sure, my diet will certainly be far more vegan than it has in the past, now that I have experienced how good one can feel eating a diet of plant-based foods. I still grapple, though, with the use of leather in fashion accessories (at least by sustainable fashion definitions), as so many small businesses in Europe are dependent upon the craftsmanship of local leather goods production. Of course, I am an advocate for vegan shoes, bags, and jewelry designs (as well as some of the great names behind this movement), but I also know how wedded communities and cultures are to leather production methods. I support the evolution of ethical fashion, but I also support cultural diversity and the expression of artisan traditions. How to reconcile these differences?

Coclico SS 2012 heels with organic linen

(photo courtesy of ORGANIC Girly)

Coclico is a footwear design company that is grappling with this issue on a day-to-day and long-term basis. Jennifer Barckley at ORGANIC Girly, tackled this topic very thoughtfully in her recent write up after a visit to Coclico's Nolita boutique for a preview of their Spring/Summer 2012 collection. As a vegan, ORGANIC Girly does a great job of building a bridge between the gray areas, if they are really any shadow zones remaining.

Coclico SS 2012 sculpturally stylish, handcrafted heels

Barckley's 'Timeless Is Worth The Wait' sums up many of the variables that this luxe footwear company is contending with as a small label that wants to improve upon its ethical sourcing, manufacturing, and community outreach efforts. The key thing for me in the select purchases that I make is just how transparent a company is willing to be in its disclosure about materials and methods. Coclico is a company that I feel quite good about on this front.

That said, this recent article via Cri de Coeur about leather tanneries being some of the most toxic places on earth is enough to stop one dead in one's tracks – quite literally. Chromium pollution is just bad news. It seems to me that ongoing definitions of ethical style can no longer afford to be just about sustainable materials, fair labor, and life cycle innovation – to name a few, but also increasingly about what one's belief system is when it comes to ideas about 'fashioning self in relation to the environment'. In the same way that we make assessments about political and social events, might it be too extreme to expect that our personal style might now allow others to decode us in terms of where we draw the line?