Bedouin Treasures

Article by Andrea Krystine

News that a Vintage Collective/Art Gallery had opened up in San Diego gave me hope, inspiration and above all appreciation to those artists and vintage lovers who came together to fill a huge space with colorful modern art, eclectic retro furniture and nostalgic pieces from our past lives.

Owners Jan Welch and Jon Elliot invested their time and creative energies into designing Bedouin Vintage Collective, which offers home to artisans around San Diego who specialize in things like jewelry, home accessories and fun crafts. 

In addition to the wonderful treasures that are abundant within this boutique, The Collective seconds as an art gallery displaying unique pieces from artists all around the world.   

During my visit, I was lucky enough to snag a cut-off vintage Padres t-shirt and 1970's striped maxi halter dress... !

Be sure to visit the Bedouin Vintage Collective at 

2621 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104

Veja - Is Another World Possible?

Article by Camilla Doig Lorentzen

Veja is "just a drop in the ocean", they state on their website. Luckily for us, this drop exists and there are becoming more and more of them.

With organic cotton from the Northeast of Brazil, wild Amazonian rubber and ecological leather; Veja is working under three main principles:

1. Using ecological inputs

2. Using fair-trade cotton and latex

3. Respecting workers' dignity

In order to reduce CO2 emissions, all trainers and accessories are transported by boat from Porto Alegre, Brazil to Le Havre, France. From there they travel in barges along the canals to the Parisian suburbs.

They use recycled paper and cardboard for their packaging, and finally Veja uses ENERCOOP (a cooperative of green electricity) in their headquarters instead of EDF (the French national nuclear energy supplier).

"Let's try to offer a different vision which combines fair-trade and ecology and links together economy, social initiatives and the environment. A vision that proposes cultural change."

More in-depth information can be found on the Vela website.

Also...Check out this short film about the making-process of Veja-sneakers:

Veja Tauá Making Of from Veja on Vimeo.

Images from www.veja.fr.com  

A Purrrfect Sunday

Article by Andrea Krystine


While in the City of Angels, my friend and I decided to stretch our legs from all the wine and girl talk and go out into the hot, hot sun for an adventure in rummage shopping. Our journey took us to the marvelously never-ending and glorious Fairfax and Melrose flea market!

Oh what a treat to see so much random 'stuff' being reused and reconstructed into furniture, jewelry, clothing... they even had old vinyl (which actually made me nervous because the cement was super hot) and yummy snow cones!

Walking around and enjoying the ice cool cherry/lemon treat, my lovely friend and I ran into a tent full of amazing handmade and one-of-a-kind works by Purrr Remake - "Tokyo inspired remake clothing for LA hipstars". I took a peek at the designer's site when I got back into town and realized that her pieces sell in boutiques around Japan for about 3-times the price... So check out her etsy if your not near LA!

The rack was full of super cute rompers in all kinds of fun patterns; nauticals, plaids, stripes, and even funky prints. Each romper was also conveniently constructed with an adjustable drawstring that was designed to fit most.




A print dawned with black spotted kitties ended up being a fun retro-chic addition to my animal-loving friend Blair's wardrobe.




The Melrose Trading Post flea market is held every Sunday- totally worth checking out!

Fashion Spreads: Eco Romance

Photography: Julie Brothers
Art Direction and Producer: Rose Cefalu
Stylist: Miriam Sternoff
Bride & Bloom Magazine

Hopping on the "Zero-Waste" Train

Article by Andrea Krystine



Although many are adopting new means of fashionable consumption through wearing organic or buying second-hand, these acts alone are simply not going to cut it when it comes to making a dent of true sustainability in the fashion industry as we know it.

Reality Check: Because it is cheaper to dump fabric scraps than recycle them, 15-20% of apparel production fabric ends up as waste! (per NY Times)

A more efficient and thoroughly sustainable concept that will allow style to save us is Zero-Waste, a production process that has already been utilized in other countries, by designers like Zandra Rhodes and Mark Liu. Zero-Waste gives designers the challenge of using the entirety of their fabrics without any -or very little- waste. Involving much conception and intricate patterns, zero-waste planning must be carefully calculated in order to achieve ultimate utilization.

In September of this year, Parson New School for Design is offering the first U.S. fashion course in zero-waste. In addition to the publication of two new books on the subject, zero-waste has also inspired the A + D Gallery of Chicago that is planning for an exhibition dedicated to zero-waste fashions due March of 2011.

And so we are catching on. May I add a big F I N A L L Y ! ! ?

Images from Mark Liu Collections

Edun's Mission

Article by Camilla Doig Lorentzen


Ali Hewson couldn't possibly have guessed how life would turn out when she met her future husband at Dublin's Mount Temple Comprehensive School in 1975. Her high school sweetheart, Paul, now known as Bono, perhaps the biggest rock star (and according to Time in 2009, one of the most influential people) in the world - thanks to his many charitable initiatives. In 2005, the couple launched EDUN, a fashion company that promotes trade above aid in Africa and other developing countries by using factories that pay fair wages, creating jobs and encouraging investment in these areas. These days Hewson divides her time between family, campaigning and running the now multinational company.

In May 2009, luxury group LVMH took a substantial stake in the company adding EDUN to their stable of world-class brands. With the expertise and support of LVMH, EDUN now have the tools to become a global fashion brand.

While EDUN's primary focus is trade, the brand actively engages in sourcing organic and sustainable materials whenever possible. Organic cotton is not only a responsible environmental solution, but also provides healthier working conditions and is a valuable market opportunity for farmers in Africa.







Images from www.edun.com

Arne & Carlos - Preserving century-old knitting techniques

Article by Camilla Doig Lorentzen



Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison, Norwegian and Swedish respectively, established Arne & Carlos in 2002. Drawing on their traditional Scandinavian influences and their natural environment, they create original and visually striking knitwear. Through experience gained from working alongside Scandinavia's most respected knitting practitioners, many of them elderly women using century-old techniques, Arne & Carlos seek to preserve these techniques as well as create pieces that are modern and new.


While Arne & Carlos' speciality knitwear draws on Scandinavian traditions for inspiration, it is Peru and its long history of artisanal skills, that forms the base for the designers' production. All knitwear is crafted by artisans, with half of the collection being hand-made, the other half machine-made, and the finish on all garments done by hand.

Arne & Carlos' creative base however is located 190 kilometers north of Oslo in the Valdres region of Norway, in a disused railway station. This idyllic location is a source of inspiration as well as a haven for peace and tranquility. There, Arne & Carlos absorb the rich tradition of Scandinavian arts and crafts while adding their own personal inspirations.










Images from www.arne-carlos.com

American Appeals

Article by Andrea Krystine



Since the debut of their 100% USDA certified organic cotton "Sustainable Edition", American Apparel has been working on gradually integrating organic fibers into their main production lines. As a company that strives to find a balance between capitalist success and environmental/social success, American Apparel is actively seeking innovative ways to reduce negative impacts on cotton cultivation. Doing such might just strengthen their dedication towards social awareness.

In edition to their support of the improvement of conventional agricultural methods, AA contributes to the green fashion movement with recycled vintage offerings via California Select- a supplement to their retail stores that offers handmade/reconstructed pieces made from vintage materials






Images from American Apparel website
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PS: as if you didn't recognize beautiful Lani (in pics above), who modeled in our 2009 Ecologique Photo Shoot ;)




Photo by Sandifer Photography

Here Kitty, Kitty...

Article by Andrea Krystine

Once upon a time...

there was a Kitty who believed that eco-styled footwear could be beautiful.





Footwear designer, Kitty Cooper, gained her fashionable background by earning a first-class degree at Cordwainers' Institute, part of London College of Fashion, and working for a time designing China-made shoes for a number of High Street retailers. Her love and expertise of vintage comes from several years of experience dealing vintage clothing and accessories in various shops of London.

Inspired by the aesthetics and craftsmanship of past eras, The Kitty Cooper Collection is handmade in East London. The beautiful fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and trims are all locally sourced vintage pieces from the 20's to the 70's. Oooh yes!

Keeping consistent with her mission, Kitty's shoes include only leathers tanned using organic substances such as the seed pods of the Tara tree or the Valonea oak.

Not only does her product lend an ode to the past, the packing contributes to sustainability by including 100% post-consumer recycled, non-bleached paper, and organic fairtrade shoe bags with every purchase.






Images from Kitty Cooper website

A Union of Compassion and Creativity

Article by Camilla Doig Lorentzen

In 1991, Co-owner and Creative Director, Inder Bedi, was challenged by a mahatma to go vegetarian for thirty days. It was during this time that Inder devised the business plan for an eco/vegan fashion house.

First written as a university project in 1995, and eventually launched as MATT & NAT, Inder focused on cutting edge fashion, social responsibility, and a balance of opposites emerges, thus representing the duality of MATT & NAT's soul.

MATT & NAT’s 21 water bottle initiative has further advanced their commitment to social responsibility and to the environment; all linings are made from recycled plastic water bottles. A message inside of each bag will let you know exactly how many bottles were recycled to produce your accessory.

In my opinion, Matt & Nat's men's collection captures current trends very well, which unfortunately is not so common within ecological fashion. The style is simple with easily recognizable shapes as well as clean lines. Both of which, I think, are very important in men's fashion, in particular. As well as being made from recycled bottles, the bags are made from canvas and vegan leather with details like heavy buckles metal zips and metal studs.















I love the perforated detailing on the front of the wallet, as well as its slender and sophisticated look.



This black vegan leather handbag includes a 100% recycled aqua faux suede lining, tone on tone stitching and antique silver hardware. The Bauhaus features top double zip closure, 2 external zipper pockets on front, 1 external magnetic pocket on back, and 1 snap pocket on side. Interior includes 3 pen holders, zip, cell phone and PDA pockets. It also comes with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap



The metal studs on the front give this portfolio a young and fresh look. Great for an all important interview!

Black vegan leather portfolio with 100% recycled aqua faux suede lining, tone on tone stitching and antique brass hardware. The LCD features double top zip around closure with interior zip, cell phone, PDA and 3 pen pockets. 14”X10.25”X1.25”

Matt & Nat are based in Canada, but their products can be bought from websites www.mattandnat.com and www.asos.com




Images from www.matandnat.com