The fashion industry has only recently become somewhat linked with eco-friendly values. Yet even with the advent of popular hemp clothing and the use of natural fibers, most eco-friendly fashion accessories are considered to be ‘hippie fashion’. Hardly products that could be associated with the 7th Avenue fashion scene!

Natasha Kimling Kwan, the owner Kling handbags has decided to change things around. An emerging designer of vegan fashion handbags, Kwan produces uber stylish clutches that are the perfect compliment to business and casual fashion.

Kwan started her fashion handbag company as a DIY effort making her first handbags out of duct tape. Amazed at how many people were unaware of the toxic dangers of PVC and tanning leather, she began to investigate alternative materials that had the look and feel of leather and vinyl. Today, she uses a polyurethane based fabric that feels similar to lambskin but does not use plasticizers, heavy metals, formaldehyde or pyroxylin.

And if the eco-friendly materials are not enough to check out the line, consider this: All Kling handbags are handmade in New York by a sewing professional. The human connection is important to Kwan. She could have saved a lot of money by going abroad, but just did not feel good knowing that someone out there would be paid a pittance so that she could make a larger profit.

Take a look at Kling bags. Who knows you might want to cling to them yourself. You can check them out the various handbags in the line or find a retailer at www.klingbags.com.

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Every season, new trends, patterns, colors, and styles, arrive, but nowadays even “new” has a new meaning. Because new inventions like solar textiles, smart wearables, and design printing, promise to make our future both stylish *and* smart, while new materials like organic fibers and new practices for their creation strive for ever greater harmony with our environment and society.

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"The concept started as a sideline for Trina in England when working as a graphic designer. She started recycling wool and making gorgeous throws for a shop in our local village. The concept was very popular and it was a nice earner on the side," said Andy, when I spoke to him last night. To add an extra element of style and durability to their handmade line of bags, swatches of vintage Scandinavian fabrics from the 1960s and 70s are used. "Finding new and funky retro patterns is the favorite part of our bag making. You never know what you’re going to find and it gets the adrenaline going when you discover a fantastic piece."

Making green products is not just a front - it's an integral part of the couple's lifestyle. "The fact that much of our business is made from recycled materials is a reflection on our efforts as individuals to be green. As designers we do feel a responsibility to highlight recycling and perhaps show what’s possible when green sourcing." The collection has been a big hit on Etsy.com, the handmade alternative to eBay. Plans to expand the Katrina Kaye line have already gotten underway.

We already design and make stuffed monsters, retro kids jump suits, rings , belts and other accessories using the vintage fabrics. We’re going to be coming out with a line of vintage lined canvasses and pillows. We also use a lot of recycled felted wool in the winter to make hats/ gloves/ scarves/ ponchos and throws but since having our daughter Sienna 7 months ago many of these things have taken a back seat. Trina is brimming full of ideas but mainly wants to focus on a kids line of clothing (maybe organic) when she can find the time, hopefully in 2008.

If you are looking for an affordable ($35 each), green, unique alternative to the ever-popular bike messenger bags seen all over the country, Katrina Kaye has what you are looking for! New styles are added to their online store weekly.