FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
June 21st, 2007, Chicago, Ill –With emerging standards in mind as well as combining cool styles, and the company's deep concern for the planet , Bangledox Clothing was created.
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Even after the flood of publications covering green issues and eco-living around April, recycling is still newsworthy. Adorn, the "crafty girl's guide to embellishing life," is the newest title from NYC's Soho Publishing, which also publishes the ever-popular Vogue Knitting Magazine. Released quarterly, Adorn's Fall 2007 issue proudly exclaims "We Love Recycling! Thrift Your Way to New Fashion." With second-hand shops by the dozens here in San Francisco, it's easy to see why buying and customizing vintage finds is much more affordable and stylish than ever. Already pleased with fellow Soho Publishing title Knit.1's green issue (which is still available on newsstands), I was eager to see Adorn's take on how us crafty crusaders can help save our planet.
Published as the first editorial feature in the Fall issue, "Renew, Repurpose, Reuse, Redo, Refashion" features a smattering of stats related to crafting garments from second-hand finds, starting on page 48. Four projects set the stage, but only three of them are wardrobe-related. Also included is a pattern for an ottoman covered with thrifted sweaters, great for amping up a footstool you already have or a somewhat-sustainable but bland new piece from IKEA. My first look at the fashion projects made me a bit hesitant, thinking "would I ever really wear that?" Quickly, I reminded myself that I could use any color or texture of second-hand garments, making the projects all the more exciting to undertake.
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Off the Mat, Into the WorldIn just the past 30 years, yoga has grown from being seen as a hippy-like hobby for bored housewives to a widely prescribed, physically and spiritually taxing experience that helps people of all background balance their lives. Embracing the specific yogic concept of ahimsa, or non-harming, Yoga, Tribe and Culture has created a clothing company that inspires others to use the 6,000-year-old knowledge of yoga in their daily interactions. Also in line with the same principle, the brand's items for men, women, and children are made from fair-trade, organic cotton. "Buying organically produced food and wearing organically produced clothing is the way of the future. As consumers, we have a tremendous amount of power to direct the future of our world. We have a choice regarding where we put our money and what kind of products we purchase. The right choices can positively affect our earth for generations to come."]]>
Expressing the importance of eco-fashion to the general public is no easy task. The entire clothing industry is often seen as flagrant and a secondary part of life - something that we have to be a part of in our society, but many would rather do without. For the fourth episode of their Big Ideas For A Small Planet series, the Sundance Channel takes on the challenging topic of dressing green. The first three episodes of this original documentary series have gotten a large amount of critical acclaim for bringing environmental issues to the millions of Americans who tune in. So far, the topics of fuel, building construction, and city development have been examined, offering up three different topic-specific ideas of how to enhance our lives and reduce our carbon footprint at the same time in each episode.
Premiering this Tuesday, May 8th at 9pm Eastern and Pacific, the Wear episode features commentary from Ali Hewson (Bono's wife and founder of Edun Clothing), Simran Sethi, Carson Kressley (the wonderfully flamboyant blond fashion guru from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), and Graham Hill (founder of TreeHugger.com). I must admit that when I saw Carson come on screen, I was worried that the episode might end up being less than serious, but he had a unique point-of-view to add to the subject of green fashion, acting as a voice for the many that see style as an integral part of their life, just like eating or sleeping. Helping to show people that wearing sustainable fabrics has little, if anything, to do with tie-dye and hippies is one of the most important factors for the growing green fashion market, and this episode does a darn good job of getting that point across.
One of the most common things you will hear about green living is that the little changes can make all the difference, such as switching your light bulbs or learning to compost. This simple and direct concept can easily be applied to eco-fashion as well, all at an affordable price. Sustainable underwear is a branch of the green style market that is still developing, but there are a few companies that have been around since before being green became "trendy." One of them is bgreen. Based in Southern California, bgreen has been family-owned for three generations. Before you worry about what your jeans or sweaters are made out of, start with the first thing you put on - undies.
"We strive for performance and endurance. Simply put, each of our garments is built to last. Our designs are simple and bold, yet soft and sexy. Our embellishments add a playful, curious and youthful feel to our garments. We support local communities, fair trade and environmental preservation. We exclusively use certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes to make our fabric. We believe our planet earth is the only home we have. It is everyone’s responsibility to contribute everything they can to protect and preserve our delicate planet for this generation and many more to come," says the company's website, which also provides images of their sweatshop-free California factory. Men's and women's intimatewear are the most popular of their creations, though bgreen is now also making activewear for both genders as well.
AA's Organic Baby Rib Dog TWhether you choose to focus on their youth-based image or not, American Apparel sells some quality clothing. Made entirely in their Los Angeles factory, AA's collection continues to grow each season. Launched a few years ago, their organic cotton line began with only a few tops for men and women. Since then, 21 of their classic styles have become available in some of the softest and smoothest fabric around. Men, women, kids, babies, and even the family dog can get in on the organic cotton party with this brand. Oh yeah, there is one topic I haven't mentioned yet: how much does it cost?
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