SZPT.INFO

Eco-friendly London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 – Estethica

Estethica is the eco-friendly fashion showcase of London Fashion Week and SS10 was sponsored By Monsoon for the fifth season running.  Eco designers not only have to create beautiful pieces that will set our hearts racing; they have to ensure the environment is not damaged, the rights of workers are fair and resources are not wasted.  Tough call but as you can see below, they have pulled it off:

Not dragging their feet are two eco-friendly shoes designers: Beyond Skin and Nina Dolcetti.

Beyond Skin are vegan shoes designers using PU plastic rather than leather. Their SS10 collection introduces a capsule evening wear range. They are excited about the US store Anthropologie arriving soon in to the UK (Regents St.) because they will be stocking their new pumps  ”Beyond Skin Sole”.

Nina Dolcetti designs leather footwear but only uses left overs, off-cuts, old colour swatches and any other unwanted pre-consumer waste to create her shoes. Left over leather soles are used from other shoe companies, re-cut and re-stamped with the correct size.  All the shoes are limited editions as the design and colour depends on the left overs.  So if you want to be ethical but can’t bear to give up your leather shoes – this is your kind of brand.

Hats off to Pachacuti who design fedoras and panama hats whilst ensuring just remuneration for current weavers, ensuring sustainablilty and training a new generation in weaving techniques.Their SS10 collection was inspired by the painters and sculptors of St. Ives in Cornwall, with the interweaving diamond shapes drawn from the sculptures of Barbara Hepworth.  Vivid colours and intricate detailing keep the authenticity of the Inca heritage.

Makepiece spins a yarn with their SS10 knitwear collection “the Matrimony” which was inspired by  Nicola Sherlock’s (the designer) own wedding this year. This collection sees delicate fine knitwear with ruffles, ruching, ribbons and plaits creating a romantic feel. Light airy colours of sky, petal, lilac haze and cream mingle with more earthy colours of evening green and dark earth.  The knitwear company is based in the Yorkshire Pennines where they take the natural yarns from their own sheep, spin them as locally as possible and knit them in their own community.  Buy from Stella, 5 Upper Market Hall, Camden Lock, London.

Anatomy’s SS10 collection shows tailored pieces in navy with an accent of red in buttons and buckles. Fabrics used are bamboo for their denim pieces; hemp and cotton blend for their fun stripey pencil skirts and jackets ; and a linen silk blend. Best sellers are their fencing styled waistcoats and jackets which flatter the figure and emphasise or give the illusion of a waist. A perfect brand for the woman who prefers her clothes structured. Buy online from www.devidoll.com

The Bees Knees – Designer Ada Zanditon created a Buzz with her SS10 collection “The Colony”. Inspiration came from bees. Main palette is red and navy. Hexagonal shapes were widely used  in patterns (as seen in the red tunic dress on the hanger) and to make 3D sculptural pieces such as the navy interlock skirt & cape. All fabrics used are organic and natural. Her designs can be bought from Digitaria, 60 Berwick St. London.

Soaring high is Christopher Raeburn’s SS10 collection made of re-appropriated military parachute fabric. The garments are brought to life with splashes of rainbow colours – red, orange, yellow, green ,blue, indigo and violet, with circle cut outs appearing on lapels and around hoods for decoration. Mainly designing outerwear such as parkas, bomber jackets, macs, capes and ponchos, Raeburn has created a capsule collection of dresses for SS10 with his orange creation being worn by Hilary Alexander to Downing Street.  Also this season, he has introduced the “jellyfish” bag made of woven netting with parachute fabric and cord .His designs for men can be bought from Liberty and for women in Browns Focus.

Elena Garcia’s SS10 collection is called “ Silk Safari” and was inspired by the films The English Patient and Lawrence of Arabia. Colour palette is chocolate brown, charcoal and ivory to capture the romance and the earth tones of the landscape in these films.  Garments come in one size but can be adjusted by means of ribbons or shell buttons – great concept when you’ve eaten too much for dinner!  The garments are made from organic and peace silk.

Beautiful Soul specialises in creating pieces from Japanese vintage kimonos (dating back to the 1940’s)  and has named her SS10 collection ”Miss Butterfly” after Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. Another source are vintage saris, and other fabrics used are peace silk, organic jacquard, handloom cotton and bamboo jersey. Although the designs can be reproduced, each garment is exclusive due to the fabrics used originating from a limited source of vintage kimonos and saris. Beautiful Soul is happy to create commissioned pieces and for you to select your own Japanese vintage kimono for the fabric.  You can buy  from Junky Styling , 91 Brick Lane, London.

Article 23 in the UN Declaration of Human Rights states “Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity”. And this is the commitment for Paris based fashion brand Art.23 whose garments are made in India where they ensure the most fundamental rights of the workers are upheld and their vital needs are seen to. Art.23’s SS10 collection was inspired by “Alice in Wonderland”- invoking the spirit of Alice for adventure in their women’s collection and a minimalist man in Wonderland who is ready for any occasion in their men’s collection.  Coral for women and mauve for both are the SS10’s colours to join their basic black and white palette. Truly playing in Wonderland sees the introduction of the Unisex collection with t-shirts, shirts and the unisex fantasy trench coat sporting six engraved buttons with closing for man & woman. SS10 also sees the introduction of peace silk jersey to their fabrics of organic cotton.  Buy  from  KJ’s Laundry, 74 Marylebone Lane, London .

Fifi Bijoux’s SS10 collection is in ethically mined silver and romantically called “Two Hearts Collide”. This is the first time they have introduced silver usually creating delicate pieces in gold. This is for the woman who prefers luxury timeless jewellery.  They also specialise in ethical engagement and wedding rings. Buy in London from Charles Fish, Canary Wharf; Cerise, 94 Columbia Rd, E2; Eco Age 213 Chiswick High Rd; Equa, 28 Camden Passage, Islington; or Nude, 36 Shepherd’s Market, Mayfair .

Estethica designers have shown that we can maintain our fashionable individual style; whether it is tailored, structured, romantic, bold, casual, quirky or glamorous; and keep the environment safe, ensure no-one is exploited and resources are not wasted. We can now strut our stuff happy with the knowledge we not only look great on the outside, but we feel good on the inside.

For help with eco-friendly personal shopping in London and image consultancy visit frumpytofunky’s website: www.frumpytofunky.com

About the Author

frumpy to funky was established by Karen Grace, an affiliate member of the Federation of Image Consultants.

Karen has studied Personal Styling at the London College of Fashion and received her professional training in one of the London’s leading Image Consultancy training centre.
More details can be seen on www.frumpytofunky.com

Arctic Cat Black Arctic Woven Beanie

Fashion Unisex Weaved Black & White Leather Wrist Bracelet 394 $11.04

Fashion Unisex Weaved Black & Brown Leather Wrist Bracelet 396 $11.04

Adjustable Bracelet UniSex Men Women Cuff Belt Buckle Leather Weaved Rings Black $4.59

Surfer Weaved Wax Unisex Adjustable Bracelets $3.00

Surfer Weaved Wax Unisex Adjustable Bracelets $3.00

Surfer Weaved Wax Unisex Adjustable Bracelets $3.00

Unisex Tan Khaki Twine Weaved Braided Black Metal Hardware Fashion Belt $19.54

Stylish Weaved Unisex Black White Leather Bracelet 394 $10.39

UNISEX BELTS 48″ X 2″ BLACK WEAVED LEATHER W/ SILVER DECORATIVE STUDS & BUCKEL $9.99

Stylish Weaved X-Wide Unisex Black Leather Bracelet 375 $8.49

Stylish Weaved Unisex Red Black Leather Bracelet 395 $8.49

SW479 Black Weaved Unisex Spike Cuff Bracelet Wristband Bangle Rhinestone Inlaid $5.99

SW Black Brown Cord Unisex Cuff Wrist Bracelet Wristband Portrait Heart Weaved $4.79

SW Black Brown Cord Unisex Cuff Wrist Bracelet Wristband Portrait Heart Weaved $4.79

Weaved In Wonder Bangle $14.99 This black and white bangle with a charming woven motif is the perfect effortless chic accessory. 1.25 inches wide

Travelon Unisex Poncho – Black $19.99 Travelon-Unisex Poncho

Mongoose Maxim 24 Unisex In Black $179.99 Mongoose Maxim 24″ Unisex In Black

Unisex Black – Size 2x $10.99 Unisex Black – Size 2x Unisex Tee Shirt! This Heavyweight Ultra Cotton Tee Shirt is made of comprised 100% Preshrunk Cotton T. Don’t forget to add our cool body piercing jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: Unisex Black – Size 2x

Unisex Black – Size L $10.99 Unisex Black – Size L Unisex Tee Shirt! This Heavyweight Ultra Cotton Tee Shirt is made of comprised 100% Preshrunk Cotton T. Don’t forget to add our cool body piercing jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: Unisex Black – Size L

Unisex Black – Size M $10.99 Unisex Black – Size M Unisex Tee Shirt! This Heavyweight Ultra Cotton Tee Shirt is made of comprised 100% Preshrunk Cotton T. Don’t forget to add our cool body piercing jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: Unisex Black – Size M

Unisex Black – Size S $10.99 Unisex Black – Size S Unisex Tee Shirt! This Heavyweight Ultra Cotton Tee Shirt is made of comprised 100% Preshrunk Cotton T. Don’t forget to add our cool body piercing jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: Unisex Black – Size S

Unisex Black – Size XL $10.99 Unisex Black – Size XL Unisex Tee Shirt! This Heavyweight Ultra Cotton Tee Shirt is made of comprised 100% Preshrunk Cotton T. Don’t forget to add our cool body piercing jewelry at wholesale prices to your collection today! Specifications: Unisex Black – Size XL

Unisex $8.99 Unisex

WeSC – Unisex 59Fifty Overlay Baseball Cap (Black) $47 WeSC – Unisex 59Fifty Overlay Baseball Cap (Black)

Drops Watch PD0016 Black Unisex $225 Drops Watch PD0016 Black Unisex is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Drops Watch PD0016 Black Unisex for $109.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Drops Watch PD0017 Black Unisex $225 Drops Watch PD0017 Black Unisex is in stock and ready to ship from dellamoda.com. We stock Drops Watch PD0017 Black Unisex for $109.00 and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Gold Weaved Link Bracelet $288 Looking elegant is easy in this gold weaved link bracelet. The electro plated weaved link bracelet adds pizazz to aclassically elegant style. This bracelet fastens with a toggle closure.

Havaianas Top Black Unisex Sandal $18 Slip your feet into classic beach style with these unisex Top sandals by Havaianas!

Unisex Motorcycle Chaps Black $69.99 The Interstate Unisex Leather Motorcycle Chaps for safety and comfort anywhere the winding road takes you. Slip on a little insurance before you head out. These tough, durable motorcycle chaps from Interstate Leather give you easy-moving comfort and rugged cowhide protection for your next motorcycle adventure. And in a unisex cut to suit you or anybody else you may want to take along for the ride. The covered side zippers make putting on or taking off the Interstate Unisex Leather Motorcycle Chaps a breeze. Hit the road in hard-riding comfort and style! Expandable spandex thigh. Boot cut. Watch pocket.

Diamond Sofa blvdmirrorb Black Accent Floor Mirror Wrapped in Weaved Leather by Diamond Sofa $484.65 Stunning 84 Inch Rectangle Mirror from the Blvd Collection by Diamond Sofa. Weaved Leather Wrapped Frame adds style and substance of any room. Bring a corner of your home to life with this beautifully sculpted piece of furniture that will add beauty and depth to your home decor. Warranty Details: Diamond Sofa warrants that its merchandise is free from manufacturing defects (workmanship and/or material) and will either give credit or replace defective parts for a period of up to one (1) year from the date of purchase in accordance with the conditions set forth below. If a manufacturing defect is found Diamond Sofa should be notified promptly of the defect and supplied a copy of the invoice and delivery ticket. Inspection by a Diamond Sofa employee or representative may be necessary to verify that a manufacturing defect exists or you may be required to submit samples to Diamond Sofa along with digital images of the defects to initiate the claim. If a replacement is required in accordance with this warranty and the defective material or merchandise has been discontinued or unavailable Diamond Sofa reserves the right to select and supply similar merchandise or offer full credit for the merchandise; otherwise the same material or merchandise will be supplied for replacement purposes. LIMITED TERM WARRANTY: 1 YEAR FROM DAY OF PURCHASE. WARRANTY IS VOID FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1) Improper maintenance or improper use resulting in damage; 2) Any product modifications by dealer consumer or other parties not authorized by Diamond Sofa will void this warranty; 3) Floor samples sold or product designated AS IS at the time of purchase are not covered by this warranty; 4) Warranty does not cover minor variations or differences between floor samples or printed illustrations and your furniture; 5) Cost of packaging and shipping to and from Diamond Sofa is not covered by the warranty unless expressly arranged by Diamond Sofa; 6) This warranty covers only articles of furn