Redefining Sustainability: Live from the UN

by Kate

To launch the international Year of Biodiversity, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted a two-day conference and eco-fashion show that yours truly participated in Geneva, Switzerland on 20-21 January.

My panel addressed the role of you – the consumer – in growing the eco-fashion market which while still relatively small (less than 1% of the fashion trade) is growing rapidly. I have not found a source I trust that estimates the growth of the ethical fashion market globally – the good studies are either UK or Euro-centric – but nonetheless data suggest growth is robust.

I emphasized the need for eco-fashion brands/designers to convey a clear, simple message of the impact of the product on the environment and humankind and for a standardized method of certifying the ethical claims of a product. Made-By, a UK mark has an impressive model – founder Allana McAspurn also presented at the UN – but so far only covers a limited number of brands. UNCTAD economist Sophia Twarog, however, reminded me how absurd it is that businesses seeking to minimize harm or to even benefit the environment are forced to certify their virtue while polluting companies are not required to prove or disclose anything about their production methods.

In the fashion show I wore a beautiful dress by The Battalion made from bamboo and organic cotton and a super cute fair trade silk mini-dress by Edun (above). My look was accessorized with jewelry by a.d. schwarz (right). a.d. schwarz forges handcrafted pieces from African hardwoods sustainably harvested from the Miombo Forests of Mozambique. Designer Allan Schwarz gave me two bracelets made of African Black Wood that make the most beautiful sound when they clink against each other…

Flawless Finish, Naturally

by Melissa

Every stylish woman knows that clothes are only half the battle. Make-up can make or break an entire look. A little too much rouge (guilty!) or too much powder can ruin even the cutest outfit. Luckily celebrity make-up artist and creative visionary, Sonia Kashuk, has a new limited-edition Natural Brush Collection for Target coming out next month. All of the brush handles are cut directly from a bamboo stalk! So bat your pretty little eyelashes with pride ;)

What's Old is New Again

by Melissa
Two of my friends from Toronto were in town this weekend, taking in all that New York City has to offer this time of year. The seasonally decorated store-front windows along Bleecker Street, the tree at Rockefeller Center and of course - the holiday shopping!

A few weeks ago, Kate and I were walking along 17th Street and stopped into the Housing Works between 6th and 7th Ave, a non profit committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness. We couldn't believe our eyes! It was full of fantastic merchandise at every turn. Beautifully beaded 1920's style dresses, the cutest vintage shoes you've ever seen and sequin sequin everywhere! So, when my friends asked me to take them 'vintage' shopping, I knew just the place. Again, Housing Works delivered. The stock is donated from (stylish) generous New Yorkers who believe in the cause, and have limited space to store clothes they no longer wear.

Luckily, those of us who don't have the time to make it to one of their out-posts in the city (and there are many), can visit their online auction site to purchase some of their most impressive items. (I've included some links of my favs below)

1) Super cute black and red plaid dress

2) Burberry saddle bag

3) Stuart Weitzman peep-toe leopard pumps

Housing Works, by design, allows you to buy previously loved clothing (recycling) while supporting an important social cause (fighting the good fight). There are few consumer choices that will greater reduce the risk of finding a lump of coal in your stocking this Christmas!

Green and Gorgeous

by Kate

I have been looking forward to Global Green’s Gorgeous and Green fashion show fundraiser for months. As an honorary host – alongside SF Mayor Gavin Newsom, eco-model/entrepreneur Josie Maran, and actor Peter Mensah – I got the VIP treatment, including a delicious locally sourced meal by reigning Iron Chef Mourad Lahlou. While I was there to help Global Green raise money to support their green infrastructure projects nationwide, I was excited to see some of my favorite designers showcased on t

he runway.

The venue provided no seating so my view of the collections was somewhat obscured by bouncing bodies juggling cocktails in front of me as the models strutted to Kings of Leon. PACT debuted its newest collection of organic cotton underwear featuring a butterfly pattern designed by Sage Vaughn (left). For me the stars of the night were Mr. Larkin (above left), Robin Brouillette (right), Nina Skarra, and Leila Hafzi. Oh how I yearn to own something by these brilliant women who make socially and environmentally conscious design look effortless. Melissa and I always say that the goal of conscious fashion should be for the consumer to love the garment regardless of its eco-cred, and these gals nailed it. Their designs are just beautiful.

I was lucky enough to borrow a black asymmetrical Nina Skarra from my friend Michele Llanos of Vie Bungalow. She belted the sustainable silk and organza LBD with her mother’s vintage Chanel chain, and I wore my favorite Olsen Haus platforms. Yes, I felt amazing.

I enjoyed talking with Josie about her line of earth-friendly cosmetics and Google Vice-President Salar Kamangar about the future of US climate change policy. The event was particularly poignant given the sorry state of Copenhagan…

Gorgeous and Green raised upwards of $200,000 for Global Green.

Hello, Gap? Is that YOU?

by Melissa

I don't know about you - but I haven't been this enamored with the Gap in a long long time. I have always had a neutral to positive experience, knowing I could count on them deliver a well-priced, well-made (and comfortable) piece of clothing with the occasional very impressive interpretation of the latest trend. I've also been very pleased with their limited edition runs over the years, birthed from collaborations with high profile designers. And I've certainly always had a great respect for the efforts of the (RED) campaign.

But I have to say, for the past few months - I have spent more time (and money) at the Gap than any other store!

For those of you who don't know, at Gap Inc. social responsibility is a core principle. This captures everything from workers' rights and environmental impact to community reinvestment. There is still progress to be made, but Gap Inc. is takes their work in this area very seriously; they have a website dedicated exclusively to their efforts on this front.

So I thought I'd share some of the best pieces from Gap and Old Navy (yes - Old Navy! that I've come across recently).

GAP

The 'Always Skinny' Jean:

This jean is basically my new everyday basic. I have them in the dark wash (as pictured below) and black and now that I own them, I can't imagine what I ever did before they entered my closet (oh, that's right - overpaid for designer denim). These are a great substitute for those of you who enjoy a 14 inch opening (not as tight as a legging but more slim than a 'straight' leg)

'Skinny Ankle Zipper' Jeans:

Even the cutest flats in my closet have been out-shone by the best ankle length jeans I have ever owned! They hit at precisely the right spot and the zipper is the perfect detail. I bought them in blue (pictured below) and black. (... for those of you keeping track - yes, that makes FOUR pairs of Gap jeans in less than 30 days!)

OLD NAVY

Roll-Sleeve Jersey Tees:

As a James Perse addict, I rarely stray from his offering of T's and long sleeve shirts. However, this 100 % cotton, roll-sleeve jersey top from Old Navy proudly hangs right beside JP in my closet! This has been my go-to layering piece since I brought it home. The scoop neck is flattering and the breast pocket and roll sleeve makes the top a little more special.

Perfect Crew-Neck Tees:

My best friend (and style muse) Dana and I were shopping at Top Shop back in October and came across a great navy striped top (later featured on the Sartorialist).

Since it sold out more quickly than we anticipated, we've been on the hunt for something similar ever since. Yesterday, D came across a great option at Old Navy (she plans to cut it into a crop, I might leave mine long and wear it as a tunic). Either way, it's a great find! (it is actually a true navy blue in real life, for some reason on the website it comes across as a brighter blue)

So, there you have it - just a few examples of really great (and very reasonably priced) pieces available from a large retailer trying their best to operate ethically. Let's all throw on our Always Skinnies in stylish solidarity!

Mall Conscious

by Kate

Even though my heart is on the West coast, I feel so lucky to live in NYC when it comes to access to the best in socially conscious fashion. Kaight on Orchard keeps me conscious and fashionable in my Loomstate cardigans and Coclico booties. And while online shopping is amazing - there is nothing like the instant gratification (as well as certainty of fit) of buying new clothes in person.

Thinking about socially conscious fashion, Melissa and I are equally conscious of the fact that most have some kind of resource constraint - time, money, or simply access to boutiques like Kaight, or Eco Citizen in San Francisco, or Juniper in Seattle. I remember during graduate school shopping was relegated to low priority, and I had to be judicious with expenses. Of course I wanted a fair trade certified, organic, ethically produced garment, but I was forced to work with what I had - a few shops around campus and... the Mall.

Sound familiar? So what to do? I have been extremely impressed lately by the number of mainstream brands attempting to bring some consciousness and sustainability into their lines. Levi’s has introduced recycled and organic cotton jeans, Eileen Fisher (left) has tons of fair trade and organic cotton products, and earlier this year Target partnered with Loomstate to produce an organic cotton line. So my new favorite thing to do when I walk into a boutique or store is to ask, “Do you have any items that are ‘eco-friendly’ or organic?” And to my delight and surprise, about half the time the eager salesperson points me in the direction (unfortunately still usually the corner) of their token foray into conscious fashion.

Another way to navigate the Mall as consciously as possible is to evaluate big name brands on their corporate social responsibility (CSR). Some brands have signed on to international agreements to publicly express their determination to improve their impact on the environmental and the people who produce their clothes. The Ethical Trading Initiative is “a ground-breaking alliance of companies, trade unions and voluntary organisations… working in partnership to improve the working lives of people across the globe who make or grow consumer goods.” The Gap is notable among the members of the ETI.

The UN Global Compact is another such initiative “for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.” H&M supports the UNGC through its CSR.

So while all our socially conscious and sustainability boxes may not get checked at the Mall, some options are indeed better than others.