Organic Fashion – Beyond Burlap and Sackcloth

June 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When talking about organic fashion, many are quick to think up of rough burlap fabrics which pretty much complete the look of organic fashion being close to those of sackcloth cuts.

Recent developments have, however, significantly changed the procedures and processes involved in the creation of organic fashion items, with now-featured selections of organic wear bearing glamorous, fashionable sides.

Five years ago, Marks & Spencer initiated Plan A, which is basically the brand’s strategy in bringing sustainability and fair-trade terms into all aspects of its operations. For a brand such as Marks & Spencer to invest in such ideals, the state says a lot about how advanced organic fashion creation standards have become, growing into something that still looks good and helps keep Mother Nature’s ecologic balance in check.

Stella McCartney, among the most illustrious names of fashion and design, is known to have created organic fashion numbers with organic silk. Names such as Armani, Lanvin, Paul Smith and Valentino have also taken a hand in developing “couture-type” creations utilizing organic eco-friendly alternatives.

The link between rough burlap and organic fashion dates back to the days when rough hemp fabrics were utilized in the creation of clothing items. Though those organic fashion items did come with rough (albeit, drabby) fabrics, changes in production standards and innovations in the utilization of organic materials and recycled by-products have been ongoing, much to the advantage of organic fashion houses and trends.

Matched by the world’s global concern for environmental sustainability, creative designers are also constantly coming up with ways and means of creatively recycling waste, maximizing their use as organic fashion accessories and wardrobe accents.

In the struggle against the advocacy of non-eco friendly fashion options, the first step stands to be redefining perceptions over organic fashion items, focusing on one simple truth that many are still not aware of – organic fashion, now, has gone beyond burlap and sackcloth.

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Eco-Friendly Swimwear Options – 5 of 5

May 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Meadow is the last feature entry in our top five eco-friendly swimwear options series, but as the old saying goes – its being the last makes it far from being the least.

Meadow – Live Free, Be Eco Chic

With products made in Miami, Meadow also has a studio and shop based in Pavones, Costa Rica, giving it a distinct take over urban city jungle life and real life jungle life.

Drawing design inspirations from its combined city-and-jungle sights, the brand highlights a wide range of organic eco-friendly clothing options, with focus on the value of local production and sourcing of materials.

Working with sustainable materials, Meadow features apparel items made from organic cotton, bamboo-derived textiles, soy-based fabrics and materials produced from upcycled sources.

From skirts to shirts, the brand also sports a swimwear line, with wrap bikinis and braided bikinis. With its diverse selection of organic clothing options, Meadow’s swimwear line complements its available everyday casual wear features, which allows wearers the option in picking similarly colored and unified by designed swimwear and after-swimwear items.

Apart from featuring items made under sustainable and organic norms, Meadow is also active in various environmental initiatives, such as taking part in the planting of 2000 hardwood trees in Costa Rica, and working with Treemendous Miami.

Far from simply being a fashion label, Meadow’s eco-inclined drives are geared to reinforce the most eco-conscious, as well as sate the wants of the most swimwear cut and design demanding.

And so that ends our feature takes on top five eco-friendly swimwear options.

Here’s hoping you’ll get to wear any of them this year, as you head down for your fun in the sun.

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Eco-Friendly Swimwear Options – 4 of 5

May 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

As we near the end of our ongoing top five eco-friendly swimwear list, this entry features a brand that isn’t just about eco-friendly swimwear, being one of the most trusted eco-friendly apparel and clothing makers – Kelly B.

With its organic views put in every piece, Kelly B’s organic swimwear features a combination of form, function, eco conscience and style.

Kelly B’s Swimwear Line – Classic Chic with an innate sense of Eco-awareness

Kelly B’s swimwear line boasts the added features of function for beach goers and the design sensibilities of sexy bikinis and one-piece suits, with sustainable eco-friendly fabrics derived from organic cotton and bamboo.

The brand’s “Valentina” bikini was once featured in “The View”, a distinction which was worthy of the item’s inclusion in the program.

With swimwear options from classic one piece suits to skimpy sexy string bikinis, added features of select Kelly B’s suits includes removable halter straps for sexier cuts or for added support. Peek-a-boo backs are also a feature in select Kelly B swimwear items, ideal for flaunting sexy backs.

Body forms will certainly be flattered with the brand’s take on classic endearing swimwear options.

Debuting is first organic cotton line in 2006, Kelly Marie Barry, the powerhouse designer behind Kelly B, was intent in developing a brand that doesn’t only offer comfortable and unique apparel items, but also made under fair trade/labor terms and eco friendly norms.

The success of Kelly B, as a whole, says much about the brand’s adherence to eco-friendly practices and quality apparel products, with its swimwear line being a stellar collection under its wing.

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Eco-Friendly Swimwear Options – 3 of 5

May 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

And so we hit the “middle mark” of our ongoing series of top eco-friendly swimwear options for this summer.

JungleGurl Swimwear is the third eco-friendly swimwear brand feature in our ongoing list, the perfect answer for you to bask in nature’s beaches, guilt free.

From classic strings to itty bitty cuts, here’s a quick look at what JungleGurl Swimwear has to offer.

JungleGurl Swimwear

The brainchild of swimwear designer Natalie Golonka, JungleGurl Swimwear took root from celebrating the natural beauty of the female form, reinforced by eco-conscience drives, motivations, and inclinations.

With products derived from vintage fabrics sourced from different parts of the world, the brand features different swimwear categories, including a line made for children.

Bold in offering the brand’s featured bikini cuts, celebrities like Nicole Richie have been known to sport a JungleGurl Swimwear item, given the brand’s take on the one-of-a-kind factor, yet consistent with conventional bikini design norms.

JungleGurl Swimwear’s Mikaela, classified as a classic design string bikini, has raked in a lot of positive reviews, often dubbed as a swimwear item you “can’t go wrong with”. Essentially a triangle top and tie-string bottom, JungleGurl Swimwear’s Mikaela says much about the brand’s take on functional swimwear which works to enhance the wearer’s natural form.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it takes new flight with JungleGirl Swimwear, being one of the most choice eco-friendly swimwear options for those out to “flaunt it”, and being an environmental advocate of sustainable production practices geared to make the world a cleaner, less pollution ridden place.

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Eco-Friendly Swimwear Options – 2 of 5

May 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

In continuing our ongoing series highlighting eco-friendly swimwear options, this entry’s brand name highlight features the utilization of organic cotton and bamboos, matched with modern cuts and body-complementing styles.

Meet the eco-friendly swimwear line by Anna Cohen.

Anna Cohen – Form and function, with the environment in mind

As a designer, Anna Choen is famed among fashion house circles, having been based in Italy and New York. Under the tutelage and working with established leaders of the fashion/RTW industry, Choen’s past and present connections includes working with Guess, MaxMara and Patrizia Pepe.

Based in Portland, Anna Cohen’s featured eco-friendly swimwear is made from recycled polyester fabrics, cut from the making of Olympic-class racer suits. Made locally, the line also features swimwear items which are made using organic cotton and fabrics derived from organically grown bamboo.

Made to be quick drying, the line is designed to complement various body-types, unlined and fade resistant in their wear-and-tear features.

Its popular Triangle Bikini is low rise by design, with side tie bottoms, and back tie and neck triangle top. With various cuts and swimwear sizes, the eco-friendly swimwear line is made purposefully as actual swimwear, not simply as “poser” swimwear accessories. With cuts making them flattering, their eco-inclinations further enhance their value as unique swimwear options.

All in all, with sustainability in the mix of Anna Choen’s designs, product innovations and product endeavors, Anna Choen’s eco-friendly swimwear line is made to be chic on the beach and on environmental awareness, at the same time.

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Eco-Friendly Swimwear Options – 1 of 5

May 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s that time of the year again when flip flops and dressing down is the norm, matched with trips to be beach being a much valued excursion over the heat and pristine calls for rest and relaxation.

As beaches are bound to be destinations in the days ahead, there’s no reason why you can’t bring your eco-friendly inclinations towards clothing and apparel along, with eco-friendly swimwear items made under the strictest of sustainable practices, terms and standards.

Eco-friendly swimwear by Aaron Chang would be one.

Aaron Chang International  – By a surfer cum eco-friendly swimwear designer

Aaron Chang is quite famed in the surfing community, but far be it for this surfer to sport a laid back attitude towards potential environmental treats to the world’s waters.

Combining his eco-views and environmental advocacies with his love for the water, Aaron Chang International’s swimwear collection is made from polyester yarns, derived from utilizing recycled bottles.

With a wide range of feature collections, swimsuit cuts and styles, Aaron Chang International bundles themes into its collections, with nature being the star. From thematic elements including animals and plants, beach-scapes are among Aaron Chang International’s more popular collection themes.

Aaron Chang International also features smart-utility type swimwear, like reversible style items featuring dual color themes. Its Jeffrey’s Dream collection would be a solid example of this style, highlighting colorful hues with aquamarine blue on one side.

With Aaron Chang International’s eco-friendly products, going to the beach to bask in nature’s wonders is made more guilt-free for beach goes, confident and well aware that their swim-garb was made with Mother Nature in mind.

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