Eco Vintage

[eco-vintage]

Clean is Cool

This weekend I had the opportunity to visit ETHOS in Spitalfields, for the first ever Clean Cult London Beauty event, organised by duo Sabrina and Mayah, founders of Call It Vanity.

As the first official Green Beauty event in London, Clean Cult London brought together eight brands, all of which have natural health, wellbeing and sustainability as an integral part of their brand missions.  

The brands included: Amly Botanicals, Bodhi & Birch, Evolve Organic Beauty, Isla Apothecary, Skin & Tonic London, Supernatural Beauty, Tabitha James Kraan and The Natural Deodorant Co.

With a list of allergies as long as my arm, I usually find it very difficult to find beauty products that suit my skin and body. And, as I also try my hardest to be a vegan, buying products to meet this criteria can be a little tricky. Ingredients such as walnut, wheatgerm and beeswax crop up all too often in the natural beauty world, which is why its so important for me to understand what goes into each product as it all has an effect on your body, good or bad.

Isla Apothecary is designed and hand made in small-batches in founder Kates London studio. They use the finest raw and natural ingredients for their therapeutic action, are ethically sourced and free from animal testing. The products are also free of parabens and aromachemicals, are suitable for vegans, and are only tested on humans. The Coffee and Cinnamon Body Polish and Lemongrass and Rosemary Foot Scrub are featured above. 

Skin & Tonic London is a sustainable and organic skincare brand whose USP is their use of only 7 ingredients, all of which are Soil Association Organic Certified. Their products are all made in batches from their studio in Hackney WIck, are not tested on animals, and come in 100% recyclable glass containers. They support small farmers and producers, strive to be carbon neutral by planting trees in Suffolk, along with donating 10% of profits to CharityWater.com.

Tabitha James Kraan

Having been introduced to Tabitha James Kraan a few years ago, it was great to see how the brand had progressed since the last time I met with them. Previously, I had sampled the Organic Dry Shampoo and absolutely loved it! It was such a light product that really restored my hair with its natural oils, rather than just stripping it of these oils and leaving my hair looking damaged. They have now launched some new products including the Amber Rose and Golden Citrus Organic Hair Cleanser, and Hair Perfume, to add to their famous Scented Organic Hair Oil and Dry Shampoo range. Their Dry Shampoo won Best Natural Beauty Product at the Natural & Organic Awards Europe 2016, showing its industry approval. I picked up the Amber Rose Hair Cleanser and Conditioner and can’t wait to review it after a few weeks of using it.

Bodhi & Birch is a British brand founded by Elijah Choo. His creations draw inspiration from the healing power of nature and traditional botanical remedies. The therapies are infused with potent levels of precious essential oils and active botanicals to rejuvenate skin and enhance well-being.

The Natural Deodorant Co. is a brand who create vegan, organic deodorants. They use key ingredients such as magnesium oxide and sodium bicarbonate to provide natural odour control along with coconut oil and shea butter to nourish the skin. I bought the Vanilla and Manuka Clean Deodorant Balm and found that the application very easy and the product works perfectly even on a hot day.

Supernatural Beauty was founded by duo Tyron and Jenny who use organic ingredients where possible, key ingredients include coconut oil, tea tree oil and rose hip.

The event also gave away a Clean is Cool goody bag, featuring John Masters Organics, Eco Tools, Jane Iredale Mineral Make-Up, Therapi Honey Skincare and Madara Organic Skincare and more.

Replacing natural products with those chemically ridden and toxic high street shelf products has always been difficult as searching for these brands can be an investment of time, and simply put, can be hard to find them in the first place with an Internet so full of junk. Bringing such brands together to showcase the diversity of Green Beauty products that are on offer was an overdue occasion, so congratulations to Call It Vanity- it was a really interesting and inspiring event.

[eco-vintage]

Straight Outta Mongolia

Tengri Yakwear is a brand created by founder Nancy Johnston making design-led knitwear produced with pioneering Mongolian yak wool fibre, that is undyed, natural, organic and fairly produced. The fashion label tells a story of a transparent supply chain, influenced by Mongolian nomadic herders’ traditional way of life.

The wool is the first within the market to be produced using the Yak animal, and was developed by Johnston after a trip to Mongolia exploring increasing social issues of threatening desertification and rapid industrialisation within the surrounding the area, along with the challenges of economic development resulting in huge negative environmental impacts on the local community.

As she works with the herders to spin and process this new yarn fibre, it also gives more opportunity for a positive livelihood and wealth creation to more than 2000 families.

The brand epitomises social enterprise ideals and how research and development of new products for the Western market can promote solutions for global issues, including targeting positive economic development within countries like Mongolia.

The clothing is designed and made in the UK, and is as soft as cashmere, hypoallergenic, breathable and warmer than merino wool. The yarn is also available to buy in balls from their website.

To learn more about Tengri and their brand story click here.

[eco-vintage]

Save a childs life this Christmas with Unicef UK Inspired Gifts

Christmas is a time for giving and helping others, and as we are living in a time of huge political and social unrest that affects vast amounts of people all over the world, this year I was keen to branch out from buying typical Christmas presents and purchase gifts that could make a difference to someone else's life.

I came across Unicef UKs range of Inspired Gifts whilst searching for a gift that could not only satisfy the need to buy a present for somebody close to me, but also to donate towards important causes whilst consuming. Unicef are the world’s leading organisation for children, who work with other charities and NGOs across the world.

The concept behind the Inspired Gifts is that you can buy a gift pack from a range of themes, for example; Emergency Gifts, Mums and Babies, Nutritious Food and Clean, Safe Water and more, and Unicef UK will distribute them to people who are in need, and send the person of your choice a gift card showing what they have helped work towards.

Last Thursday I visited the Unicef UK Headquarters where I meet Nigel, Head of Trading and expert on the Inspired Gifts collection and Imogen, Digital Co-Ordinator, to learn more about Unicef and how they tackle complex issues like homelessness and disease around the world from here in London.

The Inspired Gifts display at Unicef UK Headquarters in Clerkenwell, London.

This year’s focus for the gifts is Syrian children, most notably refugees and orphans who have been displaced, due to reasons such as war in their home country, civil conflict and political strife.

Gift packs examples include; Winter clothing for a Syrian child for £32, the Polio vaccine for 100 children, £12, pencils for 1000 children, £19.50, 5000 Water Purification tablets, £21 and fleece blankets for 5 babies, £25.

It also has larger packs such as the School in a Box, which ensures education for 40 children for £136; also including a radio to keep up to date with what is happening outside the refugee camps and from the outside world, along with a water pump for a community, £257, and a tent for a temporary school or health centre, £1,063.

Each pack bought by you is sent by Unicef to those in need and distributed by the 250 volunteers on the ground across the Middle East, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Life-Saving salts for 100 children, £32

The School in a Box, educating 40 children £136

Polio vaccinations for 100 children, £12

Winter clothing for a Syrian child, £32

Pencils, 1000 for £19.50, and blankets for 5 babies, £25

The second branch of the Inspired Gifts range raises money for the general emergency relief ‘pot’, as it were, of which you can buy small stocking filler gifts in the process of donating. Some of my favourites include the Unicef original hand painted design tea towel, £7.95, the hand painted glass ball tree decoration, £10.95, fairtrade Itari vintage baubles, £11.21, and the flower and heart tea lights, £2.95, as well as Christmas cards and stationary.

Unicef Hand painted tea towel design, £7.95, right and Nkuku fairtrade baubles, left, £11

Re-useable Unicef Jute bag £3.95

Jigsaw puzzle in a tin, £7.95

Fairtrade Christmas decoration, £2.95

In the busy run up to Christmas, frivolous and sometimes unwanted gifts are bought as a last resort, which can contribute to mass consumption of low quality and thoughtless throwaway goods. A last minute gift that can bring joy to the person who receives it, whilst having a knock on effect to another persons safety and happiness is certainly a perk in my books; which is why the Unicef Inspired Gifts make for such desirable presents. Pop into the Unicef HQ to purchase any of the items above, and take a look at the Unicef UK Inspired Gifts online collection here, whether you have left your present buying to the last minute or not, as the benefits are immeasurable for those in need who will receive it. The UK government are also matching pound for pound the donations raised this Christmas for Syria.

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Study 34 at Tomorrow’s Store with the Prince’s Trust

The lead up to Christmas is always a busy time, for those wanting to buy presents for others and to treat themselves.

To encourage guilt-free shopping for handmade items, made in Britain, in a sustainable way, or all of the above, I went to visit the Prince’s Trust Shop called Tomorrow’s Store, at 9 Eldon Street, to see a selection of small, unique brands including British-made knitwear designer Eleanor O’Neill founder of Study 34.

As a graduate from Nottingham Trent University in Fashion Knitwear, Eleanor is building the up and coming brand, Study 34, straight from her home-based studio in Newcastle. Each piece is created on a domestic knitting machine from end of roll materials for example pure new wool, along with a mix of recycled merino. They are also made to order and therefore reduce the chance of waste through over production. Incorporating classic styles such as the British V, British Crew and the Ribbed Crew, her masculine style is simple yet effective and although made for women, can easily be pictured as unisex. She is also offering scarves, which make the perfect guilt-free Christmas gift. Get in touch with Eleanor through her website, to order one of her pieces.

Another innovative brand shown is Mind the Cork, a material-led studio creating crafted interior and lifestyle accessories out of sustainable and textured material cork. The products are made with natural cork which is obtained by stripping a tree without harming it, therefore doing limited harm to the environment when processed. Mind the Cork sources from Portugal, and hand makes the items in the UK.

The Princes Trust outlet, near Liverpool Street Station (London), will be showing Study 34, Mind the Cork and a range of other brands until the 26th November. 

[eco-vintage]

New Narratives: Sustain RCA

The annual SustainRCA exhibition took place as part of London Design Week, called ‘New Narratives’. SustainRCA, in their own words; fosters and champions the the role of art and design in developing critical thinking and user-centered approaches to create a positive, equitable and socially empowered future. Focusing predominately on textile and fashion based projects- here are my favourite pieces and exhibitors shown.

I will introduce the 'New Narratives: SustainRCA' exhibition with Carmen Hijosas’ Ananas Anam: Piñatex™. Hijosa has a PhD in Textiles an exhibited her newly created non-woven material made from a fibre found in pineapple leaves, an agricultural by-product in many pineapple producing regions. The fibres are extracted and are industrially processed into a mesh textile before finishing, and the remaining biomass can be converted into organic fertiliser, bringing additional income for these pineapple producing areas. Challenging the current leather industry, this textile has the similar properties, for example its touch and water resistance, and can be created in specific conditions in around 8 weeks.

Fuzzy Logic, by Adam Blencowe, is a CNC machine created using simple hacked tools and technology incorporating material offcuts and waste fabric to create embellished textiles. Also shown in the top image, the fabric is a result of the digitalised needle felting machine which has given wool and other fabrics a new customisated look with greater digital accuracy.

Junkan, by Hannah Auerbach Gorge, shows an experimental series of woven fabrics exploring the circular textile economy, particularly encouraging personal engagement and customisation through upcycling, and re-use as an artisanal approach.

These pieces, called Woven Dimensions by Wuthigrai Siriphon, explores hand woven textiles to encourage the traditional teachings that are currently declining in places such as Thailand. The series is made of recyclable PET bottle yarns and woven with biodegradable materials, mostly finished without water or chemicals and can be produced manually without using electricity.

Above shows Hot Wire Extensions- a making process that transforms wire structures into solid bodies, harnessing a growing and currently unrecyclable waste stream. SLS nylon power is used in 3D printing, and Hot Wire Extensions looks at ways to upcycle this waste. By putting an electrical current through the wire, the resistance heats it up, the nylon powder melts and bonds, turning the mixture into a solid body of organic and unusual aesthetics. By Seongil Choi and Fabio Hendry.

ReRuN, ReCycled, ReUsed and Natural by Shelia Clark explores the potential used for non-recycled materials in the UK vehicle industry, focusing on a closed loop approach. Currently these materials are burnt and resources wasted, and here Clark has explored alternatives- compostable interior panels and seat textiles composed using plant-derived resin with a non-woven flax textile.

This Nanocellulose Fibreboard by Yung-Tin Lin shows an alternative to current Medium Density Fibreboard which generates 131,000 tonnes of waste each year, including urea-based and carcinogenic resins and adhesives. It combines Nanocelluslose, extracted from wood fibre through a number of methods, with plant fibres such as flax, without using chemical resin. It can be used across all areas due to adjustable density, from design and architecture to thermal insulation and soundproofing.

100% Jellyfish Leather by Yuri Kasao shows how jellyfish can be harvested, in collaboration with fishermen and coastal services, to create an organic and biodegradable alternative to leather. The tentacles are removed, slime and dirt washed off, and left to soak in salt and alum for four days. They are then boiled and stabilised with vinegar, pressed and dried. The textile can be sewn and remoulded, as shown here.

To learn more about the RCA and their pioneering work from both students and educators, click here.

[eco-vintage]

Brighton Fashion Week 2014 - Sustain Catwalk 2014

As we approach the sixth annual Brighton Fashion Week, which will be taking place from the 15th October- 17th, I wanted to remind us of the Sustain Catwalk 2014 to remind us of some of the successful sustainable designers that have come through Brighton Fashion Week. It offers a fresh approach to promote sustainability within the fashion industry, focusing on designers who keep the environment at the heart of their design and creations.

It will kick off this Thursday from 1-5pm with a Fashion Salvage event in Brighton Open Market run by sustainability experts WRAP, encouraging those who attend to rummage through a tonne of recycled clothing, to be upcycled to create new items and outfits, with help from Love Your Clothes sewing and visual experts.

And, later on that day for an industry networking event at the Open Market at 5-7pm.

On Friday morning Orsola De Castro, iconic industry pioneer and co-founder of Fashion Revolution Day, will be talking at 12pm about Fashion Revolution Day and its successes, followed by a SCAP Presents Talk from 1.30pm, along with The Future of Fashion panel debate at 3.45pm, following on from last years successful Sustain Panel debate. 

Friday evening will give us the chance to see this years Sustain Catwalk from 6.30pm including designers such as KellyDawn Riot, Chelsea gradate Rhiannon Hunt, Central Saint Martins graduate Kumiko Tani, and many more. 

From 8.45pm onwards the Zeitgeist Catwalk Show and Design Competition, featuring Royal College of Art graduate Rozanna Walecki, Anne Sophie Cochevelou and more, all in the All Saints Church, Hove.

It will conclude with a Love Your Clothes demonstrations, again in the Open Market, including hand and machine sewing skills, a drop in repair clinic and more. 

For more information and to book tickets for the range of events, go to the Brighton Fashion Week Schedule.

[eco-vintage]

M&S and Unicef Upcycled Cotton Tote Bag

If you haven’t heard- the UK just this week passed a law that plastic bags from supermarkets will now incur a cost of 5p, with hope to tackle the vast amounts of plastic bags ending up in landfill each year. 

Alongside this date, Barbara Hulanicki has designed this limited edition tote bag that boasts being both ethically sourced and stylish, made using upcycled fabric. As a collaboration with Unicef, the profits from sales will go towards their UK's Children in Danger campaign. 

To buy the bag click here , and to see an interview with Barbara Hulanickis’ on The Pool click here.

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‘Embody’: In Between Spaces, HEMYCA Spring Summer ‘16

'Embody: In Between Spaces' was the theme for the HEMYCA Spring /Summer 2016 collection showed this September alongside London Fashion Week. ‘Embody’ encapsulates the concept of exploring the space where the digital and the physical meet to become the core of a delicate and rich dimension.

Inspired by the modernity of surrealist artist John Stezaker, the collection consisted of silk crepe, fine lace, embroidered organza and structured neoprene forming minimalist shaped pieces such as tailored panel dresses and tonal basics; the pencil skirt and cigarette shaped pant.

Continuing their vision for the strong modern woman, the designs teamed craftsmanship with luxury once again, as the pieces exuded elegance. Colours were tonal, from black to grey, whites and stone, finished with a pop of confident red.

To see the full Embody collection, click here, or watch the show and backstage below.

[eco-vintage]

Embody: In Between Spaces

HEMYCA Spring Summer 2016 Collection

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J158PLrSxBw)

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Dismaland: Banksy’s Bemusement Park

Post-graduation my time seems to have become overwhelmed with moving into a new flat in North London and post-grad responsibilities; job hunting and the like, however I am excited to introduce some photos from Banksy’s lates exhibition that I managed to catch in its brief 6 week showing in Weston-Super-Mare.

The well known graffiti and street artist Banksy created 10 new pieces alongside curating other designers and social/ political artists work together to create 'Dismaland', the bemusement park described as the 'family theme park unsuitable for small children'. As you are greeted by miserable employees who throw maps at your feet upon entry and confess 'I don't get paid enough to help you locate the toilets' the ironic take on 'Disneyland' was clear from the outset. Featuring a Cinderella crash scene being caught by the paparazzi, a “Pocket Money Loans” shop offering money to children at an interest rate of 5,000%, a small scale pond including dead bodies and overly crowded boats full of asylum seekers, there are certainly many issues that he has tried to shine a light on. With something for everyone, it seemed, for example the animal rights activists who could applaud the sculpture of a whale jumping out of a bucket and through a hoop, making reference to the Campaign against Sea World and the Orca whales, along with political activists who would have noticed the billboard sized image of David Cameron's face drinking a glass of red wine. 

Even the entrance price seemed a proof price, only £5 each- when compared to Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, both having a £50 a day price tag.

My personal highlight had to be the promotional balloons tagged 'I am an imbecile' which I'm hoping was a reference to our consumer culture, and a sculpture of an old lady being bombarded with feasting pigeons, a familiar site for all those who have set foot on a British beach. The most topical issue I saw was of the refugees in Calais, and I think was one of the most important, as we are swayed by the media and government to either ignore the current migrant crisis or blame those who are involved.

As Dismaland finishes this Sunday, I would recommend trying to snatch up a ticket if possible- it certainly makes for a good day out. To read more about 'Dismaland' click here, and to support CalAid, Humanitarian assistance for refugees in Calais, click here.

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London Fashion Week - House of Tammam After Party

Bridal fashion brand, House of Tammam and Fairly Square, Bloomsbury’s top eco sustainable businesses, are joining forces to host a ‘Future of Fashion’ London Fashion Week After-Party on 19th September. With DJ’s, organic cocktails, veggie canapes and plenty of fashion week glamour it’s a chance for those interested in eco fashion to party the slow luxury way. 10% of their profits from ticket sales will be donated to WeHelpNepal.org, supporting their earthquake relief efforts. Admission including 2 cocktails in £20, which can be bought here.

[eco-vintage]

Adidas x Parley Ocean Shoe

Photo from Adidas-Group.com

Adidas, in partnership with Parley for the Oceans, have created the first shoe upper made entirely out of recycled ocean plastic and gillnets. Parley for the Oceans is and organisation in which creators and thinkers come together to raise awareness about the state of the oceans and collaborate on projects that can protect and conserve. Founding member Adidas supports Parley in its education and communication, as well as its comprehensive Ocean Plastic Programme, that intends to end plastic pollution within the oceans.

The shoes made a debut at a Parley Talks event entitled ‘Oceans.Climate. Life’, in June, hosted by the UN in New York, where founder of Parley Cyrill Gutsch talked about the partnership and showcased the prototype product. The materials are made entirely of yarns and filaments reclaimed and recycled from the ocean waste and illegal deep-sea gillnets, of which a partner organisation Sea Shepherd retrieved the nets after a 110-day expedition tracking an illegal poaching vessel off the coast of Africa.

‘At Parley for the Oceans, we want to establish the oceans as a fundamental part of the debate around climate change. Our objective is to boost public awareness and to inspire new collaborations that can contribute to protect and preserve the oceans. We are extremely proud that Adidas is joining us in this mission and is putting its creative force behind this partnership to show that it is possible to turn ocean plastic into something cool.’ Cyrill Gutsch, Founder of Parley for the Oceans.

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‘You are what you wear’: Insightful talk by Christina Dean at TEDxHKBU, who is the founder of Redress Asia and the EcoChic Design Awards

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United Nations World Environment Day Video - June 5th 2015 

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyL58vlbvgw)

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Wyatt & Jack

Wyatt and Jack create sustainable bags and accessories from re-purposed deckchair canvas and retired bouncy castle PVC. Each piece is uniquely made and sewn in a variety of bright colours.

‘From the London Parks of the capital, to the sandy local beaches of the Isle of Wight, our fabrics are from various sources each one telling a story of it’s previous life. All our products are proudly British made.’

Both the Humphrey Roll top Backpack £59.95

The Teddy Luxury Tote £69.95

All Starsky Clutch Bag £19.95

The fully waterproof Groucho Wash and Toiletry Bag £32.95

The Brigette Luxury Tote £64.95

To see the full collection click here.

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'The True Cost' - Official Trailer

The True Cost is a fashion documentary film about the impact of fashion on people and the planet, directed by Andrew Morgan, this film is worth a watch! 

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Brothers We Stand

Brothers We Stand is an ethically forward men’s fashion label whose focus towards commitment to sustainability is crystal clear. 

Primarily, they curate a range of high quality garments made from well-known sustainable brands, including People Tree, Braintree Clothing, Monkee Genes, Ecoalf, Elvis & Kreusse and more via their online store. And secondly they provide a small in-house collection made up of organic cotton T-shirts, and sweatshirts made from recycled plastic bottles; all cut and sewn in Haggerston, London, using locally milled fabrics. 

The Brothers We Stand promise guarantees the clothing you buy has been made by people who have been treated well, in a way that preserves the planet. They provide modern design with a streetwear influence and guarantee high quality and beautiful design. They also guarantee transparency as they provide a breakdown of their supply chains and require partner brands to show evidence of their suppliers commitment to communities and the environment; meeting labour standards including; no child labour, forced labour, safe and healthy contracts, no excessive hours or discrimination against employees, along with payment providing the living wage. And lastly; with a commitment to progress they understand the process of sustainability as an on-going journey towards social and environmental standards. 

To find presents for yourself or that special someone and see the full collection go to website.