Tom Ford, Chanel and Stella McCartney are just a few of the designers who have jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon.

Eco-entrepreneur Livia Firth, wife of Oscar winning actor Colin Firth, is recruiting the fashion big dogs this award season as she sets up her third annual Green Carpet Challenge. For the last two award seasons, the earth loving green queen has traded in gowns from top fashion designers for more eco-friendly choices.

Firth began the GCC back in 2009 and has been creating more of a buzz every year. This year she’s challenged everyone from Valentino to YSL to create a single eco-friendly gown for events taking place during award season.

“Over the last three years, the Green Carpet Challenge has become an all-consuming passion of mine,” Firth said in an interview for Vogue UK. ”This part of the fashion landscape is so exciting because it’s genuinely revolutionary and relentlessly positive. It is absolutely the right time to take the challenge up a gear, so we are working with our favorite world-class designers and actors as GCC ambassadors.”

The Eco Age owner’s looks will be featured on her Vogue UK blog, Livia Firth, The Green Carpet Challenge. All pieces, including the beautiful Giorgio Armani gown Firth wore for the recent Golden Globes, are upcycled, vintage, or newly designed but eco-friendly. Designers have used their creative juices to produce sustainable pieces for this eco-conscious fashionista. From the Golden Globes to the Oscars, Firth will look stunning as she struts the green on the red carpet events!

Images courtesy of Peter.Lorre {Flickr} and Mother Nature Network. 

The Red Carpet Goes Green is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Do you have a little soirée to attend? Maybe a special occasion (–Valentines Day–) coming up? Here are some fabulous eco-friendly designers whose little black dresses will WOW the masses.

Juno and Jove offers this LBD by Swedish designer Camilla Norrback. The lacey number has dainty written all over it. Butterfly sleeves and a bow around the waist accentuate the girly side while the lace on black gives a sultry look, a perfect combination for any special occasion.

LBD by Camilla Norrback

Not only does Juno and Jove support the belief that we need to lessen our carbon footprint, but designer Camilla Norrback believes in creating collections that combine style and fashion while attracting the eco-conscious consumer.

Suzabelle’s Autum 2011 collection offers a sexy LBD dripping with lace. The Sophia dress has a slight dimension of rock & roll but the lace creates a sweet, feminine look.

LBD by Suzabelle

Designer Suzanne Jaberg donates a portion of her profits to Conservation International, an organization with the mission of conserving Earth’s living heritage. The fashion label follows CI’s belief and also employs only sweatshop free labor.

Dalia MacPhee’s designs are exquisite, being a perfect choice for a LBD. There are two dresses from the fall/winter 11’ collection that would WOW anybody. If you have a special night out or want to be center of attention, these two choices are stunning.

LBD by Dalia MacPhee

LBD by Dalia MacPhee

Most of designer Dalia MacPhee’s dresses are vegan friendly. The eco loving designer also created the Dalia Tree Campaign, planting one tree in the Tahoe National Forest for every gown that is sold.

Allison Parris has some beautiful designs that would be perfect for any special occasion. The feather detail on this LBD gives it a sleek, sophisticated look, something that will always be in style.

LBD by Allison Parris

Using organic silks and fabrics made of recycled materials, Allison Parris is committed to creating eco-friendly and socially conscious collections with a feminine and sophisticated touch.

These designers not only create stunning collections but they are always trying to find ways to help our environment. Whether it be planting a tree in a forest destroyed by fire or using eco-friendly products for their gowns, these designers keep their collections stylish AND eco-friendly.

Featured image courtesy of Amy L. Riddle {Flickr}.

The Perfect Little Black Eco-Friendly Dress is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Part of the Fall 11' M2F Collection

Colored jeans are all the rage. Everything from red to green has been hitting the sidewalks, not to mention they dominated the runways.

While colors are in, dyes can be harmful to the earth. Chemicals, such as starch and caustic soda, are produced which can be inhaled by workers and washed away into our waterways destroying aquatic and animal life. Some jean companies are aware of the concerns and are working hard to eliminate our carbon footprint left behind.

Part of the Fall 11' M2F Collection

M2F denim is doing their part by finding resources to reduce toxic chemicals and pollution. Using Made2Fade yarn technology, that is certified free of harmful substances, these jeans are individually colored in a dye bath. The process uses 50% less energy and water while eliminating toxic chemicals that are produced by traditional dyeing methods.

“Our eco-friendly, Made2Fade Technology® Yarn and Clear H20 Colors® Dye Process are leading the way. Together, these dynamic breakthroughs are enabling us to build a denim company committed to preserving the environment.”- M2F website.

M2F denim comes in a wide range of styles and colors with names including eggplant, chili pepper, and purple rain. You can choose the fit and color you want. This fall they have even introduced vests and jackets into the mix. Celebrities like Whitney Port and Maria Menounos have caught on to the green trend, sporting jeans and cut off shorts by the eco-friendly company. The vintage-inspired jeans run about $130 and can be purchased from retailers everywhere.

James Jeans uses organic cotton and a unique dry aging process to create the perfect “worn” look. The dip-dyed jeans are all created with dyes made from plant indigo. Available in a wide range of colors and styles, the patterns are hand-made and have couture draping techniques for a fit all your own.

Named after her husband, Seun Lim founded James Jeans in 2004. The environmentally friendly washes have become a hot commodity for celebrities like Blake Lively, Charlize Theron

, and Jessica Alba
 who want to bring a little green into their lives. The mainstream denim runs anywhere from $120-220 and can be found at places like Barney’s, Shopbop, and the James Jeans website.

Kuyichi Fall 11', Love the World

Kuyichi jeans are taking it one step further. While these jeans don’t have many colors, the sustainable concepts are exciting for the eco-friendly fashion world. According to Women’s Wear Daily, for Spring 2012 Kuyichi is launching three new sustainable styles of the fabric; dry-processed, no-water-wash jeans and one constructed of Tencel, a fabric made of cellulose removed from wood pulp of eucalyptus trees.

The Dutch jean label also plans to increase its organic fabric content to 97%, aiming to make their products as sustainable as possible. “We are constantly experimenting on new sustainable concepts like recycled polyester, Tencel®, spare denim and hemp.”-Kuyichi website.  Retail prices range from $139 to $265 and can be ordered from Yoox.com or a number of places in Europe.

Here are some other great eco-conscious jean brands.

Celebrating new colors, Reuse models show off the bright skinnies

Reuse Jeans: These jeans are constructed from 80% recycled fabric to create a new, stylish pair of jeans. “We recycle fabric from the textile waste stream to manufacture eco-friendly jeans with minimal new material.”- Reuse Jeans website.

Agave Jeans: A look into Agave's Fall 11' collection

Agave Denim:  These jeans are put through the ozone washing process, eliminating toxic chemicals. The husband and wife team created the brand to “design and produce the best tailored, most beautiful and highest quality denim jeans, authentically sewn and hand finished exclusively in California“-Agave website.

Monkee Genes: No slave or child labor, blood, sweat, or tears

Monkee Genes: An organic label out of the UK and the only jean company certified by the Soil Association. The pop art inspired colored jeans are produced with no pesticides and no chemicals. The Monkee Genes’ motto: no slave or child labor, blood, sweat, or tears.

These eco chic jeans will give you the style you want while making the earth, and your closet, a little greener.

Jody

Jody Marich is a stylist/Co-Manager by day and a fashion blogger by night, shinning the light on issues in the fashion world. A published freelancer, Jody created the fashion column “What’s Haute” for Flagler College’s newspaper and updates her own fashion blog, Tickle Me Chic, on a regular basis. She has been featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers and continues to focus on hard-hitting stories in the fashion industry.

Jeans to Dye for is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

I’m moving on, Modern Hippie readers. Since I started writing for Modern Hippie Mag a couple of years ago, it has been a personal journey that gave me the awesome challenge of bringing you news from the eco-fashion front. This is no easy feat as the definition of “eco” fashion is still being defined in an industry that is highly wasteful yet very beautiful to me.

For 2012 I set my New Year’s Intentions to slow things down and focus on a DIY lifestyle. With opportunities abounding, I will be shifting my focus to my new family, my eco-fashion business, and building a local DIY space in my community. You can still follow me on the web at www.ecovogue365.com where I curate convertible, handmade, limited, eco fashion for women.

I am thankful for everyone who has read my articles. If I could inspire one woman to think about introducing eco clothing into her wardrobe, that means the world to me. I give kudos to every company creating conscious fashion. One day, an editor will be writing why a company is not conscious vs. why they are. I want to give much gratitude to the team at Modern Hippie Mag, who are relentless in keeping this magazine consciously alive while living consciously.

Girls in Glasses

I would like to leave you with something I covet. This is the art of fashion by Danny Roberts. I have been following Danny for a couple of years now. He renders a high aesthetic through the stroke of a brush and the line of a pen. His color work is phenomenal. His blog is Igor + Andre and there you will find his infamous fashion sketches featured in Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Women’s Wear Daily, The New York Times and the list goes on.  You may have spotted a piece or two of his work, but I doubt it. He hides in the background sketching the dress.

I think you are just going to want to own something from Danny. His prints are for sale on his Etsy page for around $100, you can also own a 100% organic cotton tee (way to be eco Danny) of his featured print in Vogue Brazil and the New York Times for about $48, and for those who need to save up first, you can wallpaper your laptop with a sketch of a dress.

So long Modern Hippies – consciously create your wardrobe.

weightless girl

A Sketch, A Dress, and a Goodbye is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Target first, Orphan Aid next! Designer Margherita Maccapani Missoni has partnered up with Orphan Aid Africa creating a 12-piece knitwear collection with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the organization’s aid in finding homes for orphans and abandoned children in Ghana.

The organization, based in California, is a non-profit organization founded by former Vogue editor and author Lisa Lovatt-Smith in Ghana in 2002 with outlets in Europe. The mission is:

“To support orphans and vulnerable children in Ghana through programs in care reform, education, and development. Our goal is to ensure that children grow up in safe and permanent family settings with appropriate care and protection.”

With one of the outlets being Italy, Missioni has already collaborated with the organization to help fund efforts so it was a no brainer to create a line dedicated to raising money and awareness about the organization. The collection includes pieces sprinkled with the label’s famous zigzag pattern in pink and red tones.

“Pink is symbolic, it refers to childhood, and red to Africa, and together they were aesthetically pleasing,” Missioni tells WWD. “The pattern in itself is something that is ours, that belongs to us.” The budget friendly M Missoni OrphanAid Africa Collection, released on November 16, is available in M Missioni stores.

M Missoni OrphanAid Africa Collection

“Missoni Launches Budget Friendly Line For Good Cause” republished with permission from Tickle Me Chic.

Jody

Jody Marich is a stylist/Co-Manager by day and a fashion blogger by night, shinning the light on issues in the fashion world. A published freelancer, Jody created the fashion column “What’s Haute” for Flagler College’s newspaper and updates her own fashion blog, Tickle Me Chic, on a regular basis. She has been featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers and continues to focus on hard-hitting stories in the fashion industry.

Missoni Launches Budget Friendly Line For Good Cause is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Technology is part of fashion, so why not wear it with a bag that “carries change?” The 2011 Della collection brings you an assorted variety of carryalls, including their signature vibrant Hobo Bag, demure clutches, and wild prints to cover your new iPad. My personal fav is a stylish Macbook laptop case.

I am toting around the beautiful coral reef Macbook Case made from textiles distinct to Ghana and handmade by one of 14 women fully employed in Hohoe, Ghana. The case is an absolutely stunning yellow with deep blue and purple coral patterns that make this case an eye catcher from across the café.

10 x 9" Folly Macbook Case

Lined with a thin pad, made from sustainable materials and completely vegan, this case is a much more stylish pick than the typical black or bright pink Macbook covers in every store. The Della cases come in one of four very unique patterns that could meet any girl’s style.

13.5 x 10.5 Soaring Macbook Case

Della, started by Tina Tangalakis, was inspired by a teaching volunteer trip at Happy Kid’s Orphanage in Ghana in 2009. Tina met a local seamstress, Beatrice Agabe, and the two connected over design and making a change in the local community of Hohoe.

Tina, head designer, brings stylish carryalls to the scene while Beatrice mentors fourteen seamstresses who are provided with education and skills training on top of a steady income from every purchase you make at Della.

13.5 x 10.5 Trunkin' Along Macbook Case

Plus, Happy Kid’s Orphanage now trains children age 6-14 how to sew, a valuable skill that will take them far in a community with limited educational opportunities.

My favorite thing about Della is Tina’s attitude: “I want to be a socially responsible business, not a charity.  I want business to be done right.” And our Managing Editor Adwoa loves that Della “hits the sweet spot between branding, textiles, variety, and mission. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.”

What do you like about Della? Jump on over to their website and let us know. Then don’t be shy about snagging your bestie a cool Macbook Case – or gifting one to yourself!

All photos courtesy Della.com.

Part Technology, Part Fashion is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Note to Reader: This is a personal project of mine. As your Conscious Fashion Editor, I cannot sit still while scouring the globe for amazing eco-fashion – I must create. This is for the thinking fashionista, just like you.

With inspiration from the designer, the design, and you. Ecovogue365™ is truly for the “thinking fashionista” and on a mission to make a small change in the fashion scene. Started by mother & daughter in 2010, launching a new mission within ecovogue365™ called the Fashion Effect™ , they set out to change women’s issues of fit, function and a closet of unwearables.

Their mantra: Think convertible, luv handmade, own a 365 Ltd. Ecovogue365™ makes everyone THINK! The result? Talented designers lessening their eco footprint by bringing convertible multi-functional fashion to the market with their solutions to fashion’s problems. And eco fashionistas lessening their own footprint by creating a closet filled with less fashion that gives you more options.

ecovogue365™ is released in monthly digital editions online featuring global designers curated by daughter Jerah Coviello. Mother Russet Coviello is the in house talent, designing and consulting on clothing concepts that will wrap, strap, convert, revert and morph into anything you can imagine. In support of the slow sew movement, each digital edition releases 365 designs per edition, numbered and signed by the designer. In honor of the handmade lifestyle, every design is made by hand. Each designer responds to the design challenge by creating a convertible, limited, handmade fashion or accessory piece exclusively for ecovogue365™.

Realizing that “eco” is an interpretive concept in the fashion world during their first year of business, Russet & Jerah found their “eco” in convertible designs. We believe each digital edition supports the Fashion Effect™ in providing women with a garment that fits her unique body shape, providing multiple functions through convertible design, and changing a closet of unworns by inspiring women to be their own fashionistas in re-shaping how they want to wear the design.  1% of each purchase goes to the Girl Effect, a nonprofit organization that’s on a mission to empower the world’s girls to make a long-term sustainable impact.  The Fashion Effect™ is ecovogue365™’s way of being a part of that.

By popular demand, they launched their website with a design called B by Russet.  Worn up to 20 ways, made out of a sustainable fiber from beachwood trees called modal, Russet is teaching women the ABCs of convertible design. Her first was an A scarf worn three ways, moving on to B (a 20 way to wear design), and then C for Spring/Summer12 with a convertible Caftan and a D dress into the mix.

How Can Clothing Design Change the World? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

PURE CTIZEN, a flash sale site with a heart, runs members-only flash sales for a limited time – representing the industries leading global eco-brands as well as independently run mom & pop shops. From women’s and men’s fashion to beauty and home care, Pure Citizen will fill your inbox with their Daily Love emails with inspiration from company missions out to change the world. With up to 70% off  favorite brands, what I love the most is the chance to save less and donate more where you can give away a portion of your purchase to their featured non-profit while saving less on your purchased goods. With 20% of Pure customers donating, over $10,000 has been donated this year alone. 

This is a members only site where you can invite friends and earn a $10 credit to your account for each new friend who purchases a Pure good.Pure Citizen vettes companies that adhere to ethiquette standards; handmade, organic, fairly produced, eco-conscious, recycled, cruelty free, made in the USA, one of a kind, vegan, and pure safe products.

Founder Amy Ludwigson, a seeker of all things pure, and idealist, launched the site in 2010. Amy is a giver. She saw a need to engage companies with consumers in a fun way that moved products out of inventory while promoting their brand, bringing consumers closer to conscious shopping at affordable prices, and raising thousands of dollars for their non-profit partners.  Amy says the model is “a win-win for everyone involved.”

Amy says, “Pure Citizen is a place where you can find great items on sale, get your essentials, and shop for your entire life knowing that your purchases are creating a better world.” 

Starting today Pure Citizen features a flash sale of my very own brand, ecovogue365. With a newly launched website and concept, ecovogue365 brings you a way to lessen your fashion footprint. We curate designs that are convertible (meaning multi-functional), that are handmade exclusively for us in small batches of 365, from global designers. Our current designer is Russet. Focusing on the ABC’s of convertible design, she brings you ‘B’ a design that can be worn 20 ways. And soon to bring you ‘C,’ a reversible Caftan for the Spring.

'A' Ripe Scarf in southwestern turquoise

We’ll give you a bit more info on ecovogue365 today at 2! Meanwhile, for Pure Members only Russet designed, ‘A’ Ripe Scarf you can wear three ways while keeping warm this winter. Made from 100% super soft high quality organic cotton t-shirts screen printed with a limited design of a ‘woman of the sea‘ and trimmed with a warm fleece. These come in three colors; southwestern turquoise, pure snow white, or geometric moss. They can be worn three ways; as one open circle, as two wrapped circles around the neck, and off the shoulders. With only a small batch of 96 available for Pure Citizen members at a discounted $35 price this makes a perfect holiday season gift.

'A' Ripe Scarf worn as long circle style

SHOP THIS FLASH SALE 

TODAY ONLY Pure Citizen is GIVING away one ‘A’ RIPE scarf to one lucky winner. To Win! Like Pure Citizen on Facebook or sign up at www.purecitizen.com for their 24 day Christmas Giveaway, new gift everyday / new winner everyday

SALE SALE SALE for the Pure Citizen is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Image courtesy of Francisco Javier Argel (Flickr)

In the last 18 months or so, Puma has hit the ground running with a number of industry-leading (and, truthfully, world-leading) sustainability initiatives. From their groundbreaking environmental profit-and-loss statement to green packaging plans to a commitment to zero toxic pollution by 2020, the sportswear company has made big strides on addressing its environmental impacts.

But as with all consumer-facing companies, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is what happens to your goods when your customers no longer want them. Another sustainability-minded brand, Patagonia, recently took steps to get people to buy used clothes first, but Puma is taking a different tack: Making their clothes compostable.

In The Guardian, Louise Osborn reports on comments made by Puma CEO Franz Koch suggesting that the company is looking at closing the loop on its products. Osborn writes:

“We are confident that in the near future we will be able to bring the first shoes, T-shirts and bags, that are either compostable or recyclable, to the market,” Puma boss Franz Koch told the German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche.

He explained that the company was working with partners on developing products on the principle of the “cradle-to-cradle” design. “It follows two circuits, the technical and the biological: I can use old shoes to make new ones or something completely different, such as car tyres,” said Koch, who has led the sports clothing company since July.

“In the biological cycle, I can make shoes and shirts that are compostable so I can shred them and bury them in the back garden. We are working on products that meet these two criteria.”

In the context of the Green Trinity, recycling is less preferable than reusing or reducing — and composting is a kind of recycling, of course. But even if we don’t all end up putting our soiled jerseys in the soil, it’s interesting to see a company pushing forward on innovative ways to close the loop on their products.

“Puma’s New Tack on Sustainable Consumption: Compostable Clothes” republished with permission from EcoSeed.

Ecoseed is a leading source for global green news, finance, and other resources in delivering green and renewable energy to mainstream business. Ecoseed’s mission is to provide global, complete, innovative, and up to date news, information, resources, and opportunities, catalyst to incorporate environmental awareness and responsibility into lifestyle, and in business practices. This world-wide platform is the place to find the latest and most relevant in-depth news and data covering the entire spectrum of the renewable energy industry and the low-carbon sector.

Puma’s New Tack on Sustainable Consumption: Compostable Clothes is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Where is all the men’s eco-fashion? For some men, it matters. For others, it’s all about the newest game of warcraft. But to our sustainably minded male readers, you will be happy to see your next purchase can be eco. (And there is nothing like a socially minded man to make the ladies swoon.)

In this post, we’re happy to introduce contributor Heather Meade. She’ll be your go-to girl for delivering current trends, insights, and ideas for men to dress fashionably sustainable. Heather, take it away!

I have recently found a new love for eco fashion. I’m a woman, yes. I’m a fashionista, even better. And I have been around and working in men’s clothing for a decade. I feel that we can all broaden our horizons and help to educate our men on eco fashion.

Let’s start with shoes. Guys, there are shoe lines that you may not even be familiar with that are now offering eco fashion.  New Balance, a brand that we’ve all grown to love, is now offering the newSky footwear. These shoes are not only lightweight, but also very trendy and made from 95% recycled PET plastic bottles. Click here to see how they make it happen.  It takes only about 12 bottles to produce one pound of fiber and only about 8 bottles to create an average pair of newSKY shoes.

Here is one of my faves: you can run the streets, take a hike, or jump on a bike…

newSKY Footwear $94

New Balance newSky footwear

Now that fall is here and winter is sneaking up right behind it, it’s time to break out those winter shoes and sweaters. A crucial part of any cold weather is a well-structured set of boots. Whether you are traveling through puddles or tearing up the city streets, Hickorees is an amazing brand both sustainable and attractive. The best part about this boot is that it is made to withstand 1,000 miles of wear and tear. Made in the USA, this boot is a brilliant sustainable choice from close to home.

1000-Mile Boot by Wolverine ($325)

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot

If you would like to add a sustainable spin to your wardrobe, TOMS shoes are a great way to start. Toms is an eco company with an amazing concept. Not only do they make their attire with remarkable sustainable fabric, but, for every TOMS shoe that you purchase they will send a child in need a pair of shoes! A wonderful concept, a fantastic piece of attire, for an amazing cause. Below is a great option that I just fell in love with for the “rugged regal” man and I hope you will too.

Men’s Botas $95

Movember Botas

Lastly, I bring you an incredible and cost effective shoe from Oliberté footwear based out of Africa. Currently Oliberté operates in Ethiopia, Liberia and Kenya with the goal of expanding to Cameroon, Congo, Uganda and Zambia in the coming years towards developing a middle class. Using quality materials, fair trade jobs, and low impact methods on the environment to make sustainable shoes, Oliberté states “This is Africa.”

They have cleverly created a three way shipping option. Once you have enjoyed your new footwear, if you cannot donate or reuse them, Oliberté allows you to send them back so they can recycle your shoes into new footwear. My pick is a pair with a lot of character made from 100% goat leather, which allows your feet to breathe naturally and recycled rubber bottoms made in Ethopia.

MOGADO HI Tan Nubuck $155

Mogado Boot made from breathable goat leather

Of course we all want inexpensive footwear that looks good on you. But if you can get stylish pieces at affordable prices and splurge on a few eco-friendly high fashion brand names, just an effortless mix and match will give you continuous eco-fashion. 

If we are shopping eco friendly and purchasing durable sustainable fashion, not only are you making a world of difference through one purchase, you are literally making a small change for the planet, and living a more consciously fashionable lifestyle. And who would deny a thoughtful, fashionably dressed man? I think no one.

Heather

Heather Meade lives in Glastonbury CT, where she has worked as a stylist at a well known men’s fashion boutique for the past decade. She has been eating, breathing and dreaming fashion since she was a little girl. Discovering a new love for eco fashion – from its on trend designs to the ever-expanding eco menswear – Heather will bring you news and reviews on men’s eco-fashion. Along with fashion, Heather has found a new love for Mother Nature and our planet, eating in a more organic fashion, and taking care of her mind, body, and spirit.

A Fashionably Dressed Man’s Feet is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag