Upcycled Accessories: Eco-Entry Point for Luxury Brands

As consumer attitudes towards conscious living become the new norm- burgeoning awareness around ethical production, environmental commitment, and sustainable strategy- the window for the luxury sector widens with the opportunity to turn waste into profit.

The fashion and beauty industries are prime for an eco-fabulous makeover, without the stigma of ‘hippie chic’. As the image of ethical fashion gets a facelift, a recent report from BBMG entitled The New Consumer states that one in three consumers follow through on supporting brands which align with their values when making purchases. Capitalizing on this trend, luxury brands have the upper hand. Traditionally equated to quality, upscale accessories, are a splurge the style conscious woman is prepared to make- even with a Recession driven decreased spending budget. Couple the ethos of quality with an added ethical story, and luxury brands are positioned to service the needs of the new consumer, twofold.

According to a Bain 2010 ‘Why She Shops’ report, “women surveyed reported that they are explicitly seeking durability (80% agreed with the statement, ‘I am willing to pay more for clothing and accessories that will last more than one season.’). As a result, the style-conscious woman is disproportionately investing in “classic” styles-65% of brands purchased in 2010 versus 35% spent on contemporary brands.” That is good news for luxury brands. Yet, quality is only one deciding factor for the new consumer who is asking themselves, “What is in it for we?” and expressing an interest in products that address the greater good.

So how can luxury brands make the leap to offering classic quality pieces with an authentic environmental initiative without overhauling their supply chains? Zero waste expert and Parson’s professor, Timo Rissanen may have an answer. In his zero waste methods for fashion production research, Rissanen found that within “contemporary methods of fashion making the amount of fabric waste is approximately 15 percent of the total fabric used.”

Fabric cuttings, scraps and waste generated by traditional patterns and production methods are viably the most overlooked cash cow of the fashion industry. The leftover scraps from a cut and sew operation are of course the same quality materials used to produce the original piece. By utilizing those ‘waste’ materials to form an additional piece- most appropriately a smaller accessory- the brand cuts waste costs and reaps the benefits of greater production from the same amount of resources.

One brand successfully showcasing this model is the 2011 winner of the Best Green Handbag award given by In Style’s Independent Handbag Designer Awards, The Sway NYC. Creative Director, Belinda Pasqua is leading the way in upcycled fashion design, producing upcycled leather handbags, clutches and jackets. “Each piece in the collection is made using high-quality excess leathers that are hand cut into new useable shapes to minimize waste. Excess leathers are sourced from a factory that makes motorcycle accessories which is powered using advanced natural alternative energy sources.”

Luxury brands have already in place the design teams to create aesthetically stylish pieces along with quality sourced materials that last. In creating upcycled accessories, they find an eco-entry point into the market where consumers have expressed their needs. As a small step in the right direction, it makes dollars and sense for luxury brands to explore upcycling as an authentic way to offer ethical fashion.

Contact Greta Eagan (greta[at]fashionmegreen[dot]com) for more information and strategy around upcylced accessories.

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Coco Rocha for Senhoa

 

The budding relationship between Coco Rocha and Senhoa, the organization set up to help human trafficked victims in Cambodia, has been a long time coming. A fan of their jewelry, Rocha took a keen interest in their cause. Collaborating and creating her capsule collection with Senhoa further cemented her involvement and opened a new line of socially charged jewelry that is as good as it is gorgeous.

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What to Wear: Eco-Chic Outfit for the Office

Trends come and go, but it looks like leather and lace is here to stay. Included in their A/W11 Conscious Collection, H&M produced a high-waisted lace skirt that somehow seems to go with EVERYTHING! Adding a cropped leather jacket instead of a blazer adds a bit of rock and roll, and looks great peaking out from under your wool coat. Layer tights with ankle socks and wedge booties and you are ready to take the office by storm!

FITTED KNEE-LENGTH SKIRT, H&M Conscious Collection A/W11, $59.95. Made with 100% organic cotton.

SLOUCHY CASHMERE TANK, Adam, $NA. Keep your eye out for basics from Adam Lippes who has started using natural fibers like cashmere in combination with modal (a sustainable fiber made from Beech Wood pulp).

ADDISON LACE-UP WEDGE, Cri de Coeur, $450. Friendly fashion designs from NYC.

 

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Me + You Vegan Tote Bags

Me + You designer Jenny Hughes is dead set on you never again using a plastic bag. “If there are quality, stylish alternatives, I know people would be motivated to cut them out,” says Hughes. Using recycled fabric, vegan ‘leather’ and vintage metal accents, she has created just the bag!

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Fabulous Ski Hat Hair

5 IdeasTo Seductivley Brave the Cold This Winter:

1. Before gearing up for that breathtaking ski run dampen your hair, apply a little bit of Giovannis Natural Hairstyling Foam and french braid your hair to fit perfectly under that stylish ski hat. When you’re finished braving the moutnains take the french braid out for a pleasant surprise…beautiful waves, brush through with your fingers and your ready for a night out of the lodge.
2. Even though your bod might be cold, your head can still be hot. After wearing yet another fashion foward cap, sprinkle a little Skinnyskinny Organic Dry Shampoo on those roots to not only add some texture and volume, but also remove any trace of oil from the winter days activities for a fresh new look.
3. Make someone elses mistake your greatest fashion trend with the sharp Peek-a-Boo Pontytail Knits. Yes..thats right, keep that gorgeous ponytail and beautifully fight the freeze.
4. Go chic with the top 6 Trendiest hat styles: The Fedora, The Beret, Newsboy Cap, Trapper Hat, Cloche Hat and Shearling Bucket Hat.
5. Make it sassy but simple with 3 easy hair styles: A low offset bun or all hair classically pulled to one side, loose barrel curls with a big barrel curling iron, and backcombing at the crown to add a little sass to your class.

Fight the freeze with fashion!

 

 

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