FASHIONmeGREEN

Natural Self-Tanner from Vani-T

greta — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:43:38 +0000

The world’s first RAPID tan with organic-based DHA & Quad Bronzing Technology, a luscious natural and organic based formula is now available to wash and wear in as little as 1 hour. Get a head start on your summer tan!

Vani-T has recently re-released this leading self tanner in Australia as Vani-T Liquid Sun Medium Self Tan Mist. Formulated with active natural based ingredients including anti-oxidants, botanical extracts, Argan Oil, Macadamia Oil and Coconut Oil, this self tanner is prenatal safe and great for sensitive skin as it is also free from parabens, mineral oils, artificial fragrance, glycols, sulphates, petrochemicals DEA and TEA.

So, if you are itching to get that summer glow before the temps heat up, Vani-T is your best bet.

The GOOD Graduation Gift: Naked Fashion by Safia Minney

greta — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:49:36 +0000

As another school year draws to a close, and some of you or those you know and love head out into the world to create and contribute- we all wish to impart a gift that will inspire and lead the next generation of talent. Look no further! The newly released book by People Tree founder Safia Minney, entitled Naked Fashion published by New Internationalist, is just the thing.

Filled with wonderful visuals and insightful stories of those involved in the fashion industry at every step- including journalists, editors, designers, suppliers, manufacturers, photographers, models, creative consultants and more- this book is an immortalized version of all the key pieces of advice that a mentor can give, wrapped up into one beautifully designed book.

So, if you have a new graduate in your life heading into the world of fashion, we recommend Naked Fashion as the new standard with a few more examples of the real life places you’ll go that Dr. Seuss himself must have dreamed of.

FMG on Campus: Sustainable Student Style

Bex — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:50 +0000

We’ve all been there. That panicked, slightly sweaty five minutes before you have to run to a class, lecture, date or party when you look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘I have NOTHING to wear’. There are very few feelings that are worse than the feeling of being unprepared, be that not knowing your notes for a presentation, or feeling uncomfortable in your outfit at a time when you want to shine. In these situations, I tend to opt for my ‘tried and tested’ outfits, which although I’ve worn a hundred times, I know I can pull off, and I know look safely stylish.

Being a student often creates the juxtaposition of wanting to wear the latest styles and pieces, whilst having a restricted budget and often little time to go shopping. Add in the unfair, yet unfortunately commonplace, issue of not wanting to be photographed in the exact same outfit several times in close succession – and the wardrobe panic becomes an all to common an event.

So – to try and help you tackle this, I’ve put together a few key looks that all students need in their arsenal of ‘safety outfits’, comprised of sustainable, eco and ethical pieces available on a student budget. There are a few key pieces which you can use in multiple outfits too – helping cut down your costs! I hope you enjoy!

Lazy day/lab write up/essay panic:

You’re stuck in your room or the library, working away. Comfort is essential, but your old tatty sweatpants are getting stares from around the room – and your concentration is dropping as you feel less and less comfortable. Try adding a few of these pieces to your look, or even the whole set.

(* I’m aware a lot of these pieces are from sites which are British, but they all ship to the US, and there are multiple alternatives, such as Threadsforthought.com!)

A slouchy skirt, with patterned leggings and a logo t-shirt. Comfortable enough to keep you going through your work crisis, but stylish enough to keep you cheerful.

Essay crisis outfit by bex-hall featuring a lip treatment

Date:

A cute dress, jacket and bag. Accessorise with jewellery – I love a great pair of earrings, not only do they draw attention to your face but you’re also less likely to fidget with them than a ring or bangle if you get nervous.

Date by bex-hall featuring a jewel pump

Party:

The fewer things you take the better – we all know a few too many cocktails will result in a jacket going missing or a scarf winding up tied to someone’s bike. Take a bag with you that fastens too – to prevent all your possessions spilling out when you get up to dance.

party by bex-hall featuring stacking bangles

Meeting with your tutor:

Smart can still be stylish – and sustainable. Mix the tailored party jacket with a blouse or shirt, and the slouchy skirt.

Tutor Meeting by bex-hall featuring cross body bags

And remember, you have friends. Friends with good taste. Instead of buying something that you’ll only wear once – swap with your friends! That’s what they’re there for, share and share a like and all….

Eco-Outfit: Urban Belle

greta — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:28:47 +0000

The classic and ultra feminine cut of this dress by David Peck CROP seems straight out of the South. To temper its ladylike form for night out in NYC, I brought in some edgy black accessories. The result is what I am calling a perfect ‘urban belle’ outfit.

JANVIER DRESS, David Peck CROP, $465. Made in the USA, percentage of proceeds go to charity, ethically sourced.

LYDIA CLUTCH, Pele Che Coco. Made from recycled leather.

SHOES, similar by Wonder Black Croco by Olsen Haus, $240. 100% vegan.

Designer Insider: Bougainvillea Couture

rebecca — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:03:07 +0000

Bougainvillea Couture, founded in 2011 by Luiven Rivas-Sanchez, combines the beauty of high fashion with the sustainable principles of slow fashion. The Central Saint Martins graduate, whose print designs have graced the prestigious runways of John Galliano, Jasper Conran, and Katharine Hamnet (just to name a few) has turned his talents to natural dyes and traditional textile techniques. By working to create a more environmentally friendly industry, Bougainvillea Couture is helping to sustain the very communities and ecosystems that are integral to global fashion production.

Luiven’s designs were featured this May 4th at Parsons NYC, at a special seminar focused on textile dyeing techniques. For those of us that were unable to attend, Luiven was kind enough to share some of his design secrets and philosophy with FMG.

What drove you to sustainable fashion?

I have been aware of global textile pollution through my work in high fashion for a long time. In 2007 I attended an exhibition on Indigo, it motivated me to research the history of natural dyes in greater depth. I became interested in the way materials were sustainably used for textile dyeing purposes in ancient times – I wanted to follow the same pragmatic approach when I founded Bougainvillea Couture.

What inspires your aesthetic?

I am inspired by the cultural riches of the past. I see crafts as an art form, it is a part of our fashion history that needs to be embraced and not overlooked. To me “slow fashion” does not necessarily mean how long a garment takes to be made, it is the responsible and ethical endorsement of textile practices that are essential to slow fashion which fascinates me.

How is each Bougainvillea Couture piece created?

It is a process of collaboration between dyers, artists, and designers that makes production possible at Bougainvillea Couture. From the selective raw material sourcing, to dyeing, textile crafting and garment making, I aim to responsibly orchestrate the right eco-framework without abusing the regenerative processes of our ecological services. The result is a romantic and organic approach to fashion branding that generates a fresher and more casual look within the realms of haute couture.

What are the benefits of using natural dyes?

The dyes I use are mostly extracted directly from natural flora. They are better than synthetic dyes not only because they have been sustainably grown by farmers from different regions of the world and are much less toxic, but also because they yield more delicate hues.

One fact about the fashion industry everyone should know?

That behind every luxury brand, there is an army of people, often children, working in the most appalling conditions and being paid below the minimum wage. I find this totally unacceptable.

The best meal you have ever had?

On the island of Cozumel in Mexico, at a restaurant overlooking the harbor. A simple and delicious Caesar salad was transformed into a palatable feast, made with natural and fresh ingredients locally sourced and foraged by the owner. I can still taste the sauce!

GreenBook: Punta Mita

greta — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:38:33 +0000

Boarding the non-stop flight from LAX to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I noticed that the Kardashian crew was in tow- or, in fact, bringing up the rear as the last to board and thus claim their space at the anticipated front of the plane. Star-studded vacations always bring a little extra glamour to the scene, but as it turns out The Four Season’s Punta Mita Resort needed no help from the Kardashians to make it special.

Not only is the scenery breathtaking, the resort a manifest vision of the perfect luxury oasis, but the shared commitment of the resort and the land to be synergistic companions sealed the deal for us to include it in our GreenBook as an eco-luxe accommodation.

Here are just a few of the green initiatives that ensure your stay is GOOD:

* Donating all used oil from the kitchens applied to different uses such as fuel.

* Recycle plant in the resort to re-use the liquid to water the two golf courses and the grounds of the resort.

* All our ingredients at the laundry are 100% biodegradable.

* Cleaning products used by our housekeeper attendants are biodegradable.

* Green Card in all rooms to explain our guests about our linens (whites) cleaning program. If client leaves the green card in the bed means we can reuse the whites two more days. Our green program applies to the whites every 3rd day.

* Recycle garbage divided in organic and non organic and the non organic sub-divides in plastic-glass-soda cans-paper.

* Preserve the flora and fauna at the resort through our biologist on site that develop programs helping the fauna to continue to preserve their habitats without a disorder.

Punta Mita prides itself in offering a selection of ‘catch of the day’ fish caught daily in the local waters surrounding the resort. The chefs alter the menu to accomodate the catch of the day and tantalize your taste buds.

Pack light because the boutiques in Punta Mita carry one of the best selections of resort wear that I’ve seen. You will want to stalk up on all your warm weather kaftans, swimsuits, carryall beach bags and special souvenir jewelry.

What would a trip to Mexico be without tequila?! Choose from some of the finest tequilas on offer to enjoy by the pool and stow for later as a signature gift upon your return home.

Whether you are headed south of the border for an extended weekend escape, or are planning on a longer and much needed retreat, Punta Mita is the perfect destination.

ADDRESS:

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico

Punta Mita, Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, 63734 Mexico

Tel. 52 (329) 291-6000

Beach Bum Pre and Post Sun Treatments

greta — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:12:04 +0000

If you are headed to the beach or pool to soak up some much needed sun, don’t forget to first protect your skin, and then quench the thirst of your hair and skin afterwards. Here are our top four products for becoming a bronzed beauty without the leathery skin.

SUN BUM SPF 50 + CLEAR ZINC OXIDE, $8.99. PABA and Paraben-free, not tested on animals, and approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation for adequate UVA and UVB protection.

CA SUNSHINE RADIANT BEACH WEEKLY HAIR MASK, $23.99. Cruelty-free and organic, made from virgin coconut oil.

LA BELLA FIGURA BARBARY FIG RENEWL SERUM, $125. Made from certified organic ingredients, namely the barbary fig seed oil which is rich in essential fatty acids 3 and 6 that build collagen and support suppleness.

LA LICIOUS COCONUT CREAM BODY BUTTER, $25. Paraben-free, and made from super moisturizing shea butter.