Cultivating Change Toward Sustainability In Fashion
WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!
Join me on my journey and ongoing search for sustainability in fashion. I have selected luxurious products created by inspiring designers whose fashion focuses on beautifully designed clothing that keeps both environmental and social responsibility in mind.
Please watch this video to find out more about us.
PureThread Video from The Pure Thread on Vimeo.
As a stylist, I am working with individual clients, and with small groups in home settings, bringing curated collections of items made with sustainable materials right to you. The result of the PureThread process is an edited, coordinated wardrobe populated with hand-selected pieces that not only make you look fabulous, but that honor people and planet. Together we can make incremental changes in your wardrobe that augments your life and style and, of course, make you look – and feel – even more beautiful everyday.
I am honored to have a platform from which I can empower high-level change by sharing the inspiring stories of sustainability initiatives. Dedicated to eco fashion designers and spokespersons, I communicate their stories to you – so that we can all begin to reevaluate how and what we wear, buy, and use. It is my true passion to bring you the very best of the eco fashion world. My mission is two-fold: I hope to dress my clients in clothing that makes them feel fabulous, and to fuel the demand for sustainable fashion in the marketplace.
Sustainability within the fashion industry requires a system of accountability. As a stylist, this requires a re-examination of the ethical issues behind all our fashion purchasing decisions. In order to give the consumer the tools to re-examine fashion, I ask questions of apparel companies about intentions, products, design, production operations, marketing, and more. My goal is to gauge which trends each designer deems important, and to gain a working understanding of any initiatives that consciously honor “people” or “planet” and brand.
A special thanks to all of those who provided images for our blog and who work so creatively and passionately to promote sustainability in the fashion industry. Join me on this visual walk through my “Choice” items for Fall – both from the perspective of great design, and as a promoter of social change. In September, all of the items featured will be available through me personally, so feel free to contact me via email to reserve your items asap!
914-262-1529
This is where we want to head…Let’s go!
M.Patmos Spring 2012, now available…
Edun’s Spring Collection is here!
thinking Spring
New Year, New Looks! Start 2012 in the know with our round-up of the hottest trends and fashion happenings, including our EDUN debut.
Save the Dates: Our Spring Showcase opens Monday March 12th through Thursday March 15th. And, schedule your private appointment in February, March and April.
We present a curated collection of unique high end fashion design by designers and brands who are addressing environmental awareness and social responsibility within the fashion industry.
Jill Heller, Founder of PureThread, and our seasoned team of stylists, Tracey, Wendi and Jocelyn, along with merchandising and design professionals vet every piece to present a carefully curated collection of the best of the eco fashion world. Here is a little glimpse of Spring glamour from our favorite designers from around the world.
M.Patmos
We are thrilled to present our selections from the gorgeous M.Patmos collection, which seamlessly integrates easy wearable beauty with environmental responsibility. Her wardrobe essentials – mixing modern manufactured items with handmade ones from artisan communities around the world – are made of soft organic fabrics in soothing colors with bold accents. Her love of craftsmanship is evident: we agree with her that “there is something very special about an item touched by a human hand”. We can’t imagine living without her innovative pieces, and know you’ll love them too!
Known for her innovative knitwear, an M.Patmos piece is must have sweater for every season. She works with a Japanese factory that produces seamless, “zero waste” sweaters. Also on her extended team are two women’s knitting collectives in Bolivia and Nepal, which create some of the line’s more delicate pieces.
Edun
We often showcase designers who are rarely seen, but our stylists were wowed by the more popular Edun’s spring collection. We absolutely love these patterned bohemian dresses and tops paired with slouchy cropped silk pants and boxy utilitarian jackets, all inspired by Africa, where six factories make 37% of Edun’s women’s line, supporting the ethos “Trade not Aid”. Edun’s looks showcase bold tribal patterns in innovative environmentally friendly materials. Your first Spring day stepping out in these fresh and modern looks is sure to be full of joy.
Rogan
Rogan Gregory is a pioneer brand in the growth of the ecological fashion fabrics industry. Textiles such as hemp, previously course and roughly woven has been combined with silk, bamboo or other fibers in the weaving process to produce refined high end fashion design. We loved the clean lines in simple long sophisticated dresses and tees, and the nice textural quality to these beautiful spring knits. The look is weather-beaten and worn like your old favorite that has already been in your closet for years, but with the freshest of fibers that make it look and feel brand new.
The story of Lemlem…
Philanthropist, supermodel, and actress Liya Kedede, created Lemlem, a unique, playful and modern women’s clothing line with a spirit undeniably African. The brand’s inspiration arose during a trip with her husband to their native Ethiopia. While visiting thousands of traditional weavers who no longer had a market for their goods, Kedebe felt a need to preserve their art form while simultaneously creating job opportunities. Meaning “to bloom” or “to flourish” in Amharic, Lemlem is handmade in Ethiopia from natural cotton and is rooted in tradition, but woven with a modern touch. It aims to add a sense of diversity to the clothing market while fueling prosperity in another. Inspired by Africa, Liya’s clothing line is another voice for African causes as well as a beautiful embodiment of its traditions and culture.
Add a pop of color with a Lemlem classic stripe scarf – a must have for the season, and forever…http://www.style.com/video/designer-profiles/
a scarf, a fabric textile intended to be worn around the neck or head, can be treated like a work of art. It can be collected like a rare book or print…
Stewart + Brown – We are pleased to announce that Stewart+Brown received the award for Most Sustainable Fashion Brand by the WGSN Global Fashion Awards in October 2011.The brand, founded by husband & wife team Howard Brown and Karen Stewart were finalists amongst other prestigious brands including Levi Strauss, Marks & Spencer and People Tree in the “Most Sustainable Brand or Retailer” category. “When we started our company 10 years ago our industry friends told us we were crazy because no one cares about organic,” Brown stated after the win. “This award is proof that the sustainable fashion movement is from the bottom up and small brands with a purpose and vision can both inspire and lead the industry giants, such as Levis, in this category. The critics were wrong, people do care about organic.”
Camilla Norrback
“Modern luxury is as much about the inside as it is the outside”, says Stockholm designer Camilla Norrback . She only uses ecological fabrics that are environmentally sound from cultivation through processing and coloring. We take pride in hand selecting pieces from the collection that combine luxurious materials with exceptional quality and design, from the long goddess dress, to lightweight textured knits ~ garments of the highest quality that are “justly manufactured and allow the wearer to feel both beautiful and proud”.
Privatsachen – A brand with history, Privatsachen have 26 years of business to guide them. With an emphasis on elegant shapes in beautiful natural fibers their ethos of “one size” has served them and their customers very well! We boast about the accessories with a multitude of scarves, delicate trims, and a 100 color story to choose from.
Privatsachen scarves are so incredibly soft and a relatively inexpensive accessory, they permit the wearer to keep up with new trends in fashion, color, and art without replacing an entire wardrobe every season.
Last fall we introduced Privatsachen ~ we now have a waiting list for the new spring color palette…
KAMI
With a 20 years’ strong experience in luxury market, KAMI offers this season a collection thought by a duo of designers which makes femininity and modernity rhyme with ethics and organic fabrics. KAMI is working towards obtaining ISO 14001 certification in order to ensure it limits its environmental impact, season after season. The label has based its whole collection around this concept: both high fashion and high quality have sustainability at its heart.
Les Racines Du Ciel – LRDC is designed in France and beautifully crafted in Europe using the finest eco fabrics available, such as mud dyed silks, Egyptian cotton organic cotton and cashmere/silk blend jerseys. Everything you would hope for in chic understated French day wear with lines that carry into evening wear.
Indigenous Designs
A special place in our heart is reserved for Indigenous ~ a company that is both inspired by the rich diversity of global craft skills AND integrates the sustainability of communities that weave the work into their business model. We have a great appreciation for the indigenous and inherited craft expertise in communities in South America, reinterpreting their knitting techniques into highly sophisticated designs. A truly collaborative process, ID honors the women weavers in South America whose every stitch is a labor of love.
H Fredriksson
our staple designer for Cupro fabrication and dresses that we adore. The photos to follow…
For Spring 2012 it is our hope that you find just the perfect piece to wear and feel beautiful in, while gaining a better understanding of the story of your wardrobe. Be a part of the shift and join us this Spring…
The Ones to Watch: 3 emerging designers present their collections with an eco-philosophy.
The growth of eco-friendly and socially conscious fashion brands continue to rise. Today we honor what ground breakers are creating in the fashion industry, keeping an eye on 3 names; Suzanne Rae, Lara Miller, and Lavuk with each one spurring ecology and design to the next level. Although not included in our Spring 2012 round-up, we will be sure to check out their fall collections at next month’s fashion week with the hope of finding just the right pieces for fall 2012. The ones to watch….
SUZANNE RAE
Showcasing her Spring/Summer 2012 collection at Rendezvous, the Brooklyn designer Suzanne Rae, delivered a convergence of fluttery dresses and separates constructed from organic cotton, recycled hemp, raw silk, and even raffia. Evident was her love of art + fashion, as she created a dress using the splash dot pattern she found in art books and painting. Her women’s ready-to-wear line is inspired by and made for the progressive, modern woman. Both feminist and feminine, the line explores the multiple juxtapositions of a woman’s being and interprets these abstract ideas into tangible garments. Using traditional garment construction in addition to experimental draping and patterns, the designs are both beautiful and edgy. Fine and natural fabrics are used to make each piece not only look good, but feel good.
LARA MILLER
Manufactured in Chicago, Lara Miller’s work is strongly influenced by the city’s architectural and cultural landscape. Fashioned from eco-friendly fibers such as organic cotton, hand-loomed bamboo, hemp and vegan silk, Lara’s modular designs are created with a playful geometry that connects to the personalities of the women who wear them. Most garments can be wrapped, reversed, and most distinguishably flipped to reveal an entirely different look. Acknowledging the impact that we all have on our environment, Lara aspires to preserve and respect our earth in every way possible. “I see my company as a way to support my community – not only by using organic materials while adhering to a “green” lifestyle and workspace – but also by manufacturing locally and working to sustain the sewn products industry in Chicago.”
LAVUK
During New York Fashion Week, I discovered Natasha Gindin, Los Angeles based designer and founder of the label LAVUK. Natasha’s goal is to create unusual and constructed looks from simple, comfortable materials that appeal to eco-conscious consumers, as well as to those just looking for a great product. LAVUK clothing is sweatshop free and made locally in Los Angeles with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, tencel, hemp and dead stock silks. Her pieces are multi-functional, with subtle details that allow for alternate ways of styling each garment.
LIFE CYCLE
A f
a few months ago we visited the charming city of Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen aims to be recognized as The environmentally friendly city and is setting an example for the rest of the world. The Danes simply LOVE biking! Copenhagen, a city created for cyclists, offers a safe environment to do so with dedicated bicycling lanes and paths. It was truly amazing to see men and women on bikes ~ maneuvering about in a big city without having to rely on public transportation. You will often see Copenhageners cycle with everything from groceries to children using a built -in box in front for all kinds of stuff.
Being a dedicated pedestrian on foot, I found a small vintage shop on Birkegade. The boutique Mutti-Love RECYCLED WITH LOVE AND FASHION celebrates the feminine female figure in sustainable, low impact fashion. All Mutti-Love items are created from recycled materials, produced with love and sold in good spirit. Here I found a collection of beautiful vintage printed silk scarves, dating back to the prints of the 1930′s. Colorful, bold and beautiful, this mix of different patterns peaked my interest to begin collecting on my own….
Inspiration for 2012 — Seeking vintage printed scarves —
The Cradle to Cradle principle states that everything can be recycled in either a biological or technical cycle. To make sure that nothing goes to waste is a big challenge for our world. Unless current practices change, we will soon have transformed the bulk of the planets resources to landfills. Let’s begin 2012 by addressing the waste issue in a approach that makes waste part of the cycle and source of value.
I am actively seeking vintage prints, end of roll lots, vintage silk scarfs that can be found in antique flea markets, or thrift stores. So if you have some suggestions or great finds for me, please let me know as I am in the process of creating a print based collection for 2012-2013 – re-purposing items made of quality fabric, rich and vibrant colors in sumptuous silks, silk chiffon ~ clothing that we can feel good in, uncomplicated and luxurious! 
PureThread Fall Fashion Event Recap
Autumn/Winter 2011 is all about great design. And it’s an important year for eco-fashion, as sustainable style has grown tremendously over the past few seasons. This fall we had our very best show at PureThread and we can’t wait to tell you more about the bursting trend of forward thinking designers and brands.
Our Choice Fashion designers who focus on the art of the application of design and aesthetics or natural beauty to clothing, each with an ecological point of view. The growth of eco friendly and socially conscious brands continue to rise, meeting our values and taste level. The designers featured here are on the forefront of change in the fashion industry, either in the form of using organic materials, re-purposing, sustainable manufacturing processes, diversion of waste materials from landfill, fair trade and community development.
Our Goal To satisfy consumer desire for aesthetically designed clothing; and, showcase designers and brands that focus on fashion sustainability in the supply chain.
Our Merchandising A directional edit of contemporary sustainable fashion, we selected garments from Bodkin, Kami, M Patmos, Stewart + Brown, Alicia Adams Alpaca, Les Racines du Ciel, Privatsachen, Leila Hafzi, H Fredriksson, From Somewhere, and A Peace Treaty.
We selected a wide range and combinations of materials to work with and a wide range of colors, patterns and styles to choose from. Carefully edited and artfully displayed, each rolling rack featured a different designer, distinguished by a simple sign at the front of the rack. Each hangtag articulated the companies core values and culture, and told a compelling story about the brand. But what was clear to all of us is that each piece had it’s own personality, bringing out the luxuriousness and romance of the garment.
The result A new definition of fashion with a new set of values. Passion and priority to get involved, developing a wardrobe filled with beautiful pieces that attempt to tackle the solution to the worlds resource and lifestyle challenges…. a better way of life for us all without sacrificing style. We are finally here…
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Fall Open House Preview
Here at The PureThread, we’ve been busy gearing up for our fall open house, getting our live-work space in order and making our final fall eco-fashion selections.
Here’s a sneak peek at what all of our clients can expect as they join us to pick up their new favorite fall items.
Introducing PureThread’s NYC Studio
Welcome to our new studio featuring a curated collection of the most inspiring eco fashion of Fall 2011. Distinctive highlights of domestic and international eco fashion labels include everything from organic knits, cozy sweaters, layerable t’s and leggings, fall capelets and coats, vegetable-tanned leathers, and perfectly pretty dresses.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Join us:
Monday, October 10- Thursday, October 14
10am-5pm or by appointment throughout the Fall season
41 West 72 Street, Suite 17A between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
Our specialized studio features unique items, hand-picked by stylists to represent the very best of Fall Eco Fashion. Your experience is guided by private, personalized customer service and everything you need to build a gorgeous and ethical wardrobe.
To make an appointment or for more information on PureThread stylists or our products, please contact us.
Summer Salon Highlights
In case you missed it, here are a few of our beautiful clients dressed in style at our recent Summer Salon.
PureThread stylists Beth Steinberg and Wendi Winshall wore the look of the day, the peasant top and scoop tank from Loup Charmant. Organic cotton voile feels amazingly light for summer wear.
Laurie was excited with a few new dresses. Here, she is wearing two Loup Charmant organic cotton slip dresses, layering the white under the black for a sheer summer look.
Laurie is wearing a linen Miguelina tunic dress with a beautiful embroidered neckline, layered over a white Loup Charmant slip liner dress (pictured above)—her savvy, multiple-use wardrobe choices go a long way.
Dara is sporting a Stewart + Brown natural cardigan—a summer must-have and the perfect "throw over anything" item.
Marissa is modeling a tunic dress by Leila Hafzi. She fell in love with the hand-painted fabric, along with the cut and feel of this dress. It’s a truly special and unique piece.
Jen wears a sheer, white organic cotton button down blouse from Study by Tara St. James. A summer staple.
Michelle likes to stay cool in the summer and looks for items that are wearable with jeans, white denim, and khaki cargos. A mom and in great shape, we styled her a no-waste linen halter-top from Study by Tara St. James. It was a perfect match.
Study by Tara St. James Halter (back view)
K.C. is effortlessly elegant in this ladylike Cinderella dress by UK designer, Minna. Made with vintage lace and silk chiffon, it looks and feels lovely.
Minna Cinderella Dress (back view)
Elizabeth found a very special gauze summer dress from Miguelina that’s perfect for poolside or the beach.
Marissa was looking for a dress for a daytime wedding and found the perfect vintage-looking lace dress from Miguelina. Her daughters are in the wedding party as flower girls and Marissa wanted to look like the sophisticated, modern mom that she is!
- She fell in love with the light, airy, and elegant look imparted by the beautiful combination of feminine lace and a chiffon lining and hem.
Wendy was in search of a dress that she could wear for both casual evenings and formal events, so we gave her this Miguelina gold ombré dress. The perfect summer find!
Eco Fashion Shines at Our Summer Salon
The PureThread Stylists prepare for the Summer Salon
Last week marked The PureThread’s latest eco fashion event and what a great time we had! Guests at our exclusive Summer Salon explored the latest high summer styles from Miguelina, Minna, Study by Tara St. James, Stewart + Brown, Loup Charmant, H Fredriksson, and more.
Laurie with Miguelina NYC Showroom Director Heather Green
Miguelina’s New York showroom director Heather Green was on hand to walk us through their elegant and breezy honeymoon collection and showcase some of the line’s most special pieces.
Beautiful, nature-inspired accessories from Gabriella Kiss.
Amazing jewelry designer Gabriella Kiss also stopped in to share a glimpse of her latest gems with us. Her elegant pieces are inspired by the natural world and the fine arts and they really brightened our spirits.
To get an inside look at all the action and browse sustainable and eco-friendly summer trends, visit our Facebook page and “like” us here!
The PureThread Team Preps for Summer Salon Eco Fashion Event
Our Summer Salon is fast approaching and we’re so excited to bring you our latest curated collection for high summer. We’ve been busy selecting the best warm-weather pieces our eco designers have to offer—gorgeous organic fabrics, summer dresses, and perfect white tees, for example—and wanted to offer you a sneak peak.
Beth, Tracey, Wendi and Jill prepare for the Summer Salon
Your eco stylists: Beth, Tracey, Wendi and Jill
Featured designers include:
Gabriella Kiss
Loup Charmant
Miguelina
Stewart + Brown
Our intimate Summer Salon runs May 3-5, so keep your eyes peeled for your exclusive invite!
Until next time, follow The PureThread on Twitter and like us on Facebook for exclusive content and up-to-the-minute updates.
From Upstate Farm to Upscale Fashion
We packed our bags, grabbed the camera, a cup of coffee for each of us, and headed just about an hour north on the Taconic State Parkway to visit Alicia and Daniel Adams at their home/farm/fashion studio. WELCOME TO ALAMILO FARM in Stanfordville NY, where Daniel and Alicia raise 200 Alpacas on their 76 acres rolling hills country estate. Sometimes known as “the gold of the Andes,” Alpacas are one of the rarest species in the world, most of them in South America.
If anyone was ever curious about where our wool comes from, now is the time to learn one of the best lessons in sustainable fashion (which is truly the most exciting find for PureThread!) Alicia Adams Alpaca is a family business which specializes in the design and production of textiles and clothing utilizing the natural and sustainable characteristics of one of the rarest and most luxurious materials — Alpaca Wool.
Alpacas are valued for their fine, dense fleece that is in great demand by fashion brands looking for luxurious fibers. Suri Alpacas have the best and most sought after fleece and is one of the world’s most luxurious fabrics – a jewel amid all the synthetic fibers and harsh materials found in our everyday lives. Suri Alpacas are the rarest of this rare species, only 1 % of the total Alpaca population, and the Adams are co-owners of one of the largest herds of Suris in the United States — and anywhere in the world outside of Peru.
A group of Suri Alpaca Women
Softer than cashmere, and available in a wide array of colors, Alpaca serves as a natural thermostat by using microscopic air pockets to trap body heat in cooler temperatures and release heat in warmer weather. Today, the world of high fashion cherishes Alpaca not only for its scarcity but also for its natural attributes: its fineness, durability, and hypoallergenic and lightweight qualities.
I was curious about the process so I asked Daniel a few questions about the process…”How is the hair removed, and can you tell me a bit about the process of converting the fleece into finished goods?”
Daniel: “Each year a professional shearer arrives in early May, and shears the entire herd in one day. The process takes only 3 minutes per animal and they are so happy to have all of the fur gone. The fleece is first divided to colors and then sorted out into grades of fineness, which are different for each animal.”
Jill, Wendi, Tracey: “The clothes are so incredibly soft. How does it get this way?”
Daniel: “The raw fiber is milled, de-haired and combed. We use only baby Alpaca and de-hair the wool multiple times. Typically we get back only 35% but we are left with top quality. All of the scratchy hairs and guard hairs are removed. One thing that is important to know is that baby Alpaca does not mean that it comes from baby animals but is a term for the highest grade Alpaca. The animals that are baby Alpaca quality – we take a piece in the middle of tummy and send it to the lab. The lab report will tell us which fibers have the highest quality.”
The Suri Alpaca Male
Jill, Wendi, Tracey: “The colors are beautiful, natural, and are all of the colors that we love to wear.”
Daniel: “When we shear, we clip and sort out by color. Alpacas come in as many as 23 natural colors.
J, W, T: “For fall 2010, we will be focusing on offering our customers a varied mix of natural colors, from different shades of brown, biege, camel, light grey, charcoal grey and taupe.”
the reversible two toned cape
J, W, T: This question was geared toward Alicia, the creative designer behind the brand….”Your designs are right on trend, but are also very classic. Where do you get your design inspiration – from farm to fashion?”
Alicia: “When I first began, I started out with baby booties and hats that I gave to friends as presents. I was just testing the yarn and then many people wanted to buy them, so I continued to create baby items, then expanded into home decor throws and wraps. In order to have an all American product, I looked for local weavers but because Alpaca is very different to work with than wool or cashmere, it was impossible to find weavers to process it commercially.
So I sent some fibers to a few local artisans in Peru where they still continue the pre-Incan tradition of working with Alpaca fibers. When the first samples came we were very enthusiastic and attended the New York Gift show with the throws and the capes. The response was so incredible that I realized it was time for me to get serious. I just wanted more and more things that you can wrap yourself with — I just wanted to be in Alpaca! My color board had only 2 natural colors – grey and biege. I am a mother of 3, and fashions for moms became my focus — clothes that are easy and chic to wear, and I expanded my color range to reflect a wider variety of tastes.
The design process begins with…what am I missing in my closet? I go from there. I love a cable cardigan, I love clothes that are meant to be timeless classics.”
we agree! the cable cardi is a classic - for fall we will have both colors, biege and grey.
J, W, T: “We love the timeless quality of your herringbone wrap. And the colors are so rich and vibrant”
Alicia: “I have always felt that if my customer buys my wrap, her child will have it in college. It will be forever. And when fashion trends change so often, this is one fashion piece that is not a fad. I recently met a woman in India who was looking at my cape. She said “I have to buy this, and I’m just going to hand it down— it becomes a piece of tradition.”
I took this photo up close so you can see the herringbone weave in the wrap. Different colors of Alpaca yarns are blended together to give a textured look to the garments.
J, W, T: “There are 23 natural shades of colors of the Alpaca – but we see that you are showing a full range of Spring brights”
Alicia: ” Correct. We have the ability to blend the colors into a very creative story. Dyed colors are now selling incredibly well, some of them are very bright and there are not many companies that can do that. We use organic dyes and vegetable dyes. We begin with the Ivory, 70% of the animals are white anyway and use the ivory as a base for making other colors.
This is Pearl, one of the friendly females who came to meet us!
On our journey to meet the Alpacas, Daniel made sure to tell us that they are very gentle animals, are friendly and fond of their owners, especially around feeding time. They each have their own personality, some of them have very strong ones.
Alpacas are also curious. When a stranger appears, they rush up to inspect him/her, and if permitted, introduce themselves by touching noses. Well, maybe not that close!!!
Enjoying every minute, wrapped in incredibly soft alpaca.
Tracey and Wendi get closer to the males!
We were so excited with the people, and the product, and the pets, that we invited the Adams family to our home TRUNK SHOW!
Meet Alicia and Daniel Adams, and view the Spring 2o11 collection on MAY 3rd from 10 am – 3 pm… Please contact us for more details and an email invitation – www.thePureThread.com – “contact us” page.
more photos from the farm:
Daniel and Alicia Adams at feeding time
Wrap yourself up in Alicia's picks.
Color Story
PureThread clients are “ready to go eco”.
We opened my home for a fantastic 3-day Intro to Eco Fashion Brands Exhibit. The event was a huge success, and we are excited to share the smiles and the styles!
Eco Fashion: Spring Launch identified 12 designers within the eco fashion marketplace. Stewart + Brown, Leila Hafzi, Loup Charmant, H Fredrikkson, Minna, Sonya Kashmiri, From Somewhere, Leroy and Perry, Indigenous Designs, Panchachuli, Only Hearts, and Joanne Berman. Each designer in the exhibit is associated with at least one of the main themes in eco fashion: from organic materials to locally made, reuse or upcycled vintage materials, vegetable tanned leather, use of ayurvedic dyes, and fair trade. Because the industry has evolved in such a positive way over the past few years, we were finally able to bring cutting edge, stylish and luxurious eco friendly clothes that take into account the environment, the health of the consumers as well as the working conditions of employees within the fashion industry.
Here are just a few absolutely beautiful women who look and feel amazing in what they found! We are making slow and steady wardrobe changes, highlighting brands in a way that appeal to today’s modern women, and by doing so, we are forming a deeper and richer relationship with our clothing choices.
Leila Hafzi’s long dress displayed on wood beams against the stone wall.
Stewart + Brown organic cotton half sleeve tees fill the racks in living color.
Our stylist Wendi wears Loup Charmant scoop tank and peasant blouse – the hit of the show! This style was a top favorite for Spring.
Jean fell in love with Leila Hafzi’s silk tunic, hand painted in Nepal.
Sue belts Loup Charmant’s black triangle tunic, throws on a Leila Hafzi silk scarf, and Sonya Kashmiri handbag and she is ready to go!
Barbara, President of the Board of New Castle Community Media Center, is usually behind the camera, as she filmed the event for New Castle Business Update program. But the Leila Hafzi “grey natural rough”scarf looked amazing on her.
Simone a long time friend and host of “business update”, (an on line show found on NCCMC.com which focuses on businesses in the town of New Castle) looks lovely in MINNA.
Check out Elizabeth – an animal lover and horse vet, shops for clothes that ‘pass the pajama test’. Look at what she found….From Somewhere’s wool and tweed mix coat, with a sneak peek at the vintage silk lining!
Our stylist Tracey was thrilled to find the perfect dress for Robin’s event – Minna’s romantic V neck with vintage lace dress is the perfect combination of classic style + vintage dressy. See Cosmo in the background – 3 days of women left him exhausted!
Bonnie relaxes in Loup Charmant’s summer styles in white.
Rachael wearing Minna, the perfect fit. She looks amazing! Layered underneath is the Only Hearts Organic Cotton cami collection.
Cindy is all smiles in Stewart + Brown’s organic cotton long merrow tank layered with H Fredrikkson Envelope Cardigan made of Hemp + Organic Cotton.
And Karen, WOW —- this is what creative styling is all about – Take a Stewart + Brown long tank, pair it with S + B’s Soho Khaki twill jacket, and pop it with Panchachuli’s pink scarf to create the perfect spring set. Then, for her Saturday eve, how about H Fredrikkson’s Cupro black dress with the layered hemp and organic cotton Envelope Cardigan, a pair of boots and a belt…. ready to go eco!
For those seek more knowledge and wish to explore eco fashion more fully, I put out my summer reading list, just for fun. Could be the next topic for the book club. Now wouldn’t that be great….
Thanks you, all of my friends who so willingly let me take your photo!
I treasure your support of my journey in fashion, and humbly ask that you support my most inspired initiative. Offering style solutions, education, ideas, and products that consider not only your health and happiness, but that of the Earth, PureThread stylists guide your journey toward sustainable fashion, bridging the gap between the designer and your closet.
On Friday, March 17th, the new link to our email newsletters will be up and running. Please take a moment to click on www.thepurethread.com and “opt in” to receive our newsletters. Our communication is quality over quantity: our seasonal newsletters share compelling news only, such as special product arrivals, early announcements, and educational tools that allow you, too, to dig beneath fashion’s surface.
Thanks for an amazing week. We are getting ready for a summer show within the first 2 weeks of May – same place, 2 -3 days of style. We will keep you posted.
“I’ll take one in each color….oh size medium, please!”
xo
jill, wendi, tracey
Sheer Love – Kee pieces from Loup Charmant
Simply beautiful!
3 day launch – Spring 2011
Just wanted to personally invite you…. to our Spring Launch next week! We will be featuring the best of Ethical high fashion, with collections from designers who are leading the world with their new and natural techniques. Clothes you will just love! (see attachment below)
I hope you can join me. Would love to show you everything that you would love to “live in” + comfort + organic!!
a word from Jocelyn Whipple
- FSW coats -
From Somewhere are the Original ‘Up-cyclers’ from London and are leading the world with their ‘Reclaim to Wear’ techniques.
- Sonya’s bag Miss Charlotte
Sonya’s beautiful bags have become the ‘Eco it Bags’ over the last few seasons once you have one there’s no turning back! Truly collectable.
- Minna’s collection
Minna dresses epitomize the best of Ethical high fashion – Fantastic fit, exceptional detail and a story of Heritage to be treasured and worn with pride.
- S + B Spring - all organic cotton -
Stewart+Brown are everything we hope for in a progressive lifestyle brand. Quality, integrity, function and beauty. Luxurious knitwear and pioneering standards in eco fashion are what set them apart.
- Leila Hafzi
The Queen of eco glamour – from the first impression to the farmer in the field Leila’s brand tells the wonderful story of a garments journey to our wardrobe with heartwarming poise.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Jill, Wendi, Tracey
Jill Welcomes Wendi and Tracey to the Stylist Team
I’ve got some very exciting news to share: Meet Wendi Winshall and Tracey Ravdin Perlmutter, 2 great women who joined the stylist team at PureThread! This Spring, our selections are truly inspiring .http://thepurethread.com/stylists
PureThread is leading the way toward sustainable fashion, offering style, inspiration, ideas, and products that consider not only your health and happiness, but that of the Earth. We dig Beneath Fashion’s Surface by doing all the research and making the tough calls for you, leaving only the fun decisions in your hands: should I choose this gorgeous organic and fair-trade sweater, or that pure cashmere wrap? All you have to do is give us a little time to tell us about yourself, your style, your fashion needs and dreams, and we will make simple, sustainable fashion choices for your wardrobe. We can even work with you to make the most out of what’s already hanging in your closet, and augment with new, sustainable pieces.
Through our personal stylist approach, we guide your journey toward sustainable fashion, bridging the gap between the designer and your closet. By selecting sustainable style, you are helping to keep your body, our waterways, our air, and our planet free of toxins, all while looking fabulous. What’s not to love about getting started on creating a greener, healthier life?
We couldn’t be more inspired by about the looks that make up the ethically created fashion marketplace this Spring! To make a transition into an ethically sourced wardrobe easy for you, we’ve being scouring the marketplace and meeting designers focused on both beautiful design and sustainability. We’ve checked out all sorts of products, drawings, ideas, and fabrics, and have created exclusive collections by the top eco fashion designers to share with you. Our picks are so special, and because they are both gorgeous and sustainable, they won’t only make you look and feel great on the outside, but to shine from the inside.
My passion for sustainable, gorgeous fashion is bubbling over, and I can’t wait to share these new discoveries with you. To learn more about the process, contact us at Jill.Heller@thepurethread.com, Wendi.Winshall@thepurethread.com, Tracey.Ravdin.Perlmutter@thepurethread.com, and take a few minutes to peruse www.thePureThread.com. Plus, you can be a fan of PureThread on Facebook, where we will be posting all sorts of news and giveaways this season.
With thanks and love,
Jill
Next week, we open Spring with Stewart + Brown, and Minna. New merchandise arrived today, and we begin our showings on Tuesday, Feb.15th. Please contact us to schedule your appointment.
Just arrived...Spring 1 from Stewart + Brown
Newest arrival, London designer Minna Hepburn collection
CASE STUDY: MEET JUST A FEW OF MY FRIENDS AND ECO EXPERTS AND SEE WHAT THEY ARE WEARING TODAY
CASE STUDY: MEET JUST A FEW OF MY FRIENDS AND ECO EXPERTS AND SEE WHAT THEY ARE WEARING TODAY.
Stripes for Spring — Meet TARA ST. JAMES, designer of STUDY, who stand behind her product, as she shows us the hand dyed vintage striped lace jersey tee. The stripe fabric is also available in the a boxy, oversized, boatneck tee, with a front pocket – Look for the boatneck silhouette at the PureThread studio.
A Recent Visit to Eco-Age in London
During my most recent visit to London, I had a chance to meet with Jocelyn Whipple, Minna Hepburn of Minna and Mary King of Panchachuli at Eco – Age, a beautiful boutique in the Chiswick section of London. Eco-Age London, known as …”The first of its kind – a store, showroom, consultancy and green hub that offers inspiration, ideas and specific domestic solutions for all those who want to lead a greener and more energy efficient life”.
Livia Firth, founder of Eco-Age and wife of actor Colin Firth, is one inspirational woman, committed to showing all of us how we can dress in stylish eco clothing and look beautiful. Livia has created THE GREEN CARPET CHALLENGE where she is determined to wear only ethical and sustainable dresses on the red carpet as she accompanies her husband to red carpet events. A few years ago I would have thought that this was “real challenge”, as I was not sure that there would be enough upscale and beautiful product coming out of the eco fashion market. But times have certainly changed, and now, there are a copious amount of designers creating fashion with a conscience at the forefront of ecological and green thinking. European designers are one step ahead and I am finding my very own selections of product for PureThread, I especially love what I saw in London.
November 3, 2010 - my visit to Eco-Age, London
Check out Livia’s blog – http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/livia-firth/. Last Monday, Livia was in New York City for the premiere of her husband Colin’s new film, The King’s Speech. The film is getting rave reviews, and so is Livia – take a look at Livia wearing the black silk and lace dress by designer Minna Hepburn of MINNA- Absolutely beautiful. Next season, we will be showcasing a handful of Minna blouses, and of course, the lovely dress that Livia is wearing !! The order is due to arrive in NY at the end of January, please contact me to reserve your piece.
Meet Minna Hepburn, founder and designer of the brand MINNA. Inspired by her love for vintage clothing, she started creating tops that soon found their way into high end boutiques. What started as a passion and a hobby, has now snowballed into a full-fledged business. Her label is now stocked around the world and has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Red, Women’s Wear Daily and Easy Living.
Environmental issues are important to Minna and consequently, her label can best be described as Eco Luxe. Each piece is hand embellished and made from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced textiles. Her label has in a short time re-defined what ethical fashion should be. Environmentally friendly production techniques including local manufacturing and zero waste pattern cutting techniques are used for every garment. Minna is always looking into any new ways to minimize the impact to the environment. Stylish, desirable and beautiful, Minna’s range appeals to all women.
I LOVED IT ALL!!! Look for Minna blouses and dresses to arrive at PureThread at the end of January 2011. Very exciting to see, wear, and feel feminine!
I believe in fine quality and detail, and admire Minna's extra care and attention to the lovely Scottish lace details on the inner linings of her garments.
Jocelyn Whipple and Minna Hepburn, a private viewing of Minna Spr 2011 collection
Jocelyn shows me a few more Minna picks! What a beautiful dress in the nude color, I had to order a few for us....and take a look at the dress in her left hand - That's Livia's NYC Green Carpet Challenge Minna Beauty!!
A bit more about Jocelyn Whipple… I just adore her!! She is my consultant, my mentor, and friend, who gives me the most expert advise on all things eco in the fashion industry. A separate post about Jocelyn to follow.
Case Study 1 – An Intimate Evening at Stella McCartney
Introducing Stella’s world …. One of my very favorite designers, I highlighted my choice items for fall to a small group of clients and friends,
it was all smiles when Martha came out in the grey python print dress with black hand knit cardigan – she looked amazing!
cotton canvas bags and shoes
Experience the joy, and join me again to see the next collection.
Sustainable Design Workshop
Next week I am going to attend Source4styleAtelier. Hosted by Summer Rayne Oakes, Source4style is a place where designers and brands can search and source more sustainable materials and services from a network of global suppliers. I am curious – and so I am heading there to learn about the evolution of environmental assessment in the apparel industry, what money-saving tools are currently available for your use, and how to assess the environmental impact of an apparel and home item through the Eco Index, one of the groundbreaking environmental assessment tools of the industry.
I will write and share more after the event!
10/20/2010:
A very informative 2 hours, and I am glad that I went….
The Place: SURevolution studio – a showroom dedicated to bringing contemporary products to the luxury market that honor the worlds artisan’s traditions, craftsmanship, and our natural resources. The goal is to elevate the handmade world and bring these beautiful products from around the globe into our homes.
The People: Founders of Source4Style, Summer Rayne Oakes and Benita Singh hosted the first sustainable design workshop, where the plan is to dig deeper into relevant topics of environmental impacts in the fashion world.
The Topic: Fashion’s Footprint – tools to assess environmental impacts of products. Measuring the environmental impacts of products is a very detailed process that until now, has been very difficult to internally access. Now Source4Style has developed tools for brands and designers to use to measure via a robust ECO-INDEX, led by the Outdoor Industry Association (Timberland, Patagonia, Nike, Puma, Adidas). The Eco Index is a ground-breaking environmental assessment tool designed to advance sustainability practices within the outdoor apparel industry. It provides companies throughout the supply chain a way to benchmark and measure their environmental footprint, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and make informed sourcing and product life cycle decisions. The Eco Index is a internal supply chain tool, not a consumer facing label (yet).
Questions on the Eco Index probe deeper at the raw material level and product design guidelines, as well as end of life intentions. Example questions such as: how much recycled content the material has, what kind of chemicals are in the content, what kind of cotton is used and which areas of the world does it come from, packaging, waste, and end of life intentions – is the product designed to be easily disassembled into reusable and/or recyclable materials (not disrupting the waste stream). This cutting edge tool will encourage the industry as a whole to look at their products and brand strategy, and encourage the industry as a whole to improve sustainable design as we move forward.
In addition, Source4Style’s on line B2B virtual library currently showcases 1000 textiles from 24 suppliers in 12 countries, connecting designers directly to the community of sustainable material suppliers around the globe. Designers meet suppliers by ordering swatches on the web site, but production fabric and yardage comes directly from the supplier.
In the future, expect to see more from Source4Style in terms of additional workshops, reviews and feedback of fabrics, new yarns, buttons and embellishments, and more.
a search for more and more sustainable materials from around the globe
Leila Hafzi – a peek at the Spring 2011 collection
I had the pleasure of meeting Leila Hafzi at the presentation of her Spring 2011 collection.
leila hafzi selects her favorite pieces for PureThread
The collection LEILA is eco casual, comforable, relaxed, yet very feminine – just like a true reflection of a luxury bohemian lifestyle. Norwegian born designer Leila Hafzi presented her collection to me and I was instantly delighed to see pieces that I know my client would love. The collection LEILA is made of 100% organically farmed cotton from Andhara and Gujarat in India. When it is available she also uses wild grown cotton collected by local tribes and spun at small, local spinning mills provided by the textile ministry in India. The fine- count cotton yarn is loomed in the southern part of Kerala, India, where looming is home-industry and mostly done by women.
For Spring, I will have these items on hand for my clients, bridging the gap where eco and ethical trade meets high end fashion!
Ajur Vasta, or “Life Cloth” is a 5000 year old Ayurvedic treatment of textiles where as many as 40 herbs are combined in synergy. The process is completely free of synthetic chemicals, toxins, and is completely organic, sustainable, an biodegradable. The color is a result of only the medicinal preparation and no other dyes are used. Roots, flowers, leaves, seeds and bark of around 2000 herbs are used to make the dyes.
Inspiring to see cotton infused with herbs to create the color. For Spring, I select the entire range of colors — from pale pink, pale gold, grey, and white — a beautiful and healing color palette.
Ajur Vasta "Life Cloth" - The Herbal Dyed Fabric
We have officially launched ThePureThread.com
Jill Heller has officially launched ThePureThread.com check it out, you will love it.
Come join us for a private shopping event!
Jill Heller fashion stylist and founder of PureThread, and Robin Koval president of Kaplan Thaler Group invites you and a guest for cocktails and a private shopping event for Autumn and Winter 2010 at the Stella McCartney store!
Thursday October 14th
7pm to 9pm
429 West 14th Street
RSVP
Jill.Heller@thepurethread.com
914-262-1529
Pure Thread clients will receive an exclusive one tine 10% off purchases.
Jean Chatzky had some great advice about…
Jean Chatzky had some great advice about streamlining your closet. She even used some of my advice, which has left me flattered! http://tinyurl.com/27aw9ec
Indigenous Designs, celebrates 15 years of Fair Trade at the crossroads of passion and fashion
The Voyage Wrap Hoodie - Made of Tencel and Organic Cotton - This subtle melange twist of black/chestnut paired with sport, contemporary silhouettes is perfect for traveling across town or across oceans. Retail Price $185.00
The Long Shawl Cable Cardigan - 100% Free Range Alpaca - Revered as one of the world's finest luxurious fibers, alpaca is rarer than cashmere and warmer then wool. This contemporary open cardigan with hand knitted cable sleeve detail mixes novelty with modern wearability. Retail $205.00
Striped Serape - 100% Organic Cotton - This silhouette is created with subtle European details, adding the perfect accent of color to any modern wardrobe. Retail $170.00
Melange Cardigan - Tencel and Organic Cotton - Two colors in one, this reversible cardigan has a subtle melange twist of slate and platinum. It can be worn as a cardigan or as a wrap dress for multiple uses. Retail $149.00
Mixed Knit Coat - Hand Made From 100% Free Range Alpaca - Past meets Present as the beauty of ancient Incan craft patterns mixes with a modern wearable silhouette. Retail $325.00
All of the items are made with natural fibers, relying on the special hand woven skills of thousands of artisans in South America.
I asked Matt a few question and this is what he had to say…
JH, PureThread: Please tell me your mission as it specifically pertains to your sustainability initiatives and, if applicable, how you intend to be a leader in the field.
MR: Our ultimate mission is to build a leading ethical fashion brand while empowering artisans at the bottom of the pyramid, elevating them to premium status through our indigenous fair trade & organic production model. Indigenous, founded in 1994, has significant first mover advantage as one of the few pioneers in this space. Indigenous has built a one of a kind cottage industry artisan based production model, employing over 1,000 Fair Trade artisans and pioneered luxurious best in class organic yarns. Indigenous is the brand that creates balance through mindful purchase. We strive to appeal to both the style conscious fashionista and the cause related passionista, alike through our deeply rooted socially just trading model and classic European design detail.
JH: What do you think are your company’s three most important sustainability initiatives?
Matt: 1) Environmental Stewardship through exclusively using only the best 100% organic, natural fibers, 2) Social Justice by working directly with indigenous artisans at the bottom of the pyramid and paying them full value for their work, and 3) Global Action by development works of organizations to provide financing, fair trade and organic certifications, education, and other vital forms of assistance to help indigenous artisans elevate themselves and their cultures on the world stage. As well as involving ourselves in our own communities to help further the cause of social & environmental education.
I know I am passionate about my project when on the hottest summer day in June I pumped up the air conditioner and took a ride over the Brooklyn Bridge to visit fashion designer JoAnn Berman. And I am so glad that I did! It felt as if I had known JoAnn forever, as we laughed and shared stories around fabric and fashion that dates back to our past 20 years in the industry.
Meet JoAnn Berman, whose gorgeous one of a kind design work has been so gracefully received by the high-end public and the press. In a process known as UPCYCLING, JoAnn converts high-end vintage materials into new fashion designs of better quality and higher environmental value. The term upcycling was used by William McDonough and Michael Braungart in the book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Here they state that the goal of upcycling is to prevent wasting useful materials by making use of existing ones. This reduces the consumption of new raw materials and reduces energy usage.
JoAnn feels that using vintage is more appealing to her design sensibility than buying new eco textiles – She said “you get the most incredible fabric when I can utilize my beautiful draping skills. I have created a vintage library from all over the world, developed over 25 years of research, searching flee markets, and collecting from people in the fabric business.”
Let’s dig in! WOW – I was so excited to select just a few great fall styles for you…Contact me directly to reserve your piece.
The Joni Mitchell Jacket - One of her most iconic pieces, this blazer style is made from vintage suede and fabric trim from Guatemala. JoAnn calls this her "hippie boho-luxe" piece. The colors are a deep rich caramel with washed metallic bronze. The scooped neckline and floral motif gives a softness to the piece, making it feel dainty and feminine. The sleeves have a tiny puff, which adds a little shoulder to balance the silhouette. Wear it with a basic tee or tank, jeans and brown boots for a really chic look. Retail Price $575.00
My Father, My Hero - A Capelet. Made of loden green boiled wool, with a leather collar and print lining made visable through the armholes. A rugged feel with a feminine utility, JoAnn refers to this great piece as "My Father, My Hero" - named after her father who was a WWII veteran and an olympic swimmer. JoAnn turns military chic into a very wearable "utility" trend. Retail price $550.00
The Natural NORDIC Azzadine - Reminiscent of the knitwear in the 90's, the vintage cotton knit sleeveless tunic can be worn as a sweater or as a dress with leggings. Inspired by the look of Azzadine Alaia, JoAnn designed this piece to define the body, showing off every curve. It also features a smoothly scooped front and back. The nordic pattern is a fall classic and can be worn with a great natural colored sweater coat to top it of. (I'm already pairing it with a taupe cardigan from Ciel, that you will see below...). Retail price $350.00
COUTURE for Pure Thread - I asked JoAnn to make something really quite special for the PureThread client in mind. We selected a Navaho woven pattern in grey and chocolate brown with a thread of lime green running throughout the pattern (a reminder to continually "green" our fashion choices!). We both thought that this piece of fabric would make a wonderful sweater cardigan for the fall, so JoAnn quickly grabbed a grey sweater cape form the 1980's, which details a stockinette stitch (a stitch that women used to knit socks in the 1800's) and said "and this will be the hood". The finished product will arrive in September - Our Couture Design, exclusively for the PureThread client. Retail price $550.00
This is JoAnn, throwing the sweater over her shoulder as if to form the hood.
Upcycled Leather Bags for the Classic Customer
I spent the second half of the day in Brooklyn at the design studio of Shannon South, re-Made,USA, a leader for sustainability in the fashion accessory market.
Shannon picked up a leather jacket at Goodwill – inspired by its rugged form and soft hand, she transformed the jacket into a handbag. Using more coats found at Goodwill and leather scraps and a few bits of hardware, South was able to upcycle leather jackets into several bags. Shannon told me they are truly one of a kind because each jacket is different, with various shades of color and texture. Attracted to old men’s bomber jackets, Shannon finds her materials from thrift shops or from leather items given to her by customers in the hopes of creating something new.
from old bomber to new bag
My favorite design from the RE- Made collection is THE DUFFLE Bag, where Shannon will re use the jackets in the photo below to produce 4 brown and 2 black duffle bags for PureThread clients, retail price $495.00. I especially love the outer pockets – Shannon does not follow fashion trends but instead lets the details from the jacket guide her design. The duffle has 2 patch pockets in the front, lifted directly from the bomber jacket. Each bag is lined with a organic cotton twill.
hand-selected shades of cognac brown, a special order for PureThread clients
Shannon South: “I see reMade USA as part of a back-to-basics, holistic approach that is in line with the way I try to live my life. Every reMade USA bag is a limited edition of one and bears its own serial number that reflects its uniqueness. We source our materials in a variety of ways. Thrift stores and scraps from the upholstery industry are our main sources. We also accept donations of all kinds of leather. If you would like to supply your own jacket, we do take special orders and will make you a bag based on one of our current designs.”
the Duffle bag has rounded side seams creating a very modern, contemporary look from all angles.
Making a bag from your jacket
For those of us who have a creative spark and would like to take part in the design process, Shannon welcomes your own family heirlooms that hang forgotten in your closet and will transform them to a functional object that can be used everyday. The beauty in this is that it is not throw away fashion, but something that holds memories and stories behind the item for you to enjoy. Perhaps you have an old leather jacket or a tweed coat that you just cant seem to part with, yet would like to use in a different way. “The most beautiful bags are those that have embedded personal stories and sentimental value”, says Shannon.
Create a functional accessory that’s less likely to be discarded -Let’s make an appointment and join me on my next trip to Shannon’s studio in Broolyn. Invite a few friends! There’s plenty of room for innovation when it comes to repurposing and reusing clothes that are no longer worn.
Sonoma Duffle - Retail price $495.00
The Story of Panchachuli – People, Product and Planet
When I met Mary King, founder of Panchachuli, we immediately recognized that we share a similar aesthetic and passion for fine quality, luxurious wool scarves, shawls, and home decor blankets. This is a topic I have been thinking about for a long time — looking for special pieces that feel right, with true and timeless beauty. I have seen styles comes and go, but beneath them are certain fundamentals that touch our senses.
Home, sweet home: our emotional heartland, a place of comfort, intimacy, and privacy. The less artificial and synthetic your living space, your clothes, your food, etc. the more beneficial it is to your well being. Live naturally!
Jill Heller, PureThread: Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of the style?
Mary King, Panchachuli: Natural, simplicity, classically beautiful and award winning weaving.
MK: Our items, shawls, stoles, scarves and blankets are both classic and traditional and therefore are timeless, such as the herringbone or wave pattern blankets. Although they could easily last a lifetime with proper care, wool is 100% biodegradable at the end of it cycle.
JH: Please tell me the mission of your company.
MK: Panchachuli U.K. supports the Panchachuli Women Weavers Cooperative from Kumaon in N. India. This cooperative provides a livelihood for over 700 women who hand spin, weave and knit beautiful items, made entirely of natural materials. Our mission is to support this community of weavers and to train a further 500-1,000 local people, over the coming years, by the establishment of more cooperatives in other mountain villages.
JH: Now, please tell me your mission as it specifically pertains to your sustainability initiatives and, if applicable, how you intend to be a leader in the field.
MK: Our fibers are totally sustainable. Wool is our main product which grows naturally as well as being biodegradable. The production of wool involves far lower carbon emissions than man made fibers. Our oak silk and Himalayan nettle items are grown and harvested using traditional methods of production. Through Ethical Fashion initiatives we aim to play a pivotal role in enlisting designers and retailers to the cause of sustainable fashion.
JH: I aim to teach the consumer about eco fashion products. Please tell me as much as you would like to share so that I, as a stylist with direct contact with the consumer, can educate my client about your brand. Please tell me a little about your sustainability initiatives are reflected in your products…
MK: Our products, fabrics and accessories are made from 100% pashmina cashmere, NZ wool, oak silk, Bactrian camel wool or Himalayan nettle, and are not mixed with any other fiber.
The local villagers collect the oak silk and nettle in the Spring and process the raw material into fiber in the traditional way. Our ladies trek annually across the mountains to barter with the Tibetans and bring the wool back by mules to be processed by hand.
We are just starting training for hand embroidery to embellish our products. We also hand weave carpets and baskets in other villages, and are always running training programmes for the local women.
JH: Materials – Can you tell as much as you can about the materials that you use for your fashion products? What percentage of the materials you use are of the ecologically sound?
MK: 100% Oak silk or ‘Peace Silk’ is harvested after the moths have left the cocoons naturally and are not boiled as in other methods of silk production. Himalayan nettle is harvested by hand and soaked in ash, then washed and beaten in the river to extract the best fiber before being hand spun. Our wools are vegetable dyed or AZO free dyed in a range of over 37 colors, which are collected from the local plants, roots and berries by the villagers.
JH: If a customer were to ask me — why buy organic fashion? Why make the shift in my wardrobe? What are the advantages? — what are the points that you would be sure to tell the customer?
MK: Synthetic fabrics use up vast quantities of petro chemicals which are polluting as well as non-renewable. Most of the chemicals used are carcinogens or cause other chronic conditions to the people who work with them. Insecticides are also extremely toxic to the workers, particularly Endosulfan which is used as a pesticide in the cotton industry and has been linked to many deaths.
JH: How do you convince the customer to make the changes in her mindset and way of thinking about eco fashion, and thereby form a loyalty to your brank?
MK: EDUCATION. A lot of people are still unaware of the issues surrounding fast throw away fashion. Fact sheets in the store would be one way of informing customers of the issues surrounding labor, land fill, toxins, etc.
JH: do you have any specific labor standards? Do you participate with Fair Trade standards?
MK: Our cooperative is owned and managed by the women themselves. Fair trade in the textile sector is still very difficult, but is gradually changing. A three month study by the World Bank concluded that Panchachuli should be used as a global model for socio-economic change.
JH: Do you ensure that the people involved in growing, harvesting, producing, transporting, etc. your products are in a safe and healthy environment where they are not exposed to toxins?
MK: Absolutely.
JH: Are the farmers and laborers receiving fair market prices for their goods and services? Please explain in greater detail the lives of the farmers and factory workers so that my customers can really feel the interconnectedness of life and how her purchasing your brand affects the lives the others.
MK: Panchachuli Women Weavers is a social enterprise which has provided empowerment and a livelihood for over 700 women and is a remarkable achievement. In just over a decade it has grown from a handful of women who through sheer determination and a lot of resistance have become wage earners in an otherwise very backward and remote region of the Himalayas. Traditional skills have been revived whcih had all but died out in the area.
JH: May we have the honor of knowing your future plans with respect to your designs?
MK: Fall 2010 – a new range of hand knitted pashmina slipper socks. Also we plan to develop the hand embroidery items.
Study, Tara St. James
The White Shirt
FIT: Eco Fashion Exhibit
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
New York City
Eco – Fashion:
Going Green
Theme of the exhibit:
Each stage of fashion production has environmental consequences. Designers who use, produce, promote ethical sustainable products are working to diminish fashions harmful impact on the environment and their work is being supported by conscientious consumers.
As a New York Eco – Fashion stylist, and passionate tastemaker and trendsetter with expertise in the designer and contemporary fashion market, I am delighted to see this sustainable fashion exhibit at FIT, New York City. Having previously owned my own successful high end fashion boutiques in New York, I am trained to anticipate the waves of the future, both in fashion and in its greater context. As a fashion stylist, I aims to place more and more sustainable fashion into the hearts and closets of my clients. Because I represent both the traditional side of fashion and beauty, plus the renewed ethics around protecting our world, my eco – fashion selections reflect a new kind of thought process — clothing that is beautiful, that is made in a conscious way, and have long-term value. All of this is part of the story of eco-fashion. The exhibit will be on view at The Museum at FIT in New York
through November 13, 201o.
