thinking Spring

A First look at Spring 2012

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…

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.

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! 

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…
Click to view slideshow.

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.

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.

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!

Filed under: Sustainable ]]> http://thepurethread.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/summer-salon-highlights/feed/ 0 thepurethread Wendi and Beth Summer Salon Eco Fashion Organic Cotton Laurie in Loop Charmant slip dresses Miguelina Showroom director Eco Fashion Eco Fashion Organic Cotton Cardigan Stewart+Brown Leila Hafzi Tunic Dress Hand painted Eco Study by Tara St. James White Cotton Summer button down Study by Tara St. James Halter Study by Tara St. James Halter (back view) Minna Cinderella Dress Minna Cinderella Dress (back view) Miguelina gauze summer dress Minna Vintage-inspired lace dress Minna ivory lace vintage-inspired dress Miguelina ombre summer dress. http://thepurethread.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/eco-fashion-shines-at-our-summer-salon/ http://thepurethread.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/eco-fashion-shines-at-our-summer-salon/#comments Mon, 09 May 2011 14:18:47 +0000 thepurethread http://thepurethread.wordpress.com/?p=739 ]]>

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!

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.

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.

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

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

Simply beautiful!

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

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.

Meet a few of my amazing female friends, designers, spokespersons on the forefront of eco fashion and see what they are wearing today.

I am very excited to report that ALL of the beautiful pieces featured here will be available as part of PureThread’s Spring merchandising mix. Look for new fashion arrivals beginning in January – March 2011..I will call you and send email announcements as soon as the clothing arrives so that you can have first pick ….and save the first week of April for a ONE WEEK POP UP SHOP at my studio!  Keep in touch with me personally – I welcome all calls and emails! …Jill

NY TO LONDON:

I had the luxury of spending some time at Livia Firth’s Eco-Age store in London. Designer Minna Hepburn arrived at the store early in the morning to show me a few of her favorite pieces from the Spring 2011 collection. Her blouses are lovely and her dresses are just as special. Livia wore the black EVA dress to the NYC Premiere of her husband Colin Firth’s new film, The King’s Speech.These items will be in stock early next year, as Minna is now cutting, sewing, producing these special items for PureThread’s Spring debut.

Livia is wearing MINNA “Eva” dress – the Eva is a classic cocktail dress with sexy lace side panels. It has contrasting silk panels at front, concealed zip fastening at the back and fitted waist. Dress and lining are made from 100% organic silk. UK made lace 90& cotton, 10% nylon Dyed using Azo free, reactive dyes.

Minna shows the Saffron blouse – Romantic Saffron top is made from Scottish lace and has a wide elasticated neckline so it can also be worn off the shoulder. Made with covered buttons, it simply slips on. Available in nude, and ivory. Meet Jocelyn Whipple – my mentor and friend in London, with over ten years experience and extensive contacts across the sustainable fashion and textile sectors. Jocelyn offers her special knowledge around the complex and continually developing definitions of ‘eco’ and ‘ethical” textiles and fashion. Through her company, Element 23, Jocelyn’s brand recommendations delivers the very best in women’s wear boutique brands. She is amazing and I am so excited to be working with her. Jocelyn wears a nude scarf by PRIVATSACHEN, Coat by Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci, FROM SOMEWHERE—- earrings are GABRIELLE SANCHEZ signature M & M hoops, and a little hint of the bag to her right….SONYA KASHMIRI- Let’s talk about the coat – FROM SOMEWHERE re-thinks the fashion industry’s left overs, reclaiming and up-cycling as a design solution to an environmental problem. Tweed and cashmere fabrications are still beautiful,still useable, if thought of in a different way. The construction of this coats is spectacular, and FSW is now making about 5 pieces for PureThread to be sent to us in early January 2011. Take note of the bag on the chair…..While in the midst of tea and great conversation, my mind wandered to the bag on her right. Glancing over, I said to Joss …”tell me about your bag – it’s fantastic”…and WOW –  Sonya Kashmiri walked into our lives. Sonya creates traditional but contemporary accessories that are both wearable and fashionable, with the added bonus of sustainability. Her accessories, constructed in veg tan leather and are lined with organic cotton. Structural strength is added usingrecycled leather.  Sonya is now gathering her pieces and sending us a few of the Miss Charlotte bag – but we have to wait a few weeks for finishing touches and shipping.

In air of great conversation, my mind wandered to the bag on her right. Glancing over, I said to Joss …”tell me about your bag – it’s fantastic”…and wow –  Sonya Kashmiri walked into our lives.

PureThread Coming Soon – SONYA KASHMIRI

The Miss Charlotte Bag and the coat FROM SOMEWHERE

LET’S TRAVEL DOWNTOWN, NEW YORK CITY TO THE HOME OF INTERNATIONAL PLAYGROUND TO MEET A FEW OTHER ECO FASHION FRIENDS AND EXPERTS

We are greeted wtih a warm welcome to International Playground by co founder, Virginia Craddock. International Playground is such a great concept – both a store and a showroom, IP features emerging designers from around the world — some of which address sustainability, namely Study and H Fredrikkson.

At International Playground –

Meet Rachael Lincoln Sarnoff, founder of EcoStiletto , as she was happily preparing for her debut on the Today show, she discussed her fashion tips on how to “green your routine” at home.

I just couldn’t resist trying on an item from the summer collection by STUDY, Tara St. James . The “Weekend Halter”, a linen no-waste hand-dyed halter top felt cool, chic, and comfortable.

Rachael and I admired the small details such as a set-in pocket, and light weight hand of the fabric.  The Weekend Halter style will be available in both linen and peace silk.

We couldn’t resist –  I ordered both fabrications for PureThread fashionistas!

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.

Meet Bahar Shahpar, a fashion designer who produces her own label locally here in New York. Bahar Shahpar designs using only ecologically sound materials,minimizing waste and overall energy consumption in every instance possible. Fibers are evaluated according to the methods used for their cultivation, processing, and finishing, and vintage trims, natural buttons, and unbleached organic cotton linings are incorporated into most piece.

Bahar shared her joy with us as she modeled the boiled wool poncho designed by Tara St James for Study. This has been a great item for PureThread clients, and I know that Tracey and Ginger have been “living in” theirs.  I have just 2 pieces left, so contact me for this piece asap!

Meet Wendi Winshall, my associate stylist who recently joined PureThread.  Wendi has a discerning eye for beautiful style, and has selected 4 H Fredrikkson silhouettes.  She is wearing one of our new spring picks from H Fredrikkson….a white tunic that can be worn over jeans, or a pair of black straight leg pants —sheer, layered, and wonderfully feminine for next spring….more items from H Fred on the way, as we lay out our product selection for you :

AT MY HOME WITH KEE

Meet Kee Edwards, designer of Loup Charmant, wearing her very own black organic cotton voile dress.

The line is built on basics pieces that you love, that are reliable, that can be layered.  Pieces you always want to wear. Kee aims to give women items to wear that make them feel natural and beautiful in their own skin - sensual, sexy, feminine, dreamy, and light.  This line excites me so…. coming in March 2011. Meet me at the showroom of M PATMOS, for LEROY AND PERRY. I have known Marcia Patmos for a many years and have always appreciated her commitment to modern classic design.  As a buyer for Lutz and Patmos at my previous boutique, Marcia always has very beautiful sweaters and pieces that are clean and sophisticated. Her own collection, M PATMOS  consists of luxury knits in Italian cashmere as she continued focus to focus on luxury yarns, sustainability and collaborations with artisans. Eco friendly fabrics can be found at her studio. Here I selected the oatmeal heather, light weight cotton hoodie with orange lining- a LEROY & PERRY novelty knit that is easy, modern, casual, layered, and versatile.

Meet LEILA HAFZI – On the scene of high-end fashion, a new voice was born and the ethical and eco conscious trade found a leading lady. In a sensual, elegant manor, Lelia’s collection and colors are drawn directly from handpicked flowers that play on luxurious fabrics. Combined through grading, pleats, and hand paintings they create contrasts in perfect harmony. PureThread features the multiple award winning brand that is a frequenter on red carpets around the world.

Wearing her very own cashmere scarf, and the Ochre Halter dress,- all pieces featured here will be arriving in FEB 2011!

STEWART + BROWN

Meet Angie’s arm as she shows us the next organic cotton favorites from Stewart + Brown Spring 2011.  Let’s highlight our wardrobes in sage Green and white in comfortable organic cotton.  I can’t wait!

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,

 

I picked a beautiful silk and cashmere python print scarf for Martha – I ended up buying the piece for myself and Ginger found one too!

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.