The show, which, “invites top American and European designers to create fashions using natural and sustainable materials,” had tons of big names come out for the event, including Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Versace and Bottega Venetta.

“It’s just the way it should be. It should be more luxurious,” said Julie Gilhart, Barneys’ New York fashion director to Vogue. “It’s more luxurious to really think about where your fabric comes from, about the impact of it on the environment, and about fair trade and labour issues. All of that is super important!”

This sentiment was reflected throughout the event.

“The awareness is always there, but with things like this show, I feel like we’ll be doing that more,” said Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein. “The customer has to be educated, especially if it’s global. But I think everybody will catch on – and who doesn’t want to be a part of it? You can make an amazing, beautifully tailored piece that looks super expensive. And it’s great for the textile industry also, because they’re natural fibers so it’s better for the health of the farmers. So it’s just very positive – and it really makes a huge difference!”

The designer’s personal styles shone through the pieces. They used materials such as emp, bio-silk, organic cotton, bamboo and corn to make their unique creations.

“Eco-chic… I hope we don’t use that word anymore,” said Gilhart.

After the how last night, I highly doubt anyone will be!

“People understand that this is the way of the future,” Rogan Gregory added. “And why not? That’s my point: Why wouldn’t you do this?”

“The point,” Gillhart told Style.com, “is to start thinking about how we as the fashion community can begin to do things that are less harmful to the planet without sacrificing fashion or style.”

Once a slide show of the event is up somewhere, I’ll be sure to link to it!!

Source: Vogue and Style.com

illustration by Giambattista Valli of eco-dress courtesy of style.com

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Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Versace, Stella McCartney and Jil Sander will participate in EarthPledges FutureFashion show. It will feature their original designs made out of materials that are recyclable, sustainable and eco-friendly!

The held a similar event last year, but to very elementary results. This year’s event should showcase the designers at their best, capitalizing on the green materials and opposed to being hindered by them.

If you cant make the show, Barney’s Madison Avenue will have window displays featuring the looks beginning February 1.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

The best part about Bartlett’s line — which was showcased at NYC Fashion Week — is that he produced the entire collection off-grid. That’s right, there is not one carbon emission to be found anywhere in his pretty penny loafers.

The collection features hand-woven Italian fabrics, hand croheted, stitched and knitted garments using foot-pedal sewing machines. Once produced, the garments were packaged in recycled boxes and transported using biofuel.

Bartlett studied sociology at Harvard before turning toward fashion. His non-traditional background lends itself nicely to his work, which consists of a sleek, traditional silhouette that pulses with life and color when it comes to the fabric selection and the details.

You can read more about Bartlett at NY Magazine and you can also check out slideshows of his Fall and Spring 2007 collections there.

I’m sure a slide show of his spring 2008 collection will be up soon!Also, be sure to check out this great interview with Bartlett by the Fashion Informer.

Bartlett is so off-grid, he doesn’t have his own website. However, he does have a boutique in NYC’s West Village, so if you are ever in town, please go check it out!

Photo Credit: First View for New York Magazine
Source: New York Magazine & Off Grid

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I haven’t heard word about whether or not the behind-the-scenes procedures are getting a green makeover too, but it’s still good to hear about all the ethical and environmental designers being showcased.

New eco-magazine Sprig.com is promising to follow all the green events with polls, videos, pictures and more. Be sure to check it out from time to time this week.

Post from: Pretty by Nature