Posts Tagged ‘Eco-friendly’

Catherine Sutherland Art and Design

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

I have never seen jewellery like this before. It’s unrefined, unique, and absolutely raw. It’s so raw that there is a sense that it was pulled from the earth and it naturally moulded itself over a molten forge. It doesn’t have the refined beauty that most jewellery embodies. Instead it has something so intriguing just like a naked faced model.  

Catherine uses recycled scrap metal from US companies after finding out how most metals are made and processed. She found the facts very disturbing and didn’t want to contribute the destructive ways. “Anything can be done in a responsible manner”, Sutherland says, “It’s important that I work that way.”

                   

After receiving the metal, she then casts it into her jewellery. Each design is unique and is inspired by the metal itself. It’s like she makes the metal into the jewellery it wants to be. Each turnout is different with many failures, which allows each piece to be truly one of a kind.

Check out her website here to learn more about Catherine or to view her art and jewellery.

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Chic and Charming: Christin Tina

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

It will always continue to amaze me how beautiful eco-friendly clothing can be – and Christin Tina definitely doesn’t fail to deliver. Named after the designer’s two sisters, the clothing is chic, charming, and utterly breathtaking; I love the appetite to hug curves and create a gorgeous womanly silhouette. Designed by Lois, she creates her garments locally and sustainably, from fabrics such as bamboo rayon and soy, all handmade in her studio in beautiful Vancouver. The greatest part about Lois is that she is petite, enabling her to relate to the women that have a hard time finding clothes that truly fit. She marvels over the thrill of being able to finally “offer women the option of having their clothes custom made to their own measurements and requirements.” In my eyes, clothes are always more fabulous when the designer has you in mind, no matter what size, shape, or body type!

The biggest appeal for the Christin Tina line is the versatility. Each dress, top, sweater, and jacket is so unique, and the layered wrap-around design can be worn a multitude of ways. It ultimately showcases your individual personality as a wearer, and really indicates Lois’ strength as a designer. I’m head over heels for the bamboo jersey wrap dresses, which come in many colours and styles, from fitted to flowy. I love the tie in the front, which can be girlishly in a bow, or casually in a knot. Like I said, versatility! Lois also designs gorgeous white Grecian-style wedding dresses that would flatter any glowing bride. And, probably my favourite piece from the collection, is the large collared jacket with a perfect tie that accentuates the waist. It’s structured, but soft, which don’t always go hand in hand – but with Christin Tina they lace together perfectly.


The Christin Tina line runs a price range from $35-$300, proving that eco-friendly fashion can also be affordable. You can purchase these designs from the Etsy store and also visit the Facebook fan page as well. Summer weather will soon be dazzling the citizens of Vancouver, so be sure to come to Portobello West’s Summer market on June 27th at the Rocky Mountaineer Station – and possibly pick up a perfect summer outfit from Christin Tina!

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Cherry Blossom into Summer with Eco-Friendly Clothing!

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

About two months ago, I started using bamboo sheets. I think it was like 3 years ago when I was in a textiles class where my instructor was raving about the benefits of using this stuff. It’s a natural antibacterial fabric, meaning it blocks bacteria growth. That’s great and everything, but one of the main reasons why I use it is because I cover myself in layers and layers of blankets so most of the time, I wake up with cold sweats (mostly from nightmares LOL, I’m so not trying to gross you out, btw! haha). Anyways, I’m not here to rave about sheets, I’m here to rave about a brand that is both trendy and eco-friendly: Cherry Blossom.

Deanna Milligan, the mastermind behind Cherry Blossom, is what we call a mompreneur. Deanna is a self taught designer residing in Tsawwassen, BC  and is also an actress so it’s kind of obvious that she truly lives for the arts and for her two daughters!  All of her stuff is made from bamboo jersey and is manufactured in Vancouver. However, one of the coolest parts of her designs (other than being eco-friendly), is that all of the images she uses have been created off of her own computer first.

Deana describes the images on her clothing as tattoos and as a canvas for her artwork. She believes that one of the reasons why people have such a strong attraction to her clothing is because they feel like they’re wearing something that is authentic and soulful. Cherry Blossom has been featured in many fashion magazines and newspapers such as Fashion Magazine and Flare, so it’s definitely nice to know that Deanna’s talent has been noticed and recognized nationwide for what her brand represents.

Going back to what I was saying at the beginning of this post, now is definitely the PERFECT opportunity for you all to hop on the Cherry Blossom train and pick up one of her pieces since it’s about to get mighty hot outside. You’ll be keeping dry and fighting off sweat in the summer sun and will look trendy all in one! Talk about killing two birds with one stone, right?

Deanna and all of her eco-friendly goodness will be at Portobello West Market on May 30th from 12-6 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. So definitely make her vendor one of your must see’s when you’re there, you won’t be disappointed!

:)

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Revamped by Jenn: Style With A Conscience

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Looking through upcoming designers for the May 30th market, I stumbled upon Revamped by Jenn, a line of handbags that are revamped from vintage fabrics. Starting out with reupholstering couches, cushions, and the sort, Jenn’s career path took her to a new place that she could express herself: the world of fashion. Using eco-friendly and recyclable materials, Jenn takes a simple purse and molds it into a masterpiece. All of her designs are done locally and by Jenn herself, proving her craft of handmade items.

I love the classic detailing and casual style of Jenn’s designs. If I saw someone carrying one on the street, I would definitely do a double take! My favourite is the use of a typical mens tie as the strap and detailing – it’s innovative and so chic! What I also thought was a great attribute is the use of soft coloured leather; it really adds an edgy element while keeping the signature down-to-earth and vintage look of Jenn’s designs. It’s really apparent that each purse has it’s own style, proving that it can add such impact to, say, a casual outfit of jeans and a tee.

What I love the most is that each piece is completely unique and has its own identity; if you buy from department stores, it’s certain, without a doubt, that someone else will be sporting the same bag as you down the street. Revamped by Jenn let’s the buyer decide on a one-of-a-kind product that is solely theirs, which I think is the best part about the designers that Portobello West brings to Vancouver. Don’t forget to come down to Rocky Mountaineer Station to check out our market on May 30th, 12-6pm. Support local, chic, and breathtaking designs!

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Lav & Kush: The ‘Flirt’ of Sustainable Fashion

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

How can a name, based on two demi-gods who embody beauty and strength, not ooze a feeling of empowerment? The eco-friendly fashion label, Lav & Kush, proves that sustainable materials can be a friend to the Earth and feel luxurious on your body at the same time. With the motto “Who says you can’t have it all?” the brand demonstrates the harmony between feeling fabulous in eco-chic clothing, and being fabulous in an economical way  – the fashionista behind the designs is Angela Saxena, who not only creates clothes that are fun and flirtatious, but she also started a Fashion Share program in which a portion of proceeds benefit non-profits. This program promotes awareness for various environmental organizations, like Peta and World Vision, which help immensely in keeping our world lush and beautiful. Clothing that looks good, but also does good? There can’t be any better combination.

The Lav & Kush Spring 2010 line is full of rich colours and comfortable fabrics, with a touch of luxury and a certain sass. Angela explains on her website that, truly having it all, means “not compromising style and yet all the while being aware of our environmental footprint.” Made for the urban woman, the designs for the spring season would flatter any body type, with a whimsical softness of bohemian-like patterns and flowing dresses. Although, the designer adds her signature ‘flirtatious’ details with intricate backs and one-shoulder styles, never losing the element of style merged with sustainability!

Visit the Lav & Kush website for more information on this beautiful line of clothing. You can find Lav & Kush at our Portobello West Market in Calgary on April 9, 10, and 11 at the Big Four Building at Stampede Park. You won’t want to miss it!

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