Goodlifer » Style

Good Stuff: Neutrals & Blues

Johanna Björk — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:28:09 +0000

Neutrals and blues go so well together, it would be a shame not to mix them. Good stuff that we are craving right now includes a belted trench, classic in shape but with unexpected detailing, a tin candle made from a very unexpected recycled substance, sustainable house slippers made with upcycled salmon leather, a timelessly elegant iPhone wallet, a bag that helps clean our oceans, stylish earrings made from factory waste, and thank-you cards that do good.

Edun Belted Trench Coat With Quilted Sleeves
Trench coats just never go out of style. This one is classic enough to be good for many years yet features edgy details that make it unique. By Edun, a fashion line started by Ali Hewson, wife of U2 frontman Bono, with a mission to develop sustainable trade with factories in developing countries such as Africa and China.
on sale for $299, Edun

Further Tin Candle
From the first time I smelled this signature fragrance made from the oils of bergamot, olive and exotic grasses, I was kind of obsessed. If you care about where the things you buy comes from and what they are made of, you will be amused by the fact that Further candles are made from purified waste grease from Mario Batali’s MOZZA restaurant. Thankfully they smell nothing like cooking oil.
$28, Further

Sustainable House Shoes
Maybe it’s because the floors in my house are still freezing, but I’ve been obsessed with slippers lately. These elfin-like ones are 100% handmade in Chile with natural free-range Patagonian wool and upcycled and repurposed Salmon Leather. Each pair comes in a recycled cardboard tube and has a QR code that gives you information about the artisans that made them and where they were made.
$59.99, Kellygreen Home

Ribandhull Bridle Wallet / iPhone Case
This gorgeous bridle wallet not only stashes your cash and cards, it also works double duty as an iPhone case. Handmade from premium Italian vegetable tanned bridle leather it will only grow more beautiful with age. If only the same was true for my phone.
$95, Etsy/ribandhull

United by Blue Signature Organic Bag
Made from 100% organic cotton canvas with an adjustable strap and brass hardware, this versatile bag will go anywhere with you. By organizing cleanups United by Blue removes one pound of trash from the oceans for every product you buy. Every little bit helps.
$53.00, United by Blue

Muan Earrings by DLC Brooklyn
These stunning brass beads earrings by DLC Brooklyn (previously Dirty Librarian Chains) are upcycled from deadstock pieces that were rescued from shuttered jewelry factories in the North East United States. Like all of DLC jewelry’s, it is made by hand in their Brooklyn studio.
$85, DLC Brooklyn

Raven + Lily Uzma Notecard Set
These beautiful notecards are made with 100% recycled cotton paper and unique eco-friendly designs with handmade envelopes by marginalized Muslim women in Northern India. Perfect for all those thank-you cards you probably still have to write after the holidays. Proceeds from the collection go to fund literacy programs for the women artisans and children in the community.
On sale for $9, Raven & Lily

This article is a collaboration between Goodlifer & Coco Eco Magazine

On the Cutting Edge of Eco-Fashion: ULTRA

Johanna Björk — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:35:49 +0000

Ever since I added the word “eco-fashion” to my vocabulary, I have wished for a brand like ULTRA to come along. One that is as cutting edge and inspired as it is sexy and badass. Organic cotton and muted colors are great, but sometimes a girl just wants to feel like a vixen. There’s a tech nerd factor in the innovative use of materials and cuts that mixes very well with a sexy coolness that could be compared to Alexander Wang or Celine.

Lead by Tengku Jamidah and Anita Hawkins, We Are Ultra is a creative collective based in Malaysia. They started in 2009, with a blog where the group shared ideas about innovation that got them all excited. From the start they have been driven by sustainable design and now collaborate with artists, designers, companies and organisations “to create meaningful products, experiences and workshops from our own innovation-minded point of view.”

ULTRA Co-Founders Tengku Jamidah & Anita Hawkins

The collective currently also includes Malaysian designers Jonathan Liang and Tengku Syahmi. ULTRA is just one of their projects. “ULTRA started of as a blog on all things sustainably related,” says Co-Founder Tengku Jamidah. “Blogging about it kept us inspired and informed, then Anita (the other Co-Founder) and I felt a little brave and decided to launch our little organic Bathcare range and sell a selection of eco-friendly lifestyle products that we felt was lacking in the market. It then evolved into a fashion line with Jonathan and Syahmi joining the team. ULTRA was always about passionate people doing their bit for the future, keeping it fun, happy and hip!”

When it comes to creativity, it’s sometimes good to surround yourself with like-minded, equally driven creative thinkers. “I feel that working as a creative collective gives us more room to explore and experiment with sustainability in a way that no one else has,” says Jamidah. “Anita and I always like to say that we work on projects that are fun and capture our interest. We do whatever we love. Without defining ourselves and being multi-disciplinary it attracts collaborators and gives us room to grow.”

Now in their third season, ULTRA uses innovative materials like tencel, recycled PET, recycled polyester, organic wool, discarded tuxedos and salmon skin to create high fashion with a sustainable core. They also work with local tailors and support ethical production standards.

So where do the people behind ULTRA look for inspiration? ”Everywhere,” says Jamidah. “Life experiences, my travels… usually coming from immersing ourselves into different cultures and keeping it an adventure. The arts has had a major impact on ULTRA from Antioni films, Wang Qingsong photos, our ULTRA music contributors to She-Ra — princess of power.”

The brand successfully funded its Fall 2011 collection through Kickstarter and has already showcased at major fashion weeks in Paris, London and Asia. In October of this year they won the Ethical Fashion Forum’s Innovation in Design and Sourcing Award.

When visiting We Are Ultra’s website, it’s easy to be confused, because these creative minds have many irons in the fire. Instead of going with the regular seasonal collection schedule, they work on specific projects. A recent one that stands out is ULTRA 10, a capsule collection containing ten highly versatile, modular pieces that can be combined infinitely. For example, there’s the 4-1 coat that can be worn as a shirt, a dress, or a skirt, and the 2-1 jacket that changes into a waist coat.

The idea is that these are all the pieces of clothing you need to create enough unique looks for a whole year. Pieces can be sent in any time for mending, and after those 365 days have passed, you can even return your ten garments to be recycled in exchange for a discount on new wardrobe pieces. ULTRA has encouraged fans of their clothing to take the challenge of not wearing anything (except accessories) that is not from the ULTRA 10 collection. Photos of challengers and their outfits can be seen on ULTRA’s Flickr page.

As Kuala Lumpur Design Week came to a close, ULTRA and their extended collective decided to get a group of friends together — designers, musicians, entrepreneurs and stylists — deck them out in top to toe ULTRA wan take them it out onto the streets of Changkat Bukit Bintang for an ULTRA Flashmob, another We Are ULTRA project. The mobbers stayed out Into the wee hours of the morning. “It was such a joy to see the happy people enjoying the ULTRA work,” says the team.

At Kuala Lumpur Design Week, ULTRA gathered a group of friends, decked them out in top to toe ULTRA and took it to the streets for a flashmob.

ULTRA’s designs would look right at home in the closet of even the most painfully trendy fashionista. They’re very now. But what about the future of eco-fashion? “I’d like to see it grow in a way that it becomes more affordable and accessible to people.” says Jamidah. “Also I’m interested to see technology develop based on this movement, there’s pineapple fiber and milk fabric, how amazing is that? Also, the use of more ethical practices by bigger manufacturers. Garments without guilt is a good model, one that the corporations should emulate.”

The idea behind the ULTRA 10 collection is that these are all the pieces of clothing you need to create enough unique looks for a whole year.

In order to produce less waste, ULTRA produces everything on a made-to-order basis. They are looking into exploring alternate applications such as 3D-printing tailoring, kinetic harvesting and modular open-sourced designs, and are also currently working with UNHCR to provide production opportunities to refugees.

Assuming you don’t have an aversion to the colors black or white, what’s not to love about this brand? We’re not sure, but we do know that you will be seeing a lot more of ULTRA in the upcoming year.

weareultra.com

Good Stuff: Nature Girl

Johanna Björk — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:12:18 +0000

Sometimes a girl needs a little help getting through the winter. For me, an organic wool coat, some great boots, a luscious scrub, immune-boosting essential oil and some great jewelry works wonders. And, of course, it’s all good stuff.

Kristinit Coco Coat
This cape-like coat, made from 100% organic wool, is a great investment-piece for your fall wardrobe. It’s beautifully constructed and features deep pockets, and embroidered collar and cuffs. Wear it with a belt for a more tailored look.
$385.00, kristinit.com

Rhinestone Trisectional Cuff Bracelet by Thea Grant Jewelry
Brooklyn-based designer Thea Grant works with materials ranging from vintage brass to sterling to gold-fill. Her pieces are both delicate and tough and toe the line between high fashion and heirloom. This piece would look as good with a thick knit sweater as it would with a sparkly party dress.
$195, bazzdegrant.com & junoandjove.com

Coclico Eirinn Brunciato Boots
These sturdy fall boots are made for walking, the 2.75” heel is tall enough to make you feel dressed up but won’t make your feet hurt. Highly versatile, they’ll go just as well with a dress as with pants.
$398, shopcoclico.com

Raven + Lily Dany: Hoop (Fade-Out) Earrings
These hoops are handmade from recycled metals (brass, silver, copper) and melted down war weapons. Proceeds help provide micro loans, healthcare, and education for the HIV-positive women in Ethiopia who make them.
$28, ravenandlily.com

Two Lovers and an Acorn Ring Set
This cute set of made-to-order rings is designed to be wedding bands. The Oak symbolizes strength, protection and durability and represents inner fire, courage and nobility of spirit. The acorn is alive and will grow given the things that acorns need to grow.
$295, simplywoodrings.com

Sprout Scrub
Freshen up that dry cold-weather skin with this delicious scrub from organic skincare line Sprout. Coarse organic demerara sugar is mixed with exfoliating organic shredded coconut and moisturizing organic coconut oil. Works like a charm.
$22, sproutskincare.com

Lucky Large Buddha Necklace by Alkemie
Rub the belly of this Buddha and luck will be bestowed upon you. The peace dove symbolizes our desire for peace in this world. Handmade in Los Angeles using 100% reclaimed metal, this necklace can be worn long or doubled up short and is available in gold or silver patina.
$198, alkemiejewelry.com

Aromatherapy Personals Immune Boost Roll-on
This yummy-smelling aromatherapy oil helps keep sniffles away through a unique blend of pure and essential oils known to stimulate the immune system and combat colds, including Tea Tree, Frankincense, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and immunity enhancing oils. Just massage onto pulse point areas on the skin and breathe in the gentle aroma for an overall sense of well-being and restoration.
$17, nuworldbotanicals.com

Undies with a Cause: PACT + Architecture for Humanity for Japan

Johanna Björk — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:40:26 +0000

This holiday season, PACT and Architecture for Humanity have teamed up in support of the design and construction of a work-house for a cooperative of 15 fishermen in Shizugawa, a town nearly destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami in March. Goodlifer also joins the effort by lending a face (mine) to the campaign, and we are proud to be able to support such a noble cause.

If you’ve been a long-time reader, you may remember a post where I recalled my experience growing up in Sweden post-Chernobyl. Even though I was far from the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, I still felt some of the consequences for a long time to come. My heart goes out to all the people in Japan still struggling to get their lives back on track and if I can help them in some small way by modeling undies, I’m totally in.

This campaign will have effects more far-reaching than simply providing these fishermen with a place to work. After the work-house project in Shizugawa is complete and fishermen can begin working again, so can the people who support them: the local lunch lady, the delivery men, the ice suppliers, and on and on, thus breathing life back into a town nearly destroyed by the tsunami.

“Change starts with your underwear.” This statement (that happens to be PACT’s tagline) is a good way to think about your decisions in life. One of the first things we all do in the morning is put on underwear, right? The kind we chose can influence all the other choices we make that day.

So, if you are still looking for great holiday gifts for friends and loved ones, consider giving them a pair of these cute sustainable skivvies. The PACT for Japan collection features three different patterns, all designed by Yves Behar, available in three different styles of undies (for men and women) as well as socks, something PACT just recently started making. If you’re feeling really generous, splurge on a quarterly subscription of underwear & socks, delivered right to the door of your favorite guy or girl.

Visit Architecture for Humanity to learn more about the project.

AmaraGold Jewelry – Made from Upcycled, Un-mined Precious Metals

Johanna Björk — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:11:02 +0000

When it comes to buying something like gold jewelry, we often think of it as an investment piece — a high-quality item designed to last forever. AmaraGold is a Massachusetts-based company that decided to take a stand for the environment by launching a line of upcycled gold and silver jewelry using a new technology that actually increases the performance of the precious metals.

Amara’s entire process is eco-friendly from start to finish, down to the packaging. They are not just using recycled, un-mined gold but are also using processes that do not cause harm to the environment at any step during production. Their U.S. facility recently became ISO140001-certified, something the company refers to as “a big deal in the antiquated fine jewelry industry.”

AmaraGold 14K Gold Green Earth Drop Earrings

The recycled precious metals that the brand uses are sourced from Ohio Precious Metals and from the company’s own internal resources, all with third-party audit verification. Richard Powers, CEO of Cookson Precious Metals, owners of AmaraGold, says: “The Jewelry Division of Cookson Precious Metals is supported by 150 years of heritage in American fine jewelry craftsmanship. But the company has always had an enlightened approach to business. We believe in innovation, quality and ethics. With all of the changes happening in our industry right now, taking this next step to become ISO14001-certified and create the eco-friendly AmaraGold brand was a natural progression for the company.”

14K Gold Maria Canale Balance Collection Bangle

Gold and Silver Multi Strand Beaded Bracelet

Amara believes in total transparency and each piece bears a “Certificate of Authenticity” by a third-party auditor that ensures every piece of Amara brand jewelry is made from 100% recycled gold.. The origin of the fine grain gold and silver used to create each and every piece of jewelry that bears Amara’s brand trademark can be authenticated.

AmaraGold stud earrings

Amara gold jewelry is sold exclusively online, which may seem strange when it comes to fine jewelry. Richard Powers feels exactly the opposite. “The brand wanted to invent a new sales platform for gold jewelry that would offer true value to the consumer. Due to the high prices of gold right now, many retailers are offering lower quality product (such as gold-plated jewelry or lower karat values) or have abandoned the gold category entirely. We decided to go in the opposite direction and aim for higher quality, but also build a closer relationship to educate our customer about gold jewelry. Because AmaraGold receives daily feedback from its consumer via its online platform, the brand is able to connect to their real desires and react in real time. In our research for the launch of this brand, the consumer told us that eco-friendly change is important to them right now. So we made the investment to be able to provide what they were asking for.”

Gold and Silver Waterfall Necklace

14K Gold Woven Braid Dome Ring

The company’s goal in creating and launching the AmaraGold brand was to approach their exclusive jewelry collection as conservators, making something that will stand the test of time. The name speaks to that commitment as well, Amara is the short form of the Latin word Amarantha, which means unfading. Gold can be recycled over and over but, like true style, it never loses its luster.

Eco-Alternatives: 7 Pieces of (Sustainable) Wood Statement Jewelry

Johanna Björk — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:45:24 +0000

I often see something great from a conventional brand and find myself wishing there was a good eco-alternative. Well, chances are there is. At Stockholm Fashion Week, I fell seriously in love with V Ave Shoe Repair’s wooden statement necklaces, but was also disappointed that they’re not made from sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood. So, I found 7 statement wood jewelry pieces that share that same in-your-face quality but are made like we like them, sustainably.

Madera Recycled Wood Colores Bracelet
This eco-savvy bracelet from Galerie Urbana is hand shaped from recycled Colombian wood, recycled silver and leather.
$45, galerieurbana.com

Curva Reclaimed Wood Necklace
Taking the subtle curves of the neck this necklace, made from one piece of solid wood, embraces you with its soft arcs. No two necklaces are the same.
$42, vianativa.com

Wooden Trinket Ring Set with Reclaimed Trinkets and Copper Chain
Designer Jo Cameron found these wooden trinkets on a discarded necklace and thought they had a real 1920s Arts & Crafts look to them. So she took them apart and linked them up with copper chain to make this pair of rings.
approx. $25, etsy.com/shop/WildfowlDesigns

Reclaimed Wood Stick Necklace
This necklace is like an asymmetrical piece of art around your neck. Bold yet still neutral, it’s highly versatile and can be worn with outfits both fancy and casual.
$42, vianativa.com

R.3: Ring in Brass and Reclaimed Wood
To make this unique, oversized piece, four pieces of reclaimed wood are joined together and belted by a strip of brass attached to a brass ring. We like.
$55, etsy.com/shop/pinkteegreensolution

N.1: Necklace in Brass and Reclaimed Wood
This one-of-a-kind necklace is crafted from a single sheet of brass enclosing three types of reclaimed wood, which has been stained and sealed for protection.
$65, etsy.com/shop/pinkteegreensolution

Cube Necklace made with Love and Reclaimed Walnut Wood
One of kind necklace is made from reclaimed walnut wood, which came from a dining table made by a major furniture company. The table was deemed unsellable because of a slight defect and was destined for the landfill before this Etsy seller rescued it and gave it a new life.
$24, etsy.com/shop/IveGotWoodFurniture

Good Stuff: Pink Means Prevention

Johanna Björk — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:43:58 +0000

October is, as we all know, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stores everywhere are overflowing with pink merchandise that somehow is supposed to “benefit the cause.” Most of this, sadly, is nothing but pinkwashing. We think the focus should be on prevention, living as healthfully as possible and doing everything we can to avoid getting this horrible disease in the first place. Here’s some good stuff to help you along.

ECO logical skincare sunscreen
Keep your skin healthy by using a natural sunscreen that delivers maximum broad spectrum protection every day. This one’s light enough for daily use, works well under makeup and absorbs well. Bonus: it’s also loaded with antioxidants that reduce signs of aging, support cellular renewal and aid in circulation.
$13.99, futurenatural.com

The China Study
This is the most important book you will ever read. It may even save your life. Dr. T. Colin Campbell details the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and also its ability to reduce or reverse the risk or effects of these deadly illnesses. The China Study also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and irresponsible scientists.
$11.87, thechinastudy.com

Breville Juicer
The key to health is in prevention. Juicing fruits and veggies provides you with important nutrients and helps keep your body alkaline. A healthy and happy body is less prone to any kind of disease, particularly cancer, heart disease and diabetes. This juicer (which I use myself on a daily basis) is affordable and will fit on your kitchen counter.
$299.99, brevilleusa.com

Customizable Love Bottle
Make your green juice in the morning and carry it with you in this BPA-free reusable glass bottle with a watertight swing-top lid made of stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone. Customize your Love Bottle by adding stickers, bands or written affirmations for yourself or loved ones directly on the bottle. Write (with a permanent marker) on the clear part and it comes off in the wash, write on the printed part and your message stays. A portion of the profits will go to support Breast Cancer survivors.
$18, lovebottle.net

Vibram Five Finger Shoes
Exercise is another very important part of disease prevention. The benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, and there is evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and farther with fewer injuries. Actually running barefoot may not always be so practical, but these five finger shoes are the closest thing to it.
$80, vibramfivefingers.com

Pink Hemp Bracelet
Being healthy is about what you eat, what you drink and what you think. Let’s not underestimate the value of emotional support and feeling connected to the loved ones in your life. Call me sentimental, but I love the idea of cementing the bonds with the amazing women in your life by trading friendship bracelets. This one is made from eco-friendly hemp and available in custom sizes. Or, why not make your own?
$7, etsy.com/people/customhemptreasures

Yogitoes Pink Skidless Yoga Towel
If you do Bikram yoga, or just sweat a lot (I do) one of these mats will transform your practice. The skidless towel is lightweight, super-absorbent, and has tiny clear rubber dots that grip to your yoga mat, which means that instead of worrying about slipping you can deepen your awareness and get more out of your yoga practice. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Dr. Susan Love Foundation.
$49.95, everythingyoga.com

Ecoist Pink Hope Chica Rosa
Ok, this one is not about prevention, but a gal needs to look good to feel good too, right? This coin purse (or mini-clutch) is handmade in Brazil by Women’s Cooperatives, using 200 recycled aluminum pop tops, hand crocheted together. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ecoist will donate 10% of sales of the Pink Hope Collection for the month of October.
$42, ecoist.com

Oi Mei – Artisan-made Pillows for Peace

Johanna Björk — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:50:52 +0000

Sometimes inspiration strikes at the most unexpected moments. For Aimi Duong it happened while in Business School and spending a year abroad. She had visited rural villages in Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia and felt a strong desire to help out. That’s when she had the idea to start a company, Oi Mei, that employs these rural artisans to make fairtrade pillows that promote peace-building initiatives in developing communities.

I had a chance to talk to Duong and ask about her enterprise, the relationship she has with the artisans that produce her pillows, her passion for philanthropy, her inspirations and aspirations.

Aimi Duong, founder of Oi Mei, at left.

How did you have the idea for this enterprise?
I had the idea to start my first social enterprise during a year studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand. During this time I had the opportunity to travel throughout Thailand and neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Traveling though these developing nations, I never forgot the people within the communities. I often observed their primitive lifestyles and found it to be very humbling because these were some of the “poorest” people I have ever seen. Yet, they were full of charisma, compassion, perseverance and heart. It was difficult for me to leave many of these communities each time knowing that as I continue to travel and pursue my day to day activities; they continue to struggle for life’s most basic necessities.

Duong says it was difficult for her to leave the communities she visited, knowing that as she continued to travel and pursue her day to day activities; these people continue to struggle for life's most basic necessities.

I came to the realization that in such developing nations, a very small effort can make a huge difference in the lives of the rural poor. As I kept pushing my boundaries living abroad and staying curious, I began to feel that I was at the right place during the right time in my life to try something different. I enjoy philanthropy, I am fascinated by rich cultural traditions, traveling inspires me immensely and I had just completed my undergraduate degree in Business. As a new college grad who is fascinated with the power of social enterprise, I combined this with my other interests and had the idea to start a small business to support rural artisans while also re-investing a percent of net profits into peace-building initiatives. That’s how my “pillows for peace” initiative began.

Fabric for the pillows being hand-loomed using traditional techniques.

Beyond wanting to support rural artisans, I had a few reasons for wanting to explore social entrepreneurship — mainly, to raise awareness. I am a 24 year old Vietnamese/Chinese/American girl who grew up below middle class in America with a single immigrant mother who struggled to raise four children and give us a “brighter future.” I was fortunate to have scholarships, governmental assistance and the chance to work toward getting educated. I have seen many youths with similar backgrounds fall into troubled futures possibly because they lack inspiration and positive role models. Though I know that my efforts may be small, my main goal was to set an example of how one can overcome such obstacles and instead seek a positive future while helping others along the way. In today’s fast paced society we are often blinded by our own issues, sometimes forgetting the simple things in life and that there are others who face much difficult predicaments. I wanted to set a small example of how a young person can do good and do well, helping others and living a passionate life.

In starting "Pillows for Peace," Duong wanted to show how a young person could do good and do well, helping others and living a passionate life.

How did you form connections with the artisans who produce your pillows? Have you met them personally?
After visiting many small villages where textiles are being produced, I quickly became intrigued. I’ve always been a fan of ethnic-inspired textiles and saw an opportunity to help rural artisans who are struggling to make a living. I asked questions, researched about fair trade and contacted organizations that were supporting rural artisans. I grasped every opportunity to visit textile producing villages in the North of Thailand and soon realized that by me helping them gain exposure to new markets they are able to work for a fair wage, preserve a traditional craft and be self-sustainable.

Duong took every opportunity to visit textile producing villages in the North of Thailand, and the idea for her social enterprise formed.

My interest in the craft and the artisans increased as I learned more about the trade and developed a deep appreciation for their rich traditions and simple lifestyle. I made a few trips to the hill tribe villages to further conduct interviews, take photographs and video footage because I knew I had to share their lives with the wider world. I want to share their craft by making their products available to the wider world but more so I wanted to share their stories because I find it inspiring.

Duong at work with one of the artisans she employs.

That being said, yes, I have personally met the artisans who produce the pillows we will carry.

Did you always have a desire to do good or did you have a particular “aha-moment”?
During college I had many “jobs” ranging from waitressing, retail, sales, administrative, working with handicapped children and interning as a research fellow for an NGO in Thailand. I’ve also dedicated a lot of time volunteering with underprivileged children and families. From my work experience I knew that philanthropy is what I enjoy but as I was studying business for my undergraduate degree I didn’t think I could pursue that passion. In business school we are taught in almost every course that the ultimate mission is to maximize profits using traditional business models, which was quite uninspiring for me. Then, I discovered social enterprise, which has completely changed my future aspirations, empowering me to combine my passion for philanthropy and business knowledge as an entrepreneur.

Duong realized that by helping rural artisans gain exposure to new markets they are able to work for a fair wage, preserve a traditional craft and be self-sustainable.

As she learned more about the trade, Duong developed a deep appreciation for the rich traditions and simple lifestyle of the rural artisans.

Where do you see Oi Mei and “Pillows for Peace” in five years?
In terms of business, in five years I see Oimei Co. at a point of self sustainability with a broader product range. In terms of social impact; I see Oimei Co. partnering with a much larger number of rural artisans throughout South East Asia and possibly other regions in the world (as textiles are handwoven globally). This means that we will be providing more work and income to more rural artisans. By then we would have re-invested a percent of our net profits into various peace-building projects and partnering with more NGOs to expand the scope and implement more of them.

Duong intends to re-invest profits into various peace-building projects and partner with more NGOs to expand the scope and implement more of them.

What inspires you?
Mostly? Love. Nothing is more inspiring to me than simple act of compassion and “the little things” in life. These are a MUST to keep me going. I am aware that life and its obstacles can sometimes be daunting but I don’t believe in wasting time dwelling on the bad. I try my best to incorporate these essentials in my everyday life. I seek and embrace beauty in the simplest things and I grasp onto “feel good” moments. It can be a nice conversation had with an old friend, a smile shared with a stranger, witnessing genuine kindness and selflessness, walking through a fresh flower market in Thailand or getting lost alone in Myanmar. Love & Life inspires me.

Oi Mei is still in the start-up stages and are trying to raise money through a campaign on crowd-funding site Start Some Good. Check it out and support them if you can. But hurry, the campaign ends in two days!

World Textiles on the Runway and Beyond

Abigail Doan — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:07:44 +0000

With September’s fashion week calendar now more than halfway complete, there is quite a bit of buzz about the role that globally inspired prints and textiles play in upcoming Spring/Summer 2012 collections. This might be no surprise to fashion followers who are already supporters of ethical design initiatives and the sourcing of sustainable fab rics from fair trade suppliers, artisan collectives, and responsible manufacturers.

As someone who is an advocate for the slowing down of fashion and the resurgence of handcrafting traditions, I view this new ‘print trend’ to be a welcome shift towards cultivating more complex, and in turn, perhaps more luxurious ways of approaching style and interwoven beauty.

Mara Hoffman SS2012.

Duro Olowu SS12. Photos via style.com

Living the good life should not come at the cost of mistreated laborers, the polluting or depletion of precious natural resources, or the loss of jobs to garment workers who help sustain our local economies. Global textiles and the diverse threads that make up their weave are critical to the creation of a more dynamic fashion landscape and a unified agenda for the challenges that we need to first unravel and then reconfigure.

Ethereal and earth-friendly designs by Cristina Kim of DOSA Collection.

This past summer I was invited to contribute to the World Textiles issue of HAND/EYE magazine, and this assignment really got me thinking about just how disjointed the fashion business is. Do not get me wrong — I love a gorgeous runway presentation and the one stop showcasing of creative talent, but a fleeting parade of garments during a week long frenzy of events completely overlooks all of the hands and cultural ideas that go into the making of these designs. The trends of contemporary fashion also no longer need to be celebrated in only a handful of cities internationally. Fashion weeks are now cropping up in new corners of the globe, and it is with this diverse spirit that I think that a more sustainable fashion agenda might be possible.

Ivana Helsinki SS2012 Indian Summer Collection on the runway at NYFW.

I am dreaming of a day when the arrival of fashion week in September or February turns things inside out with a celebration of humanity that reveals a deeper story and mission. Runway shows and the bold pieces unveiled might offer or encourage connections to a weaver, an embroiderer, a natural dye expert, or even a tailor who is proud of couture sewing skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. Imagine if laborious stitching and the techniques of garment production were viewed as something honorable — embedded with social value, prestige, and techniques that help us to better understand who we are. What if these makers actually lined the catwalk as reminders of endangered textile crafting and our connectedness?

'Handloom Heritage' of Rehwa Society by Julie Hall.

It can be a beautiful thing when hands, hearts, and minds join forces to preserve the traditions of handwork and sustainable crafting. This is what HAND/EYE magazine honors and advocates as a way of understanding where we have been, what we might have overlooked, and where we need to now journey or possibly detour.

HAND/EYE's World Textiles Issue 05 celebrates slow fashion and global textile initiatives.

Their World Textiles edition is a seventy-two page volume that serves as a feast for the eyes, as well as an inspirational guide to socially and environmentally-responsible textile projects and designer initiatives that span countries such as Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and The Netherlands, to name a few. They have put a face on textile and fashion fabrication, and this is the sort of showcase that makes sense for future tales of global style.

Handwoven textiles steeped in tradition by Raw Mango and designer, Sanjay Garg.

HAND/EYE is devoted to creating bridges between art, design, textiles, and philanthropic outreach through thoughtfully written articles and interviews by invited contributors and guest editors. The World Textiles edition assembled a varied line up of individuals who are united by their passion for curation, sustainable textile production, craft-based knowledge, and artisanal methods. India Flint, Christina Kim of Dosa, Birgitta de Vos, Marcella Echavarria, Rowland Ricketts, Kathrin von Rechenberg, Rebecca Schiller, and Keith Recker, were just a few of the contributors and interviewees who made this issue so complex and timely. My contribution was an article on Raw Mango and Indian designer, Sanjay Garg. “Sanjay Garg’s creative brand, Raw Mango, goes to the source of Indian textile production to create a collection steeped in artisan tradition and hand-woven luxury but at the same time rich with temptation for younger customers.”

WUBET handwoven scarves by designer Arnold Haas.

As HAND/EYE’s Editor-in-Chief, Keith Recker, states in his introduction to the publication, “It is vital that we keep the conversation rolling with stories of creative people from every continent whose textile work contains the seeds for a vibrant future… It’s time to buy textiles, treasure them, make them, collect them, and talk about them. It’s time to embrace individual creativity and risk-taking beyond the standard offerings found in our biggest stores.”

Suno NY SS12 on the runway at NYFW. Photo by Nando Alvarez, via heartifb.com

Gretchen Jones SS12 Custom textiles by We Are After All’s Photorealistic and Afton Hakes’s Graphic.

Gretchen Jones SS12.

I could not agree more. The topography of fashion’s textiles and in turn the information that we relay to consumers need not be packaged in a manner that undermines their intelligence or ability to decipher the life cycle of their clothes. How will we ever know how to style ourselves if layers of vital information and appreciation are denied to us? At this rate, we will continue missing out on timeless stories and details that provide meaning and texture to our very existence. Without this dimension, the fashion world and certain collections will continue to appear extremely flat, as we strut aimlessly down the runway with no real focus on the horizon.

Images courtesy of HAND/EYE magazine and the respective designers. Top photo: Ivana Helsinki SS12 Collection.

Kyler by Joy O – California-made Upcycled Jewelry

Johanna Björk — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:26:28 +0000

To me, the ultimate in casual stylishness is pairing a simple white tank top and a pair of jeans with some great jewelry and a hot pair of heels. It’s effortless elegance personified. This is why I get very excited when I come across a gorgeous jewelry line, and double excited when I find out that it is made from sustainable, recycled materials, like Kyler by Joy O.

Kyler by Joy O: Futurelore Collection.

Kyler’s new Futurelore Collection features “intaglio pendant jewelry in shapes based on the marriage of tribal petroglyphs and technology, made from gold-dipped steel, black zinc-coated steel, or raw stainless steel with recycled 14 karat gold fill or recycled sterling silver findings.” With geometric designs and tough angular shapes, these pieces are definitely more haute than hippie. Kyler by Joy O’s sustainability pratices, however, will satisfy even the fiercest of treehuggers. All metal pendants are upcycled in California by an employee-owned co-op, using metal industrial scraps from the U.S. The chains, findings and wire are made from domestic recycled precious metals, made to stand the test of time. Other recycled or recyclable materials used include stainless steel, 14k gold fill, sterling silver, black zinc and artisan glass.

Kyler by Joy O: Futurelore Collection.

Kyler Jewelry is all handmade, employing local artisans in their San Francisco studio. Each order is packaged for shipping in a reusable eco shopping bag, and sent to you in a cradle-to-cradle certified box. If that wasn’t enough, the company also plants a tree (through American Global ReLeaf) for every order placed on their website. Kyler is also working toward becoming carbon neutral and trying to find a way to cut down on paper waste.

Kyler by Joy O: Futurelore Collection.

Celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria and Anne Hathaway have been spotted around town wearing Kyler jewelry. Kyler by Joy O also supports charitable causes such as environmental rehabilitation, women’s heart health, breast cancer awareness and research, and alleviating hunger in the US. A percentage of all profits is donated to Global Releaf, WomenHeart : The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, The National Breast Cancer Foundation and the San Francisco Food Bank.

Kyler by Joy O: Futurelore Collection.

On their website, the company states: “When both style and sustainability are made equal priorities, design thrives. That’s what we found when we took the leap from simply maintaining an ethical green workplace, to making sustainable style the core of our business.” Sometimes boundaries can breed creativity.

kylerdesigns.com