New Order & Recycled Military

Forecaster, stylist, illustrator and designer Jodi Taylor takes on the menswear trend of “New Order” in her “Arrow & Apple” fashion future analysis website.

The trend of New Order stems from our discontent with outdated social & political systems. There is growing outrage with the aristocratic hierarchy of our culture and being slaves to the system. Turmoil is growing on a global level demanding attention and change. Read the full article here:

On the topic of this trend, check out Maharishi’s recut, recycled, repurposed military surplus. The hooded parkas are functional and pretty damn cool. In addition, the Spring 2011 collection of Maharishi is 100% organic cotton.

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Shred the Streets Green

by contributor John Holden

Since 1986 Etnies has been manufacturing some of the most cutting edge skateboard shoes on the market. Now celebrating their 25th year anniversary they are continuing on that path with a new campaign BUY A SHOE PLANT A TREE. For every pair of Jamieson 2 Eco shoes sold Etnies will plant a tree in the rain forests of Costa Rica. The Jameson Eco 2 is not only a stylish pair of shoes but the out soles are made from recycled bike tires and plastic gloves while the laces are made from Pet recycled plastic bottles.

 

Jameson 2 EcoJameson 2 Eco


Jameson 2 Eco

Living Lean & Green in the New Year

If your New Year’s resolution is to be more conscious of your health, consider what you will wear when hitting the gym or yoga mat. “Satori” is a Japanese term for enlightenment. Make this the year of understanding and becoming aware of where and what your clothing is made from. The following eco-friendly designs are from the Satori Movement label.

Full Spectrum Shorts: Laid-back Twill Short w/ Asymmetrical Side Zip Pockets, Built in Belt, and Satori Woven Label: 55% Hemp/ 45% Recycled PET, Conscious Yoga Bag: Canvas-100% Hemp, Mecca Pants: Fleece-55% Hemp/ 45% Organic Cotton-Sage, Chocolate, Black



Ashton Michael Black Label

When was the last time that dressing like a rebel was actually rebellious? Ashton Hirota, founder of the Ashton Michael label, first made his debut at Los Angeles Fashion Week in 2002 and has since taken the fashion and entertainment industry by storm with a black-book of clients you wouldn’t believe. Hirota is pushing boundaries and always redefining counter-cultural aesthetics, remembering that being counter-cultural requires digging deeper than visuals alone. As a stylist and designer, Hirota’s most recent collection, Ashton Michael Black Label,  featured garments constructed entirely of fabric made from recycled water bottles (PET) provided by Reth¿nk Fabrics, tencel, bamboo, and coconut. The collection was inspired by post punk, androgyny, and military masculinity – an uncommon combination of the power and intimidation communicated in military and punk fashion with a truly urgent (and rebellious) need to shift how we acquire and produce raw materials. Click HERE for my video interview with Ashton!

M:Zero, Shoe Hero & Walk

• When I originally blogged about M:Zero’s debut at the Kaight Pop-Up Shop for Melissa Plastic Dreams, I was stoked about the recycled, injection-molded and recyclable shoes. Now that I see them in all these rad colors and textures, I am a happy, vegan, fashionisto. The brown flocked kicks need to be on my feet – and for only about $70 US, they’re affordable to boot!

M:ZERO I PRETO OPACOM:Zero Shoes - Produto M:Zero IM:Zero Shoes - Produto M:Zero IM:Zero Shoes - Produto M:Zero IM:Zero Shoes - Produto M:Zero I

• Now that you have some new shoes to show off - sign up for Farm Sanctuary’s 2010 Walk for Farm Animals! The celebrity trainer, host of Biggest Loser and vegan discerning brute himself Bob Harper is the official spokesman for the walk this year. *Check back soon for my video interview with Bob that I did for Farm Sanctuary!

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Hot Belts, Bartlett’s Rescue & The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger

Elvis and Kresse SliderElvis and Kresse Double Card HolderElvis and Kresse Big YellowElvis and Kresse West End

• The Elvis & Kreese collection of recycled fire-hose tube accessories is now on sale at Bourgeois Boheme!

• John Bartlett, renowned designer and animal activist, will be hosting an animal adoption event at his 7th Ave Store. The North Shore Animal League is bringing their http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8s1p97IaOIE/TFCds8uYwTI/AAAAAAAAAkI/LgPYv4fO02w/s1600/jb-tiny+tim.jpegmobile unit full of adoptable mutt-igrees as well as a couple of puppy mill rescues. I snapped the image above of Bartlett’s rescue pup Tiny Tim the last time I swung by his studio. Look at that face!

Saturday July 31st
Noon – 5pm
143 7th Avenue South
New York, NY 10014

Get your tickets now, and get up to the gorgeous Woodstock, NY! The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger (GOASTT) is the new project by Sean Lennon and his musical partner and girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl. Their first album “Acoustic Sessions” is due Oct. 26 and being released by Chimera Music. Listen to samples here. Opening for GOASTT will be an acoustic set from Undersea Poem, followed by Woodstock locals Jonathan Donahue (Mercury Rev) and Amy Helm (Levon Helm’s band and Ollabelle) performing as a duo called Love Is For The Birds. The concert will be held on an open lawn at the Sanctuary in Willow, NY, directions here.

LU FLUX: endless youth

Lu Flux is a London designer who specializes in creating unique pieces of ethical clothing that seem to emerge from fairy tales. By working with salvaged, vintage and organic fabrics, combined with traditional techniques of knitting, pleating and patchwork, the contemporary menswear and womenswear collections represent an antithesis to the modern trend of expendable fashion. The aim is to make something new out of something old, so as to consume less and reduce waste.

I spoke with Lu recently, and explained the environmental toll that livestock like sheep (wool), and cows (leather) take – even if it’s “organic”, as well as the ethical implications in general of wool and leather. I was told that there is never fur, and that Lorica (a vegan “leather”) is sometimes used. There are a few pieces in wool or leather, but Lu said, “I am thinking about using vegan Lorica for the shoes in my new collection – [and] you have put my mind in overtime with your sheep thoughts too.” I’m excited to see what sustainable, vegan creations Lu Flux will pull out of the magic hat next!

Germany’s VILDE SVANER

VILDE SVANER is a sustainably produced European line with a very wearable men’s collection. The aim of VILDE SVANER is to conciliate ecological and economical sustainability with a way of aesthetically challenging fashion. That is why VILDE SVANER uses only organic and sustainable fabrics and establishes a transparent production process for the customer.

Their garments are made from recycled mens shirts or organic cotton, and everything is dyed and manufactured locally in Germany.

They do use some leather in accessories, but I’ve spoken to designer Anne Gorke, and they are seriously considering switching over to an eco-friendly faux, which I think is a brilliant idea!


Florence To’s Subversive Nature

Florence To works mainly with eco-friendly fabrics and believes that all forward-thinking fashion should be sustainable. Her research into human identity and psychosis heavily influences her work, and her dedication to upcycling fabrics gives this designer a competitive edge over her less concerned peers.  None of her garments contain fur, leather, or wool and this menswear specifically is made from different, upcycled cottons, and is inspired by the idea of packaging. I’ll definitely be keeping me eye on this smart and driven talent.

Did July To Me?

It is sweltering and it’s not even July yet! This calls for some tank tops and light-weight shoes. Visit your local thrift store or get some organic cotton/ recycled poly tanks from Element, and slip-on red canvas boat shoes from Sanuk.

Element Intrans Mens Tank Top in BlackA picture of the ELEMENT Cambridge Men's Tank Top in BlueA picture of the ELEMENT Cambridge Men's Tank Top in BlackSanuk Scurvy Mens Sidewalk Surfers in Red

http://www.imageenvision.com/150/25826-clip-art-graphic-of-a-strawberry-ice-cream-cone-cartoon-character-surfing-on-a-blue-and-yellow-surfboard-by-toons4biz.jpg Now that summer is here, it’s time to make some plans. Check out my VegNews column, Super Eco Summer for everything from vacation ideas to NYC best ice cream shoppes – from sustainable surfing tips, to backyard gardening. Yes, that’s a magical, surfing ice cream cone.

• Check out VegNews’ July Fourth survival guide for some awesome tips on food that will make any backyard barbecue sizzle.

• Stars and stripes and spangled banners and weapons exploding in mid air! It’s almost July 4th, and you know what that mean… war and meat! Well, that or a vegan hot dog-eating contest in Texas hosted by some bad-ass firefighters. If you’re in Texas and think you’re man enough to take on some serious eating competitors hwo can handle the heat, git on down to where the stars at night are big and bright. See their Facebook page.

The Final Bun-tier
4th Annual Veggie Hot Dog Eating Contest
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!