The Discerning Brute: fashion, food & etiquette for the ethically handsome man » greem

Christopher Raeburn: Reclaimed Infantry

TheDiscerningBrute — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:00:35 +0000

Christopher Raeburn's AW09 menswear collection caused a stir at Paris Mens Fashion Week. Only one year old, his line of "ethically-aware garments" created from recycled European military stock is almost entirely made of parachute material. Utilitarian, intelligently structured, and light-weight - these clothes are made for the active man. AW09: Paris Menswear Fashion Week: SS09: In the past, Raeburn has used some fur in his womenswear collections. There does not appear to be any in his 2009 collections, and we hope he sticks to that trend. If one is going to claim to be "ethically-aware" on their website, yet use the skins, furs, feathers or other body-parts of animals, the integrity of these ethics simply must be questioned. While the recycled textiles used are eco, some of the Paris Menswear Fashion Week runway collection that Raeburn collaborated on with established British designer Tim Soar were quilted jackets stuffed with duck feathers. It is not stated whether the feathers are also recycled. Are there alternatives to feather down? Of course! Thinsulate, Primaloft, Polarguard, Thermolite, Dryloft, Hollofil, Liteloft, Microloft, Quallofil, and Thermoloft are all hypoallergenic, warm, cruelty-free alternatives. * UPDATE: after talking directly to Christopher Raeburn, he has confirmed that the feathers are indeed from recycled duvets. Most feather down is collected after slaughter, providing additional income to the Foie Gras and meat industry. Live Plucking still continues in some cases. Imagine having your fingernails torn off, because that is what feather-plucking feels like to a duck, goose, or chicken. Even the celebrated "sustainable", “found” down is most commonly taken from nests, leaving eggs exposed to the elements, and often unable to hatch. Protected Eider ducks are the most common victims of this nest raiding. More on down/feathers.

Suki, Blood, Retro Sneaks & Sample Sales

TheDiscerningBrute — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:13:49 +0000

1. The Choosy Beggar can show us dudes where to hit up all the NYC sample sales. Thanks to Chloe from Girlie Girl Army for this info! 2. I recently got to try the tart, sweet, and totally original, organic blood orange juice from Italian Organics. My roommate said it would make an amazing mixed drink, but I enjoyed the bottle on its own. It also has almost twice the vitamin C as regular orange juice. Get some HERE. 3. A little while back I mentioned the mostly vegan, all organic Suki skin care line. Well I've been using the toner, chamomile moisture oil, sugar exfoliating facial scrub, and vitamin C Serum, and my skin is literally supple and glowing. Thanks Suki! 4. Retro Hi-Top. These babies from Autonomie Project are slick, classic, and pretty affordable. $56 at MooShoes gets you fair trade, organic canvas with sustainable rubber, and eco-friendly dyes. Duh! Fits perfectly in a Christmas stocking!

Vegan Gladiators & Their (Supposed) Sandals

TheDiscerningBrute — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:03:06 +0000

Did you know that the real-deal Gladiators were vegans? These overweight warriors who ate nothing but barely and beans shatter the pervasive stereotype of frail, weak herbivores. Analysis of the bones of more than 70 gladiators found in 2004 near Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor, contradicts traditional Hollywood images of macho carnivores with the physique of superheroes as well. Forensic anthropologists revealed these fighters had thicker bone density than their omnivorous counterparts - shattering yet another stereotype of the vegan diet; the calcium myth. How did they treat animals? That's another story - and apparently, they didn't actually wear sandals either. They fought bare-foot! But in accordance with the popular fantasy that they did don stylish, strappy sandals - here are a few styles to choose from that will certainly not get you a thumbs down.

Commodus in 'Gladiator', played by the vegan Joaquin Phoenix

If you want to look like a barbarian without actually treating cows like one, check out these Splaff Gladiators at MooShoes, made from recycled tires and hemp:

When in Rome, do as the Romans didn't - show up in a brown toe-post sandal from Vegetarian Shoes UK. Lightweight cork mid-sole, handmade in Portugal with a padded and contoured footbed, arch support and a deep heel cup. Lined with super-soft micro-fibre fake suede. Lightweight, patterned, Microcellular outsole. Adjustable strap lined with Soft-feel synthetic felt.

If you are more of an eco-warrior into the strappy buckles thing, these Birkenstock-inspired 3 Strap Sandals with faux-suede from Vegetarian Shoes UK should do the trick.

Ladies, do not fear, your veg gladiator days are here as well from designers like Cri De Coeur, Steve Madden, and Burgois Boheme.