NOVACAS Fall 2010

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You have been patiently waiting for NOVACAS’ Fall 2010 lineup, and here it is, 100% vegan, and sustainably leather-free . NOVACAS emerged from the phrase “No Vacas” meaning, “No Cows” in Portuguese, where the shoes are constructed under fair conditions, and consist of 100% PVC-free, high quality faux-leathers  (What wrong with leather?).

Featuring last season’s smash-hit the Leo, now in black, as well as my new personal favorite, a fold-down, refined work-boot, the Milo, in both black and gray. What I love about a refined work boot is it’s versatility – great with some jeans for a autumn hike, and equally appropriate with some slacks, a blazer and tie.  The shoes will be available starting Sept 15th online and in-store at MooShoes (to pre-order, email MooShoes). Click here for a list of additional stockists.

Their shiny new website was designed by DB contributor Troy Farmer of Raven + Crow.

Anntian from Berlin

Anntian, a fresh, young label out of Berlin, Germany, utilizes regional manufacturing, ecological fabrics like organic cotton, and is continually seeking out sustainable methods and materials. These shirts are all 100% organic cotton and available at these shops , with several in the United States. The company does use some wool and silk in other garments, but they do not use fur or leather at all.


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!

EDUN: Grow to Sew

5206248fa-100_frontEDUN, started in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono, has relaunched their website, and along with it, a crucial new initiative: Grow to Sew. One hundred percent of proceeds from the Grow to Sew series will go to the Conservation Cotton Initiative (CCI) in Uganda, an organic farming program created by EDUN and the Wildlife Conservation Society that aims to build sustainable, organic farming communities and offer farmers a fair trade market for their cotton. This comes at the first signs of peace after decades of civil war, strife, and unrest in this once-fertile, cotton growing region of Uganda called Gulu.

As part of the Pre Fall Collection created in honor of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, EDUN introduces a Special Edition Grow to Sew African produced tee shirt series, which features organic cotton, and bold black and white graphics inspired by the vibrancy of the continent. Included in this series is a “South Africa 2010” soccer ball graphic tee that features the shape of the African continent at the center of the ball.

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In addition to this initiative, EDUN’s mens’ A/W 2010 collection is looking tremendous with subtle grays, slate blues, tans, and olive. All fair trade, mostly organic cotton. I love everything EDUN stands for, but I do wish they’d ditch that one leather jacket they offer, being that livestock is the worst ecological offender out there ( and it’s just mean) – and there are so many amazing, sustainable  alternatives.