Design Profile | Joann Berman

Vibrant, intricate, and fun are three things that come to mind when I think about Joann Berman.

Trend Hunter Magazine calls the Bronx, N.Y. fashion designer the "reigning queen of reconstruction" - and apt moniker indeed. Nearly 100% of Berman's creations are fabricated from reclaimed materials, salvaged from vintage/thrift shops. I am in awe of her eye for colour and the impeccbale construction of her line. Visit Joann's website for more eye-popping images.

Design Profile | Vivien Cheng

I am in love with Vivien Cheng's one-of-a-kind creations. All of her hand bags are thrift store finds that have been hand painted.

Beautiful!

Check out Vivien's Etsy shop to view her current inventory.

Wine Country and a Thrift Store Find

I spent this past Saturday in Niagara wine country with my lovely friends. It made for some great photo ops ...









... and gave me the chance to wear a cute sun dress, found in a thrift shop a few days before.

[from L-R, Irene, me and Nicole].

Shop | Not Just Pretty

You could spend hours browsing the inventory at Not Just Pretty, a Victoria, B.C. based organic and sustainable clothing boutique. It's a one-stop clothing shop that offers a smorgasboard of brand-name clothing, many of which can be purchased online. Don't forget to check out their shoe section!

Pictured:

- Stewart and Brown Hemp Jersey Drape Dress
- Kelly and Colby Bead Coat
- Nixxi Scoop T

Organic Denim

Like organic cotton, organic denim is produced with an emphasis on sustainability through the use of Earth-friendly, organic fibres and low impact/vegetable-based dyes.

- Kuyichi is one of the first companies to make jeans out of organic cotton. Fabrics are dyed using natural colorants - not harsh chemicals (Pictured: Public Blu jeans).
- 7 For All Mankind has a variety of pesticide-free denims, one of my favourites being the Roxanne Skinny (pictured here).
- You'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't love J Brand Jeans. They've recently debuted a large line of 100% organic denim jeans that are tinted with vegetable dyes.

Thrift Store Finds | This is Spartacus

Set of five gladiator-style cuffs - thrifted for $6.00.

Design Profile | Olsen Haus

You simply must check out the fabulous shoes at Olsen Haus, a strictly vegan line headed by Elizabeth Olsen. The company is also eco-conscious, using materials that are as environmentally-friendly as possible. All Olsen Haus products are made in sample rooms and factories that have been checked for ethical employment practices and environmental accountability.

Visit olsenhaus.com to learn more.

Thrift Store Finds - Flower Child

Both of these shirts were thrifted for a grand total of $8.00. Not bad!

Oh La La ...

- 1980s vintage leather pouch via Vintage Bag
- Marni tote with crocodile emobssed leather via Luxury Vintage
- 1960s Morle vintage bag, black suede with gold chain link strap via Rice and Beans Vintage

Retail Therapy ...

I am in love with these three pieces, all of which can be found at Green is Black, an eco-friendly boutique in Toronto. All clothing sold at Green is black has been ethically sourced and was created using hemp, organic cotton, bamboo, soy, and/or reclaimed vintage materials, proving that style - and sound ethics - need not be sacrified in the name of sustainability.

Contact: 416.454.5650 1.866.550.GisB info@greenisblack.ca

Baubles ...

- Choo Ylin artisan jewlery is made from reclaimed precious metals and flawed gemstones that would have otherwise been discarded.
- Kirsten Muenster uses ethcially sourced, recycled and reclaimed materials to create her stunning pieces.
- Okomido jewelry is made from 100% reclaimed materials.

Design Profile | Duro Olowu

Duro Olowo's eclectic, brightly-patterned creations have taken the fashion world by storm. Since his debut at London Fashion week in 2007, this former lawyer from Nigeria has garnered the attention of major industry players like Vogue and Barney's New York. His haute-couture masterpieces feature vintage-style tailoring and are comprised of a blend of recycled, African prints and custom fabrics with the intention of being "effortless, international and chic." Olowu's creations have been spotted on a number celebrites, from First Lady Michelle Obama to international supermodel/entrepeneur Iman.

Cruelty-Free Footwear

- Stella McCartney vegan shoe (100% recyclable)
- Madden Girl Annettee Black Ruffled Vegan Sandal (by Steve Madden) via Moo Shoes
- "Elegance" shoes from all-vegan brand Heart of Darkness/ Cri de Coeur via Moo Shoes
- Olsen haus 100% vegan shoes
- 100% recycled ultrasuede shoes from Cri de Coeur
- Blue pixie boot in vegetarian fake suede from Vegetarian Shoes

[From L-R]

- Vintage 1950s dress from laboheme
- Summer onesie made with vintage fabric from Black Circle
- Organic cotton/bamboo skirt, hand-dyed using low-impact dyes from Stephanie Teague
- Vintage 1940s hat courtesy of Prance and Swagger
- Necklace made with repurposed vintage materials from corrieberrypie
- Hemp/organic cotton jumpsuit from Marsilia21

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is everywhere now, from the runway to your local Gap. So what is it exactly?

Simply put, organic cotton is good for the environment. It's grown without toxic fertilizers and pesticides from non-genetically engineered seeds and it helps promote biodiversity by aiding in the replenishment of soil fertility.

Major players like Stella McCartney and H&M have released fabulous earth-friendly collections that revolve around the fibre, and organic cotton production grew by 20% between 2007-2008. It now represents close to 1% of all global cotton production.

Pictured: a dress from H&M's Garden Collection, which is comprised of recycled materials and organic cotton.

Thrift Store Find

Snake belt, thrifted for $3.99

Design Profile | Alabama Chanin | Spring/Summer 2010

World-renowned for her intricate collections, Natalie "Alabama" Chanin is an eco-design maven whose luxurious coats, skirts and dresses are comprised of recycled, embroidered quilts. All garments are created in Alabama by local artisans, and the company is working towards producing zeo-waste. Pictured: Pieces from Alabama's Chanins' Spring/Summer 2010 Ready to Wear Collection.

Ethical Fashion Show - Paris 2010

Since its launch in 2004 The Ethical Fashion Show has been gaining momentum, having visited New York, Milan and Paris. Its aim is to draw attention the environmental and ethical quandires associated with the fashion industry. Last year, 90 incredible designers were featured in the show.

Designs range from everyday street wear to haute couture, but must be made in accordance with the following points in mind:

1. Fashion must be designed and produced in conditions that respect mankind;
2. Fashion must decrease the environmental impact of the textile industry, from the design of fabric, through confection to the end of clothes’ lives; and
3.Fashion should preserve local skills.

The 2010 ethical fashion show will take place September 25-28 at the Paris Docks en Seine. To see pictures from past events, check out the Ethical Fashion Show's Facebook group.

Hello!

Welcome to Enviro Chi Chi, a blog dedicated to green fashion. My name is Cheryl and I must admit: I'm still pretty new to the world of thrift and sustainable fashion.

I do, however, spend an inordinate amount of time combing the racks of thrift and consignment stores. For me, buying vintage is more than just a means to personify my look: my motives are also green-centric.

We live in a world of disposable trends; what's in today will most definitely be out tomorrow. That being said, I don't believe the planet needs to be sacrified in order to look good. I'll prove my case to you by showcasing "green" fashion designers, bloggers, and my own fabulous thrift and sustainable fashion finds. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you visit often!