Accessories, Accessories
by Bonnie Alter, London on 09.18.07
It's London Fashion Week and we are here to report on the newest and latest eco-fashions. Once again this year, Estethica, the special exhibit of green fashion was a fascinating collection of the best on offer. You know what they say in fashion: accessories are key. And you can always fit into them. So here are two of the nicest. First off shoes, who can resist them. These (pictured) are handmade by a recent graduate of fashion school. She uses unwanted, recycled kimonos found in Kyoto as the top (upper as they say in the biz) for her shoes. The kimono fabrics are bright and luxuriant in detail, and each has its own story since the patterns are very symbolic. The soles are made of vegetable tanned leather.
Each pair of Hetty Rose shoes is a one-off and each has a different feel. Some are more casual and others, with sparkles are perfect for evening wear. One has a heart shaped opening on the front, surrounded by red sequins. There are clutch bags to match (or wear just on their own). They are made of leather, with fabric trim. Which brings us to the next big accessory: purses.
Handbags--another must-have item. We know that we aren't supposed to follow the changes in shapes and sizes slavishly each season...but these are definitely worth a look. Made by a former sports footwear designer who got bored of working with synthetics, Sonya Kashmiri decided to go out on her own and research the green options. It took her a year to find suppliers of vegetable dyed leather that is chrome free and she found them in Portugal. The base of the bags is made out of recycled leather, and the linings are made of organic cotton. Non leather components are kept to an absolute minimum.
There are shoulder bags and every day bags in yummy colours like papaya and birch. The mustard yellow bag (pictured) comes in two sizes; one would be wonderful for a tall woman, and the larger one could be used as a gym bag. There are smaller evening bag styles, with a handle to keep it on the wrist while dancing into the wee small hours. :: Estethica, London Fashion Week
The brown purse is ugly you should take that off
Those shoes are gorgeous. I'd wear them as a straight guy if I could only walk on heels. Hahaha.
I guess I'm crazy because I prefer pockets to handbags. You need clothes anyway, and it keeps you from carrying a billion things you don't need. How's that for green?
It's hard for me to find leather (in any form) to be eco-friendly. The energy involved in raising cattle is enormous.