Jargon Watch: 100 Mile Style

Brent Comber's Alder Collection, Vancouver

All TreeHuggers know about the 100 mile diet, but watch out for the next trend, the 100 mile style, first heard (by us) via the Globe and Mail. We quote: "Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the cost to the planet of transporting heavy things from a factory in the Far East or Europe to their North American homes," says Graeme Spicer, director of retail strategy at DW + Partners Inc., a retail branding and design consultancy in Toronto. "They also have more confidence that their purchases are being created in an environmentally friendly or at least environmentally neutral manner if they're made locally instead of in, say, China, which has a shaky environmental record at best."

It is an interesting concept which supports local artists, designers, manufacturers and smaller retailers, an entire infrastructure of design.

Molo's Paper SoftseatingVancouver

Spicer, who likens regional decor to bespoke tailoring and artisanal wares, says these often one-of-a-kind works are the new must-haves for design types.

"As boomers are getting older, they are questioning the cult of consumerism and what is truly of value," he says. In this context, "a carefully curated collection of unusual pieces by lesser-known designers has as much appeal as a room full of Eames and Jacobsen."

Covello Reesor's Common Chair: Old Ideas, Old Materials, New Design, Toronto

Imagine if the 100 mile style became a meme like the 100 mile diet did. A high-design small-mart culture where you can look your chair-maker in the face like you do your farmer at the farmers' market.