Green Fashion: More Than Just a Color
Look Good and Be Kind to Your Mother
Some say that green is the new black. Though history has proven that style trends leave as quickly as they arrive (sometimes thankfully, and sometimes not), eco-fashion has proven that it’s got the chops to stick around. So, in continued recognition of Earth Day, I’ve spoke with four fashion pioneers who are focused on making you look good, feel proud, and still managing to save the Earth… one fiber at a time. Check out my favorite green gear and some excerpts from my chats after the jump – oh, and don’t worry, they’re not just strays from a 70s hippie commune.
Pictured: Loomstate Act Natural V-Neck T-Shirt ($55), Nau Riding Jacket ($200), Rogan Mies Original Jean ($288), TOMS University Ash Rope Sole ($58)
Loomstate | Scott Mackinlay Hahn (Co-Founder)
Gear Patrol: Do you feel that “green” and giving back to the world is just a phase?
Hahn: The way we have been living for the last 50 years is just a phase – a severely damaging one and green is the beginning of the end of this phase.
Giving back: These 100% organic duds incorporate cotton, linen, hemp and bamboo from “Gold Standard” factories enforcing flair labor and limiting pollution. Loomstate is creating awareness about issues affecting the environment: specifically, loss of habitat, natural resources, and climate change. Did you know that the incidence of children born with autism to mothers living within 500 meters of California fields sprayed with pesticides is more than six times greater than the rate of autism births nationwide? Check out their online journal to learn more; it’s a very informative resource.
The Lowdown: For those of you who crave super soft tees like I do, this is one brand you should not live without. And for the budget conscious, check out the new limited edition Loomstate for Target collection for more relaxed favorites inspired by nature (which we’ll be talking about more in an upcoming post). But hurry, word is the gear is going fast.
Cost: $55
Nau | Mark Galbraith (Lead Designer)
Gear Patrol:What do you feel is the biggest issue affecting the environment right now and how is Nau combating this?
Galbraith: There are many issues facing the environment right now, but one of the biggest things we can do is to look at our own environmental footprint. Nau has a holistic design approach and continually strives to make the most sustainable product possible by considering the overall design, materials, production processes, distribution, product maintenance, and end-of-life cycles.
Giving back: By developing over 300 sustainable fabrics made entirely of recycled polyester, organic fabrics, and corn fiber, Nau’s minimalist style is for the urban athlete, artist, and activist in all of us. The Portland, OR company is committed to leveraging the power of business as a force for positive change. Through their Partners for Change program, Nau donates 2% of sales to a social/environmental organization of your choice. To celebrate Earth Day, Nau is giving back to you – go to their site today for a 20% discount by entering promo code “ILOVEEARTH” when checking out. While you’re at it, check out Nau’s blog for lively discussion about positive changed – it’s inspiring.
The Lowdown: When I’ve got a hot blond telling me “that jacket looks slimming,” what else is there to say? Oh yea – this tailored piece of armor left my suit bone dry after battling 30 city blocks in a torrential downpour and 70mph winds. Dress it up over office attire, pair it with your favorite jeans and t-shirt, or rock it on the hiking trail – the choice is yours.
Cost: $200
Rogan | Rogan Gregory (Co-Founder)
My Mom was an environmentalist, and I had visions of saving the world when I was younger. I eventually perused that through design. - Rogan Gregory
Giving back: The parent company of Loomstate, this denim guru’s builder-like approach has established him as a true pioneer of ethical design. Known for high style and sustainability, Rogan pays homage to vintage workwear blending a “casual meets conceptual” aesthetic. In collaboration with Barney’s last summer, Rogan created one-of-a-kind styles from donated and discarded jeans.
The Lowdown: I know, $288 for a pair of jeans? Believe me when I tell you, even in these cash-strapped times, they are worthy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the $40 Levi’s. But when I slipped these super-soft puppies on, I learned that denim can actually give you a reason to smile. See, I’m the lifelong hockey player who has given up trying to fit jeans over my tree trunk legs. So, when a pair of jeans actually fit, let alone feel as soft as these, they have my vote. The slashed front pockets mirror what you would typically find on a pair of khakis, while the super-deep back pockets give you extra room to stash your cash. For the biggest selection, go to their site.
Cost: $288
TOMS | Blake Mycoskie, (Founder and Chief Shoe Giver)
I was traveling in Argentina in 2006, just on vacation, and came across so many children who did not have shoes. Their feet had cuts and infections, and there I had the idea to start a shoe company that would serve as a sustainable way of giving. - Blake Mycoskie
Giving back: Their selfless business model is simple: TOMS Shoes gives one pair of shoes to South American and African children in need for each shoe purchased by shoppers. It does not stop there, however. In late 2008, TOMS delivered shoes to victims of Katrina. In less than three years, TOMS has given nearly 150,000 shoes to children in need and plans to double that number of the next year. Keep up with the social entrepreneur’s stories and international adventures on his blog.
The Lowdown: Do I need to say more? The guy is saving the world one shoe at a time. This is no doubt the perfect slip on for a summer clambake or stroll through town.
Cost: $58
Photo Credits: Jenna Israel | jennaisraelphotography.com
I'll bite on the green clothes concept and I am all for protecting the earth, but where are the eco-friendly clothes that make you look professional? Sure these are fine for weekend wear or for something after work, but that is simply neglecting a large portion of the consumer base. Bring out something that is earth and work dress code friendly.
I agree with Robert, but also, why does it always have to be so much more expensive? I can buy beautiful, hip-looking jeans at Old Navy for 15 bucks. Why would I pay almost $300 for worn in jeans? That's ludicrous! Sustainable should also equal affordable, otherwise we'll never get the masses to go for it.
I agree on the Old Navy, but circa 10 years ago when the quality was much higher. It seems the polo shirts are one of the few items still on sale there that really hold up. You can't deny the prices, but its more of the IKEA model I suppose. Personally, I like to mix and match heirloom and value pieces.
I've always been taught that you get what you pay for. This is certainly a luxury item. Sure, you can score $15 denim - but we all know their lifespan will be just as short. When asked "what is truly green fashion," nearly every designer I've read about has responded along the lines of thrift store shopping - true recycling. My $40 Levi 527's are one of my favorite pair of jeans, but let's keep in mind their commitment to fair working conditions and, as Ben mentioned, the economics that follow. So when I find a luxury pair that fits and feels as well as it looks, I'll consider it a treat.
Usually I would agree that "you get what you pay for". But in the instance I mention above, ie. $15 jeans at Old Navy, I have three pairs, all of which were originally >$40 and were then on sale. I have had two of them for a couple years now, and they are my favorite pairs. Let us not forget that Old Navy is the same company as GAP and Banana Republic. All their stuff is made in the same place and is the same basic quality.
As for the "true impact" of the price I paid, I do feel that it would be better to have all of my clothes made in the US at a fair wage, but that's really a separate issue. As mentioned above, we need competitive pricing in order to get the masses to go green.
FYI, Target just launched Loomstate for Target by Rogan Gregory. Some great options, and nothing over $50 I believe.
http://www.target.com/Mens-Loomstate-Design-Shopp...
Gear Patrol's Bradley Hasemeyer actually has an article coming soon about the recent Loomstate launch at Target. He was able to attend the launch party and got some video - GP's working on that now. Stay tuned for that.
Great options indeed. $17 for Loomstate T's? Buy them all! The Chambray shirt is another great option under $30.
<a href=”http://www.target.com/Loomstate-Target-Chambray-S…” target=”_blank”>http://www.target.com/Loomstate-Target-Chambray-S…
This is great, all of these companies are moving us in the right direction. As a lifelong wrestler, I too have the issue of fitting tree trunk legs into jeans, I'll have to check those out.
those Tom's shoes look pretty brutal - i don't see how they'd even stay on your feet. They have no shape to them or laces!
No matter how good a shoe looks, it's worthless if comfort doesn't match it's style. You'd be amazed how comfortable these shoes actually are, and surprisingly quite durable. I took advantage of the season's first warm day by walking from the Lower East Side to Midtown. For those not familiar with the city, that's one hell of a walk. The elastic band on top locks your heel into place, causing the shoe to fit much like a sock. But hey, I'm not here to sell you. You're best bet is to try them on for yourself…
This is why Google's whole kick is about making renewable energy cheaper than coal, because they know that until "green" things can under bid the competition, the market just won't adopt it. That's of course easier said than done, but here's hoping.
I will say also though that sometimes the market, otherwise known as the invisible hand (which has slapped us all down pretty hard as of late), isn't the best force for guiding these types of initiatives. My econ profs from College would kill me, but at the root of much of this price discrepancy is exploitation.
Whether it's resources, people, laws, etc. the $15 dollar pair of jeans can be sold at that price because something is being exploited. The true costs to environment and people making the products are not being factored into the overall cost. Sure it works for now, and lord knows a bargain's hard to pass up, but if we could expand our time frames long enough, beyond the limitations of a life span, in the end it will all catch up to us.
If thinks really existed on an even keel, it should be that the cost of $15 pair of jeans should increase to reflect the true impact. I think you'd then find the green clothing mentioned above to be far more competitive.
Look I am from Texas were the word "recycling" is a foreign word except for those hippies down in Austin. And as the others have commented above, I think in general we all want to "help" by making environmental buying decisions, but for a pair of jeans to be that expensive to me is ridiculous. I am willing to buy clothing at $100 but it had better last for one hell of a long time. Long term short, is that most Americans are not going to buy into the whole environmental thing until it gets cheaper. I think if they took off 25-40% off the current prices above, allot more people would be willing to spend extra. Something those who want to market environmental aware products should consider.
I like everything but the shoes
Thank you for helping to spread the eco-friendly word! You are correct that eco-friendly clothing is not just for 70’s hippies! We’ve recently brought to market a line of sports apparel (along with an eco-certified line of sports balls) that are all certified Fair Trade as well. Please stop by our blog at http://www.fairtradesports.com if you are interested in learning more about what we do.