Dramatic Adornment

ac·ces·so·ry ( k-s s -r )

n. pl. ac·ces·so·ries

1.

a. A subordinate or supplementary item; an adjunct.

b. Something nonessential but desirable that contributes to an effect or result.

Charlotte Hosten’s hand crafted necklaces are anything but supplementary. These show piece necklaces have enough drama and flair to be the eye-catcher of any look.

Charlotte Hosten is a Belgium born accessories designer who now lives and creates in Montreal, Canada. Hosten combines beads and other materials with fabric and ribbon to create beautiful necklaces that are meant to be worn as a garment rather then an accessory. This idea of creating an “accessory garment” came to Hosten after she found that regular clasps weren’t sturdy enough for her exaggerated pieces. She solved this problem by sewing the beads to scraps ribbon and fabric. The fabric only added to the creativity of her jewelry, allowing her pieces to come to life. Now, Hosten makes several different lines of jewelry including, Bridal Couture, Haute Couture, Pret A Porter, and Custom Made, all using her unique jewelry/fabric technique.

She also uses vintage elements in her jewelry to give the antique materials a “second life”. Along with utilizing these second hand materials, she also recycles all of the used fabrics and scraps to be used later, in order to minimize the impact on the environment. The Sari collection, featured on Hostens web page showcases jewelry that has been made entirely out of these scraps and vintage items.

Disappearing Wedding Gown

Go from the wedding reception to the honeymoon without ever changing your clothes!

An unlikely collaboration between engineering and fashion design students at the Sheffield Hallam University resulted in a matrimonial eco statement.

The students worked together to create a dissolvable wedding gown that completely defys our more traditional notions of the "white dress". The gown can be transformed into five different pieces. The initial full white dress goes through each stage becoming slimmer and more formfitting until it finally becomes a bodice lingerie piece. The five different dresses are currently on display at the University’s Furnival Gallery.

The dissolvable wedding gowns were created in response to the growing number of clothes being placed in landfills. Due to the ever changing fashion industry and the growth of “value retailers” the price of clothing in the UK has decreased 25%, resulting in a 40% increase in the amount of clothing purchased each year. Needless to say, clothing has become one of the UK’s largest waste products. Almost 74% of the two million tons of clothes bought every year ends up in landfills.

"The project is a union between art and technology which explores the possibilities of using alternative materials for our clothing. The wedding gown is perhaps one of the most iconic and symbolic garments in humanity's wardrobe and represents the challenges of 'throwaway fashion'.

"In order to reduce fashion's impact on the environment, the fashion industry must begin to challenge conventional attitudes and practices. The exhibition demonstrates what could be possible when design and scientific innovation combine forces." ~Jane Blohm, a lecturer from the Sheffield Hallam University.

Bold Frames

Summer may inevitably be coming to an end, but it’s not too late to hold on to every drop of that beautiful summer sun with iWood designer sunglasses. These fantastic wooden framed, eco-chic shades are enough to make anyone want another month of summer.

iWood design company is a fantastic luxury brand that makes sunglasses with all wooden frames. All the frames are hand crafted and created from reclaimed wood. The materials used to make each pair are taken from wood used to decorate the interior of private luxury jets. All of the materials are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and acquired using sustainable methods. Also, the glues and coating used to make the glasses are formaldehyde free and do not emit VOC’s. Lastly, the iWood headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky and all of the pieces are handmade locally in the Midwest.

The company strives to achieve the perfect union between fashion and function. Stephen McMenamin, founder and CEO of iWood designs came up with idea after experiencing consistent problems with the fit in his plastic designer sunglasses. McMenamin stared the iWood brand finally after 20 years in the luxury market with companies like Lacoste, Hickory Feeman, and Porsche designs. With all this experience with luxury products the glasses were bound to be a hit.

Aside from being completely eco-friendly, all of the glasses are unique and stylish. Each frame shape is inspired by classic sunglass silhouettes, or by silhouettes popularized by the fashion icons of today. The thick blocky frames are quirky and bold, bound to stand out on the beach without being too showy. These wooden glasses are fashion forward yet subtle, and are the perfect accessory for any summer outfit. Also, the glasses have been featured in all the fashion magazines from Anthropologie to Vogue.

Hold on to the remaining days of summer with these great shades. An accessory this cute, will last well into the chilly months to come too.

'EAT, PRAY, LOVE' THE ECO WAY

If you haven’t read Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, try and do it this week—before the movie hits the big screen. Why such a following for this book? It’s a story of discovery, or rediscovery, as you follow Gilbert as she eats, prays, and loves her way through Italy, India, and Bali.

This book may inspire you to “detox your wardrobe” by introducing going for the essentials!


The quintessential Little Black Dress
bamboo viscose "Energy Satin"

Fashion trends may come and go, but one item has been a staple of every woman's wardrobe - the cocktail dress.

So sublimely simple, this “energy satin” cocktail dress beguiles with its clean, uncomplicated silhouette. Luxurious and polished with sophisticated construction, this dress infuses a modern architectural simplicity for an instant classic. Think Jackie O, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn - invisible side seam zipper and wide sash tie removable belt. Designed to hit above the knee, pair it with fishnets and heels for a polished evening look. We dare you to find a place you won't want to wear this must have wardrobe addition, available at jonano.com.

The Perfect Shirtdress!

This highly tailored “energy satin” shirtdress is a unique option for trips to the office, Sunday brunches, and after work dinners, accentuating your great shape.

This version has a light ruffling at the elbow length sleeves flirts with femininity, while the double button mandarin font closure can be buttoned up or worn loose and open for versatile looks that will take you from day to evening. Layer it over jeans or wear it as a jacket. Double sash ties at the waist add just the right amount of unique detail without trying too hard. Pair it with your favorite heels for a polished look. or swap out the sash ties for your favorite chunky belt and cowboy boots for a chic and relaxed date night. I find the shirtdress another wardrobe must have also from Jonano!

It’s not just about what you remove from your wardrobe that helps “detox your wardrobe” and promote a healthier life long-term for you and for this planet we love. Making mindful choices is about making additions that are carefully chosen. Just as when we read labels as we go down the grocery isle, we can read labels in the clothing boutiques as well…it all adds up to positive benefits for our common Mother Earth. Life is long…yes I know that they say its short…but I must argue that its long and we all have so many opportunities to make a change and make a difference.

Visit our archives for eco fashion, design, style and more great ideas on living in sync with the planet.