Fashion ComPassion is delighted to invite all you fashion lovers to their 2011 Trunk Show, showcasing the exquisite and unique collection of accessories and women's wear by Beshtar, Paleystyle, Polly & Me and Savannah Chic. They will also be launching Fashion ComPassion Baby & new accessories range!

WHERE: O'nittaa, 16 Glentworth street (Ground floor), London NW1 5PG

WHEN: Thursday the 17th - Friday the 18th of March (11am-8pm)

WHY: Because 2011 isn't about throwaway fashion, get your hands on some real quality gems! All clothes and accessories are made by talented women artisans from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

To attend, rsvp to info@fashioncompassion.co.uk

Nyla Sammons

Estethica AW2011

Another season, another great set of ethical designers showcasing  at Estethica, a very talented bunch, I found so many that I loved but here are my favourites…

Makepiece


All too excited about their appearance on Countryfile (Sunday 20th February, 8pm), Nichola and Beate looked particularly happy about their Metamorphosis collection. With their gorgeous knitwear made from Shetland sheep and dyed in West Yorkshire, it’s hard to find British garments as warming as these.

Goodone


As ever, Goodone had a great rack of new designs. Stylish panel dresses encompassed navy and mustard with a stunning result with pencil skirts and a lovely collection of hand-knitted cable belts looking set to be winter staples.

Fairtrade Foundation


This collective of fifteen designers have worked to produce garments for Asos Black. I loved the varied scarves on display with a particular favourite being Athena Procopiou’s offering.

The North Circular


I cannot praise The North Circular’s knitted accessories enough. I couldn’t have survived last winter without cocooning myself in my chunky black scarf from them and with a range of different colours – include a stunning combination of grey and white wool – there’s definitely something for everyone.
 

Studio NY


Having showcased at NYFW last week, Studio NY flew into Estethica with two stand out pieces. I loved the ready-to-wear look of this grey knitted dress and the practicality that it can be worn in many different ways. As for this skirt - made in connection with Conservation Throughout Poverty Allevation – I am in awe of the intricacy of the detail with the entwined cocoons.
 

Catherine May

Pure London

2011 February at Pure London was packed with fashion! I attended last Sunday and spotted some great new brands along with new SS11 collections of some favourites.

Monkee Genes have added some essential styles to its organic denim range.

 

My favourite, and part of their new SS11 range, were the utility jean with cute side pocket detail. The skinny fit, tan colour and added bonus of being ethical are hard not to love.

Other exciting new styles were the ultra skinny fit and harem pant for women (although these could look just as stylish on men and 85% of their product is actually unisex) and the drop crotch rider for men. Finally the new style chinos available in tan and retro blue I think will be really popular for SS11. Perfect for warmer days.

Pants to Poverty had an attractive display of their new High Summer 11 and AW11 ranges.

There were some lovely colour popping additions for HS11 in sky blue, emerald, pink sorbet, magenta and pastel mixed stripes.

I loved the red multi stripe boxers for women as they are the perfect comfortable sleepwear when its time to throw the duvet off in summer.

I was so excited to see Goodone’s new SS11 collection at Pure, as I am a big fan of their figure hugging sporty designs made by up-cycling materials and garments.

The items on show were unique and fashion forward and it’s easy to tell from looking that they will look great on the body.

I love this piece with a simple shape and deep front pockets with the cable knit cardigan twist.

Other pieces that stood out to me were the waistcoat jacket and the black dress with panelling. The dress is really on-trend for AW11/12 and WGSN’s prediction of the ‘Faux Real’ trend.

My favourite shoe brand Beyond Skin had some amazing new boots and heels for AW11 in faux snakeskin and ‘Dinamica’ faux suede (a 100% PET recycled material) mixed with their signature bold prints. 

People Tree had some gorgeous new jewellery to showcase. Here at Ethical Heaven we loved the new silver cuff!

Designer Minna (who is another favourite here at Ethical Heaven) was showing at Pure, her feminine shaped clothing and fabulous cuts, mixed with lace that is all made from sustainable, organic and locally produced textiles. 

Alanna Skelton

Visit ECOLUXE during London Fashion Week

All buyers and press are invited to ECOLUXE during London Fashion Week at One Aldwych Hotel, with an amazing line of eco brands, promoting sustainable luxury from Jewellery and accessories to casualwear and bridal.  

Jose Hendo will be showcasing upcycled eveningwear while Ute Decker will be displaying their ethical, sculptural jewellery. Lingerie brand Kiss Me Deadly will also be showing for their third season at London Fashion Week. Ecoluxe is also launching The Textile and Apparel Apprenticeship Programme this year and beauty brand Aveda will have a pamper post during the event too!

As another added bonus Ed Vaizy, the Minister for Culture, shall be visiting the Ecoluxe showroom on Monday 21^st February and doing a photocall with press.

Where: Axis Rooms, One Aldwych Hotel, WC2B 4HR (opposite Somerset House)

When: 20^th and 21^st February 2011

Why: Promotion of fashion ecoluxury brands

Alanna Skelton

Stylish Wedge Wellies for a rainy day

Remember the snow before Christmas? Ok, silly question, I’m sure we all remember the manic atmosphere as transport failed us and we were left wandering the streets in less than practical footwear. Had I been wearing a pair of Slim Calf wedge wellies then maybe I could have at least been able to walk across the street without falling over. 
 
Did I mention that these aren’t just your average sensible footwear? Oh no, they are stylish too. They have a 2.5 inch wedge heel to add some extra height and glamour to your rainy days. And as they’re 100% waterproof you won’t be left with that horrible damp feeling between your toes. 
 
The wellies come in five different colours so there is plenty of choice too. The boots cost £45 and are available at fashion-conscience.com
 
Catherine May

One Day Only!

With London Fashion Week coming up quick you don’t want to miss out on this one-day designer sale taking up two whole floors at Craft Central. 

Over 40 contemporary UK designers (including shoe designer Hetty Rose) are discounting their prices up to 75% off retail prices! You can pick up some bargains such as shoes, baby shoes, wallets and clutch bags as cheap as £10. The designers will actually be there, making this a very special sale as they are allowing sneak previews of new work. Shop for Jewellery, fashion and accessories with free admission!

Where: Craft Central, 33-35 St John’s Square, London, EC1M 4DS

When: Tuesday 15^th February, 12pm – 7pm

Why: Sale on contemporary UK designers, jewellery, fashion and accessories with up to 75% discount on retail prices.

FREE ADMISSION 

Alanna Skelton

Cuff’s of Eel

These dazzling cuff’s from Makki will really give your party dress an edgy update this season and starting at £30, how can you resist?

Be tempted further as each cuff comes in a choice of glam colours and in two sizes. My favourite is the stud cuff from the Electric collection in Teal but do not despair if this is not to your taste. The striking woven eel skin of the glam cuff adds an interesting texture to any evening look. Or the simplicity of the electric cuff in perhaps hot pink would be all you need to lift a LBD. Not only are they beautiful on the outside but also, the inside is adorned with Makki’s own signature screen-printed suede lining for luxurious softness on the wrist.

Check out the complete collections Electric, Glam Deco and Butterfly at www.makki.co.uk

Alanna Skelton

Estethica Press Launch

Oh how the months fly... First week in December, which could only mean one thing in the world of ethical fashion.... estethica! Always on the look out for lots of colour and a design you would be proud of, I was struck by this brightly coloured dress from Lu Flux made using ribbons, and may I add finely made luxury ribbons at that!

Oh what a DRESS! What to welcome the New Year in something truly special? well ladies your in luck, this extraordinary dress is now available from Lu Flux! 

Ever thought loose vintage buttons and broken broaches equaled GLAM? When you come across Little Glass Clementine you will... I absolutely adore these pieces, a narrative of collected treasure, precious gems and recycled objects.

The bigger the better is what I say!

Uber cool jewellery from Sagen made from recycled China porcelain

Very delighted to see the EJF launching another Fab T-shirt, designed by Kenzo and even more delighted to hear that they will be available in a loose fit! As I must say a loose fit tee with leggings and a pair of  high heels is a MUST!

A great line up for the Q and A!

A new eco pop-up online shop launches today!

Fashion-conscience.com, one of my favourite fashion websites launched CRE:ATIVE ONES, a pop up shop within their online store focusing on new and up and coming designers working ethically or sustainably.

The designers and their products have been carefully edited to be a eclectic, hip and fashion-forward mix of jewellery, clothing and accessories that are one-off, limited edition, unique in nature and hard to find, with most pieces exclusive to Fashion-conscience.com, so if you see it, buy it.... you won't want to log on a week later and some other darling has got their mits on it! 

CRE:ATIVE ONES is aimed at fashionista's who hate to look the same as everyone else, and love supporting new designers and feeling they have uncovered a new designer themselves.
My favourites so far has to be the retro links and the raw amethyst ring, time to get the plastic out, time for a pre-payday treat!

Angela Clayton

Making the lost, found

Having exhibited at Estethica, Central Saint Martin’s graduate Katy Bell has made a solid impression on the industry. With a company whose foundations lie firmly with rescuing ‘lost’ items and turning them into desirable bags, Bell already has a range of bags created from her successful collaboration with Liberty.

The core of each bag is made from South American coffee sacks making them durable, whilst these have then been matched with other recycled materials to produce totes, carriers and travellers that would look great on the arm of any eco-conscious shopper. The Belmont and Rivington both caught my eye for their everyday practicality, whilst Mini Miles is the perfect size for a weekend bag.

Lost Property of London manages to combine ethics, practicality and, perhaps most importantly, style to produce an ever expanding collection of bags. This company is definitely one to watch!

Catherine May

The new A/W collection from Elena Gracia

I love the Japanese influence in the new A/W Elena Garcia’s Opium Collection. The Cutwork Kimono is made with a delectable organic silk satin and has been hand-dyed with metal free dyes to create a statement look. Similarly, the Angelina Cutwork Dress is made of the same satin with lots of detail around the neckline to capture the attention of those around you.

It’s not just the theme of the collection that has been well thought through – it’s the versatility of the clothes as well. The Angelina Cutwork Dress can just as stylishly be worn as an off-the-shoulder top as it can be as a halter neck dress. And the Cutwork Skirt/Dress can, as its name suggests, be worn with a top or on its own as a dress.

This is the genius behind the collection – when you’re trying to convince yourself that you really do need that new dress, you’ll undoubtedly realise you can as it’s not just one piece that you’re investing in. Contrasting this range of styles, the pieces each come in just two colours: deep aubergine and coral red. Whilst some may see this as an inhibiting factor, I feel that the colours both have a warming feel to them that you would definitely find yourself falling in love with one or the other. The collection will be available online soon.

Written by Catherine May

Minna's Pop Up Shops opens today!

The Minna pop up shop in collaboration with A142 opens today, there will be a selection of stunning women and children's one-of-a-kind vintage dresses, jackets and lace tops!

You can pick up one of theses delights at: 

A142-17 lamb street, Old Spitalfields Market and
Area 142, 29 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch EC2A 3PB

Available from the 14th June - 4th July, seize this opportunity and get something utterly divine from Minna's Pop Up Shops!

Written by Nyla Sammons