Go Faux!

Photo backstage at "A la Disposition" - where the models sported some great faux-furs

When I came across the very talented illustrator Andrea at the book launch of Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration I just knew that such talent had to be shared. A huge supporter of faux fur and a friend of Ethical heaven, we absolutely adore her!

Fancy something as special as this? i.e. an illustration of yourself, when then you're in luck, Andrea charges from £45.00, you can get in touch with Andrea to see and keep another masterpiece!!!

Nyla Sammons

Trousers London

Trousers London showcasing their fabulous new collection at The Hospital Club!

ECOLUXE

I headed on over to EcoLuxe at 1 The Aldwych on Sunday and was absolutely blown away with all the high-end designers showcasing their amazing new collection! 

Alexandra Abraham uses found objects in her beautiful jewellery designs. I love these bangles with pieces found from the Thames. 

Clear by Marco Tripoli is new to the UK. My favourite pieces are the printed puffball dress (made from material sourced from Nigeria including the print) and the faux-suede; alcantara dress which is machine washable!

Lowie hand make their wool collections. I really want to get my hands on this royal blue cardigan with a check collar.

Sanyuka Shrestha designs and hand makes these hats using wild hemp, wild nettle and bamboo and they’re all crafted in the UK.

This exciting piece is from Hemyca who make all their clothes in the UK. They have recently collaborated with SM Walker who designed the collar to this stylish coat.

Roll on the next Eco Luxe!!!

Alanna Skelton

Fairtrade fashion from Topshop

With Fairtrade fortnight taking place at the end of this month, everyone’s got ethical issues at the forefront of their minds. And it seems even Topshop are jumping on board with their Snake Valley collection.

Taking inspiration from the free-spirited rockers of the seventies, the collection is totally on trend for summer 2011 and these eleven pieces display plenty of fringing to rock the look of years gone by. Fairtrade cotton will be used to make all of the designs including Topshop’s famous Moto denim range which is being given an ethical makeover to coincide with the celebrations.
Personally, I am loving the Moto shorts with their simple detailing. When matched with a fringe-heavy top they’ll shine through and could easily become a summer staple.

The range is on sale from 28th February when Fairtrade fortnight commences.

Catherine May

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

Prophetik AW11 Catwalk Show

Yesterday, designer Jeff Garner (Prophetik) showcased the new AW11 collection and it was FABULOUS!

Dresses had flowing trains in beautiful silks and velour. The more casual clothing was all about patchwork quilting, especially for the men, and all with a hint of medieval glamour as the root to the shapes and cut.

The finale dress was hand sewn with ostrich feathers (that naturally shed twice per year) onto white silk with a modern thigh high split, which turned this gown from pure and sweet into something entirely edgy and sexy.

The footwear swayed towards equestrian but with beaten and worn looking finishing’s that were more rock and roll rather then squeaky clean, complimented the patchwork details and ripped tights completing the looks. One word it ROCKED!

Alanna Skelton

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

The Body Shop Launch of the Earth Lovers Shower Gels

Today I headed on down to The Body shop launch of the Earth Lovers shower gels, the first ever 100% biodegradable shower gel range! They are infused with goodness and smell absolutely divine, I have to say I didn't have one favourite scent, it was more like I loved them all!  

They come in: Mint and Cucumber, Watermelon and Eucalyptus, Fig and Rosemary, Pear and Lemongrass and Apricot and Basil and at the very affordable price of £5.00 - Free from sulphates, colourants and parabens. 

For all the green fingered Goddesses out there you would have loved the herb garden section, where we were all given a choice of seeds to grow, I opted for the thyme seeds, to only find out later that it takes about 4 months to grow fully, I should have been smarter and opted for the mint seeds.

We were then treated to some tips from Eco Expert Donnachadh McCarthy on how to live a greener lifestyle, Mr McCarthy you taught me a few tricks, those will definitely be taken on board! 

The new collection is available from the 3rd of March. 

Nyla Sammons

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

Ute Decker

Exciting times are upon us thanks to jewellery designers Ute Decker and Linnie Mclarty who have come together to show their unique designs in a pop-up shop on London’s distinctive Columbia Road.

Both designers have very different styles to their jewellery, however, what brings these two together is that they are the first to use certified Fairtrade gold in their creations.

Ute Decker’s brilliant sculptural designs will sit alongside Linnie Mclarty’s delicate, shell and flower like shapes as they take over a gallery space, which you can see and be the first to commission between 6th – 27th February. If you’re looking for that something extra special around Valentine’s Day then I recommend you take a look!

To see the designers’ beautiful collections go to
www.utedecker.com
www.linniemclarty.com

Learn more on Fairtrade gold at www.utedecker.com/ethical_jewellery.html

Alanna Skelton

Going Ga Ga for these designs!

7 T-shirts designed by Vivienne Westwood and 2 scarf designs in 100% pure silk designed by Liberty with a limited edition! Mark the launch of Red Nose day on the 18th march.

All manufactured by T.K.Maxx and with T-shirt prices starting at £5.99 for kids and £9.99 for adults with half the proceeds going to the charity, it’s a must-have!

The £12.99 Liberty scarf has prints, which have been sourced from their massive archives and have been modified to incorporate a red nose! They are fabulous! Bound to be a collectors item.

They are available both on line and in store now!

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration Launch

We were treated with an array of all things sweet and delicious from Lily Vanilli 

Blogger Susie Bubble joins in on the fun too! (Taken by Matt Bramford)

The very talented Illustrator Andrea starts another masterpiece

And yep you guessed it, it was me she was illustrating with watercolours!

Amelia signing copies :) (Taken by Matt Bramford)

I have always been a fan of Amelia's magazine and when I heard Amelia was releasing a new book, I knew getting a signed copy at the book launch was a must and what a Fab day it turned out to be. Packed full of creatives from fashion designers to photographers to journalists and bloggers to the most amazing illustrators, offering live illustrations.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration, is packed full of the most amazing illustrations showcasing 50 ethical fashion designers, which include Prophetik, Edun, Minna, Goodone and one of my all time  favourites Hetty Rose!

Within 5 minutes of entering I got talking to illustrator Andrea who illustrated the book's front cove,r oh yes I had stumbled across some serious talent here and when she offered to do an illustration of me, like most girls I jumped to the chance.

And the finish product......... I love, love, love! and not only me... now my flat mate is chasing me to get Andrea to draw her too! fancy it too? check out Andrea's website and get in touch or you can always purchase one of her other amazing designs!

A huge congratulations to Amelia for producing another fantastic book, the book is avaliable now and at only £20.00 it's a bargain, ladies you are in for a treat!

Nyla Sammons