Eco Fashionista UK

Eco Fashion Blog for all Eco Fashionistas in the UK & Ireland

September 3rd, 2010

Francesca Warren’s Project ‘Zero Waste Fashion Systems’

Francesca Zero Waste Loop

Francesca Warren’s Project ‘Zero Waste Fashion Systems’ appeared in the EcoFashionista’s inbox last week at which time we were unsurprisingly excited by the text of the original email. The whole email had us buzzing with excitement but this particular extract was what got us thinking,

“My aim was to produce a system for mass produced fashion that gives a garment a second, third or even fourth life if it hasn’t sold initially at full price.”

Naturally we were cautious about the outcomes being as we had heard of similar projects which have had mixed results. Our mild scepticism was overhauled when we received the pictures of Francesca’s work, to put it plainly we were overwhelmed with the quality of the work and the innovation of the design. Each piece we saw was uniquely fashioned to envelop a particular style thought that was not only discerning to the eye but equally functional. The best option for fully describing Francesca’s work is to show you the picture board design tablets that we received.

Francesca Warren Design 1

Francesca Warren Design 1 Plain White Shirt

Francesca Warren Design 2

Knowing you all very well, we know you will be betting giddy with excitement from the above design boards, but wait there is more to come;

Francesca Warren Design 3

Francesca Warren Simple Shirt to Fabulous Dress

Now, in our opinion we saved the best for last, but please do leave a comment to tell us which is your favourite;

Francesca Warren Design 4,

Francesca Warren Black Shirt to Black Dress

Is there anything left to say other than WOW! This is without doubt the best and most applicable use of excess garments to produce new quality and inspiring designs that we have had the pleasure of reviewing. In our time honoured tradition we thought it only proper to ask the Francesca the probing questions that reveal the method and mission behind the work.

Getting to Know Francesca Warren and UnButton;

Company/Designer Name:

UnButton Ltd

What is your Background in terms of career:

Trained in Fashion Design and Production at London College of Fashion and then studied Textile Futures at Central Saint Martins. Previously worked as a Children’s wear Graphic Designer for High Street Brands.

How did FRANCESCA WARREN get started?

Through my MA final collection.

What inspires your designs?

The original ‘unsuccessful’ garment inspires each design as I look for ways to make the product more desirable.

How would you describe the FRANCESCA WARREN design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?

Trendless, wearable and desirable. The target customer is female in their 20’s.

What makes FRANCESCA WARREN special?

Each item is a one off and unique.

What obstacles did you have to overcome? , How did you overcome them?

Working with a zero waste concept, it is always a challenge to use all existing material within each regeneration, I find this challenging however it ultimately leads to original designs.

What is your opinion on Climate Change?

Action needs to be taken against climate change, everyone has a part to play to prevent it. Through my designs I work on a very small scale to try and reduce the amount of unused and unworn textiles being sent to landfill, if large businesses did the same we could potentially see a huge reduction in landfill and the amount of harmful emissions produced, which would help to reduce the impact of fashion on the environment.

Why do you think sustainability in fashion is important?

Fashion has to become more responsible, taking into consideration the issue of sustainability. Sustainability should be the core of all businesses; it’s not an optional extra.

What are the best and worst things about working in your industry?

The best thing is the chance to be creative and to create desirable products, there isn’t a worst thing, however the most challenging thing Is balancing sustainability with design.

We would like to thank Francesca and Unbutton for the opportunity to showcase a flavour of this wonderful collection and hope that what you see not only draws you to comment and ultimately support this work by going on to purchase an Unbutton product, but may also inspire you to think of what is in your wardrobe that you think has seen better days but could in reality create a new thought provoking, eye catching and zero carbon garment for your new Autumn collection. If you do take on the challenge and create something you believe deserves a mention, please email us a picture and we will be sure to add it to our website.

August 26th, 2010

Mayu: Hand-Knit Alpaca From Peru

Mayu; Hand Made Fair Trade Accessories

The EcoFashionista received some great information from the Kate Robertson the founder of Mayu. Once again we were pleasantly surprised to find out about another exceptional and interesting brand that we had no idea about. The popularity of the EcoFashionista Platform continues to go from strength to strength and for that we thank you for your continued support and quality posts.

Enough from us, please enjoy reading the introduction to the Mayu story;

Mayu, an online boutique selling fair trade, eco-friendly, hand-knit alpaca accessories made n Peru, is a social enterprise I founded as a result of my time in the Peace Corps. Following is the quick story behind Mayu.

After spending junior year abroad in college, I returned to school with severe wanderlust. The solution, I figured, would be to join the Peace Corps. I was seeking serious adventure, Spanish language skills and most importantly, the opportunity to submerse myself into an unknown culture. A year later, I was a college graduate headed to Peru as a small business development volunteer in the Peace Corps. There was no turning back…

I had a fantastic experience in Peru, (though I admit, it wasn’t ALL fun and games), which I can honestly say, has almost 100% shaped the person that I am today. To make a 2.5 year story short, I’ll start by saying that I was living high in the Andes Mountains in the department of Ancash, about 10 hours North of Lima. Every morning I awoke to the stunning Huayuash Mountains and fresh air of rural Peru. Life was spectacular; the Peruvian people with whom I lived and worked were warm (despite the cold temperature!), welcoming and extremely hard-working. I was fortunate to come across a group of talented knitters who practically knit with their eyes closed. I was not a knitter so, through my eyes, they knit like machines. I spent the majority of my Peace Corps service helping the artisans develop a small business through ongoing workshops covering basic business practices, product development and design, computation and quality control, to name a few. In exchange, they taught me what it meant to be Peruvian.

Falling in love with the women and Peru, I decided to create Mayu to help provide the artisans with additional income. They are excited to share their alpaca scarves, hats, wraps, hoodies and throws with the outside world. In the knitters’ opinion, the alpaca clothes are special because of the high-quality, eco-friendly alpaca fiber, native to Peru. For a quick video on the beauty of Peruvian alpaca, click here.

For more information on all things Peru, Alpaca, Fair Trade, Sustainability, Peace Corps, Promotions and more, subscribe to Mayu’s blog, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and visit our website. We welcome questions, comments, ideas and anything else you may want to contribute.

Thanks to Eco Fashionista UK; we love what you are doing!

Kate Robertson
Founder, Mayu Hand-Knit Alpaca

This post was submitted by Kate Robertson.

August 16th, 2010

Vogue’s response to BP oil spill

The EcoFashionista received this awesome post by Nana Soma from Concious Clothing on Friday, this is an extract from the blog and more pictures can be found on Conscious Clothing Blog, however we are honoured to host this interesting and thought provoking piece on the EcoFashionista. Please read on….

Four months ago the world saw the greatest oil spill of the history of this industry. The damage comes to be immeasurable, because beyond current losses, it can’t be known yet how many hundreds of thousands of lives will be affected by. And then, a striking fashion editorial of this month’s Italian Vogue comes out!

Conceived by the magazine’s editor, Franca Sozzani, photographed by none other than Steven Meisel and the beautiful performance of supermodel Kristen McMenamy as a survivor of an inhospitable world, this fashion essay goes beyond clothes and trends of the season, signaling, perhaps, a new wave: more and more the editorial market will go for news and editorials that make its readers to reflect on their consumption habits.

Let’s return to that particular: entitled “Water & Oil”, this editorial presents images which shock for causing at least a wrapping stomach of the reader, sorry for showing a bleak and despairing local seaside, dark perhaps for revealing a possible and future destination of the planet, and yet so pretty for its bloodcurdling and baffling beauty. All of this at the same time. Inspiring, unforgettable, extremely sensory and tears forming in one’s eyes! To follow you in this unique experience, listen to the song “Another World” by Antony And The Johnsons.

*images credit to Fashion Copious

Kristen Mcmenamy Vogue Italia Steven Meisel Oil Spill

This post was submitted by Nana Soma.

August 12th, 2010

Excentree Summer Sale and Pakistan Flood Relief and X-Factor Finalist Olly Murs in Unitdot Bamboo Sunglasses

The EcoFashionista has received the Excentree Newsletter this morning and we saw it necessary and worthy to pass on the interesting and heart warming news from Excentree. Excentree and many of its certified designers have jumped on board to help the Pakistan flood relief by offering cash from each sale to the Pakistan flood relief through Save the Children Charity from August 12th to August 31st 2010.

Plus some other exciting celebrity news and a GREAT COMPETITION to wet your summer appetite.

Pakistan Flood Relief

Excentree would like to announce that £2.50 from every Excentree Adult Garment sale and £1.50 from every Excentree Children’s garment sale in the month of August will be paid to the Pakistan Flood relief. Pakistan is and remains one of our key suppliers of garments and we wish to support them in their time of need. UnitDot has also kindly agreed to donate £2 from every UnitDot Bamboo Sunglasses sale to the relief fund. Donations will be made through Save the Children.

UnitDot Celebrity Sighting; Olly Murs

We would like to announce the celebrity sighting of Olly Murs X Factor Finalist 2009 at Heart FM in a set of UnitDot Bamboo Aviators, see below;

The only Bamboo Sunglasses to be seen in this summer UnitDot worn by Olly Murs.

The power of eco-fashion and bamboo sunglasses is now erupting onto the celebrity scene, I think it is about time we all invested in a reduced carbon footprint and a step up in style for the summer sun.

Excentree Summer Sale up to 50% OFF

It is with great pleasure that we announce our Summer Sale with up to 50% OFF Excentree Garments and up to 10% Off our Certified Designers products. Sale begins Wednesday August 12^th at Midday and ends August 31^st23:59. Don’t Miss out. * Other discount coupons may not be applied during this period.

With discounts available from this time on many products and new discounts being announced throughout the period, make sure to check back regularly. There is no better time to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a summer treat to brighten your day.

The Excentree Team have encouraged you to join them through their various social media avenues,

Join us on

SKYPE: jmcaloon84

TWITTER: JPMcAloon

FACEBOOK: Excentree Fashion Collections

Excentree Summer Giveaway

If you have not already entered the Excentree Summer Giveaway please respond to this email with the answer to this question; (WIN 4 Polo-Shirts or T-Shirts of your choice.)

What does Excentree help you do in your choice of 17 countries?

a) white water rafting

b) investigate climate change

c) plant a tree

d) swim with dolphins

Thank you for entering the Excentree Summer Giveaway. Competition winners will be announced on September 1^st 2010.

We will email and call the lucky winner.

Email your answers to

excentree.news@excentree.com for a chance to win.

August 12th, 2010

Reuseniks – The Reuseable Garment Bag

We hate plastic bags. We hate them so much we came up with the Clothesnik, a 100% cotton garment bag made specifically for those who love to dry clean but hate to pollute. Designed with a drawstring at the bottom and zipper down the front, just bundle your dirty clothes in the Clothesnik to the dry cleaners or laundry, and they come back clean and ready to go hanging in the same bag. Just like a regular garment bag, but better. For you, your neighbor, the world. Just say no to plastic bags with the Clothesnik.

The EcoFashionista has checked these awesome garment bags out and at a price of just $15 we can see no reason why you would use anything else. Again we reiterate our point that “An eco lifestyle does not have to cost you the earth. It is just about taking a little time to seek the opportunities.”

Reuseniks, Garment Bags, Eco Lifestyle

Visit the Reuseniks website to grab one of these excellent bags http://www.reuseniks.com/

This post was submitted by reuseniks.

July 23rd, 2010

K-KUFF; one eye on your security the other on your style.

The EcoFashionista was first introduced to K-KUFFS by our friends at Excentree last week when they sent one over in the mail, when we received the call we were not sure what to expect, James from Excentree said “They are a wristband that has an enclosure that you can put, a credit card, some money or a key in so you don’t have to carry a bag, plus they come in a variety of great colours and different design styles, so it can be worn as an accessory.” We were immediately thrown to visions of 80’s Style towel based wristbands and we were not disappointed when we received just that but were especially surprised to learn that that was only a small part of the story with two other designs made from ethically sourced leather. There is the S-KUFF; Classic terry towel based sweatband with a zip pocket enclosure, Then there is the X-KUFF; leather based wristband with cross over leather straps and a 6 popper secure system, finally and our favourite the G-KUFF; simple strap band with large pocket and one button outer secure system.

Black S-KUFF from K-KUFF

K-KUFFS are the brainchild of Midlands based entrepreneur Emma Beauchamp. Based in Tamworth Emma bases her K-KUFF system on a simplistic design style inspired by her life experiences and named after her closest family and friends. K-KUFFS were recently featured in the Barclays ‘one small step’ competition, reaching the final three in the Midlands region. The idea is simple, stylish, affective and serves a real purpose in today’s society. K-KUFFS are for sure an accessory that can add a new dimension to your personal style, with 8 colours available in each design, they can be matched to any outfit, be that casual, or for a more formal occasion. I guess we would describe them as “funky lifestyle accessories.”

Burgundy G-KUFF from K-KUFF with an Oyster Card

Each K-KUFF is impeccably made and will serve you well in a variety of circumstances; commuting, travelling the world, exercising or to improve your personal security on a night or even on a daily basis. K-KUFFS are a simple idea with a modern twist, and we hope to see the trend continue with a waterproof version and possibly one with a little more space so that a few more items can be carried.

Today we are introducing our 10 star rating system, which will cover 12 areas.

Design – 7/10 (We would increase the pouch size on the X-KUFF and G-KUFF

Quality – 8/10 (Great feel, and well stitched. Some of the poppers are a little stiff)

Originality – 8/10 (Old idea with a unique edge)

Variety – 8/10 (Looking forward to a waterproof version)

Style – 9/10 (Seriously funky design accessory)

Functionality – 8/10 (Great for everyday use)

Necessity – 8/10 (Improved security and no necessity for a bag, necessary yes)

Desirability – 8/10 (They look great and come in 8 colours)

Value – 10/10 (Couldn’t find anything with this quality cheaper)

Durability – 8/10 (Stress points on the leather do exist but so far holding up well)

Ethically – 7/10 (Ethically sourced in Peru, not one for the vegans)

Environmentally – 9/10 (Reduce the waste, keep it simple with a K-KUFF)

Overall – 8.5 (Great accessory, a necessity for modern times)

Pink X-KUFF Front from K-KUFF

So we have it down as a quality lifestyle accessory for 2010, in our usual form we will hand over to the mind behind the idea Emma Beauchamp, who we took a little time to out with earlier this week to get the scope on the soon to be famous K-KUFF.

Company/Designer Name:

K-kuff.com ltd / Miss Emma Beauchamp

What is your Background in terms of career:

Set up Get Noticed, modeling and promotions agency in 2002 – MD

Set up K-kuff.com ltd, March 2009 – MD

Set up Bellissima Gel UK ltd a high quality gel system for perfect, semi permanent nail manicures, Jan 2010 – MD

How did K-Kuff get started?

In March 2009 I had an idea when very stressfully travelling through the London transport system in rush hour with a suitcase. I seemed to be in every body’s way when I couldn’t find my oyster card at the barrier. It took me twice as long to find it as I was looking for it one handed because I didn’t want to let go of my suitcase due to the safety of it. It was at that time that I designed and started to produce a range of wrist wallets, perfect for keeping the London Oyster card in.

My beautiful ranged soon developed and now covers many different markets. Including of course, the Contactless Technology Credit Card market. We are also supplying sweatband Kuffs to skiers for their ski passes and gym goers for their memberships. The sweatband Kuffs contain a zip and are therefore the safest and most comfortable for sporting activities. They are also the best choice for children.

A high quality product with the main use being to carry the Oyster card when travelling around London, this fast pace city demands fast pace movement at all time, therefore by having the card attached to your wrist in a stylish and fashionable way is incredibly helpful, then simply touch your wrist onto the transport systems card reader and pass through the barrier.

The leather or cotton band sits very comfortable on the wrist, making daily chores very easy and safe. This works equally as well for customers with contactless technology credit cards, gym cards and ski passes. The wrist wallets are also used to house cash, ID and train tickets.

What inspires your designs?

Comfort is key, you can’t change the size of the cards, therefore the designs need to be a certain size but comfortable on the wrist. My late best friend Garey designed the G-kuff, my favorite, all other designs are mine. The company is named after my Mum Kay (the best Mum in the world).

How would you describe the K-Kuff design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?

Retro, with a corporate indent. 11-39 year olds, although I have sold to older. Mostly woman and funky young men.

What designers or other products inspire or influence the K-Kuff Range?

None

What makes K-Kuff special?

It’s one of a kind, no one else makes them. They are safer than wallets and purses, which is why we have been selling them directly to the metropolitan police for the last 6 months.

What obstacles did you have to overcome? , How did you overcome them?

The hardest problem I had was in the very early stages, trying to get a handful of prototype made in the UK was almost impossible. Companies weren’t interested in small volumes and one offs. Luckily for me I found the most amazing man in Peru, Ital, he is a godsend. Fair to his staff, always produces the highest quality products, great communicator, more expensive than China but well worth it. We have become very good ‘email friends’ over the last year and I’m very much looking forward to meeting him one day.

Other than that it’s just been hard work all round but again well worth it.

What is your opinion on Climate Change?

If EVERYBODY did more it would be as bad. It has of course become more well know as an issue over the last few years but I think people are unaware of how to help on a larger scale than just turning the TV off standby

What has been your greatest moment on the K-Kuff journey so far?

It’s a simple one actually. The day the first very small order of 144 arrived, my best friend Garey and I were together at the time and spent the afternoon looking through them and talking about the future.

Why do you think sustainability in fashion is important?

It’s important in all aspects of life.

What are the best and worst things about working in your industry?

Selling something that was my idea, my design and has all my hard work behind it is one of the most satisfying feelings ever.

What’s your philosophy of life?

Treat others as I would like to be treated myself. Look after my family as they made me who I am. Make money but NEVER lose sight of the real important things. Balance work with pleasure, you never know when it’s your time to go.

Is their a human side to the K-Kuff Collection?

I try to keep everything as personal as possible. All future kuff’s will be named after my friends and family.

G-kuff = Garey, my best friend

K-kuff = Mum Kay and Sister Katie

S-Kuff = Steve my Dad and my other best friend Sarah

X-kuff because it spells an x on the wrist, no choice really!

Even the logo is in font called David, after Garey’s brother David, who is my good friend and business partner for Bellissima Gel UK ltd.

K-KUFFS the must have lifestyle accessory for the summer of 2010, keep one eye on your security and the other on your style. In the words of a very famous 90’s TV Show AB FAB! K-KUFFS are currently available from two online stores Excentree K-KUFF Certified Designers Section, and the K-KUFF online store.

July 21st, 2010

Sourced; The laptop pouch with a story to tell.

Group of Recycled Sourced Laptop Cases

So we promised you a return from the EcoFashionista this Wednesday and a look at a quality, exciting new product and we know you are not going to be disappointed.

The Sourced Laptop case which the EcoFashionista was lucky enough to our hands on last Wednesday from founder and managing director Joshua Forrest has truly blown the socks off anything we have seen before in terms of sustainable computer lifestyle accessories.

Based on first appearances and viewed alone one could be forgiven for asking what is special about this sturdy but simple looking computer accessory, so what is so special? Well it doesn’t take long to reveal the true unique qualities of the 13” Sourced laptop pouch. Firstly in hand this pouch on the outside is strong, thick and has a matte finish quality to the exterior that feels almost absorbent in the hand. Rip open the stitched industrial strength Velcro fastener inside you are greeted by a soft yellow material, which will cushion and cuddle your prized possession while you haul it around on a daily basis this material which could be mistaken as well positioned felt, is in fact part of the bigger and more incredible story of this particular laptop pouch. Now wait for it because we know you are going to get hellishly excited, becuase when we exhibited this piece at the Kent County Show it got one hell of a rousing reception, this whole case is made from recycled industrial printer flat beds that have been liberated from there industrial partners and recycled. If that were not enough of an interesting point each piece of the industrial print bed mat is adorned by a completely unique piece of printing remnant so no area is the same and hence no laptop pouch is the same. The casing outer looks like it could have been a replicated design added for effect but it soon becomes clear that this is no ordinary purposely crafted print, it is true life ordinary print residue. On the pouch we have been lucky enough to preview the print contained on it was largely related to the hit TV Show “Hell’s Kitchen,” How cool?!

I don’t think I have to add anything more about our thoughts on this great new product, other than to say at £39.99 you would be crazy not to go on and purchase one, not only for the immense product quality and originality but imagine those ridiculously boring study sessions, company strategy meetings or just those edgy moments when you need a great ice breaker, the sourced recycled one of a kind laptop case is the perfect solution to get your friends, colleagues or enemies talking.

Enough from us, in our usual format we took some time out with Sourced designer and founder Joshua Forrest to get the low down on sourced and the man behind the idea.

Sourced Laptop Orginal Print on Every Piece

Company/Designer Name:

Sourced

What is your Background in terms of career?

Graduated from Portsmouth University in 2008 with a degree in Business Studies. Spent several years working in property development. Began to look for sideline businesses I could get involved with.

How did Sourced get started?

I tried to set up a store selling trendy, green products as a reseller and then suddenly realized that many of the products were foreign even though the businesses existed in the UK to produce similar items…A few phone calls/emails to potential waste suppliers resulted in some samples arriving which looked amazing and showed the potential of recycled materials.

What inspires your designs?

Simplicity derived from owning various Apple products and always being impressed by their packaging (or lack of), and overall product design. Less can so easily mean more.

How would you describe Sourced design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?

Trendy, premium styles and products that use reclaimed materials to provide rugged lifestyle solutions and a green ethos. Customers include those with an eye for unique products, and who appreciate differentiating themselves from the ‘masses’.

What designers or other products inspire or influence the Sourced Range?

As mentioned, mostly Apple packaging design alongside simple everyday solutions. For example one sample that didn’t make it to production was designed around a simple mailing envelope.

What makes Sourced special?

Every product is a one-off, genuinely. It’s a trendy sociable company that hopes to build a brand as much as a business, and is entirely UK based.

What obstacles did you have to overcome? , How did you overcome them?

When you’re a start-up business you don’t have the money to throw at designers and samples. Sourced began by cutting out the raw material on the kitchen table, then taking it to a friendly shoemaker to knock up some samples. Also as a niche manufacturer, volumes are low; this proved a challenge when sourcing sewing contractors in the first instance.

What is your opinion on Climate Change?

It’s a problem which we all face, but which should be tackled with optimism rather than doom, gloom and cutbacks. People need to learn where their products come from. Hopefully a few less laptop cases will need raw materials now…

What has been your greatest moment on the Sourced journey so far?

When the first pallet of sample material arrived which showed the potential for future products.

Why do you think sustainability in fashion is important?

Fashion affects everyone, its everywhere; the transition into sustainable fashion should be a fun one, not a chore.

Everyday-life is slowly beginning to change due to climate issues, fashion is a part of that and will need to embrace it.

What are the best and worst things about working in your industry?

Best – Freedom, most things (within reason) can be tried, there’s always potential for change.

Worst – The competition, how many laptop cases already exist…

What’s your philosophy of life?

You only get one.

Check out the quality unmissable Sourced Laptop Pouch

This product can not be under estimated, currently available in one size at 13” it can also double as a perfect document wallet holder, but with more sizes on the way there will soon be something for owners of laptops in all shapes and sizes. The Sourced laptop case is available from www.sourcedlife.com and will soon be available on www.excentree.com . If you have any questions, or comments please contact us anytime and we will be happy to fill you in as best we can.

July 12th, 2010

EcoFashionista Back Wednesday July 21st

EcoFashionista on Holdiay

The EcoFashionista team had a short lay off due to a hectic schedule, but they will all be back hard into the reviews come Wednesday.

The reward for all you loyal followers will be a real treat of a review and an excellent article on eco summer sun.

Have a great Monday

The Eco Fashionista Team

June 21st, 2010

The Art of Fashioning a Style

“The Art of Fashioning a Style”

What does this mean “The Art of Fashioning a Style?” To most people this statement means absolutely nothing on a conscious level but without doubt is something that they strive toward everyday of the year. To some of us however it means far more than something that just occurs. The reason is because for those of us that it means so much to, it is more than just fashioning our own style it is about sending the right subliminal messages and suggestions so that the entire population can succeed in fashioning themselves an appropriate and workable style.

Again, some of you may read that paragraph and think I have gone completely insane, but for others you will grasp the sentiment within the statement itself. For the next five hundred words or so I am going to break down the secret that those in fashion hold dear to their hearts, the reason that drives us to design, photograph and inspire; the golden ticket that reminds us that although some professions, people and popular groups may think we are nothing but a group of lacklustre, champagne drinking brainless idiots we know why we have the last laugh.

Fashion no matter how much a person believes it to be either the golden chalice of life, or a complete non entity of importance is without question one of the key factors and assets that will affect not only the success of you as a professional, but also you as a person. This point applies to every orifice of society no matter your business or vocational calling. The way you dress and the manner in which your fashion choices are influenced will without question determine your ability to succeed or the lack of it.

The underlying point here however is that every person on this planet already knows this but they either fail to acknowledge it, or decided to ignore it. From a solicitor to a sports person, when that person steps into their arena of performace, they know that what they wear empowers them. A poorly dressed solicitor as much as a poorly prepared or scruffy sports person will never out perform a well fashion solicitor or a well presented sports person, this is a simple fact. Just like the old adage, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

Fashioning a style that creates the foundation for a perfect day, career or presentation lies with how you prepare your exterior. How you fashion your outer person is the first and last point at which those who stand in opposition to, or wait for address by will judge you. First and last impressions are so incredibly important, it is paramount to the outcome of almost everything that you wish to succeed in that you pay close attention to fashioning a style that works for you. Apart from those who are your friends and family, the people who you must impress to succeed in life, no matter your profession will probably be in your presence and interested in what you have to say for on average five minutes. If you fail to impress in this period that opportunity will have passed you by. Imagine in five minutes no matter how good, witty or intelligent what you have to say is, if your exterior being is not well prepared there is no possibility for you achieve more than a 60% positive impression. So for those of us who spend a great deal of time preparing the availability of fashion for these ever so important moments, we know that it is more than a position of employment it is an art form.

On a final note I would like to make one statement and pose one question. For those of you who do not to care about your appearance, or who pretend to ignore its importance, do you truly believe it is an act of abstinence toward fashion or actually a choice of fashion to facilitate the outcome your desire?

June 6th, 2010

Techno Cannibal and Junk Jewellery

Good Sunday to you Eco Fashionista Followers. We hope you are going to enjoy a sunny yet productive day. Last week we received the following submission detailing about the great work of Alison Bailey Smith. Although this is a brief introduction to her work we hope you will enjoy this appetiser and check back in the very near future when we hope to have caught up with Alison in a little deeper detail. But for now we will bid you farewell and wish you a happy day.

Alison Bailey Smith Design

Alison Bailey Smith

Her work has spanned almost 2 decades and three different countries since leaving Edinburgh College of Art in 1990.The motivation behind Alison’s work comes from being the child of post war parents, Scottish thriftiness and an avid watcher of Blue Peter! Her need to re-use, re-develop and re-create can be seen in her wide use of ordinary materials with extra-ordinary results.

Although her training was initially in Jewellery and silver-smithing, she has crossed over successfully into the world of textiles, costume and fashion – evident in her numerous awards (Scottish Fashion Designer of the Year, Recycling Fashion Designer of the Year and various awards for Fibre in North America and Australasia).

Alison’s staple ingredient in her work is wire that she reclaims from old televisions, the older the better. She has found over a hundred different colours and hues of copper and aluminum wire. Lately though, due to the rate of development in technology, she is finding it harder to find the old television sets and has had to resort to buying various colours of wire! There is always a high component of re-used materials in her work – whether it is re-using charity shop finds or sweetie wrappers to get the right colour. She has become increasingly aware of how wasteful our society is becoming.

EcoFashionista, with your day having many hours to fill why not visit Alison’s Blog for more information about current work and exhibits or checkout her portfolio.

Still got some time on your hands, Alison has informed us that there are Lots of images of the “Junk Jewellery” if you click this link.

Finally like it so much you wish to purchase some of Alison’s work head down to her Etsy Store

We hope you have enjoyed Alison’s submission and we at the EcoFashionista hope that Alison will be back with more informative pieces in the very near future.

This post was submitted by Alison Bailey Smith.