Series 7. Eco Icon no.8
‘Eco PET Chaise‘ by Pawel Grunert
Pawel Grunert was born in 1965 in Warsaw. He graduated from the Facility of Interior Architecture at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts in 1990 with his first ‘eco furniture collection’ called ‘My Private Chairs’. He then went on to take part in several design exhibitions in Poland and internationally, featuring his ever expanding repertoire of furniture objects, sculptures and interior design schemes.
His latest work ‘the ‘ Eco Chaise’ produced for the ‘Eco Trans Pop’ exhibition of ecological design at the Colombari Gallery in Milan, Italy. The chair is made from PET bottles with a stainless steel frame. The bottles can be easily changed if they show signs of damage.The rhythm of hundreds of PET bottles creates an organic undulating structure. For those of us still drinking water from plastic bottles Pawel has taken the transforming of the ordinary plastic bottle into an art form ,creating an extraordinary iconic and unique form ,giving the ubiquitous water bottle a second life to be proud of.
www.grunert.art.pl
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Tags: eco objects of desire, green, sustainable, environment, furniture, icons, eco design, carbon footprint, recycled, about finding eco, architectonic, sustainable design, Orianna Fielding, pawel Grunert, pet bottles, eco chaise, warsaw, Ecop trans pop
Series 7. Eco icon no.7
Iconic Award winning collection by Titania Inglis
Titania Inglis , has just been announced as the winner of the 2012 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Sustainable Design, The award, which comes with a $25,000 grant, is a major achievement for any designer, particularly one as young as Inglis, who only launched her now eponymous label in early 2010. Since her breakthrough collection, Inglis has come into her own, creating fresh, , immaculately tailored looks that are as sustainable as they are covetable.
Titania Inglis was born and raised in Ithaca, New York, the daughter of a Chinese mother and an American father, and first became aware of her interest in design during a year abroad in Denmark. Much like her life, her iconic womenswear line is a study in contrasts: minimal, yet luxurious,; architectonic yet feminine; modern, yet rooted in traditional hand finishing.
A strong believer in craftsmanship, Titania drapes each piece by hand in her Brooklyn atelier, and has them sewn in a small factory in New York’s garment district. The line’s materials are selected with thought to their environmental impact as well as their quality, and include organic cottons from Japan, vegetable-tanned leather, and dead stock fabrics from the local garment industry.
Sustainability is at the core of Brooklyn-based designer Titania Inglis’ eco-friendly, experimental,collection. she explains’ ‘The concept of sustainability is a dichotomy in itself. It’s about nature and about the future, and so is my line,’ These contradictions are evident in her spring 2012 separates, featuring asymmetrical diaphanous ,organic cotton creations, playing on ideas of lightness and darkness.
Finding Eco rarely features the same designer twice….but in Titania Inglis’s case – her latest collection is worthy of the accolade of achieving ‘Eco Icon’ status.
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, Ecco domani Fashion foundation Award, eco design, eco fashion, hand made, ithaca new york, Orianna Fielding, sustainable design, titania inglis
Series 7. Eco Icon No:6
‘Living tree chair‘ by DSquared2.
Canadian Design duo Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 designed this decontructed tree as a chair as part of the ‘ Kartell y Milano project’ . featuring a selection of Kartell pieces that were redesigned by 45 different designers, architects, celebrated fashion brands, and other creatives spanning dj’s to writers, including a piece created by the oncologist, Umberto Veronesi, all developed for an auction held at Sotheby’s in October in aid of the Umberto Veronesi Foundation . The foundation was established in 2003 to support the scientific research, through the assignment of research Grant for doctors and researchers, and also to sustain some high profile projects.
The pieces up for auction were created by fashion houses (Aspesi, Dolce&Gabbana, DSquared2, Etro, Antonio Marras, Missoni, Moschino and normaluisa), by the jeweller Vhernier, by photographers Fabrizio Ferri, Maurizio Galimberti, Gabriele Basilico and Paolo Spadacini, by the star-chefs Carlo Cracco and Davide Oldani, by a goodly crowd of designers and international architects (Mario Bellini, Andrea Branzi, Rodolfo Dordoni, Ferruccio Laviani, Piero Lissoni, Alberto Meda, Alessandro Mendini, Fabio Novembre, Italo Rota for the Museo del Novecento, Philippe Starck, Giotto Stoppino, Patricia Urquiola and Tokujin Yoshioka). And again – the Milan e Inter teams, the dee-jays Linus and Fabio Volo, the director, Bob Wilson, the critics Francesco Bonami and Gianni Canova, the illustrator, Rebecca Moses, the artists, Vedovamazzei, the civic institutions such as the Triennale Design Museum with Silvana Annicchiarico, Milanesiana with Elisabetta Sgarbi and the Accademia di Brera; the galleries Cardi Black Box and Giò Marconi, and the writers, Michele Mari and Laura Pariani.
Findingeco adores the use of branches with the leaves still in place reminding us that nature is ever changing ….a veritable ‘tree of life’ as a chair.
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Tags: about finding eco, Dean and Dan caten, dsquared2, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, environment, Etro, furniture, green, icons, Kartell, Kartell y Milano, natural, Orianna Fielding, philippe Starck, piero Lissoni, Umberto Veronesi Foundation
Series 7. Eco Icon No.5
’Iconic Plastic ‘ images by Tomaas
The inspiration for these striking images for New York fashion photographer Tomaas was ‘plastic’ in all its forms and formats. He used plastic cutlery, cling film, sheer plastic sheets, plastic bottles, straws and all manner of discarded plastic materials to create these iconic images.
Never ones to encourage the use of plastic…we at findingeco LOVE the upcycling of plastic to create this series of ’plastic fantastic’ photo art. Far better for plastic to be preserved on a wall than in a landfill !
Reminiscent of some paintings of the great Dutch masters..these images are both sensational and inspirational .
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Tags: about finding eco, eco objects of desire, fashion photographer, iconis plastic, New York, Orianna Fielding, photo art, plastic fantastic, tomaas, upcycled, upcycled plastic
Series 7. Eco Icon No. 4
Silvina Romero’s vibrant sustainable jewelry collection
Buenos Aires based desugner Silvina Romero has created a glorious, textural and vibrant collection of sustainable jewelry or more accurately wearable art pieces. Using recycled pieces of fabric and textiles. Silvina started working with textiles scraps during the height of the Argentinian economic crisis about 4 years ago , collecting discarded pieces of scrap fabric, thread, nylon, and more in a neighborhood called Once, where many of fabric dealers and manufacturers were based. Silvina’s collections started out as ‘Green by default’ as she transformed ’trash into treasure’ and has since achieved wide spread recognition for her beautifully hand -crafted, and carefully considered unique, limited edition pieces. Finding eco loves the organic natural shapes, the vibrant colours and the iconic shapes that Silvina creates as wearable art.
www.silvinaromero.blogspot.com
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Tags: about finding eco, Buenos aires, eco objects of desire, hand made, jewellery, natural, no wastage, off cuts, Orianna Fielding, silvina romero, sustainable, wearable art
Series 7. Eco Icon No.3
‘You are what you tweet‘ The ‘printing’ dress by Microsoft Research
Asta Roseway, a senior designer at Microsoft Research , and Sheridan Martin Small from Xbox developed the’ Printing’ dress, as a visual representation of the integral role that tweeting and texting now plays in our lives. The idea behind this exploration of the use impact of tweets in our social communication illustrates how far our communication methods have evolved.
The’ printing’ dress is a high-tech creation designed to explore the impact of wearable text on fashion and social identity. Built almost entirely of paper ( hopefully recycled!) the dress via its interactive technology allows you to tweet your innermost thoughts in ‘text bite’ form and wear them as public art.
The concept that drove the development of the dress is a homage to the printing press- invention that started it all. “Almost overnight, printing transformed longhand into an assembly of glyphs comprised of letters and numbers,” say Roseway and Small. “This streamlined the sharing of ideas and made replication of the printed word accessible worldwide.”To showcase the flexibility of texting on the go, the designers integrated a custom keyboard that allows the wearer to send messages to a display.
Composed of a bodice, corset, and skirt—all machine-stitched from paper ( comforting that there remains a low tech element within this hi-tech experiment)—presumably to echo the past while acknowledging the role digital ink has on our present. The designers integrated a custom keyboard in the form of a vintage typewriter that allows the wearer to send messages to a display—in this case, the skirt.
Technology-wise, the dress comprises four LilyPad Arduino boards,one USB hub, a laptop, a capacitive keyboard, solid and stranded wire, and a short-throw projector. Hitting a key sends it to the laptop, which then displays the character as animated text. The ‘out there wow factor’ was intentional according to designers Roseway and Small who wanted their piece to be anything but subtle.
“Some may be repelled by its ostentatious presentation, while others might dare to imagine a more transparent and open world,” they say. “It is our hope that this piece will inspire conversations that go beyond fashion or technology to topics such as awareness, accountability, privacy, and identity.”
“tweet dreams are made of this………”
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Tags: about finding eco, Asta Roseway, capacitive keyboard, eco design, Lilypad, Microsoft research, Orianna Fielding, Sheridan Martin Small, social communication, social media, tweet, vintage typewriter, wearble text, Xbox
Series 7. Eco Icon No.2
Peter Hogeboom’s iconic porcelain piece ‘ Spanish Collar ‘
Dutch designer, Peter Hogeboom’s iconic porcelain piece ‘ Spanish Collar ‘ takes centre stage as part of the ‘A Bit Of Clay On The Skin’ exhibition currently showing at the Museum of Art + Design in New York.
New Ceramic Jewelry explores the manifold appeal of ceramics, especially porcelain, in jewelry. Organized by the Fondation d’Entreprise Bernardaud and curated by the renowned German-born goldsmith and jewelry artist Monika Brugger, the exhibition showcases the versatility and allure of the medium, which can be modeled or cast, used alone or with metal, wood, and stone, and vary in color and texture. Best known as the stuff of the luxurious and the mundane, of fine tableware and technical equipment, when used in jewelry, porcelain sparks the visual and physical sensations to become an object of desire.
The exhibition showcases the scope and ingenuity of the more than one hundred works on view and features the work of 18 cutting-edge jewelry artists, including creations by such notables as Peter Hoogeboom, ( whose work is pictured above)
“Ceramic jewelry embodies the creative transformation of a humble Earth material by art and industry into a wearable object of great refinement and sensuality,” comments MAD’s Jewelry Curator Ursula Ilse-Neuman
Peter Hogeboom’s hand crafted ,one -off necklace piece is spectacular in its concept and its boldness of vision. Using such a delicate material as 100% natural porcelain to make such a dramatic statement piece, is clearly inspired.
Findingeco loves artists such as Peter who push the boundaries of the capabilities of the materials they use in the creation of directional avant garde works to challenge our existing perceptions and forever pushing us forward to view things from a new perspective.
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Tags: .peter hoogeboom, A bit of clay on the skin, about finding eco, Amsterdam, eco design, eco objects of desire, jewellery, Museum of Art + design in New York, natural, orianna fielding banks, porcelain, spanish collar, sustainable design
Series 7. Eco Icon No.1
’Avantgarde architectonic capsule collection‘ by Titania Inglis
Titania Inglis designs clothing for the contemporary woman: directional, effortless and essential and ethical!
Experimental construction and functional details elevate these signature pieces into the realm of high design working for daily life. The underlying element of sustainability is a given for a designer who looks towards minimalism as a matter of taste, as well as a method to avoid waste.Each piece is sewn in New York’s garment district from organic cotton fabric woven by Japan’s legendary denim mills.
Her collection ,with echoes of Thierry Mugler in her Boxy T-shaped minidress in black Japanese organic twill with oversized sleeves, princess seams, and black metal zipper at center back. ( large pic) and the muted Zen colour palette of her architectonic yet softly sensual pieces, illustrates to perfection how to put ‘the design back into eco’ .
Now based in Brooklyn, Titania studied at the ultra-conceptual Design Academy Eindhoven and apprenticed at Stærk, ThreeAsFour, and Jean Yu before launching her solo line.
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, Brooklyn New york, carbon footprint, design, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, esthetica, icons, organic japanese cotton, Orianna Fielding, sustainable, Thierry Mugler, titania inglis, zen colour palette
Series 6. Eco Icon No. 20
‘Verdi, Vans + Hermès‘...inspirational custom recycling.
Finding a stash of vintage Hermès, scarves in the back of his closet- celebrity stylist and TV style guru Robert Verdi decided that he wanted to re purpose them into something he could wear (other than around his neck) so Verdi called upon skate-shoe label Vans to up cycle several of his vintage Hermès, scarves into instantly iconic and acutely covetable unique custom made sneakers, taking eco-luxe to another level.Since they’re made to order however, Verdi is the only person who will be wearing them anytime soon…..much to the chagrin and big-time envy of the rest of us!! Vans needs to harness this refashion project and push it into production NOW!
Vans is no stranger to sustainable footwear Its latest attempt is the animal-free 106SF , a classic après-surf sneaker that features uppers made from hemp or recycled PET, treated with with water-based dyes and glues that are kinder to the environment.
By contrast as we know Hermès isn’t about to win any ‘ethical design” just yet, but at least they are taking some tenetative steps towards sustainability with the launch of their Petit H’ collection. , a series of “unidentified poetic objects” created from defective inventory and factory-floor leftovers. Under the direction of Pascale Mussard, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Thierry Hermès, a series of eclectic one off pieces were created from ceramic, fabric and leather offcuts.
In the interim….let’s push for ‘walking the talk in style’ in vintage Hermes Vans!
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Tags: about finding eco, eco design, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, fashion forward, Hermès, New York style Guru, orianna fielding banks, Robert Verdi, sustainable design, Vans
Series 6. Eco Icon No.19
Natalie Smith’s ‘good enough to eat‘ sugar coated jewellery
British designer Natalie Smith has created a collection of jewellery pieces that ARE literally good enough to eat. The perfect choice for any one with a sweet tooth- you can now wear your next sugar fix. Beyond the obvious novelty value of edible adornment …..Natalie explores the concept of interactive, wearable art and takes it to a whole new level with her sugar-encrusted jewellery. Taking her inspiration from dark doom laden fiction and themes of impermanence and disintegration, Smith forms coloured sugar crystals into unique one-off creations.
Upon completion, each jewellery piece begins a life of transition determined by the environment in which it’s worn and the ambient temperature of its surroundings- the more humid the conditions, the faster the sugar crystals melt, gradually changing colour, and revealing the mix of metals and textures beneath their sugar coated exterior.
A real multi functional, interactive and edible experience…turning your next sugar fix into a happening!!!
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Tags: about finding eco, British born designer, eco design, eco objects of desire, interactive wearable art, jewellery, Natalie Smith, orianna fielding banks, sugar coated jewellery
Series 6. Eco Icon No.18
Upcycled ‘fast furniture‘ by GODSPEED
Godspeed was formed on Christmas Eve 2008 in Tel Aviv, Israel, by Dutch designer Joy van Erven and Finn Ahlgren from Sweden.
These Nordic duo established itself rapidly in Tel Aviv, Israel as a visionary contemporary design practice with a lateral, rather unorthodox approach to design.
Using unconventional materials, their design mission was to innovate and re- create….through recycling and up cycling…but in record time…60 minutes to be precise!
Whenever there was a demand for furniture, Godspeed started assembling tables and chairs from scrap wood, found around the streets of Tel Aviv. All the pieces are made within a one-hour timeframe for optimal refreshing results in the design process and final outcome.
By using decayed scrap wood as the design tools, a new language was created. Through the aspect of the time limit, the sketching phase was eliminated and resulted into live sketching, a very important aspect in the randomness and improvisational items. Created out of necessity, serving a functional purpose and working on the border between art and design, Godspeed got to explore a new form of work ethic.
Eliminating the sketching phase and producing every piece by themselves, Godspeed fast became an unconventional designer’s brand, emphasizing the human aspect and usage of its products and offers a different perspective on daily life.
The usage of raw, scrap materials and the recognition and awareness of decay, on both materials and products, give new life to scrap materials and add a new value to their re-incarnation.
Humor, straight forwardness, witty comments and solutions are significant to Godspeed’s style. Take their name….very biblical…GODSPEED and yet look at their website’s name. www.weareonlyinitforthemoney.com… either very tongue in cheek or witty or perhaps the most honest mission statement you’ll ever find….you decide!!!!
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Series 6. Eco Icon No.17.
“Fork Light” by Nick Fraser
UK Designer Nick Fraser creates unique furniture, lighting and interior products that bring a playfulness and a touch of humour to product design.
His distinctive designs celebrate everyday objects by transforming their inherent qualities into new products that are both witty and practical.
Subtly subversive yet fully functional, these products are instantly memorable ….a perfect example of the marrying of design and functiom is his now iconic’ Fork Light’.
By simple manipulation, the fork creates an effective stand on which sits a bird-shade created using simple folding techniques. All the materials are re=used or repurposed…creating a collection of covetable eco icons.
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Series 6. Eco Icon No.16
‘Plumen 001‘ high on design – low on energy light bulb
British designer Samuel Wilkinson and product design company Hulger have launched a revolutionary new low energy light bulb’ Plumen’ that has taken the design world by storm and secured them as a the overall winners of this year’s Brit Insurance Design Awards
‘Plumen is the antithesis of low energy light bulbs as we know them. Rather than hiding the to-date rather un- inspiringly designed traditional compact fluorescent light behind boring utility, Plumen 001 is a bulb that will make you want on to ‘shed the shade’ and let the bulb shine in full glory!
The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to buy an ecological product packed with design and style. It works just like any low energy bulb but it has a lot more presence.
Design critic and chair of the Brit Insurance Design Awards judging panel Stephen Bayley, who presented the award to the designers at a ceremony at the Design Museum in London last month, said ‘The Plumen light bulb is a good example of the ordinary thing done extraordinarily well, bringing a small measure of delight to an everyday product.’
The name Plumen comes from ‘plume’ – the bird’s decorative feather, designed to attract attention to its’ prowess and beauty. Wilkinson commented We believe our designs do the same for the neglected low energy light bulb….. the phrase ‘Light as a feather’ also springs to mind….’Light is, of course, primary to design,’ he continued, ‘[and] without it there can be very little, if any. The design of light sources is thus an elemental component of a design aesthetic.’
The Design museum’s director, Deyan Sudjic, said the Plumen 001 was ‘a worthy winner that is both beautiful and smart’.
The Plumen 001, along with the other shortlisted designs, will be on show at the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year exhibition at the Design Museum in London until 7 August.
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, Brit Insurance design awards, carbon footprint, Design museum, Deyan sudjic, eco concept, eco objects of desire, environment, Hulger, icons, low energy light bulb, orianna fielding banks, Plumen 001, Samuel wilkinson, stephen bayley, sustainable design
Series 6. Eco Icon No. 15
‘Gretchen Jones‘ post ‘Project Runway’ eco-collection
There haven’t been many bohemian-minded designers on the show. There are many women living an alternative lifestyle. I happen to be that woman — a Marie Claire woman who goes from work to cocktails in a sustainable but beautiful way.”
Her new label will be launched under her own name and was inspired by a disparate gathering of sources spanning Frida Kahlo, Jean Michele Basquiat, Kurt Cobain, and the “experimental town” of Arcosanti in Arizona.
Her approach is both sustainable and fair trade.For materials, Jones sourced locally produced silk, wool, and organic-cotton suiting, as well as alpaca knits from a women’s co-op in Bolivia. But although she considers herself a conscious designer, the last she she wants to be is pigeon-holed as “green.” “I think that limits you and puts too much pressure on a label,” Jones tells us. “To me, supporting myself and my local economy mean more than the materials…I think our local economies are the key to supporting my industry.”
Each piece of the new collection is named after a tarot card .“It’s important to name the collections and items like I do,” Jones explains, “because i feel I get to download each design with a special intimately connected to me. It’s like giving you a part of me.”
For a ‘part’ of Jones’s new collection :-
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Series 6. Eco Icon No.14
“Toy story“ recycled lamp by Ryan McElhinney
TOY LAMP
When is a toy not a toy?….When it’s transformed into the uber one-off objets by visionary designer Ryan McElhinney.
Ryan McElhinney’s career began as a seven-year-old drawing cartoons for customers at his father’s County Kildare pub. Today, the Irish designer’s portfolio displays the same mix of humour and creativity that lead him from Dublin’s European College of Animation to award-winning product and interior design, via stints at Disney and 20th Century Fox.
Working as an animator at the Arizona-based Fox, a chance reading of the first issue of Wallpaper magazine set him on a different path. “Contemporary design was like a breath of fresh air”, explains McElhinney, whose workstation was soon surrounded by style magazines and sketches of cartoon-like sofas and chairs. A career as a product designer blossomed, along with a love of local thrift and house clearance stores. Trawling for materials quickly became an obsession, with Mc Elhinney’s limited budget, natural eye and vivid imagination ensuring he spotted the perfect finds to bring to life his early designs. Full of expression and movement, dollar-a-bag sacks of second-hand plastic toys became the designer’s chosen medium. Telling a story with each manipulation, Mc Elhinney meticulously gloss-painted and fused together each figure in a six week process, creating the first in his series of ‘Toy’ frames and lamp bases.
Each sculpture is one of a kind and hand ceafted at my London Studio. Made of recycled Toys which are bonded toghther and then coated in a High Gloss polyurethane laquer.
Endlessly inventive, designs range from the Knot sofa, winner of the Peugeot Design Awards and finalist in both the BIDA and FX awards, to the Swarowski crystal-encrusted ‘groom and groom’ figures rumored to have topped Elton and David’s wedding cake. Today, recycling is more current than ever and remains at the heart of McElhinney’s work. Fusing old and new, he metamorphoses found objects to covetable sculptural one-offs.. A world away from the dated image of how recycled should look, his avant garde urban projects and hand-made one-of-a-kind sculptures have enjoyed the attention of design aficionados from Philippe Starck to Kanye West, who recently enthused about the designer’s subversively glamorous gold-painted Toy Lamps.
Definitely creating a ‘Buzz’ ….and lighting up ‘Finding Eco”s life…..
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Series 6. Eco Icon No.13
‘Eco Victoriana‘ jewellery collection by Ka/POW/WOW
Central St Martins graduate Mia Morikawa used her personal collection of vintage, discarded and scrapped pieces of fabric to created her KA/POW/WOW jewellery collection. The dramatic, up scaled statement necklaces are an original melding of recycled unique elemets and references to period costume pieces! A form of organic Victoriana hybrid as jewellery.
Inspired by natural structures and emotional landscapes Mia Morikawa learned the language of organic form while climbing mountains and crossing canyons. a self professed warrior of beauty. She is as she describes “currently living loving & laughing in india.” While continuing to produce constructed and deconstructed textile pieces which are equisitely organic in both form and essence.
Her collection includes statement pieces made from thick white rope as well as more knitted designs. The looks are boldly designed to make a confident eco-statement, . Eco-poetry in motion….
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, Central Saint Martins, eco, eco design, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, fashion forward, hand made, jewellery, Ka Pow Wow, Mia Morikawa, natural, off cuts, orianna fielding banks, recycled, sustainable design, upcycled, vintage
Series 6. Eco Icon No.12
“Tea Ceremony Chair” by Hiroki Takada
Hiroki takada was born in Suzuka Mie in Japan.He studies at the Okinawa Art University and went on to launch his own design practice Takada Design in 1996. His products spanned lighting, decoration and furniture all inspired by natural organic forms.
This latest addition to his collection is new chair called ”tea ceremony chair 2010″. The chair was launched to much acclaim at the Tokyo Designers Week in 2010.
Made from bamboo the chair’s design is inspired by the form of a traditional tea whisk
used in japanese tea ceremonies. The base is split into thinner slats which forms
the elastic backrest, being made of Bamboo it has strength and elegance of form and yet is flexible enough to have some maliability to provide comfort and design..
Takada’s design philosophy resembles a beautiful Haiku poem rather than a mission statement:-
| “I want to make people impressed. And, I want also to impress me. I want to do a new thing. I want to see a beautiful thing. I want to make the thing that time can be exceeded.” |
The ‘less is more’ philosophy is working for Takada…no wastage in production or description….just the perfect marrying of form and function.
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Tags: about finding eco, bamboo, eco, eco design, eco objects of desire, environment, fsc, furniture, Hiroki Takada, icons, japanese tea ceremony brush, natural, no wastage, orianna fielding banks, sustainable design, takada design, tea ceremony chair, tokyo design week, traditional tea whisk
Series 6. Eco Icon No.11
Future forward fashion by ‘Le sang des Betes‘
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L.A based Trang Chau’s designs makes seem to have transported us on fast forward to a future planet of iconic sustainable fashion.. Her label, called Le Sang des Betes ( Blood of the Beasts) was inspired at least in part by the film of the same name(Le Sang des bêtes) a short french documentary film made in 1949 written and directed by Georges Franju.
The cinematic theme features strongly in her debut collection called Aborigine. Chau draws inspiration from a multitude of multi media and creative arenas such as sculpture, film, architecture, and costume design, creating an intriguing collection of darkly modern statement pieces.Chau cites film directors such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder and David Cronenberg. She also draws inspiration from both gothic and modern architecture….self evident by the starkly architectonic elements of her collection.
Committed to using only sustainable materials in her work , her debut collection has a confidence and strength of vision that is unusually found in a first collection. Chau’s unique vision has created an iconic collection of collectable and very covetable experimental pieces that are instantly recognisable. Already a firm favourite with Finding Eco.
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, David Cronenberg, debut collection, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, environment, fassbinder, L A, Le Sang des Betes, natural, orianna fielding banks, sustainable design, Trang Chau
Series 6. Eco Icon No.10
“Ultimate bespoke interactive footwear collection” by Cedric Flazinski
According to Netherlands-based designer Cedric Flazinski his collection is the antithesis to laborious mass production which in addition to being slow is also inefficient, and inaccurate, and in terms of conserving our planet-wasteful. “Automatization and mass production,” says Flazinski, “rely on the proactive use of a massive human effort, based on previsions of what ‘possibly’ could suit the need of a maximum of individuals at any given time.”
Flazinski has pioneered a new system based technology which Instead of offering subtle variations of the same product, enables designers to hand over creative control to the consumer. His MyDesigner collection of shoes, (now on display at the Holon Design Museum in Israel) takes the concept of “made-to-order” to an entirely new level, becoming as he describes it “user-based rather than user-generated.
Before a the making process of single shoe is started, would-be customers generate a personal profile based on a visual questionnaire- a form of personal brand mission satement. This data is then translated into a collection of shape variables that ultimately will form the final product, one that expresses the individuality of the user, Flazinski adds, like a “personal flag.” Or as we at ‘finding Eco’ would say like a reading the rings of a tree trunk.
We are all unique and Flazinski has taken our uniqueness and turned it into a tangible covetable product…..easily attaining our Eco Icon status!
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, Bespoke, Cedric Flazinski, eco design, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, footwear, hand made, Holon Design museum, netherlands, no wastage, orianna fielding banks, personal brand, sustainable design
Series 6. Eco Icon No.9
‘Just in Case‘ collection of up-cycled furniture by Katie Thompson
South African Designer Katie Thompson is the brains behind RECreate. REcreate specializes in taking old pieces of luggage, and a huge variety of other discarded, lost and found in the attic type of objects, and turns them into unique,witty and very covetable pieces of furniture. Although clearly not an original concept- recycling, Katie Thompson’s collection has her unique handwriting and vision stamped all over her one-off pieces.
Using pieces of abandoned furniture and home ware items, Katie recreates a unique, recycled range of furniture, lighting and interior accessories, each piece still carrying echoes of its previous incarnation but with a new image and function. As she says “An object is no longer being used for its original purpose in life! That purpose has expired and I have recreated a beautiful ‘something else.” By blending South African craftsmanship, with high end finishes and her own eclectic perfectionist flair, Katie creates an original end product with a new integrity that epitomizes the very best of South African design.
Katie’s style is always innovative and novel. Her trademark choice of colour, texture and finish give her designs an ever present element of surprise, transforming the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Katie never works within established stylistic boundaries. She creates an eclectic combination of styles, materials and finishes; this skill highlights her passion and her ability to find the intrinsic beauty and new, hidden purpose in the old, discarded items she chooses for her pieces.A hoarder of all things useless, impractical, broken, colourful and shiny; Katie’s designs show tell tale signs of her Dadaist leanings. She has definitely made me look at an old suitcase with new eco eyes!
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.18
‘Paper Tea House’ by Shigeru Ban
Japanese architect Shigeru Ban has designed the Paper Tea House .The house is made entirely from recycled cardboard rectangular tubes, as is the table and four stools in the main room and the customary bench in the waiting area. By including details such as the waiting area, Ban is keeping the design of the house in line with traditional tea ceremony practice, yet has created an almost circuit board like, avant garde interpretation of one of the most classic cornerstones of Japanese culture.
Shigeru Ban is a visionary contemporary architect revisiting Western concepts of Modernism and traditional Japanese architecture responsible for the design of some of the most inspirational buildings across the globe. Dedicated to the exploration of basic geometric elements and innovative use of materials, Shigeru Ban has created unique structural solutions that employ a vision of rational and practical space while respecting the people that will inhabit these spaces . His works are formed around a nucleus of reconciling the natural with the constructed while incorporating a third dimension of the life that will be lived within his structures. Wabi -Sabi for the 21st Century.
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, carbon footprint, eco design, orianna fielding banks, Paper tea house, rationalised space, recycled, recycled cardboard tubing, Shigeru Ban, sustainable design
Series 2.Eco Icon No.16
Plastic fantastic.Recycled ‘RD‘ chairs by Richard Liddle
RCA graduate Richard Liddle founded British company Cohda Design Ltd in 2006 as an urban design brand with a mission: “to design, manufacture and supply innovative contemporary products that break down the pre-conceptions of what sustainable, innovative designs should be
The RD (Roughly Drawn) Legs Limited Edition chairs are hand woven in 100% recycled domestic plastic waste. Building on the early experimental plastic processes developed by Richard Liddle, the design uses no glues or additional fixings in its production. All they add is heat and skill. This design has been widely recognised as one of the ‘00s major iconic ECO products and was short listed in the category of “Innovation” in the House and Garden Classic design awards at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
Cohda Design is fearlessly exploring the possibilities of intelligent, sustainable design that does not compromise on its intellectual or aesthetic blueprint.
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Series 2.Eco Icon No.17
‘Filigree paper chair ‘ by Ryuji Nakamura.
This delicate, filigreed creation is in fact a chair made entirely of paper by Japanese architect Ryuji Nakamura. Called Hechima 4, this seemingly fragile work -like an unravelling ball of string and not un reminiscent of a 3D rendition of a paper doily- (the type that is used to line cake platters.)…is an extraordinary piece of design and is in fact extremely sturdy and functions beautifully both as an ephemeral chair and work of art.
His previous collection featuring the chair Nima, also explores the possible lateral uses of paper in the creation of design pieces which challenge our perceptions of the material in the creation of exquisitely delicate furniture pieces which seem to defy both the material and structure of their designs.
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Series 2.Eco Icon No.18
‘Dram‘ Chandelier by Propellor
Propellor Design is a Canadian lighting company based in Vancouver that uses recycled domestic products-in this case salvaged drinking glasses, to make iconic design objects.
Their focus is to create directional sustainable design as both sculptural and functional objects. Their Dram Chandelier made of 120 mismatched old disused glass tumblers that they had been collecting for years -is witty, fun and great to look at. Propellor makes all of its products, lighting and furniture, with sustainability as their core philosophy- and so many of their pieces are made from eco-friendly resins, or salvaged glassware or fsc certified woods.
With it’s jewel coloured hues..the ‘Dram’ chandelier hangs resplendent ….with echoes of bygone parties resonating from every glass…..
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Series 2.Eco Icon no.19
‘Leaf plates‘ by verTerra
Verterra is the brainchild of environmentalist, Michael Dwork. While doing an internship in India, he encountered a woman pressing water soaked leaves into a make shift waffle iron. She then pulled out the plate and used it to serve food she was selling. It was an epiphany for Dwork and he spent the rest of his summer and his business school years at Columbia University MBA program refining Verterra’s dinnerware.
The plates are made from organically-grown palm tree leaves from India. The fallen leaves, which would traditionally have been burned on the roadside, are collected, sterilized, steamed and pressed into plates. The process uses no chemicals, glues or bonding agents, and over 80% of the water used during the steaming and pressing process is recaptured and recycled. Verterra’s plates are 100% natural and biodegradable!as they are made of 100% renewal and compostable fallen leaves and water, and best of all, do not contain any chemicals, waxes, dyes or harmful toxins.
The Company simply applies steam, heat and pressure to the fallen leaves to create this disposable dinnerware, which will naturally biodegrade in two months. According to the VerTerra, you can throw them into the composter and if you don’t YET have a composter they will decompose in a landfill.
Verterra tableware are fair trade products as well. All products are made in South Asia where their employees receive a fair wage, work in safe conditions and have access to health care.
Definately a product that ticks all the design ,environmental and fairtrade boxes….how inspiring….
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Series 2. Eco Icon No.20
‘Bold‘ sofa by Sanserif Creatius
Designer Ana Yago , two time winner of International Furniture Fair of Valencia (FIM), s renamed Habitat Valencia Forward, has created a multifunctional team of designers interested in redefining spaces and objects, interiors, structures and installations with their core philosophy being sustainable design.
The ‘Bold’ sofa is the latest proposal by Ana Yago and Jose Antonio Gimenez, who have formed Sanserif Creatius, in collaboration with Grupo La Plana, ‘ Bold ‘is a typographical chair developed in corrugated cardboard . This new work forms part of their iconic furniture collection based on letters and punctuation. This ergonomic design that mimics the contours of the letter “b”, is completed with an adjustable cushion that can be stored in a vacuum at the base of the chair. The piece is 100% biodegradable , highlighting the environmentally sustainable creative policy that began seven years ago with Sanserif ‘s collaboration with the Group’s Flat and After creating ecological and sustainable alternative to traditional furniture industry.
B is for beautiful……Best eco practices…..Brilliant design….!
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.1
‘Nuno’ Felted Shawl by Vart
Lithuanian born designer Vaida Petreikiené or Vaida P to you and me…..is rocking the world of felt.
Her handmade sculptural designs are as much wearable art as they are a fashion statement. A perfect example being this dramatic charcoal grey scarf which is completely hand-felted using a traditional wet felting technique. Made from 100% Merino wool and embellished with 100% pure silk thread with a silk ponge lining this is a versatile spectacular addition to any wardrobe hat values hand crafted original design. Each of her pieces are unique ,individually made ‘one offs’ , and are made to order through her online store VART.
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.2
‘Honey Comb shelves’ by Unto this last
London based Unto This Last produces beautiful, organic in form and immaculately crafted wood furniture to order. The plywood comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, responsibly managed forests in Latvia and Finland. Everything is cut by an automated machine at the back of the workshop and delivered in a weekly van around London using no packaging to minimise environmental damage.
Instead of shipping and storing furniture, Unto This Last have a stock of sustainably harvested Latvian and Finnish plywood. When an order is placed it is manufactured to order. “This system allows us to offer most of our products in a wide range of sizes with a variety of finishes” ,enabling them to offer a bespoke product range that can be adapted to suit their client’s aesthetic and budget.
Working in this way simplifies logistics and cuts costs” we do without warehousing, transportation or packaging. This is what allows us to offer their products at prices that compete with mass-production, in spite of our reduced scale.”
Now, instead of the massive infrastructure of the larger high volume furniture companies there is a growing network a network of local small companies that can make furniture locally, distribute it locally and keep the labour and investment local. According to the company : “we plan to grow by duplicating our workshop in other locations, for our client’s convenience, and the pleasure of making things differently.”.
With brilliant eco sensitive design coupled with the ‘slow design’ and buy local philosophies seem to provide a ‘win’win’ option all round…..!’Eco Must haves in the making……
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.3
‘Colour block lights‘ from the ‘Entrelinhas‘ collection.
This high impact new lighting collection by Brazillian company Componeneti is driven by their quest for sustainable design . Their mission is a constant search for technology and innovation through actions that reduce environmental impact and contribute to people’s quality of life.
They combine technology and a craftsmanship , recognizing in design the true source of creation and innovation for their line of products .
The ‘Entrelinhas’ ( in between the lines in Brazillian) collection, was created by Componenti in partnership with Marton + Marton, who together developed the “Entrelinhas” collection, creating striped effects by combining strips of Methacrylate a totally recycled product .The idea arose during an electrical shortage, in order to disguise the infamously ecologically friendly light bulbs. This project united creativity and innovation from Marton + Marton with the technology of Componenti adding a new three dimensional effect to a previously two dimensional laminate collection of the same name.“Entrelinhas”.
Methacrylate® is a 100% recyclable raw material, which can be developed to expand the products inherent qualities while being formed into contemporary shapes with a qualit and lightness of touch..
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Series 3.Eco Icon No.4
‘Paris‘ petal necklace by Begoña Rentero
Spanish designer Begoña Rentero , originally from Granada grew up in a family that had a profound respect for nature and the environment. These early influences developed into a passion for organic forms, colour and movement inspired by nature.
Begoña later translated this passion into a jewellery collection featuring a series of unique pieces. The colours and organic shapes winter flowers , flora and sea fauna have inspired her latest collection of hand made , exquisitely crafted jewellery.The pieces are made of special paper, fibres of silk cotton etc. that she prepares with a method she has developed to toughen them up for daily use, without compromising their delicate, organic aesthetic. Using only natural dyes her pieces both reflect and respect the environment and as she says ”are so light you have to touch them to know that wearing them”. Definitely worthy of eco icon status…..
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.5
Miss Rio‘ Flip flop’Ottoman by Karin Wittmann Wilsmann
Designer Karin Wittmann Wilsmann has breathed a ‘second life’ into post summer redundant flip flops by creating a vibrarant, colorful, fun item with a serious back story. The Miss Rio Ottoman is like an oversized ,fun, pom pom while achieving eco-friendly status being made out of the soft rubber of recycled flip flops.
In addition to keeping industrial leftovers out of landfills, Miss Rio repurposes the soft rubber without any further manufacturing. The raw material is used as is without the need for further processes..
Together with Braziliian company Gueto , Karin Wittmann Wilsmann’s design is manufactured by an organization that provide work for otherwise unemployed craftspeople from the local community. A smart, ecological design, Miss Rio provides comfortable, firm seating and is suitable for outdoor use (although colors may fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods).
So comfy, fun, eco and fairtrade….looks good and feels good….definitely achieving eco icon status from where I’m sitting…..actually on a Miss Rio…..
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.6
Olsen Haus A/W 09 footwear collection
At first glance The Olsenhaus footwear collection appears to have all the ‘fashion forward’ design elements that you would expect from a directional , young dynamic design company. What makes Olsenhaus so unusual is that their entire collection is Vegan and 100% eco friendly. Their shoes make a mark in fashion terms without leaving a footprint in environmental terms.
The concept of Olsenhaus is to showcase alternative materials that are clever, sophisticated, fun and on trend, while promoting consciousness through example and education. Their focus firmly remains on what their goods are made of, why, and attention to the impact on the environment, animals and people. In addition, Olsenhaus works to change the face of what a vegan person looks like and work to make a difference, without sacrifices. It is all about style, truth, and the shift in consciousness to a new luxury.
The philosophy of Olsen Haus is anchored in a dedication to the expression of truth in the material world. They are committed to being 100% animal-free / cruelty-free, producing functional goods, with a high standard of ethical social responsibility in animal rights, human rights, and the environment. Products are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms and factories that are personally checked for ethical practices & environmental impact.
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.7
‘Community‘ eco dresser by Rob Southcott
Rob Southcott, furniture, product, and interior designer has created Community a furniture piece that is part dresser , part room divider made from “locally produced reclaimed lumber species assembled together in an abstract configuration,” Southcott calls what he does “sculptural-based design that blurs the line between art and design.” The piece has a wonderful randomness about it- like a child trying to pile up a set of building blocks and yet has a very clear inherent design rationale . Community embodies Southcott’s belief in diversity. Like a vertical wooden collage, the furniture unites interesting and individually distinct pieces to make a statement about both harmony and humanity. Each ‘Community’ piece is unique and yet successfully highlights the whole and the parts that make such a composition possible. Definitely a reason to re-clutter……and fill those drawers!
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.8
Reworked vintage eco jewellery collection S/S 10 by Lulu Frost
![[lulu-frost-erin-fetherston-1.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UEcyDcqP5xU/S0eVx3KdMqI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/fam_YaoVjHM/s1600/lulu-frost-erin-fetherston-1.jpg)
Lisa Salzer , jewellery designer of the celebrated re-worked vintage inspired collection Lulu Frost , created these spectacular pieces for Erin Fetherston’s spring ’10 collection. Featuring Cleopatra style collars made of elaborate combinations of gold chains and vintage crystals that seem to be also adding a Joan Collins ’Dynasty’ moment into the mix….
Lisa Salzer, is a visionary in her field, and is building a reputation not only as a fashion forward, directional and inspiring jewellery designer but as an important contributor to the eco- luxe movement. Her concept of reworking antique jewellery pieces into new iconic contemporary jewellery collections was conceived during her senior year at Dartmouth. Her couture handcrafted “recycled” jewellery is entirely made from antiques sourced by her and every piece is unique. Her pieces are like a journey of inherited memories delicately transformed into modern day eco jewellery icons.
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Series 3. Eco Icon no.9
‘Pointettos‘ by Esque Design
These exquisite glass vases with their milky white translucency and melting organic fluid forms are by Esque Design. Esque was formed through a collaboration between Justin Parker and Andi Kovel. The duo have worked together for the past 10 years, managing every aspect of Esque, from the design and creation of their products through to the packing and shipping.
Esque’s new studio was built with a very clear and focused policy of creating sustainable design in an eco- rationalised environment that reduces manudacturing emissions to a minimum by using cutting-edge technology to reduce waste and gas consumption. In order to achieve this Justin and Andi built two electric furnaces that run four times more efficiently than traditional gas furnaces by running them on sustainable wind power.
Every day, approximately 100 pounds of excess glass is recycled into a smaller furnace. This glass waste is then re-used to produce their Eco-line, the Delano-Esque line and a new line of 100% recycled, chemical free products.
Every detail down to the way they pack their glass follows their ‘green’ policy with 50% of the packaging materials used, being made from re-claimed biodegradable peanuts .
As a fully compliant , environmentally friendly company their work is rendered all the more outstanding because there is no compromise to be found either in the design of their covetable glass-ware collection or in the quality of their production.
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Series 3.Eco Icon No.10
The ‘ 360 paper water bottle’ by Brand Image
The 360 Paper water bottle is the first totally recyclable paper container made from 100% renewable resources. Versatile in its range of consumer applications and made from food-safe and fully recyclable materials, it decreases energy consumed throughout the product life cycle without sacrificing functionality. It is paper packaging that stands up to all liquid categories.
Each day, in the U.S alone 60 million plastic bottles are thrown away. Only 14% actually get recycled— meaning 86% become garbage or litter. Brand Image looked at this as a radical problem requiring an equally radical solution. Their mission was to design a container that would leverage sustainability, be easy to transport, and enhance the consumer’s drinking experience. Their forward thinking solution was the 360 Paper Bottle.
It is a radical, brilliantly designed sustainable vision of the future. It is the first totally recyclable paper container made from 100% renewable resources. Versatile in its range of consumer applications and made from food-safe and fully recyclable materials, it decreases energy consumed throughout the product life cycle without sacrificing functionality. It is paper packaging that not only stands up to all liquid categories but also ticks all the boxes in terms of eco-design, functionality and sustainability.
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.11
Floating ‘ Lightbulb‘ by Jeff Lieberman
![[lightBulb.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ovJS1Em-6dg/RrxZlj9WNrI/AAAAAAAAMWg/9W4qXVdW3tU/s1600/lightBulb.jpg)
What you are seeing is not an illusion, photoshop manipulation or illustration….it really is a floating wireless lightbulb.
Developed by MIT Robotics expert Jeff Lieberman who also is a photographer, artist and inventor , his floating ‘lightbulb ‘ first wowed the blogshere in 2005. Using the wireless power transfer technology invented by Nikola Tesla in the late 1890′s he developed his first floating lightbulb, which “uses a special bulb, inside which magnets and circuitry are hidden. Using a magnetic hall effect sensor, an electromagnet, and a [modified] PD feedback system, it floats a lightbulb stably in the air, while power is transmitted wirelessly from the base of the sculpture into the bulb. LEDs in the bulb rectify this AC power and convert it to light.”
Now four years later it ha been upgraded .The new version “operates at much higher wireless transfer efficiency and is brighter while consuming less energy and levitates at roughly 2.5″ from the nearest object.
This light bulb really is a levitating yet powered lightbulb. It will float stably in midair and remain on for years without any physical contact, charging, or batteries. Ironically, with the levitation and wireless power circuitry both on, this entire package still consumes less than half the power of an incandescent bulb.
This floating bulb is even more iconic and evocative because it fuses brilliant design with pioneering technology to produce a high impact, low consumption object that can be used daily…….certainly would light up my life….
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.12
The ‘Cliclounger‘ by Alexander Pelikan
The CLICLOUNGER was conceived by designer Alexander Pelikan in 2004 when he was researching modernist furniture with its cornerstones being: multiplicity (industrial reproduction), clarity of use and function, absence of decoration and honesty of material. Modernist furniture is exemplified in the crate-furniture of Rietveld which were the first self assembly pieces.
Alexander Pelikan has developed a unique unit of furniture that uses no nuts, bolts or nails to keep it intact. Named ‘Click Furniture’. This modern seating unit presents a simple and elemental design based on interlocking flat packed pieces.
The ‘Cliclounger’ is not just innovative , it also requires creative thinking on part of the users to assemble the furniture, and is finished with sustainable material. Pelikan used TRESPA, an HPL material which is very dense and strong with a durable top-layer, developed for Ahrend and now mainly used for facades of buildings.
Peliker has a very visionary approach to furniture manufacturing . According to him” the future could be fully digital furniture where the customer only buys the file needed for manufacture, steps to the closest milling facility and lets his piece be produced locally on the spot”. In this way ‘immaterialized’ product would cut down a lot on transport- and material costs, and would be very environmentally-conscious and above all it would broaden the freedom of design…
Visonary approach…directional design…..sustainable and sincere……ticking all the boxes for eco-icon status…
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.13
‘N3′ recycled zip dress by Sebastian Errazuriz
We’ve been used to the concept of modular furniture….. we now have modular fashion. Introduciong the N3 Zipper dress.Designed by installation artist/ product designer/ fashion designer Sebastian Errazuriz. The dress comes with 120 metal zippers. You can zip or unzip the garment to create an incredible collection of separate pieces according your favorite style or length. Both eco, sexy, modular and fashion forward….the N3 dress is an entire collection in one piece. Definately a case of less is more……
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.14
‘UM’ bag by Josh Jakus
Josh Jakus is a designer based in Berkeley, California who is dedicated to exploring the connections between form and function. When people use one of Josh’s products, they experience the way his product was conceived and developed . He achieves this by using materials in their simplest form so their intrinsic qualities show through .
Josh founded his design practice in 2005 as a way of continuing his lifelong interest in the nature of structure, space, and materials. An architect by training with an M.Arch from UC Berkeley, Josh uses his understanding of the built environment and how it is inhabited , in the creation of his designs.
He developed the UM bag collection through two self imposed creative challenges: The first, to make use of the unique properties of 100% industrial pressed wool felt, which is made from approximately 85% factory excess wool and 15% mixed fibers. exploring its density, texture, pliability, and strength. And the second, to transform a flat surface using only the simplest of operations. When unzipped, UMs lay completely flat for dry cleaning, storage, or travel.
This ingenious design is the result of its simplicity , architectonic lines and elemental construction– the bag is nothing more than two layers of a cleverly shaped piece of felt and a zipper.
Definitely no wastage to be found anywhere…with this elemental, recycled, rationalised design with minimal manufacturing process…..eco…practical and covetable….
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Tags: 100% industrial pressed wool felt, about finding eco, architectonic, California, eco concept, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, hand made, josh jakus, natural, no wastage, off cuts, orianna fielding banks, recycled
Series 3.Eco Icon N.15
‘Cortica’chaise Longue by Daniel Michalik
Brooklyn based New Yorker, designer Daniel Michalik, has made this textural, ergonomic, undulating, chaise longue from pure cork (reclaimed waste material from the bottle-stopper industry), non-toxic marine-grade adhesive, and a small amount of polyurethane.
Cork has tremendous potential to perform in ways unlike any other material, as well as being an environmentally responsible material. This piece shows the material’s ability to bend in two directions simultaneously, creating complex three-dimensional forms laminated from a flat sheet. Cork being a renewable material, it is both lightweight and naturally waterproof , and resilient to rot and mould, and therefore can be used indoors or outdoors. The balanced form, along with the pliability of the material allows one to rock gently from side to side with a great degree of stability. The result is a floating sensation , weightless yet totally supported…… presumably could float in a pool……the ultimate eco lilo….don’t try this at home!!
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Series 3.Eco icon No.16
Vintage re-worked Schiaparelli print silk bag by Esther B
UK based designer Esther Burdett has created this collection of exquisite ‘eco must haves’ using vintage Schiaparelli news print silk . Each bag is completely original, made from limited edition silks and frames, and are fully-lined and hand-stitched by Esther . Each bag is a limited production piece.. Her work is inspired by the idea of transforming and reworking beautiful – perhaps forgotten – fragments of the past into new forms, to be treasured all over again.
With a long-standing passion for collecting, Esther carefully selects staple elements of couture such as fine antique and vintage silks, laces and other precious found objects. Whether it be 19th-century hand-worked lace, an exquisite piece of printed silk or a beautiful antique bag frame, each piece is chosen for its exquisite quality and intricate detail.
Esther B’s style of work embodies the quintessential glamour of the great Hollywood screen sirens. Esther says “the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s and Hollywood starlets of the 50s are all inspirational to my designs”. LOVE the use of the Schiaparelli pink for the lining…..
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Tags: about finding eco, eco concept, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, Esther b, esther burdett, icons, orianna fielding banks, recycled, schiaparelli, vintage reworked design
Series 3. Eco Icon No.17
‘Cork cuff ‘ by Donna Piacenza
Designer Donna Piacenza of Chicago based Studio 1 am ( see Eco.Icon No.15) designed this sculptural jewellery piece made enriely from recycled cork with the packaging forming an integral part of the design. The cork used comes from the wine bottling industry. Discarded corks are ground up and formed into blocks using environmentally-friendly adhesives. then each cuff is cut from a single block of cork, which can then be used to store the jewelry, or simply as a display piece of design inrelief form.
The holistic approach to her concept of including the block of cork as part of the whole piece stems from Piacenza’s regard for jewelry as a continuously interactive object. So often the packaging of a jewellery piece is disregarded and generally discarded . By contrat the Cork Cuff can be displayed in its own block makes it an iconic piece of eco design.
We rarely see cork in products that venture beyond the realm of basic utility, such as bottle stoppers, bulletin boards and flooring, however Studio 1 am’s pioneering and visionary use of cork demonstrates that this renewable, recyclable, and flexible material has multi- use potential when coupled with the visionary designs of the designers at Studio 1 am.
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.18
‘Oval‘ Vessel series by Sarah Thirlwell
Multi faceted designer Sarah Thirlwell mixes recycled and reclaimed materials in order to create this beautiful semi- transluscent collection of vases and vessels. Using such materials as polished FSC graded plywood with bands of recycled yoghurt pot, recycled vending cups, and reclaimed acrylic Sarah produces a range of vessels, jewellery and functional interior products for the domestic and commercial interiors market .
Her mission is to “ challenge the perceptions of traditional craft by celebrating them in a contemporary context.” Harnessing the processes of traditional wood-turning within a simple aesthetic, Sarah has created a unique, covetable and iconic collection of eco vessels….want one now!!
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.19
Gemma Redux upcycled multi-chain bracelet
A- list Jewellery-designer Gemma Redux, a favorite of celebs like Natalie Portman, Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, and Cameron Diaz—specialises in the creation of ‘must have’ reclaimed, mixed metal jewelled eco icons. In case the name Gemma Redux is new to you, it is the brain child of Rachel Dooley who while taking a break from her law studies for the New York Bar Exam started creating some jewellery pieces for herself.
Before long Dooley’s industrial-chic designs began to be featured in the pages of Harper’s bazaar and Glamour magazine and on Hollywood’s glitterrati. “Gemma Redux pieces are never precious,” Dooley has said. “The metals are generally not delicate but rather industrial, and the stones are rough and intense. Intentionally tough and complex designs made for the tough and complex girl—the Gemma Redux girl.”
I am feeling ‘ a Gemma Redux’ moment coming on…..tough, intense & complex….very 2010!
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Series 3. Eco Icon No.20
Renzo piano walnut dining table
World renowned architect Renzo Piano who recently designed the acclaimed organically shaped San Francisco Academy of Sciences with its living roof…has collaborated with New York based Hudson Furniture to create this sustainable, covetable walnut dining table with legs referencing the 50′.
Hudson Furniture spromotes and produces sustainable design through it’s own brand and collaborative furniture collections. Their design philosophy is born of a fundamental respect for the natural forms of trees and their inherent grain patterns. Inspired by the well defined organic lines and geometric forms of trees, Hudson Furniture uses traditional joinery techniques and hand rubbed oil finishes to produce its furniture collection..
None of the woods they use are harvested from old growth forests. All the wood slabs that they use are domestically sourced from either salvaged trees or wind/storm damaged trees. The trees have an average life span of 250-300 years. When these trees die, they gradually do so from the crest to the roots.These trees then have to be removed as they might cause damage to nearby houses, other trees or outlying areas.
” We put high regard and value on these trees by turning them into pieces of enduring art instead of leaving them out to decay “, Barlas Baylar, Hudson Furniture Inc. founder and designer.
Hudson Furniture is also New York’s only repository for legally harvested petrified wood. For Hudson Furniture Inc. it was second nature to explore petrified wood as an extension of its already existing collection of organic contemporary designs. Petrified wood, having the visual characteristics of wood but the feel of stone, represents a contemporary fusion of the two original materials into a new compelling organic interior accessory.
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Series 4. Eco Icon no.1
‘Compote’ bowl by Wasara
Japanese designer Shinichiro Ogata has designed this biodegradable, throw away collection of tableware …that’s as exquisite as it’s eco..for the brand Wasara.
The underlying concept for Wasara is the japanes aesthetic and value system. Focusing on the experience of ‘design’ as well as its aesthetic and sustainablility, according to Ogata ‘the experience of holding a plate in one’s hands should make the heart skip’ . This collection of eco- friendly tableware is imbued with a spiritual richness and represents the philosophy of Wabi Sabi immaculately.
The ‘Compote ‘ bowl by Wasara is a perfect example of their design philosopy. Designed as a single-use, biodegradable and compostable piece to accentuate whatever foods it contains.elevates disposable tableware to a whole new level.
Offering the best in Japanese design, Wasara products fit comfortably in the hand, with an elegant texture and sturdy quality that are unparalleled in the category.. Made from tree-free renewable materials (sugar cane fiber and reed pulp), and fully biodegradable and compostable, Wasara definitely could sit around the metaphorical table comfortably with ‘finding eco’s ‘ mission of feeding the soul without starving the planet.
www.wasara.jp
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.2
Susan Woo’s S/S 10 eco-chic collection
New York-based designer Susan Woo launched her first collection A/W 09 in February this year, Her debut collection has that rare combination of being eco-chic- elegant, classic and environmentally and socially conscious. Her follow up S/ S 10 collection is inspired by Faye Dunaway’s style in the iconic film, “Bonnie and Clyde. Woo says” The collection embodies power, intelligence, and…..sex appeal, achieved with sharp silhouettes–accentuated with drapery–and beautiful combination of textures. “
As a designer, at only 26, she has an impressive CV having already tenured at Louis Vuitton, Derek Lam and Chanel. She says she decided to launch her own collection when she realized that it was possible to to reconcile her love of fashion with being environmentally conscious.
Woo has a realistic and grounded approach to running her business -”I don’t believe that a sustainable company means that everything needs to be made from organic fabrics,” Woo says. “We are working on our ISO certification (the equivalent of being LEED certified), all of our pieces are produced under fair trade conditions and we operate as a company as environmentally and socially conscious as possible.”
While all of the fabrics used are 100% all-natural and sustainable and includes organic wool, cotton, and cashmere, they are also sourced from companies that have a strong environmental commitment. Woo’s mission is to show the most discerning fashionista that being “environmental” does not necessitate compromising on style, design or quality. Well on the way to reaching eco-icon status…..
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Tags: about finding eco, Bonny and Clyde, Derek, eco fashion, eco objects of desire, eco-chic, fashion forward, Lam chanel, louis vuitton, New York, orianna fielding banks, susan woo, sustainable design
Series 4. Eco Icon No.3
Single diamond gold disc earrings by Tracy Matthews
Ruff&Cut are one of a pioneering new generation of jewellery companies working with named designers to produce fashion forward yet environmentally conscious collections of iconic jewellery pieces.
Ruff & Cut purchase their raw materials from socially responsible sources. For transparency, each piece of jewellery is accompanied by a certificate of specific origin.
New York based designer Tracy Matthews was commissioned to produce this elemental, textural and beautiful collection of pieces using 18K recycled gold and sustainable rough cut diamonds.
Ruff & Cut’s sustainable philosophy is born of the vision of its founder Wade Watson. With the launch of this new brand, Watson aims to engender the same passion in the consumer that he has found for upholding socially minded capitalism, by providing the consumer with socially responsible luxury jewellery that supports development in impoverished African mining communities. With years of experience in the diamond business, Watson has successfully created a socially responsible brand that will set the standard for ethical product development He says “.because we believe that, ironically, in this ever more connected world of ours, we are drifting further and further away from the things that once grounded and enriched us—the very things that mark us out as truly special.”
Watson believes that, “like intellect, conscience should be worn lightly.”
Easily achieved with this covetable jewellery collection of eco-icons….
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.4
‘Replex’ dining table by Oormerk
Dutch design studio Oormerk is based in the southern town of Breda in the Netherlands. It was formed by designers Ruud van Hemert and Stijn van Oorschot. The studio has sustainability as its core philosophy and give old abandoned pieces of furniture a re-incarnation by deconstructing and reconstructing them to create iconic pieces of recycled furniture with a strong contemporary aesthetic. The ‘Replex’ table is the perfect example of their upcycled collection…made from old wardrobes and chests of drawers. The ‘Replex’dining table was created from a collection of old furniture pieces. the pieces were disassembled and glued together. this block of wood was then cut into sections and assembled into a table. this process leaves the imperfections of the materials intact creating a very unusual textured surface contained within very graphic lines….
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Series 4. Eco Icon No. 5
The sculptural debut footwear collection of Andreia Chaves
Brazillian footwear designer Andreia Chaves has launched her extraordinary debut footwear collection as part of her degree course in Design of Footwear and Accessories.from which she graduates next February in Florence.
Andreia grew up in n the busy metropolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil where she learned to search out u beauty amongst the chaos. Each of the shoes in her launch collection is an individual work of art. Her training in Florence in texture & visual effects, has acted as the catalyst for her fearless experimentation with different materials in the creation of her visionary footwear design collection..
She says, “The fact that I grew up in a chaotic metropolis like Sao Paulo, full of contrasts, being in contact with such diversity and constant exposure to different visual inputs, has inspired me in how I think and conceptualize my shoes. Looking at my work, I can clearly see influence coming from my South American sense of versatility with an element of the European experiences I have lived, thrown into the mix.“
…..no need for conversation with a pair of Andreia’s creations…they really would speak for themselves…. a definate conversation piece……! If this is the level of work that Andreia is producing before graduating…..watch this space…..
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finding eco for you
Hi there….we’re off on a global search for wonderous new eco icons to share with you in 2010.
Our next post will be on january 7th 2010.
Have a great Christmas and may 2010 bring us all a step closer to our dreams….
finding eco.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.6
Upcycled’ Mac ‘Jewellery by Lauren AnabelaBeaudoin
Designer Lauren Anabela Beaudoin, founder of Creative Dexterity has created this collection of upcycled jewellery using upcycled keys from disused Macs, a must for any self confessed Mac addict…or for that matter anyone with great taste and a sense of humour. With messages that can be gifted with a touch of irony….Beaudoin’s Computer Key collection features Mac laptop keys, with or without semiprecious jewels. The range includes cuff links, tie pins, earrings, necklaces and rings, all featuring the iconic Mac keys like the power, eject, option, and command buttons.
She now also makes to orders and can create pieces with any of the keys—like the letter keys for an initials or one of the function keys. Most of Beaudoin’s line of jewellery uses found objects or upcycled items, as well as refined recycled sterling silver.
No wastage in the design or execution of a briliant concept ….I adore the simplicity of the design where the Mac key is really the hero….a definite eco icon in the making…..now where’s that escape key????
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.7
The ‘cabbage chair ‘by Nendo
The Cabbage Chair is a design concept by Japanese designers Nendo, and is made entirely of waste paper from the pleated fabric industry. Nendo designed the chair for the 21st century man exhibition curated by Issey Miyake, which was launched in 2008 to coincide with the exhibition and now forms part of the collection at MOMA in New York,
“Miyake asked us to make furniture out of the pleated paper that is produced in bulk during the process of making pleated fabric and usually abandoned as an unwanted by-product.Our solution to his challenge transformed a roll of pleated paper into a small chair that appears naturally as you peel away its outside layers, one layer at a time.Resins added during the original paper production process add strength and the ability to remember forms, and the pleats themselves give the chair elasticity and a springy resilience, for an overall effect that looks almost rough, but gives the user a soft, comfortable seating experience.”
Since the production process is so simple, Nendo’s concept explored the possibility that eventually the chair could be shipped as one compact roll for the user to cut open and peel back at home.The chair has no internal structure. It is not finished and it is assembled without nails or screws. The primitive design responds gently to fabrication and distribution costs and environmental concerns.
The inherent intelligence and sincerity of Nendo’s design concept is reflected in their design philosophy:
“Giving people a small ” ! ” moment. There are so many small ” ! ” moments hidden in our everyday. But we don’t recognize them.
and even when we do recognize them,we tend to unconsciously reset our
minds and forget what we’ve seen.
But we believe these small ” ! ” moments are what make our days so
interesting, so rich.
That’s why we want to reconstitute the everyday by collecting and
reshaping them into something that’s easy to understand.
We’d like the people who’ve encountered nendo’s designs to feel these
small ” ! ” moments intuitively.
That’s nendo’s job.”
Definitely a case of less is more….Nendo are feeding our souls without starving the planet…finding eco’s very own philosopy….
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.8
‘Seat belt’ couture by Greta Constantine
Designers Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill,are the creators of the Canadian fashion label Greta Constantine .Kirk, a stylist by trade based in Milan, Italy, has worked for international designers such as Dsquared2 and Neil Barrett. He’s a guest teacher at the renowned ISTITUTO MARANGONI in Milan.Stephen began his career as a costume designer in Toronto for Susan Dicks & Co. and has made clothing for several films such as THE LAST DAY OF DISCO, AMERICAN PSYCHO, GLITTER, CHICAGO and currently HAIRSPRAY, starring John Travolta.
Stephen’s draping and design expertise, paired with Kirk’s knowledge of fashion forecasting resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of GRETA CONSTANTINE in 2005. Incredibly they live on opposite sides of an ocean and manage to run their business in cyberspace daily via Windows® Messenger™ meetings.
Their designs are a directional as they are inspirational…they revel in using textiles that Pickersgill describes as “foreign yet functional.” They enjoy the challenge of taking materials out of their original context, and loved the possibilities upcycling seat belts by draping them around the female form.
“When you think the process of building a seat belt,” says Pickersgill “it’s to save our lives. It’s a type of armor.” The results of their creative experiments, which were launched for Autumn/Winter 2009, are spectacular, featuring futuristic, graphic, origami-like ruching , as well as a deeply dark draped metallics . If you like to blend with the crowd….this is not the collection for you…as each piece is a stand alone, statement…….worthy of the highest eco icon status.
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Series 4. Eco icon no.9
‘ Arbre ‘eco electric tree by Wan-jin Joo, and Hyun-Joung
The ever increasing design possibilities of LED lights have been explored to the max with this ultra modern electric tree from designers Wan-jin Joo, and Hyun-Joung. The Arbre tree is made up of branches made from recycled plastic and featuring white LED lights all throughout each branch. Designed as a totally modular lighting system, each individual light branch piece can be interlocked with the next to create whatever shape you like .
The Eco electric tree is both recycled -made from recycled plastic and eco through its low energy consumption and totally modular can be made into virtually any shape or style that the user wants, this can be tall and thin or short and wide. Each twig has an integral LED’s so there is always going to be an even amount of LED’s no matter how it is put together.
Designers Wan-jin Joo, and Hyun-Joung talk about their design philosopy:
“Since the beginning of the 21st century, environmental friendly design in material and shape has been getting increasingly important. So I made lightning that gives us a feeling just like nature is getting into the house literally by using tree-shape. For light, LEDs are used, while recycled plastic is used for the branch part. Arbre utilizes a module method of lighting. To use this light, the user must put the branch shaped pieces into one another. As the human inspires life into the tree, the tree releases the light through its branches.”
Organic in concept and realisation…..low on energy high on design…a definite ‘finding eco’ icon.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.10
‘Ila beyond organic‘ skincare range
ila is the Sanskrit word for earth and is the name of the Hindu Goddess of truth, who is associated with flow and refreshment. There is a sacred place in Northern India at the confluence of the Sarasvati and Drishdvati Rivers. The place is known as Ilayaspada or the place of Ila, and it is called the holiest place on the earth in Vedic texts. Absolutely everything in Ila skincare products comes from a plant or mineral – and nothing else. This stems from their faith in the power of nature as the source of real wellbeing.
Founder Denise Leicester has spent a lifetime understanding and exploring the dynamics of healing. She is qualified as a registered nurse, aromatherapist and yoga teacher, and has studied both Eastern and South American healing traditions.
She is passionate about what the ila skincare and spa concepts can offer women, who want an effective and more natural solution to their beauty and health needs, and increasingly men, who also seek help in balancing their lives and rediscovering vitality and true wellbeing. Her skincare range is designed to create a new depth to skin care, nourishing and nurturing beauty in men and women at a deeper and more satisfying level, offering nature’s energy, purity and balance as the timeless solution.
ila’s philosophy is encapsulated in their maxim: Beyond Organic®. ila’s skincare range is completely free from synthetic chemicals and contains a rare level of organic purity which is achieved by sourcing the finest ingredients directly from local producers who cultivate and harvest the raw ingredients in harmony with nature. ila’s artisan skincare products are hand blended in a consciously created environment of peace and purity in the heart of the English countryside, to ensure that the finished holistic products contain all the exquisitely pure energy from nature. In these ways, our products are truly Beyond Organic®.
Ila’s sustainable philosophy carries through to their packaging which is fresh ,bright and dynamic like the range itself and is fully recyclable. A perfect product for the 21st C eco aware woman.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.11
‘Typo’ chair by Michael Bom
Bomdesign is a dutch design studio formed by Michael Bom and Antoinet Deurloo. These two ‘artist-designers’ use discarded materials as the inspiration for their work. They explore the possibilities of recycling materials from both a creative and a technical perspective that have resulted in a collection of dynamic and original pieces.
The typographic, abstract ’Typo’ chair does what it says on the packet…it uses discarded billboards as its source material and was clearly the source of inspiration for Michael Bom. Made from recycled billboards of Finnish Birch multiplex each of the chairs are unique , original , well made and comfortable! The ‘Typo ‘chair is a real eye catcher for both residential and commercial uses . The graphic nature of the design complements the stark quality of the billboard graphics melding the pared down elementalism of the Noughties with echoes of 50′s style Russian constructivism.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.12
“Cable tie“necklace by Meylenstein
Berlin based multi disciplinary designer Meylenstein applies her talents to architecture, fashion, art and product design. Her architectonic approach led her to design and produce this spectacular and witty piece made from discarded cable ties, nuts and bolts. Never one to stay pigeon holed her mercurial approach leaves us wondering what she’ll do next….I for one am watching this space…!
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.13
‘Upcycled ‘tile lamps‘ by Lee Broom
British designer Lee Broom has taken vintage disused tiles as the inspiration for his lighting collection. His pieces incorporating a sense of history via the glossy patina of the tile clad lamp bases, melding the contemporary with a sense of cultural heritage. Broom’s vision was to create an original collection that lookes like “as if someone had a little piece of history in their home,”
The lamps are manufactured in two sizes, with white cotton shades and are also available finished in blue tiles and white ( as shown) with a special small run limited edition in red and black available to order. Delightfully simple concept….where less is more textural and more covetable!
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Series 4. Eco icon no.14
‘Ma Biche‘ upcycled tapestry Deer byFrédéric Morrell
Fresh from the Maison et Objet show in Paris, where French company Frédérique Morrell exhibited their new ‘ slice of life’ – ‘passe murailles’ collection – a series of upcycled needlepoint covered animal icons..which definitely drew the crowds.
Each piece is a one off and is hand made – giving each animal their own unique personality and style.The husband and wife team behind Frédérique Morrell view their mission as saving vintage discarded needlepoint from oblivion by transforming them into new iconic pieces of design preserving the intricate work of the original needlepoint for future generations.They explain:
“‘our products have been carefully re-made using vintage needlework saved from oblivion in the interest of the redemption of the painstaking work involved in their original creation. when wandering around
markets or garage sales we’re often very saddened to see discarded embroidery. we think about the love, time, craftsmanship and patience that went into creating such beautiful things and find it so sad that they end up unwanted and for sale for a few dollars. all of those wonderful tablecloths, doilies and cushions and the skills that are evident in those discarded things are in danger of being lost to future generations.‘
These upcycled, upscale pieces breathe new life into a tradition for handcrafted skills that is fast dying out…and have created a life filled, joyous collection of eco icons that will introduce and preserve the beauty of needlepoint for generations to come.
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Series 4. Eco icon No.15
‘The Cubex lounge chair’ by Environment design
The Cubex Chair by Environment furniture drew its inspiration from a geometrical archetype, the Cubex is the quintessential lounge chair for the 21st century. Its horizontal-low-slung design and geometric lines gives it a contemporary look, while offering a fully contoured seat that is curved and has a rake that offers firm yet padded comfort. Made from recycled army tent canvas, Grade 2 Linen, or Leather and Stainless Steel, the Cubex is definitely ‘walks the talk’ in terms of sustainable design that delivers style, form + function.
Environment furniture’s mission is to create unique furniture collections from reclaimed, recycled, and sustainably harvested wood, expressing their deep commitment to sustainability. This attention to the provenance of their raw materials differentiates them from other furnituremakers,and positions them to meet growing customer awareness and demand for environmentally sound products.
Environment furniture‘s Davide Berruto says: Building on the foundation of our eco-conscious design philosophy, we have made important progress in identifying and addressing environmental impacts associated with our operations. In just the past year, we passed stringent entry requirements to become a partner member of the Tropical Forest Trust, a leading global organization working to promote sustainable forestry at the local level. We have completed our second carbon inventory. We have succeeded in eliminated stains that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from our production process. We have also developed and implemented a green operations guide and paper use policy in our offices and retail locations.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.16
‘Patchwork’sideboard by Judith Seng
Judith seng is a Berlin based multi disciplinary designer who describes her practice’s work as ‘cultural research and design’. Her designs span graphic design to product design with the primary focus on furniture. Seng’s approach is very much about the exploration of new concepts in furniture design, questioning the standard and provoking the new. The ‘ Patchwork’ sideboard was first showcased in Milan in 2008 and is made of recycled painted wood off cuts and forms part of a limited edition of 25 pieces . It is a perfect contemporary interpretation of a sideboard with vintage 50′s style references and an eco pedigree.
Her approach to her design projects is much more that of a conceptual artist with her chosen materials providing the palette for the creation of new works that challenge our pre conceptions about the particular design objects that she re-invents.
She studied Product and Process Design at the University of the Arts Berlin whilst also working for Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec in Paris and the Imaginary Manufactory (DIM) in Berlin. In 2005 she set up her own studio in Berlin. Her work has been exhibited internationally and forms part of several museum collections.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.17
SUNO vintage African textile collection for S/S 10
SUNO’s vintage African textiles have been upcycled and re-worked to create this directional, multi print unique collection for S/S 10.
SUNO was formed by Max Osterweis in New York 2008 after spending more than a decade collecting local african textiles during his visits to Kenya. Spurred on by the thought that Kenya’s recent post election political unrest might adversely affect tourism or foreign investment in a country with such abundant natural resources and talent, Max decided to do something positive to encourage and support local skills and decided to use his extensive collection of vintage local textiles as his starting point. . Max decided to promote and support the local talent and skills that he found in kenya by building a successful and high profile fashion New York based company that employs local Kenyan talent, as a fair trade employer , and showcases some of Kenya’s artisanal unique skills in the hope that they could be the pioneers of positive and lasting social and economic change in the area. It does not always follow that sound ethical and sustainable practices in fashion equate with successful , fashion forward collections- however in the case of Suno Max Osterweis has managed to tick all the boxes in his creation of this joyous, fun and unique brand. Worthy of eco icon status!
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Series 4.Eco Icon No.18
Iconic eco jewellery by Maria Mastori
Greek, Athens based designer Maria Mastori’s has launched her latest collection of ’ Super size me’ jewellery featuring an eclectic mix of materials, successfully mixing bright neon-colored threads with gold, crystal, wood and onyx. As a designer Maria now has a cult following of loyal fans who are drawn to her distinctive, unique pieces which are all upscale, bold and all have an inherent ‘wow’ factor.
Maria was born in Athens in 1959 .As a teenager she already had a clear idea of the direction she would follow and took art and design courses and at the same time as taking classes on jewellery design and production. Since 1984 she started taking part in group exhibitions with her works. n 1988 she presents her first personal exhibition entitled “The Ships” using silver as her main material.
The catalyst for her connection with fashion accessories was her collaboration with the Couture designer Loukia in 1998. Her second collaboration in fashion started in the spring of 2005 with designer Yiorgos Eleftheriades and in 2006/07 with Angelos Bratis.
Her longest standing and most creative collaboration has been with womens wear designer Filep Motwary. They started working together in 2005 and recently presented their collection together at the Hellenic Fashion Week. In February 2008, she was chosen through the web community of IQONS.COM by design guru Zandra Rhodes as her favorite jewellery and accessories designer.
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Series 4. Eco Icon No.19
‘Second hand plate series’ by karen Ryan
Multi award winning , multi talented designer Karen Ryan has been working on her ‘Second Hand Plate collection for the past five years. Having completed her MA in design products at the Royal College of Arts, London she has used her talents across several disciplines including graphic design, furniture and accessory design.
Karen explains her concept behind her ‘Second Hand Plates’ collection.
“I damage second hand old plates. I remove the decorative patterns that camouflage our everyday lives and in its place I leave words that prick our conscience and create portraits of hidden domesticity left open for others to interpret.”
‘For the love of it’ Plate 2009 /Part of the ‘Second Hand’ Plates Collection.
Karen also walks the talk in terms of sustainable living ” In June this year I received an email from a shoe designer asking if I would be interested in trading one of my plates for a pair of shoes designed by her. I love the idea of bartering, trading skills rather than money and so I agreed.
I am now the proud owner of a beautiful pair of blue shoes.”
Every plate is a one-off unique commentary….a collecter’s piece……worthy of eco icon status.
Lies.Trilogy in Willow Pattern 2009. Part of the Second hand Plate series 2005 /9
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Series 4.Eco icon no.20.
Iconic natural jewellery collection by Dandi Maestre
“I believe in what I do. It is very much me.” Dandi Maestre
Toronto based, Colombian born designer Dandi Maestre specialises in creating unique, upscale, handmade jewellery from natural and recycled materials. Her u.s.p is in the mixing of giant pieces of bull horn and bone, raw amber, natural Amazon seeds, shed antlers, reclaimed wood/driftwood always ensuring that all the materials she uses are found and do not come from endangered species. Each piece is unique by way of its rarity and beauty.
Her pieces have great energy, simplicity, and through the mix of materials and her playing with scale an exotic twist. Her latest collection comprises necklaces with big beads, chunky cuffs and bracelets, the natural tones punctuated with effervescent neon tones.
Dandi Maestre started making jewellery at the end of 2006 and her first collection was immediately snapped up by canadian Department store giant Holt Renfrew. Her jewellery and accessories reflect her passion for organic elements and is very influenced by her background as a graphic designer . She says “I knew from the age of 10 that I wanted to be a designer, I studied at School of Visual Arts, New York, graduated with honours and received The School of Visual Arts Rhodes Family Award for Outstanding Achievement in Media Arts and then had my design company for many years in Bogota.”.I see my pieces as artwork, where there isn’t anything too outrageous. Taking nature as my inspiration, I continue to explore organic shapes found in bone and driftwood, in shed antlers and amber, in coconuts and bull horns, in natural fibre and seeds, in rough emeralds and crocodile skins, in skulls and shells. I love their forms and their natural raw beauty.”
Dandi sees her work as a mission t to create a dialogue with the natural world. Each one of her pieces is handmade from elements found in shores, rivers, jungles and forests. She incorporate these shapes in my designs and make very large extreme pieces with a natural look and a flowing and curving appearance. Her aim is to elevate organic elements, their natural color and textures to a new level of sophistication – (a combination of the Japanese design philosophy wabi-sabi: which nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect)……
Except this collection …which embodies the essence of Wabi Sabi…’the beauty of imperfection’.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.1
‘Wood-be’Recycled crate side tables by Rabih Hage
Wood-Be Side Tables’ by Rabih Hage for his 2009 ‘Roughed Up’ Collections
Next time you are about to throw out that empty wine crate….think again! These bedside table have given new life to these french wine crates….by artfully stacking them and adding some turned legs! So simple once you’ve thought of it….or in this case…once Rabih Hage thought of it!
Rabih Hage is a qualified architect and interior designer, graduating in 1991 from the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Between 1989 and 1991 Rabih worked on hi-tech commercial projects such as the TGV Train stations of Paris Montparnasse and Nantes, and the 1992 French Pavilion at the Seville Expo.
As a result of working on old buildings in Paris and renovating chateaux and farmhouses in the South of France for private clients, he learnt how to “turn a ruin into something interesting.” His latest re-incarnated ‘ruin’ is the Rough Luxe Hotel in London’s King’s Cross.
Now living in London his focus has shifted to interiors and new built architecture projects. His style of architecture is as a result of working on buildings “inside out,” brining architecture to a human scale. he now aims to introduce furniture “that is art” incorporating works by young artists in his interior schemes “melding function and aesthetics.”
Rabih has won a string of awards and competitions including the British Interior Design Association’s (BIDA) Interior Designer of the year in 2004.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.2
Rubber band Necklaces by M2
The Noughties is bringing with it a new breed of multi disciplinary designers who are using their talents across several design platforms to create unique design collections. The new jewellery collection of New York based architect Margarita Mileva is a shining example of designers crossing over into other design arenas-outside their comfort zones.
M2 is the new jewellery collection by Milev Architects . Says Mileva “I was inspired by the ever-changing character of the contemporary architectural office, where standard tools become obsolete, discarded rubber bands and paper clips became the source of inspiration for this particular collection of necklaces”.
Love the metamorphosing of the humble rubber band into the painterly colours and forms of this jewellery collection…like a three dimensional tapestry…will be looking at rubber bands with fresh eyes.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.3
‘What Watt?’ Chandelier by Tim Fishlock
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Series 5.Eco Icon No.4
‘Marcel would go’ chair by The Skate Study House
Based on their passion for mid-century design, skateboard culture, and the SoCal lifestyle, designers champion skate boarder Pierre Andre Senizergues and Gil Le Bon de La Pointe have launched a new company The SKATE STUDY HOUSE that makes sleek, gorgeous post modern furnishings and accessories out of recycled second hand skate board products. Skate Study House is quintessential California – skater cool, mid-century minimal, and totally green.
The latest addition to their eco skate board inspired collection is this witty homage to Marcel Breuer’s iconic chair…but made entirely of recycled skate boards….a collector’s piece in the making…..called ‘Marcel would go’….perhaps it should be called ‘ Marcel would go……..and get one!”
The SKATE STUDY HOUSE ‘s concept is: ‘Living the lifestyle’. For Gil Le Bon de La Pointe and and Pierre Andre Senizergues , founders of the brand, this is what fuels their constant inspiration for all their design innovations.Pierre Andre ‘s mission is to explore other avenues of design by seeking to understand architecture, interior design and other eco / sustainable concepts. He has spent a considerable amount of time researching these new concepts — always trying to mix the skateboard culture and green materials with each endeavor.
SKATE STUDY HOUSE /SSH is an innovative design concept specializing in recreating popular furniture through the vision of a skateboarder. The movement of a skateboarder constantly changes — it recreates itself by transcending boundaries and inventing ways to conquer obstacles. It is constantly about anticipation and adaptation to one’s environment. The same is true for living design. The combination of the two produces a mixture of contemporary lifestyle, art and action sports culture, which is all found in this unique collection. Pierre Andre, president and CEO of Sole Technology, parent company of leading action sports footwear and apparel company , continues to push designs that are created with skateboarders in mind and consist of a unique blend of fashion, durability and quality. Channeling his same creative spirit for innovation,
FOR Gil Le Bon De Lapointe, being a skateboarder was a steppingstone to becoming a furniture designer. “You spend a lot of time choosing and using your board — checking the shape, the curves, the elasticity of the plywood,” says De Lapointe, still an avid skater. “The focus you have on the equipment makes it possible for you to use that knowledge for something different.”
Senizergues has in turn received numerous accolades; including the Orange County Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Immigrant of the Year Award, OC Metro’s Hot 25 and Most Influential CEO’s in Orange County and Footwear News’ Power 100. In 2009, Pierre-André was once again recognized in OC based media for his green leadership and environmentally conscious philosophy in business, and most recently Microsoft’s Customer Excellence in Environmental Sustainability. Senizergues was also recognized as one of the Top Innovators by the Orange County Register and by Global Green USA with a Corporate Environmental Leadership Award for his environmental practices and corporate responsibility by revolutionizing the way Sole Technology does business.
As action sports continues to grow in popularity, Senizergues is dedicated to ensuring that Sole Technology remains at the forefront in the industry. To achieve this, he keeps the company steadfastly focused on advances in quality, function and style. His ultimate goal is to make his company’s products the premiere choice to support the next generation.
www.skatestudyhouse.com
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.5
‘Bright Woods‘ collection by Giancarlo Zema
Looking like a collection of bonbons… or a gathering of lluminated chestnuts….this new collection of gloriously glowing chairs and coffee tables made a delicious addition to the designs on show at Milan Design Week. These luminous pieces, made from wood and natural resin strips, were designed by Giancarlo Zema for the Avanzini Group . Called the ‘ Bright woods collection ’ they are part natural woodland- part high tec resin ,fusing the two elements perfectly…no mean feat! The collection was launched at the Design in Nature exhibition in the Triennale Design Museum as part of the Milan Furniture Fair.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.6
Eco rubber ‘Kelly‘ bag by UmmaGumma
According to fausta “recycling is all about giving new function to things that have outlived their original use. Materials like plastic, steel, aluminum, and wood can all be recovered and put to precious new application inside the home. Eco-design is an offshoot of Industrial Design that combines respect for the environment, sustainable growth, and creative fantasy. “
More than a passing fashion trend, Ummagumma’s re-assembly and reinvention of old tire inner tubes into uniquely contemporary new eco objects points straight to the planet’s survival.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No. 7
Camilla Wellton’s architectonic Eco Couture Collection
Swedish born Camilla Wellton made the decision to dedicate her talents to the environment when she was still in her teens. Although all her designs use only natural and organic materials, her pieces look anything but ‘natural’. Her new collection seems to be a fusion of ‘blade runner esque ‘ architectonic shapes with a zen minimalist colour palette. Wellton’s collection shows a contemporary directional aesthetic and her sci-fi-esque line of eco-luxe clothing can be made to order in completely sustainable fabrics.
Finding Eco loves their mission statement ……it has a wonderful freshness, sincerity and clarity of purpose….
“We are a Swedish Luxury Fashion brand in love with the dream of being the Soul in your wardrobe.
Our office and atelier is located in the heart of Södermalm in the city of Stockholm, Sweden.
We love to Love Nature, Love, Creativity and the Muses.
We love to excel by creating and offering you comfortable, elegant, discreetly luxurious,inspired and confident garments and products
We love to care by giving 10% of our profit to the Swedish NGO Vi skogen
to help promote agroforestry and the planting of new trees in Africa
We love to please by offering a made to measure option for most of our models
We love to delight by creating Eco Couture for those who desire ecological,
unique and perfectly fitted garments.”
So if your wardrobe is missing an organic-silk-lined trench, or a high-waisted woollen capri, of if you are searching for the perfect empire-cut evening gown made from a blend of organic silk and hemp and want to make a fashion forward statement that doesn’t compromise the planet…you’ve found your brand…Camilla Wellton.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No. 8
‘Mensa‘ coffee table by Lazarian Studio
UK-based Lazerian Studio is a creative practice that was founded in 2006, by Liam Hopkins, a Manchester born designer-maker.
Based in an immense raw space which was an ex- hat factory in Manchester, the practice is focused on the creation of functional objects through playful investigation of materials and processes, their aim to imbue objects with a bit of soul without adversely compromising the planet’s natural resources.
Lazerian Studio’s latest collection was showcased at the Designer’s block exhibition in Milan this year. It featured an origami inspired furniture collection made entirely by carefully cutting and folding sheets of cardboard recycled from their factory, the designers creating intricate sculptural forms that are structurally stable enough to be used as furnishings.
Cardboard is not the only material that Hopkins and Richard Sweeney are capable of transforming — their Borealis lampshades and Mensa coffee table ( above) are created from CNC machined plywood, showcasing the designer’s skill in pushing a wide range of materials to their sculptural limit. The designers aim to create minimal waste through their use of repeated forms.
Representative of a new ,dynamic breed of multi-desciplinary design practices..they play as much with scale as with form, applying their design vision to everything from interiorscapes to accessories….all of them unified by their covet ability!
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.9
Michelle Lowe-Holder’s off-cut jewellery collection
Canadian born Michelle Lowe-Holder studied fashion at the legendary Pratt Institute in New York before coming to London where she went on to complete an MA in knitwear at renowned art school Central Saint Martins. After graduating in 2000, she decided to stay in London and launched her own-name label . Michelle has shown at London Fashion Week and achieved three New Generation awards. She’s been building up a following for her lateral, unique collections which incorporate hand crafted elements such as knitting, beading, handpainting and prints as well as smocking and integrated jewellery pieces that form part of her fashion collection.
This exploration of textures and textiles led her to express her creativity through jewellery as well as her core fashion collections. Her commitment to sustainable design led to her being sponsored by London College of Fashion’s enterprising program for ethical designers , The Centre for sustainable fashion . She designed a new collection that occupied a central space at Estethica this year , launching her new collection of reclaimed ribbon and off-cut based designs. Michelle said of her new collection:
‘Ribbon Reclaim’ is about creating something beautiful from end-of-line fabric and ribbon. I like to explore old techniques and re-use them in a contemporary way.”
The off-cut cuffs have been snapped up by eco-design hungry fashionistas and now can be seen adorning the A-list wrists of many a celebrity…..
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Series 5. Eco icon No.10.
Tea & philosophy by Today was fun
Today was Fun has created five organic hand blended, herbal teas and carefully wrapped them in a little of their philosophy. Formed in 2001 Today Was Fun had a simple mission:
“To put something nice out into the world.
To have fun and make money doing it.
To learn something from doing it.
To drink a lot more tea while doing it.
And to start doing it today.”
“We may not be able to change the world but we can make the most of today-and that’s as much as any of us can really do”.
For centuries people have known that wisdom and advice,love and support, news and gossip, all go better with a cup of tea.
Tea and philosophy go together so naturally it was obvious to Todat Was Fun that they should combine the two.
and we should all do what it says on the packet……….!
Put the kettle on to boil.
Warm your favourite teapot.
2. Add one tablespoon of tea for each person.
3. Pour in boiling water, allow to brew for ten minutes, and remember:
If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
Just pretend you don’t know how hard it is.
Hold your ideas up to the light.
Make a date to do something you’re scared of doing.
Pick wildflowers.
Look into the eyes of a child and see the wonder.
Sit under the stars or on the edge of the ocean. S
pend time with someone who believes in you.
Or with someone you believe in.
Make a list of everything you’d do if you were guaranteed success.
Walk under old trees.
Take ‘can’t’ out of your vocabulary.
Risks are worth taking.
Mistakes are worth making.
Take a deep breath.
Plant a seed.
It will grow.
4. Stir and pour.
5. Drink.
Love the tea and the message !!!
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.11
Johan Ku’s ‘ emotional sculpture collection’.
Taipei born Johan Ku began his free-lance graphic design career when he was 17. His acclaim started before he’d graduated from his Ba & later MA courses in fashion and textile design in Taiwan where he was awarded numerous Fashion Design prizes. In 2005, shortly after graduation, Johan set up his own studio and twice took part in Hong Kong Fashion Week in 2007. His highly recognisable signature designs feature dramatic over scaled sculptural forms that are as textural as they are organic in their aesthetic. Called ‘the Emotional Sculpture collection’originally created back by Johan in 2004, won the Avant-Garde Prize in Gen Art Style 2009 in New York. His work has been heralded a the new rising star – “The Glory of Taiwan” by the fashion media.
In March 2010, Johan held his solo exhibition at the Taipei Fine Art Museum with his sculpture-like collections under the theme “Breakthrough”. His creations have been defined as a new form of fine art, as international art collectors queue to acquire his textural master pieces. Johan Ku is currently based in the UK; having recently enrolled a Central Saint Martins MA fashion course, the artist is currently launching his autobiography soon to be published in July 2010..which is bound to be as compelling visually as it will be to learn more about Johan’s unique combination of visionary talent combined with a drive and focus that belies his years.
If you want your art to be wearable, sustainable and collectable…johan Ku is your man.
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Series 5.Eco Icon No.12
‘Light reading‘ chandelier by Lucy Norman
British designer Lucy Norman has launched her latest design- the wittily titled ‘Light Reading’ which uses repurposed books to form the cylindrical shade,via her London based design studio Lula Lot.
According to Norman there are an enormous amount of books that are printed each year to be read and then discarded. Although many are taken to charity shops, they mostly end up unsold and charities must then pay for books to be sent to landfill. As there is currently no infrastructure in place to recycle paper books because the grade of paper is low and the removal of the glue on the spine is very labour intensive…Lucy Norman has repurposed these books and has created an iconic retro inspired chandelier.
Each individual page is folded in half, producing a circular arrangement that hangs around a dome. I love the idea that each shade contains a thousand stories…..that have been given a new life…literally lighting up our lives!
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.13
1975 AMC Pacer ‘Cut-Out Clutch’ by Kim White
L A based designer Kim White has created a unique iconic upcycled collection of hand bags made from vintage car fabrics, Kim White uses never-used textile stock intended for use in the American automobile industry: cars, trucks and vans. She incredibly unearthed an entire warehouse of automotive fabric, which may be the last existing stock anywhere in the US, and she is the sole owner of these amazing textiles.
Each Kim White Handbag is tagged with the year and make of the fabric, so every bag has its own ‘ vintage car’ provenance (i.e. 1983 Camaro or a 1978 Ford Mustang). Kim White Handbags specializes in automotive fabrics from the 1970’s and 1980’s, when color was de rigueur in the automotive industry.
Since these textiles were originally intended for use in cars, they are incredibly durable. Perfect for the creation of handbags in style as well as function. Kim White Handbags, in keeping with the tradition of the American car industry, are sophisticated, beautiful and built to last. And just like American automobiles, they have a widespread appeal.
One of her signature collection is the ‘cut out’ clutch range made using the aztec design that adorned the seats of the fabulous 1975 AMC Pacer . The world’s first small wide car! A turquoise blue squiggle runs down the center, bordered with black on a grey horizontal design. The clutch springs open and stays open, and snaps shut using a simple frame mechanism. Ticking all the boxes in terms of ethical design, style and function…the collection features other vintage sports models such as the Camaro ( pictured below). Get on that waiting list now!!!!
Special Edition Brown Cut Out Clutch
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Series 5. Eco icon No.14
‘Second life‘ couture necklaces by Charlotte Hosten
Montreal based Charlotte Hosten is a jewellery and accessories designer . Her unique iconic fabric necklaces have become the axis upon which her clients base their outfits, creating their look around the necklace.
Charlotte a self-taught designer, was born and raised in Belgium, but is now based in Montreal. At the age of 15 she instinctively learned to create jewellery . Her u.s.p of creating fabric based necklaces was born of a happy accident when one day she couldn’t find a suitable clasp for her creations. She then started to embroider beads onto fabric and ever since, her necklaces have become luxurious sculptures; sometimes made of one of a kind antique jewelry pieces or, for the custom made pieces, with the treasures her clients bring her. Charlotte Hosten’s work is now much featured in the international fashion press and as she states ” are proudly created in Montreal.”
Charlotte has a main focus for her design collections in addition to her creative direction …she is commited to ‘REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE.’She says’ In order to minimize our negative impact on the environment, we make sure we recycle everything we can. We also try to stay away from the printer. Most of the trimming waste is kept to be reused and some of the necklaces (the sari collection for example) have been elaborated using almost only trimming waste. We use a lot of vintage beads, brooches and necklaces to which Charlotte Hosten gives a second life.”
Each of her unique couture pieces are completely original one off’s….and can be customised to include pieces of your own jewellery and fabrics….like a fashion forward living sculpture with echoes of the past…want one now!!
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Series 5. Eco icon No. 15
‘Dandelion‘ Sideboard /dresser by Iannone Design
IANNONE DESIGN was founded by MICHAEL IANNONE and is a Philadelphia based design and build firm dedicated to the creation of eco-friendly contemporary furniture.
MICHAEL IANNONE graduated from Rowan University in 2000 with a BFA in Studio Art. He has been designing and building furniture for over 6 years, and has worked for two years as a luthier crafting custom solid body electric guitars.Each of the pieces which form part of the sustainiably designed collection has a signature graphic inlay either in a contrast grain or contract wood and finish. All the furniture pieces are constructed in FSC certified plywood. The Dandelion sideboard feature a graphic cut out of white gloss laminate and kirei doors.
The original Signature 2.0 Dandelion design now comes in a six-drawer dresser. Iannone has expanded the range to include other nature based designs such as hummingbirds, silver birch trees, and wild flowers. Its highly reconiseable style features a decorative graphic on a sleek, minimal storage unit. The kirei doors are made from the reclaimed stalks of the sorghum plant and made using a formaldehyde-free adhesive. The cabinet is constructed of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable plywood also made with formaldehyde-free adhesives. The gloss white laminate is Greenguard certified assuring that it conforms to healthy indoor air standards. All the cabinets in his collection come with premium soft closing doors, and stainless steel legs.
There is a freshness and a lightness of touch to Iannone’s work that represents so well the new atmosphere of simplicity and connectedness with our natural world that we are all searching for….a definite eco icon in the making…
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Series 5. Eco icon No.16
Delicious up- cycled tea cup ‘cake stands‘ by Esther Coombs
Southampton based UK creative ceramic artist Esther Coombs has launched her unique collection of up-cycled ceramic cake stands,
Each piece made from a combination of wine glasses and tea cups are as delicious as the cakes they were designed to hold. With the growing trend for highly decorated cup cakes and a return to having ‘ afternoon tea’…Esther’s cake stands are the perfect way to display a host of edible goodies.
This pretty floral cake stand has three tiers and is a lovely mixture of china and glass, with wine glasses dividing up the layers.It is made from found and unloved glass and china found in every place from charity shops.Most of her items are made with some items purchased in a charity shop, so with each piece the purchaser has made a contribution to charity via her charity shop purchase.
When making a cake stand Esther selects a group of china she think will sit well together and wait for a drawing that fits. The city drawings contrast nicely with the flowers on the china. All her cake stands are up-cycled by hand by her and are not suitable for dishwashers or boiling hand washes.
In addition she doesn’t use transfers or prints as all the drawings are done by hand with a ceramic ink pen.
If anyone needed a nudge to consume a bit of Battenburg and a couple of cup cakes…..with one of Esther’s cake stands watch that willpower fly out of the window….
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Series 5. Eco icon no. 17
Righteous fashion a/w2010 capsule collection
The concept behind Righteous Fashion evolved in 2004 when Kajsa Cappelen Holst and Paula Kermfors were students studying Human Rights Law in Sweden. After working internationally on development- related questions for some time, they decided they wanted to work on sustainable development in developing countries.
Kajsa and Paula are firm believers that entrepreneurship and trade can be an efficient method for social change and sustainable development in developing countries, under condition that the trade is managed with respect for both people and environment. Inspiring to witness visionary people who not only ‘walk the talk’ in terms of sustainability but also deliver in terms of design.
For Righteous, the three elements design, fairness and environment are equally important.
In design terms Righteous creates real fashion for real women-clothes that meet the requirements of the woman of today; the woman who values not having to compromise on neither fashion nor a sustainable lifestyle.
Righteous Fashion’s philosophy is that quality is a guiding line. High quality is delivered through the accuracy of fit as well as the choice of materials, and not the least through the history of the garments. Quality products can only be created when the people who work on them are well and fairly.
Their entire chain of production is guided by high standards of fairness and environmental concern. They use the finest Organic and Fairtrade certified cotton from India, as well as soft cashmere wool from the goats grazing in the sloping fields of Nepal.
The production unit, ranging from the cotton farm in India to the finished piece of garment in Mauritius , is certified through co-operation with IFAT and the working conditions are registered by FLO. In concrete terms this means for instance that workers are free to join federation of labor units and offered appropriate reasonable payments over the average living wage.
All the cotton used in Righteous Fashion collections is one hundred percent organic, guaranteed by a Control Union World Group certification. Growing cotton organically means, for example selecting the most suitable non- genetically modified seed and using green manure instead of artificial fertilizers. With drip irrigation systems it is possible to save more than sixty percent of water and to improve the quality of the crop and limit the reproduction of harmful insects.By treating the cashmere wool with vegetable dyes and by embellishing the clothes with handcrafted bone buttons, not only are impacts on the environment minimized but also are artisan skills embraced and encouraged.
Righteous fashion is one of a pioneering group of designers who are giving us the possibility to look great and feel good with the total knowledge that what we wear is not costing ‘ the earth’!
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.19
Recycled Rubber Couture necklaces by ‘My Sister’s Art’
Eco-artist Kathleen Nowak Tucci of sister duo, My Sister’s Art recycles discarded rubber bicycle inner tubing into unique couture jewellery pieces.. Her recycled creations made the cover of Italian Vogue September 2010 issue and were featured in the oil-spill editorial featuring Kristen McMenamy .
Tucci repurposed rubber pieces have been given a new life as statement wearable gallery worthy art pieces. Tucci, who minored in biology in college, is an artist by trade (watercolor, ceramics, polymer clay, precious metals) and an environmentalist at heart. After noticing the inner rubber tubing that her local bike shops threw away on a regular basis, Tucci gathered an armful and began experimenting.
Although Tucci’s jewellery goes hand-in-hand with the current trend of statement pieces and layered necklaces, she said she has never looked to fashion for inspiration.”My sister Margaret was always my muse because she wears avant-garde clothing and likes dramatic jewellery,” she said.
“I have always been interested in design,” she said. “I use the medium of rubber for my inspiration. It is black, flexible and lightweight. I have used my previous experience in many other mediums, to construct and design the jewellery line, which has been driven by the medium.”
While Tucci’s hand-crafted necklaces, lariats, and bracelets are iconic creations and fast becoming collector pieces, they are also addressing a very unresolved land fill issue. Approximately 290 million scrap tires are generated each year in the United States alone, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. As tires don’t biodegrade easily and they’re rarely recycled and consequently they usually end up in landfills for perpetuity.
Though small in scope, My Sister’s Art is doing its bit to turn a potential environmental hazard into gorgeous accessories—better adorning us then destroying our world.
Tucci is already focusing on her next collection …for men! She said she has even more ideas than she can create, as she has been extra busy keeping up with the orders for the current line. Her new men’s line that will debut in November 2010.
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Series 5. Eco Icon No.20
Suzuki Takayuki ethereal eco s/s 2011 collection
The dark yet ethereal beauty that encapsulates this collection, generates a combination that feels directional and yet has a lyrical fragility. Exquisite to look at and cut to perfection… gorgeous to wear. Takayuki is definitely a rising star in Japan’s fashion circles and worthy of ‘Finding eco’s’ Eco Icon status.
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Series 6.Eco Icon No.1
Bamboo ‘Baroque‘ ‘Grandelier‘ light by Loz Abberton
Queensland born designer Loz Abberton moved to Carlton Bluff on the southern coastline of Tasmania, Australia,in 2006, where inspired by the breath-taking natural scenery of her surroundings-the Casuarina forests, Mt Wellington, Carlton Beach and the River, she has designed a sustainable lighting collection of graphic yet organically shaped pieces.
Her background in graphic design and fashion informs her work.Her first range of lighting called ‘ Who Did That Grandeliers ‘ have been launched in a plain bamboo finish which have an inherent e understated elegance of their own. Loz also has plans to introduce screen printed and flocked designs to further expand the initial core range of lighting pieces..
The Baroque (above) and Bloom lights can each be used either as a pendant light, floor light, or wall light . Loz uses only what she describes as “future friendly” materials such as sustainable carbonised bamboo and hoop pine which is laser cut to make the lamps. Choosing materials for their ‘flora friendly’ content, Who Did That’s new range of lighting from hand-printed, FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) ply and veneers, and recyclable polypropylene .
Loz Abberton’s new collection is a worthy receipient of the ‘finding eco’ Eco Icon status…and is definitely lighing up my life!!!
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, carbon footprint, eco design, eco objects of desire, fsc, green, Loz Abberton, orianna fielding banks, queensland, sustainable design, tasmania, who did that Garandeliers
Series 6. Eco Icon No.2
‘Soy Story‘ NYC
‘Siki Im‘ pop up store New York
New York based menswear designer Siki Im has collaborated with Leong Leong designer/ architects to create a 10 day pop-up soy foam-covered concept store as part of Building Fashion, a series of collaborations between fashion designers and architects.
Located at 504 24th Street, just under the pioneering Zen gardens of the Highline- the Siki Im x Leong Leong Concept Store opened for 10 days from 5-15 November .
Both the interior and exterior are coated in textured soy-based foam giving the space a textural , organic skin.The store, which features a ramp-like sloping floor, is built around an existing structure that was formerly used as the sales office for the HL23 apartment building by architect Neil Denari.
Building Fashion is hosted by BOFFO and Spilios Gianakopoulos, with Pin-up Magazine and Project No. 8. It pairs fashion designers with architects to explore the cross polination between both areas.The space is filled end to end with large ramp-form that creates an unexpected gathering space with undefined programmatic possibilities.
The Soy-based spray foam was used to cover the interior and exterior of the structure creating a supple surface for inhabitation on which visitors are required to remove their shoes.
Small niches and ledges are carved into the foam to create areas for display and seating.
The clothes are embedded beneath the ramp on either end, encouraging visitors to explore the extents of the space and experience the clothes in very intimate environments.
Finding Eco loves the regeneration of the meatpacking district ….especially the new 3d layering of high level lyrical gardens floating over organically formed soy based pop up fashion moments…..really loving watching that space!!!
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Series 6. Eco Icon No.3
Architectonic ‘eco jewellery’ by Lisa Linhardt
Eco fashion and bespoke jewellery designer, Lisa Linhardt, of Linhardt Design ,New York ,says “lots of bling seekers have no idea what environmental impact their fashion choices have until they find her.” As a designer she is totally focused on making “beautiful, sculptural pieces” but without compromising the planet’s resources as she is a ‘green gold jeweller.
Linhardt buys 100% recycled gold from casting houses and refineries that extract it from post consumer material as opposed to being newly-mined. She can also melt the jewellery you never wear to form something new in her studio that is constructed with reclaimed barn wood . Whether the jewellery was hand-fabricated or cast, Linhardt jewellery is made with recycled precious metals. Whenever possible, Linhardt explores the boundaries of traditional jewellery materials by incorporating organic matter, such as bone, wood, and more.
Linhardt’s designs are totally unique and embody an enviable fearlessness ,exploring standard practices of jewellery design and pushing them beyond the norm. The result is an artistic statement piece that communicates a sense of the individual without saying a word. Linhardt expands standard design limitations,viewing her pieces as sculpture and architecture on a small scale.
The ring ( featured above) was a commissioned piece inspired by another Lindgardt piece- a two finger ring. It is made of recycled gold with a milky smooth vintage ivory cabachon that was custom cut specifically . This ring has the ability to flip on to itself and can be worn either as a one-finger ring…and is as beautiful as it is sustainable.
Linhardt is constantly inspired by artisans around the world and has often participated in projects that give back to the artisans and their communities. One project Linhardt continues to take a great interest in is a her affiliation with the Kenya Education Fund – where a portion of proceeds sold in the NYC Gallery sends an African girl to college in her home country.
This is the best of ‘no compromise’ design…. definitely all beauty and no beast….iconic ,sustainable design at its very best.
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Series 6.Eco Icon.No.7
Icehotel in Sweden launches new ‘ Legacy of the River Suite‘ homage to’Tron‘
With the high profile launch of the much anticipated Christmas blockbuster 3D TRON: Legacy having recently opened to much acclaim in cinemas across the world , a British design duo Ben Rousseau and Ian Douglas- Jones inspired by the Disney movie have launched a ‘Tron’ inspired suite at the famous Icehotel in Sweden. The Icehotel is in Lapland, Sweden is the most famous, was the first and is largest of the ice hotels. It is the ultimate in ‘pop-up’ hotel concepts-as it is a temporary hotel, lasting only 5 months from December to April.Every year the hotel is newly constructed and artists and designers are invited to collaborate in its design and construction.
Rousseau and Ian Douglas-Jones were commissioned by the Ice Hotel to create a TRON-inspired art suite for this winter using the EL wire to provide a futuristic lighting scheme. They only had 13 days to form the interior of the hotel room suite, install the lighting and install the interior scheme, which includes wall panels, a reindeer pelt covered bed and a table.The suite includes many light embedded panels, as well as a bed and table that all had to be created by hand.
With its electric blue ‘Tron’ inspired lighting scheme – this hotel ‘art suite’ looks like it came straight off the lot at ‘Pinewood’ studios. The graphic , linear light motifs are achieved by cutting grooves into the ice slabs and with a variety of tools and then the EL wire was laid into the grooves and water was used to create new ice to “glue” the wire icing over the wire to keep it in place.
As well as being iconic and directional in design terms the scheme for the suite is also highly energy efficient as this particular type of energy efficient lighting technology needs very little energy and consistently and evenly glows in 360 degree. Called EL wire, or electroluminescent wire this low consumption lighting technology has many applications. An EL wire is made of a copper wire coated in a phosphor that glows when an alternating current is applied to it. The energy efficient technology allows just a few hundred feet of EL wire to be battery driven for several hours.
For the design duo their ‘art suite’ at the Ice Hotel called ‘Legacy of the River’, forms part of their broader launch campaign for their new collection of illuminated furniture and interiors products scheduled to be launched in early 2011.
Given that large parts of our planet are covered in snow and ice at present-it is inspiring to see ice being turned into an art form …an energy efficient beacon in our winter of discontent….always good to turn a negative into such a good looking positive!
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Tags: about finding eco, architectonic, Ben Rousseau, carbon footprint, eco, eco design, EL wire, environment, ian Douglas-Jones, icehotel, illuminated furniture, orianna fielding banks, sustainable design, sweden light embedded panels, Tron
Series 6. Eco Icon No.8
Plastic fantastic organic jewellery by Tonya O’Hara
British designer Tonya O’Hara building on the pioneering design formed from pre- and post-consumer recycled plastic by designers such as Patagonia who create fleece jackets, to Melissa who metamorphose it into avant garde shoes, has created an iconic jewellery collection from discarded plastic . O’Hara takes salvaged PET plastic bottles and slices and shapes each piece by hand. The result- contemporary, elegant wearable art …that is a lyrical as it is covetable.
Each piece in O’ Hara’s PET : cell collection is handmade using a unique heat-forming method that doesn’t affect the inherent qualities of the material and allows the plastic to stay transparent.
O’Hara’s love for jewellery making surfaced during her studies at Loughborough University and the School of Jewellery in Birmingham. O’Hara’s vision for her own collection was firmly in place as she graduated but first she had to raise the money to be able to make the pieces.. After eight years of teaching at secondary schools, unwavering focus and dedicated saving O’Hara finally founded PET:cell in 2010.
Her first collection features natural organic forms -inspired rings, earrings and bangles—all made from recycled PET plastic. She explains her vision “It has very much been an amalgamation of the many things in life that excite me, I have had for many years a fascination with transparency and microscopic organisms but also a desire to create something very precious out of something very ordinary.”
O’Hara is already developing concepts and ideas for her next collection. “I’m developing a new range which will focus further on transparency and texture; necklaces and headpieces will also be introduced,” she says.
Finding Eco loves her vision, her delicate organic forms and the fact that thanks to O’Hara’s vision we can wear PET plastic with pride knowing that every piece of the collection means there is one less plastic bottle in a landfill.
Definitely feeding the soul without starving our planet….an eco icon to wear with pride!
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Tags: about finding eco, design, eco objects of desire, hand made, icons, jewellery, natural organic forms, orianna fielding banks, PET plastic, PET plastic bottles, recycled, sustainable design, tonya o'hara
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