Fast-forward: Fashion gets an architectural makeover for a/w 2010

MaxJenny Pixel Origami Poncho

Here at Nu, we try to seek out fashion that uses sustainable production, has innovative design and quality construction. So we were thrilled to be faced with some unique collections for Autumn/Winter 2010.

Spotted at Estethica, London Fashion Week Exhibition…

First up is Maxjenny, with their creative use of material – turning Recycled PET bottle fabric into multi-functional architectural jackets constructed by folding and draping geometric shapes. We love the Origami jacket. Its bold pixel design wouldn’t look out of place alongside Erdem, Matthew Williamson or Eley Kishimoto, with their strong, original prints seen cascading down the runways. Maxjenny is definitely one to watch…

Henrietta Ludgate skirt & top

A firm favourite at Nu, Henrietta Ludgate really pulled out all the stops for her a/w 2010 collection. In keeping with some of the best high end designers, her new collection is a more feminine take on the futuristic style seen at Louise Goldin. Sculptured A-line minis with scooped-back dresses are bang on trend, made from a mixture of British wool and cashmere and organic fibres. Henrietta sees fashion as a type of architecture, and it’s certainly apparent in this distinctive collection, full of interesting silhouettes and tailored pieces.

Spotted at the LFW closing party from the Ethical Fashion Forum (EFF) at the Hospital Club…

The EFF LFW closing party was awash with creative people, fantastic clothes (which you could try on and then get your photo taken in the photo booth – great idea EFF) and decadent cocktails. So, obviously, we made our way over to the dressing room to check out the collections…

Julia Smith corset dress

Julia Smith’s Velocity collection was a welcome departure from the other designers’ creations that all seemed to drape flowingly over the hangers. All of Smith’s pieces are unique, intricately constructed with flattering contours and embellishments in exactly the right places. The corseted dresses made from recycled polyester fabric (a fabric originating from plastic bottles) are extremely sexy, and the jackets wouldn’t look out of place on a powerful (fashionable) business woman.

If you’ve come across any ethical fashion that you think has been inspired by architecture, post your findings…

LFW: Prophetik@Vauxhall Fashion Scout

When you spot acclaimed fashion stylist and journalist, Hilary Alexander, at a show, you know the designer is one to watch. And Jeff Garner certainly didn’t disappoint.

A throwback to his Southern roots, the Prophetik Autumn/Winter 2010 collection was inspired by the American Civil War. And it was certainly apparent in many of the ballgowns shown. The first, a recycled silk long black dress with peace silk lining, was both ethereal and beautifully saddening. A perfect piece to start the show.

Whilst much of the audience were mesmerized by these A-line, haunting dresses, it was certainly his sportswear that took centre stage. Wearable and chic, Garner showed us hooded dresses, slashed leggings, jackets… and the relaxed jodhpurs, that were a regular feature on the catwalk, had us dying to get our hands on a pair.

The black and red long halter dress in organic stretch hemp and organic jersey was also a favourite, along with the indigo-dyed blue linen flanker trousers with red piping. Comfortable, yet effortlessly stylish.

Unfortunately, Garners efforts at the constructed more tailored female jodhpurs fell flat, unusual, seeing as though his menswear pieces were so immaculately constructed. We left thinking which waistcoat or cloak we might buy for our better halves from this Heathcliffe-inspired collection.

All in all, Garner’s show was one of great style. Whilst we were fully prepared to be mesmerized by his creative, innovative dresses and use of materials (a mixture of hemp, organic cottons, Greenspun, and indigo-dyed fabrics using plants grown in his own garden in Tennessee), it was his sophisticated sportswear that had us on the edge of our seats.

The collection will be sold at Eco Age, which is run by Colin Firth’s wife, Livia Giuggioli, in West London. If you just buy one piece, make it the hemp / organic cotton jodhpurs.

Nu’s pick of the month

When our new website goes live at the end of November, we’ll be highlighting our favourite item of the month – a staple item that is bang on trend for the season, as well as being timeless so you can wear it for years to come.

But why wait for the new website to get here?! We’re starting now. Nu‘s October pick of the month is…

Caliana trench coat in organic cotton by Amana

A fantastic trench coat from Amana

This classic camel trench reflects the huge trend that was seen gracing the catwalks at London Fashion Week – Chloe, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, MaxMara. But this is organic! Classic design and ethical. Perfect.

Nu fashion show at Fishtank Festival

The Nu ethical fashion show took place last night! Here’s what happened…

(See end of post for photos)

The background

Fashion is a world of contrast; the way it’s made and the way it’s worn.

UK consumers are thriving on fast fashion, often forgetting to take a minute to consider why a t-shirt may cost a mere £5 from their favourite high street store.

According to War on Want, fashion workers in Bangladesh earn half the living wage of £44.82 per month. They can’t afford nutritionous food, health supplies, adequate shelter, education or clothes.  These people are making clothes for many of the high street stores in the UK. Read the full report: waronwant.org/attachments/Fashion_Victims_II.pdf

Mainstream fashion also damages the planet. The Environmental Justice Foundation found that cotton production uses up more insecticides than any other crop in the world, and is responsible for the release of $2 billion of chemical pesticides each year. Almost 50% of these are classified as hazardous by the World Health Organisation. These cotton practices damage the earth, infect water supplies and damage people’s livelihoods. Read the full report: ejfoundation.org/pdf/the_deadly_chemicals_in_cotton.pdf

The show

At Nu, we like fashion that’s kinder to people and planet. So last night, we showcased some of the best ethical fashion around at the Fishtank Festival in London’s Brick Lane with a Nu ethical fashion show.

Keeping with the theme of contrast, we introduced two hot new looks for Autumn / Winter 2009. Bring on the glamour pusses and the rebels! (More photos coming in the Winter edition of Nu, out in December)

Grey Komodo dress, purple Stewart + Brown long tee and black Leju bracelet

Designers featured:

• Article 23
• Ascension
• Bora Aksu for People Tree
• Ciel
• Elena Garcia
• Goodone
• Karen Cole
• Komodo
• Kuyichi
• Leju
• Pachacuti
• ParkVogel
• People Tree
• Round London
• Stewart + Brown
• Terra Plana
• Veja

Red Kuyichi tee, black Ciel trousers, vintage bangle

The Fishtank Festival: diversity enriches

Nu is inviting you to its first ever ethical fashion show!

We’re a little nervous, but we shall be hosting a fabulous fashion show at the Fishtank Festival on Saturday 17 October at 6pm.

Highlights include an eight-man breakdance competition, an ethical fashion show (by Nu!), an exhibition of 15 artists and photographers, a eight-woman burlesque show, seven bands, four acoustic musicians, talks by inspiring entrepreneurs and scientists, short films, comedy, a master magician, delicious treats and other amazing goings-on!

Held at The Rag Factory, just off Brick Lane, the Fishtank Festival is not to be missed. Join the madness on Saturday 17th October from 2-11pm (nearest tube, Aldgate East). Our ethical fashion show will be on at 6pm.

For more information and to buy your tickets (£8 in advance), check out www.fishtankfestival.com.

Underwear that pops

News in…

The fabulous ethical lingerie brand, Enamore, has announced news of some brand new pop-up shops appearing in Bath over the next few months.

Location:
Walcot Woollies 104 Walcot St. Bath, BA1 5BG

Confirmed dates for 2009:

• September 5 & 6
• October 10 & 11
• November 7 & 8

Christmas Shops:

• December 5 & 6
• December 12 & 13
• December 16-24

We at Nu will be on our way to Bath soon then!

Lauren 🙂

Secret ethical goings-on

Wow, I’m exhausted! Just got back from this year’s Secret Garden Party. My first ever music festival (shameful, I know), the Secret Garden Party was Nu‘s kinda gig – hippy chic.

It seemed that the festival was divided in two (by a rather stunning lake housing a floating pagoda stage with nude swimmers packing the waters) – the drum n bass, hardcore dance arena, and my fave, the hippy, chai-drinking, funky music area. I must have had at least ten cups of organic and fairtrade tea in my weekend of hippy heaven. It’s not often that you get to wear flowers in your hair, fairy wings on your back and as much sparkly makeup that you can fit on your face, with no excuse needed. In fact, I spent most of the weekend perfecting my hula hooping skills.

What I loved most, was the focus on ethical produce. There was lots of organic and fairtrade food available. The Keen-wah store selling salads and burgers made out of the best grain ever, quinoa, was mouth-watering. And the Chai Wallahs tent sold a beautiful range of loose teas. They also had many tents dedicated to customizing clothes and vintage fashions – perfect.

Oh yes, and the music! What is great about the Secret Garden Party is the intimacy. The stages are small and there’s so much going on. Soko, who played the Great Stage, even got her fans sitting on the stage with her. One of my favourite gigs though was with a band called Golden Silvers – a throw-back to the 1980s with synthesizers galore. Check out their single True Romance, it’s a hit waiting to happen…

All in all, a decent festival. I’m not convinced about the camping but well worth a visit just for the food!

Lauren 🙂

An excuse for new (well old) clothes? Bring on Team GB!

With Green Britain Day taking place tomorrow, we couldn’t help but think what eco-team Nu should support?

Team Big Lunch – we all like a bit of a natter with our neighbours whilst eating lovely grub

EcoTeam – reducing carbon footprint and amount of energy we use? Check.

Team Energy – getting our friends round for a T.V night? Oh yeh!

Team A to B – getting driven around? um… yes please

And, then there’s Team Swap. Perfect. Organising clothes swap parties with friends – getting new clothes to add to your wardrobe without using up the energy to make something new or adding to landfill.

What will you be doing in the run up to London 2012 to help Britain lead the way in the race against climate change?

Check out more info at: www.teamgreenbritain.org

Fake it, naturally

lavera self tanning lotion, £11.70

Let’s face it, even the most beautiful of us sometimes want to look different. However natural we like to be when sourcing our products, that doesn’t always mean we need to go for the ‘natural look’.

So we were VERY excited to discover a new self-tan using all-natural ingredients. This Lavera fake tan was the first 100% all-natural self tan lotion on the market, and meets strict BDIH guidelines for Certified Natural Cosmetics.

No harmful effects from the sun – top up your tan using all natural ingredients.  Looks like that’ll get us ready for summer.

http://www.lavera.co.uk.

Amisha