March 1, 2010

Let’s face it, being eco-friendly and fashion forward has not always been synonymous, but times have changed my friends! Eco fashion today is totally stylish as well as being good for the environment.

I was lucky enough to attend the Eco Fashion Forward event in the Vancouver Public Library atrium last weekend where we were treated to a special sneak preview of Eco Fashion Week Vancouver. The show’s featured designs were both chic and sustainable. The models stood high above the crowd striking fierce (I couldn’t resist- they really were fierce!) poses. They wore designs by Adhesif, Kim Cathers (of Project Runway Canada fame, picture 1 above), Nixxi, and WE3 (picture 3 above). The show also featured Ashley Watson’s recycled leather handbags (picture 2 above) and vintage designer jewelery by Dotted Loop.

The show was not only entertaining, but also opened my eyes to some facts. A speaker from the David Suzuki Foundation told the crowd that 4% of our landfills are filled with clothing and textiles waste. I was totally surprised that clothing was such a large percentage of our waste and resolved to shop for more vintage and local designs using sustainable materials.

Handmade Evolution will be reporting from Eco Fashion week itself (date of the shows are to be announced)- so keep checking back with us!

~Posted by: Christine

*Image 2 & 3 above courtesy of: Antonio LaFauci
*Image 1 above courtesy of: Chelzea Bailey

Category: Eco Friendly, Fashion, Vancouver | 1 Comment »
Tags: eco fashion week, Vancouver fashion

February 25, 2010

How lovely is the Spring 2010 collection from Vancouver line Lav & Kush? Their collection is not only designed and manufactured in Vancouver but whenever possible they use sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics, making it a winner in my book. It’s not yet stocked in their online shop, so we can consider this a sneak peek until everything is available. You can see the whole collection here.

~Posted by: Amy

Category: Fashion, Vancouver | No Comments »
Tags: lav & kush, spring 2010, Vancouver fashion

February 9, 2010

Obakki’s Spring 2010 line is elegant, refined and infinitely wearable. Designed and manufactured in Vancouver – season after season Obakki never disappoints. While the dresses from this collection may not be in my budget – I can recognize them for what they are – investment pieces. Dresses this beautiful can be worn season after season! See the whole collection here.

~Posted by: Amy

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Tags: obakki, spring 2010, Vancouver fashion

February 3, 2010

1). Let’s Find Some Beautiful Place to Get Lost – available here at 20 x 200

Got an email this morning from the lovely folks at lily & jae – announcing not only their beautiful Spring 2010 collection, but also a contest for bloggers… I was already planning to cover the Spring 2010 line, because it’s gorgeous and made right here in Vancouver – but this made it even more fun for me. It’s been a long winter, and you can find this blog littered with references to the coming sunshine – but now I’m even thinking more specifically about sunny days – elsewhere – wearing one of these adorable dresses… Getting lost, with not a care in the world.

If you’re a blogger and would like to take part in the contest – all you’ve got to do is come up with a fun post sharing the 2010 collection from lily & jae by Feb. 10th and email it to them at info@lilyandjae.com. Their favorite post wins a $200 gift certificate, and your post will be featured on their site.

Click here to see the full collection.

Posted by: Amy

Category: Fashion, Vancouver | 2 Comments »
Tags: lily + jae, spring 2010, Vancouver fashion

January 25, 2010

Vancouver is not just the city hosting the 2010 Olympics this February – it’s also the home to a lot of wonderful local talent. Athletes – yes, but we’d like to let you know about some of the other talent… Over the years this great city has come to be known not just for the beautiful mountains, parks and ocean views – but also for its artists and burgeoning design community. We’re happy to highlight several fashion designers whose focus is on eco fashion – meaning their designs are manufactured locally and that they use sustainable materials with a lower environmental impact, and in some cases reworked vintage materials.

To celebrate all of this great local talent, Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week will premiere April 20-22, 2010.

In the meantime, Vancouver Eco Fashion Week is holding a party February 19th with music, art and a sneak preview of the spring lines from these great designers: Adhesif Clothing, Ashley Watson, Dotted Loop, Kim Cathers Elements, Nixxi, and WE3.

This event is in support of Eco Fashion week and tickets are available online here for $45 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the David Suzuki Foundation.

Date & Locale: Fri. Feb. 19th at 8pm – Promenade at the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC).

To keep up to date with news about the premiere of Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week and more party details click here.

Pictured above, clockwise from top: 1). Ashley Watson 2). Dotted Loop 3). Nixxi

Posted by: Amy

Category: Eco Friendly, Events, Fashion, Vancouver | No Comments »
Tags: Vancouver fashion, Vancouver's Eco Fashion Week

January 11, 2010

Isn’t Allison Wonderland’s spring collection heavenly? We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at this Vancouver indie designer’s spring 2010 preview and we will be waiting (im)patiently to see the rest of the collection and for it to be available online and in shops.

~ Posted by: Amy

Category: Fashion, Vancouver | 2 Comments »
Tags: allison wonderland, Vancouver fashion

January 7, 2010

dace – January Sales ~ Vancouver Fashion

Another January sale for you! Today we’re featuring our sponsor dace – the Fall 2009 collection has a decidedly equestrian theme, with perfect pieces for work or dinner out – shop now while everything is up to 50% off.

Click here to visit the sale.

~ Posted by: Amy

Category: Fashion, Vancouver | No Comments »
Tags: dace, january sales, Vancouver fashion

January 6, 2010

Photos – Left: Twist Tube Dress, Top Right: Brace Blazer, Bottom Right: Ballet Bubble Dress, Photos courtesy: Martin Krzywinski

Vancouver Fashion – Adhesif’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Adhesif Clothing’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection is now available, and we’re excited to see all of the innovative new designs and fun Alice in Wonderland theme. Vancouver local Melissa Ferreira has designed pieces that are whimsical and flirty, that you can feel good about wearing. They are all made from reworked vintage material so they are very eco-friendly.

Melissa Ferreira started sewing at a young age and is mostly self taught, with a few lessons from her mom. We love that one of the philosophies that drives her work is, “waste not, want not.” It’s a good rule to live by, and a great way to start off 2010!

Adhesif designs are available on Etsy (limited selection currently available), as well as in boutiques throughout Canada, visit the Adhesif website here for a full store listing and to see the rest of the collection.

~ Posted by: Lisa

Category: Eco Friendly, Fashion, Vancouver | No Comments »
Tags: adhesif, Eco Friendly, Vancouver fashion

January 4, 2010

lily + jae – January Sales ~ Vancouver Fashion

Our January sales feature continues with Vancouver designed line lily + jae – their lovely collections are each inspired by a different city. While their latest designs don’t appear to be on sale yet – we had a fun time peeking through the sale section and wanted to share the gorgeous looks we found – all at up to 75% off.

Click here to shop.

Category: Fashion, Vancouver | No Comments »
Tags: january sales, lily + jae, lily and jae, Vancouver fashion

January 4, 2010

Elroy Apparel – January Sales ~ Vancouver Fashion

We’re going to kick off our weeklong series on January sales with Vancouver line Elroy (check back daily for more of the best January sales). Their deep commitment to the environment and ethical conditions for their workers is commendable. This is fashion and shopping you can feel good about – and with prices up to 70% off, even better.

Click here to shop the sale.

Category: Fashion, Vancouver | No Comments »
Tags: elroy apparel, january sales, Vancouver fashion