I first wrote about Laura Siegel 2011 during Toronto Fashion Week.  She works closely with artisans from both India and Bolivia. This month, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a private viewing of her collection for New York Fashion Week 2012.

Laura has a sweet welcoming disposition; she took the time to talk to me through all her pieces, she also openly discussed her past and future aspirations.  When asked where she sees herself in 10 years Laura said she wants to work with more artisans from more countries all over the world and also mentioned she is venturing into home decor and other streams of design, which is something to watch out for.

Her creations use raw materials such as bamboo, raw silks, jersey, and handcrafted knits in delicate merino, baby alpaca, and eco-cotton.  The result is a beautiful collection of intricate designs, incorporating both delicate soft pieces and strong bold pieces that can be easily combined and layered, making her collection quite versatile for the every-day woman.   One thing that struck me about Laura was that she emphasizes her collection is a true collaboration between her and the artisans she works with.  The  artisan’s talent is apparent in her designs.  She places great effort in representing the people she works with, as well as her own vision, which come together harmoniously in her designs. These pieces carry great ancient traditions from the eastern tribal women of India and meets a modern sophisticated look that is adaptable for a woman who seeks comfort, strength, femininity.

“The aesthetic reflects Siegel’s commitment to give back to the communities that inspire her. She believes strongly in empowering the artisans, not just by providing social and financial support, but also by actively including them in the design process. “The process of working with the artisans really shapes the collection,” Siegel explained. “They created their own interpretation for this season’s themes. The result is a collaboration of the past dreams, future dreams, and cultural values of everyone who worked on it.”

I feel that ethical fashion is more than just eco-friendly clothing, it’s a shift of attitude in the fashion world.  Laura Siegel represents this shift, rather than being the typical stuck up fashion designer, she is extremely down to earth, open and very connected to the people she works with.  Her attitude is fresh, and her values are represented transparently in her clothing.  She is definitely someone to watch for in her future endeavours.

British fashion designer and animal rights activist, Stella McCartney, has joined forces with PETA to launch an anti-leather campaign just in the eve of fashion week in both New York and London. McCartney’s views are featured in a short clip by the designer herself, hoping to educate the public of the cruelty and suffering that takes place behind the fashion industry. McCartney state’s “As a designer, I like to work with fabrics that don’t bleed; that’s why I avoid all animal skins. Please join me in exploring the huge variety of fashionable shoes, belts, purses, and wallets that aren’t the product of a cow’s violent death.” The graphic video has been posted on PETA’s website. It’s an in-depth video demonstrating the cruelty cows endure both in North America and over-seas simply to obtain leather. The graphic images definitely make you think twice before buying those cute black leather boots you were dying to have. This video will hopefully open the eyes of those who are uninformed of the cruelty that takes place behind close doors. Fashion is a statement that expresses your inner self but it should not come at the cost of another’s suffering. Stella Mc Cartney is a true inspiration to the ethical fashion world because she stay’s true to her values. We hope other designers will follow in Mc Cartney’s foot steps and make more ethical decisions when designing their new fashion lines.

Click here for the video ( WARNING: It maybe graphic to some viewers, but worth every minute)

Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization! Tomorrow on February 9, 2012 you can help them raise awareness about the harmful chemicals that are present in our daily beauty products through attending their  Eco-Beauty Market the first ever from the “Just Beautiful” Campaign!  For more information on the “Just Beautiful Campaign”  or this special event visit:

http://environmentaldefence.ca/articles/safe-kisses-valentines-day-environmental-defences-first-eco-beauty-market-thursday-february

WHEN:  Thursday, February 9, 2012

WHERE:  116 Spadina Avenue, Suite 300, Toronto

TIME:  11AM – 7PM

In the Trailblazer issue of the eco-chic magazine, the 20-year-old speaks out about the difficulties of being socially responsible in Hollywood: “I only buy used clothes, so thrift stores, trade-in stores, vintage stores, friend’s closets…97% of my wardrobe is all used…I struggled for a while going on these red carpets, and wearing makeup that didn’t represent my morals…I do wear those fancy dresses and suits, but I am not keeping them…it’s this beautiful re-use and restore process.”

About being eco-friendly, Shailene says, “It’s more than just recycling or picking up a piece of trash, or turning off the water when you’re brushing your teeth. It’s about treating everything with compassion and love, including humanity”.

The up-and-coming actress’ inspired performance as Alexandra King in ‘The Descendants’ opposite George Clooney is garnering a lot of Oscar-buzz. Her undeniable talent and passion for ethical fashion make Shailene a great role model.

Radiohead- “All I Need”  MTV special video on human-trafficking.  When I first saw this video back in 2008, I felt it was pure and simple yet strong. Although since then, there is more awareness about human trafficking, sweat shops, and other oppressive practises, many people are still in the mindset of “the problem is too big” or “we can’t make a difference”.  This video illustrates that we have no choice but to change.  Every movement we make towards more ethical choices outweighs every movement we don’t make.

The fair trade certified company works directly with women-run artisan cooperatives around the world to design and source hand-crafted accessories made with local materials. The online store showcases a contemporary line of refreshingly colourful belts, scarves and bags among many other ethically produced items.

Designer and founder Annie O. Waterman was inspired by an indigenous fair-trade group she encountered while working as an intern for World of Good (now Good World Solutions) in Central Peru during the summer of 2005. The Colorado-based company has since worked with several fair-trade cooperatives across the globe.

Fortunately I found this article on BlogTo and posted it, which identifies the 10 best green retailers in Toronto that practice ethical fashion and trade one way or the other.  It’s a great post for many reasons, obviously because it identifies ethical retailers but the main reason this post is great is because all the stores are located in the city I live in, Toronto! So Proud to be living in a city that has many ethical and fair trade choices! Not so proud of our sports team, however that’s another blog for another website for another time.

Check out this great article on BlogTO !http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_green_retailers_in_toronto/

Livia Firth (wife of actor Colin Firth) graced the 69th Golden Globe awards with Giorgio Armani’s contribution to her popular Green Carpet Challenge.  Other heavy-weight participants include Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Yves, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Paul Smith, Valentino, Roger Vivier, Alberta Ferretti, and Ermenegildo Zegna.  You can follow this challenge through Livia Firth’s blog on Vogue.uk.  As for last night she made a clear statement that ethical fashion is the new high fashion, and it is in our hands to eliminate old-fashioned mindsets.  She looked absolutely stunning in this Armani dress made from recycled bottles, and I am sure this will encourage more designers to step up to the green carpet challenge.

It’s been a busy year for Toronto-based label and retailer, Preloved.  The eco-friendly boutique, locally famous for re-purposing vintage fabrics into one-of-a-kind garments and accessories, has not only opened several pop-up shops across the country this past year but has also recently teamed up with the Canadian retail giant, Holt Renfrew. In addition to its exclusive clothing line for Holts, Preloved boosts three in-house lines – Preloved, Beloved, and Handcut.

Hand-picked garments – such as shirts, wool sweaters, and even saris  - are reclaimed, deconstructed and remade into unique, creative, and colourful pieces.  In 2011 alone, Preloved reused over 80,000 wool sweaters, 50,000 wool pants, 10,000 shirts, and 7,000 trench coats. Founder Julia Grieve’s remedy to what has become a throwaway society has been well-received.

We adore Preloved’s on-trend oversized cardigans and knit dresses. Also, check out their great selection of Betty Mitts, made from salvaged pieces from their Fall 2010 sweater collection.

Each eco-creation is designed and manufactured in Canada – yet another reason to love Preloved!