Fashion – Men – Fabulously Green

Category archives: Fashion - Men

On Exhibit: Skin+Bones at the MOCA

15Jan07

For California-based FabGreen fans with dual passions for fashion and interior design the “Skin + Bones: Parallel Practices in Fashion and Architecture” exhibit at the MOCA in Los Angeles is a must-see experience. I checked it out on Saturday with some out-of-town friends and have been swirling in a dervish of ideas and inspiration since. Sadly, photography was prohibited inside the gallery but here are a few snaps I hunted down:

Fashion meets furniture — or should I say fashion becomes furniture:

Convertible Skirt/Table by Fashion Designer-Maverick Hussein Chalayan

A contemporary building gets “draped” in a gold brocaded facade:
Concert Hall in Brugge, Belgium by Neutelings Riedijk Architects
The facade bridges seamlessly the modern design with the medieval character of the city.

The exhibit brings together the collective, crossover genius of Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood, Shigeru Ban, Frank Gehry, Herzog de Meuron and other luminaries. Although heavier on fashion than architecture, the connections between the two beautifully presented and undeniably groundbreaking.

For less geographically privileged folks, you can check out insider pics, or buy the companion book (on Amazon).

More skinny on the show:
New Yorker weighs in on the exhibit
LA Weekly throws a few sticks and stones

More skinny on Chalayan:
Hussein Chalayan at Design Boom, Elle Magazine, Icon-UK

Seen it? What do you think?

Filed under Architecture, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Furniture, Interior Design, Multifunctional Design, Unique| Tagged Eco-friendly | No Comments

Gift Guide p.2: For Gadget Loving Guys

28Nov06

Here are some green gifting ideas for your favorite urban hipster, technophile, High Fidelity-loving boyfriend, husband, brother or guy pal. Happy hunting.

Movie Billboard Wallets by ModuLab, $19USD, spotted at re:modern
Refashioned from Hollywood’s cast off vinyl billboard posters, these wallets have been a popular eco-style item this year. Chile-based Modulab also makes a wide variety of bags.

The Fab Factor: Supporting recycled style and landfill rescue (pat yourself on the back). One-of-a-kind giving for your special someone.

Headphone Tee by Modern Planet, at elsewares.com
NY-based designer Danielle McGurran is the self-proclaimed “smarty-pants underachiever” behind the Modern Planet collection. Her designs are hand-illustrated sans computers and printed on American Apparel tees.

The Fab Factor: Tees are sweatshop-free (thanks to American Apparel). There’s also the added benefit of supporting an indie designer and domestic manufacturing.

Portable Bamboo Speaker, $129-199 at AudioCubes.com
Japanese genius strikes again. These speakers by Bird Electron use no electricity–not even solar. Say what? I’m too electronically handicapped to explain it, but apparently it optimizes the natural resonance of bamboo to create quality sound. Comes with a stereo-mini plug that can connect to a laptop, computer, iPod.

The Fab Factor: renewable, sustainable bamboo (what CAN’T you make bamboo), energy-efficient, sleek and portable. cutting edge sustainable design.

Dragnet Messenger Bags by FREITAG, on sale $139 at hivemodern
These ingenious bags by Swiss-design duo Daniel & Markus Freitag are made from used truck tarpaulins from European freight trucks. The tarps are virtually indestructible and colored with various logos and images that are cut down to create Freitag’s bold looks. No two bags are alike. You can also shop online or at Freitag.com for thousands of bag styles and wallets. Or design-your-own using Freitag’s handy Bag Cutter design tool.

The Fab Factor: Freitag not only uses recycled materials in their products, but to build their retail store as well. Their Zurich flagship stort was designed using 17 recycled freight containers. Shipping container architecture and interior design isn’t necessarily new (think the Nomadic Museum by Shigeru Ban and the Pallotta TeamWorks Headquarters by Clive Wilkinson Architects) but it does perfectly reflect the spirit of Freitag. Read what the NY Times had to say about the brothers, the brand and the store.

ixi collapsible bike by ixi $799-999 new, or $599 for factory seconds
Foldable, collapsible bikes are ideal for apartment dwellers who are short on space, but light on their feet. The ixi is an FG standout for its smart design AND stunning looks. My husband and I have been drueling over these for months (I almost bought a used one on ebay). But owning a second bike seems excessive so for now I’ve committed to using my mountain bike to get around town. If the ixi price tag seems too steep, there are other optionc. Check out this article by San Francisco Chronicle that covers various bikes with their owners, along with a list of other manufacturers.

The Fab Factor: A lightweight, portable bike like this makes it easier and enjoyable to leave that car behind. Indirectly helps the planet through use of smart, efficient design.

Filed under Bags, Fashion - Men, Gadgets, Gifts+Gifting, Lifestyle Tips| Tagged Eco-friendly, Organic, Sweatshop-free | 2 Comments

Protoculture Tees: The Art of Irreverence

08Nov06

Ok, I couldn’t resist a little post-election humor. And since this Trash the Republicans tee by Protoculture was handprinted on supersoft, sweatshop-free American Apparel tees I may get away with it today.

Protoculture is the brainchild of ex-punk rockers Justin Fellers and Matt Giles (read their quirky story here), a t-shirt design company that proclaims to create “the finest retro-futuristic targeted nonsense that makes others jealous of your good taste.” Be your own judge.

Men’s Cycle of Violence Tee, $20

Femme Dangereuse, long sleeve sheer jersey tee, $32

Nouveau Lily Tee, cap sleeve preshrunk tee, $30

Men’s Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ Tee, $22

The Fab Factor: Los Angeles-based Protoculture sources their tees locally from American Apparel, and silkscreen their tees by hand in the U.S. It’s not directly stated on their site if the inks are green.

Filed under Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Indie, Urban Style| Tagged Eco-friendly, Indie, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

FG's Election Fashion

07Nov06

It’s hot as an oven in California on this thrilling election day. Could it be global warming working its political charms? A shame since I had a full election outfit ready that is now too darn hot to wear. Thankfully the most important eco-election garment is wearable on a super summer November day like this.

My Election Must-Haves:
Candidates selected: check.

Proposition measures decided on: check.

Election location identified: check. (this is important because it’s changed for the first time in six years)

Chad Checker: check. Or will it be machines this year?

Voting scorecard made last night (scribbed on a recycled piece of scrap paper): check.

Certified Organic Vote for Change tee: check!

Wow, there are an inordinate amount of things to vote on today if you’re a Californian. Races for Governor, Lt. Governor, Senator, Attorney General, Controller, 1001 Arabian judges, 13 propositions. Maybe I should bring a sandwich. And a sleeping bag.

Thanks to my eco-dudette Siel aka GreenLAGirl, League of Women Voters, Jason and Rob for the initial low-down, debates and resources so I can be reasonably informed. I was on the internet for at least another two hours afterwards.

And a special thanks to the folks at COTAM for sending me this most excellent Vote for Change Shirt! Printed on a sweatshop-free American Apparel fitted babydoll tee, I’m now properly dressed for the occasion.

Note of Clarification: It’s 87 degrees in the office today with no A/C. So technically, I’m not wearing the shown garment above anymore (that was my morning gear). By stroke of great green luck, I discovered I had won a free Vote for Change TANK TOP this week at G Living (who work in the same building). So I’ve made the switch and get to spread some voting spirit all day afterall.

See you at the polls!

Filed under Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly, Organic, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

Fab Finds at Luxury Vintage

06Nov06

I can’t remember how I stumbled across Luxury Vintage but it’s a definite “must bookmark” site for eco-fashionistas who have Carrie Bradshaw’s champagne taste but a white wine budget. This online boutique features a stunning range of pre-owned designer pieces that are in “like new” condition.

TIFFANY vintage pink suede belt
I just saw Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the first time this weekend so this piece captured my nostalgic little heart today. Genuine authentic vintage Tiffany suede belt with gold buckle engraved with TIFFANY & CO. Size will fit from 23″ to 28″ waist. $88.

ABACO Designer Leather Belt
Vintage purple suede belt with gorgeous buckle set with round and marquis shape crystals. The belt measures 34″ long and 2″ wide. Made in Paris. Never worn. $99.

MARNI Wood Handle Canvas Tote
Pre-owned Marni bag made from unbleached cotton canvas tote. Interior is fully lined in cotton muslin. The bag is guaranteed authentic and in very condition. Only one available. $488.

Fendi Hobo Bag (in pink trim only)
Pre-owned. Made from signature Zucca monogram canvas with leather trims and branded gold hardware. Comes with sleeper bag (anyone know what that is?). $399.

The Fab Factor: Besides offering high style at discounted prices, buying vintage may save a piece from the landfill, and is more sustainable than buying new. Luxury Vintage also occasionally offers dirt-cheap, stylish accessories from mainstream brands like the Gap, J Crew, J Jill and others.

Note to Readers: Anna from Luxury/Vintage has written in to offer an extra 10% off to FG readers. To take advantage of the discount, simply put FABGREEN in the code box. Thanks Anna!

Filed under Bags, Couture Style, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Jewelry, Vintage| Tagged Eco-friendly | No Comments

Shopping in the Garden of Edun

03Nov06

The number one search we get from FG readers and shoppers is info on Edun, the fashion label fronted by creative trinity of Bono, his wife Ali Hewson and designer Rogan Gregory. Edun’s been the darling of the press so we won’t repeat here (for more info, check out Edun or our first post introducing the socially conscious eco-chic line). Instead, we’ll share some fabulous Edun finds we found on sale this week. Or an affordable way to put your money to great style and great use.

ONE campaign tee by Edun, $40 at ONE. $10 of your purchase is donated to provide life-saving prevention and medicines to factory workers and their family members suffering from AIDS in Lesotho, Africa.

Dragon Tee by Edun, $49 in Rose, White or Black at Nordstrom’s made from pre-washed organic cotton.

Vega Cotton Jacket by Edun, on sale for $179.90 (was $450) at Saks what a deal!

Mirrored Foliage Tee by Edun, on sale for $29.95 (was $58) at Anthropologie

Eugenie V-Neck by Edun in Dusty Beige spotted on sale at Beklina for $80 (was $115). Just one left in XS.

Penelope Flare Jeans by Edun on sale $75.90 (was $192.00) at Saks. A killer price for organic jeans!

Enjoy a little guilt-free shopping!

Filed under Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly, Organic | No Comments

FASHION WEEK | J'aime La Mode Ethique

15Oct06

Oohlala–Paris is hosting their third annual Ethical Fashion Show this weekend! Four days of innovative, socially conscious couture, ready-to-wear clothing and accessories from an impressive list of international designers from over 20 countries.

Anyone in Paris today? Tickets are still available at the door for today. If you go, we’d LOVE to hear from you!

ETHICAL FASHION SHOW
Le Tapis Rouge
67 rue de Faubourge
Saint Martin, 75010 Paris

Soochi by Govadhan Group Ready to Wear
[India]“Not just a brand or a boutique; it’s an organisation dedicated to offering the best quality of natural fibres and transform the lives of traditional Indian artisans.”

Munchu’s [Thailand]
Visit: Soiwat for more info.

Makabu [France]
Streetwear and Sportswear inspired and refashioned from vintage jackets and blazers.

AOI
One of a kind pieces made from vintage silk kimonos

Headquarter [Thailand]
A design collective creating fashion for one’s inner rebel-with-a-cause.
Visit: Soiwat for more info.

La Vie devant Soie [France-Cambodia]
High style bags and accessories made from recycled materials. Emphasis on fair trade.

BEST OF PRESS on EFS:

Lazy Environmentalist chats with Designers Deborah Lindquist, Annie Langlois of On and On écolo chic, and Inside Out Umbrella Competition Creative Director Kyeann Sayer.
Coverage from Paris hits the waves this week on Treehugger Radio.

Filed under Bags, Couture Style, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Refashion+Refurb, Urban Style, Vintage| Tagged Eco-friendly | No Comments

The Softest Shirt in the World

06Sep06

Morris Saintsing of Bamboosa graciously sent me a sample of their Women’s Bamboo Fine Jersey Sleep Slip. It’s the softest top I’ve ever worn–feels like silk and is feathery light on. Even better, with this season’s penchant for tunics I’ve paired this top with a pair of jeans, a tank underneath, with a strand of beads. It’s also a dream to sleep in. I’m tempted to get one in every color–and wear them for years. Eco-friendly, soft, and affordable.

Women’s 100% Bamboo Fine Jersey Sleep Slip in Black, $28

Women’s Fitted V-neck in Papaya Red, $24

Women’s Cami in Cherry Red, Bamboo Fine Jersey, $15

Bamboosa Color Palette

Thanks again Morris!
Visit Bamboosa for other fabulous bamboo basics for men, women and babies.

Filed under Babies+Kids, Budget Fashion, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women| Tagged Eco-friendly, Sweatshop-free | No Comments

Moo Shoes: Vegan Chic

05Sep06

Vegan chic? Sounds like a misnomer but guess again. Enter NYC-based Moo Shoes, an online boutique that offers a broad range of cruelty-free, fashion-forward shoes, belts, clothing. I discovered them after a two-year search for stylin’ faux leather boots and fell in love instead with a few of their retro-inspired pumps and retro-inspired sneakers. Sisters Erica and Sara Kubersky founded the business in 2001, where their first on-the-ground boutique was ironically located in a former butcher shop! They’ve since moved to a spot in lower East Manhattan, but will ship products virtually anywhere by UPS. Lots available for guys and dolls alike at surpringly affordable prices.

Estrella pump by Novacas, shown in brown

Libby pump by Novacas, shown in brown

FOR THE GUYS:

Men’s Bonham Sneaker by Macbeth

Men’s HiTop Sneaker, a sweatshop free alternative on a classic.

All available at Mooshoes.

Filed under Eco Glam, Fashion - Men, Fashion - Women, Shoes| Tagged cruelty-free clothing, Eco-friendly, Moo Shoes, Vegan, Vegan Shoes | No Comments

Fashion Sneak Peek: Twice Shy

23Aug06

While I’m eagerly waiting for the fabulous top I just bought online at Twice Shy’s summer sale (which is still going on by the way), I got in touch with the Twice Shy team to see what they have coming out this fall. Jen MacCormack responded right away and was kind enough to send some sneak peek photos of their Fall collection for FG readers. Much to love this season and their entire collection is organic so it’s earth-friendly too.

Men’s Polo – the graphic design, pocket and military detail on the shoulders make this a standout look for guys. No hint of preppy here.