Tag archives: style

Felt Furnishings from Illu Stration

It’s always exciting to see what’s new at Illu Stration, Mary Ann Williams’ German-based design studio known for innovating exquisitely tactile felt furnishings and accessories.

Mary Ann sent me these photos earlier in the summer (oops) but aren’t they perfect for late fall? Oak Leaves is a modular system which are either available assembled or as a do-it-yourself kit in a box for your own inspired creations.

Oak Leaves interlock into virtually any size or shape. Some suggestions from Mary Ann include shaping them into pendants (like the hot scarlet number shown above), rugs, wall panels, cushions, lampshades.

Softer and more enduring than a crunchy pile of freshly raked leaves…perfect for jumping on and rolling around in.

A snow white cushion, adds form, function and fun to any living space.

Like the pieces we’ve showcased before, these felt-Flokatis are made from renewable, biodegradable wool. Their interlocking nature means you can create and recreate to your heart’s content. For more information, visit the Illu Stration website.

Uhuru | Reclaiming Design


This Brooklyn-based design-build studio knows how to look at something old in an unexpected way. Founded in 2004 by a quartet of designers, Uhuru is a company that loves to rescue materials around town and transform them into clean, contemporary furnishings. Their latest love is heart pine, a popular construction material 25 years ago. This beautifully-grained wood is excavated from demolished buildings and given second life — like the Stoolen Lite stool above.

This Fenced In table converts an abandoned cast iron fence into furniture. This collection is all manufactured locally in Red Hook Brooklyn.

You can find more pieces and work by Uhuru on their website.

DIY Style File: [re]Store those Shoes

If you’ve been warming up to the idea of greening your wardrobe on a budget, here are a few ways to “chic up” your shoe collection and unleash your inner designer.

TIRED TURNED TRENDY
Mary Kay Newcomb generously shares how to turn those tired into trendy ankle boots. Her Shoe-torial is packed with instructions, sources for design-it-yourself inspiration and photos. Worth a click and a bookmark.

CUTTING EDGE STYLE
This one involves playing with sharp objects so proceed with caution. All you need is an exacto knife and a stencil design to create your own inspired style. Inspiration and instructions found at meandering.

For more tips on how to update your style check out Treehugger’s piece on how to Pimp Your Shoes.

Other fab green ideas anyone?

Barneys New York Debuts Eco-Chic Label

Madison Avenue, stand up and take notice. Barneys New York has teamed up with Loomstate to launch a green label of its own: Loomstate for Barneys Green.

Photo: Daniel Jackson/Barneys New York


According to Barneys New York fashion director Julie Gilhart, Barneys New York is the “first high-end retailer to start [its] own green label.” It paired up with established organic denim designer Loomstate to create “
lineup of sexy slip dresses, short-shorts, tanks, hoodies, jeans and minis made entirely from certified organic cotton and vegetable dyes.” (via Dallas Morning News)

The collection shown online offers a sparse collection. Perhaps on-the-ground stores have more?At first glance, Loomstate for Barneys Green features sporty, form-fitting pieces. Simple patterns, clean lines. All sales benefit 1% For The Planet and are exclusive to Barneys.

Slip Dress by Loomstate for Barneys Green, $125.00

Slip dress with graphic flowers. 100% organic cotton.

Hoodie Sweatshirt by Loomstate for Barneys Green, $145.00

Hoodie sweatshirt with bird graphic. 100% organic cotton.

Hot Pant Denim Short by Loomstate for Barneys Green, $125.00

100% organic cotton.