Deconstructing Wrinkles

They’re heeeeeeere!  They may be faint, almost indiscernible to others, but they do exist. You know, the diminutive creases that don’t disappear after a smile…. those faint furrows that remain after a look of surprise.  I must divulge as a former feminist philosophy major, I should love those Lilliputian crinkles in my epidermis, but as they become a reality and not just a hypothetical proposition, I am starting to have second thoughts.  I realize that I should look at those wee laugh lines as badges of honor and wear them with Naomi Wolf-style pride, but now that they are here, I don’t think I want them…. not just yet.
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A Round Up Of What’s New And Green In The Fashion World

What is eco-fashion? That depends on who you ask. I’ll define it, for the purpose of this article, as any one or a combination of the following criteria:

• The item is made using raw materials with minimal or no chemicals throughout the process from farming to dyeing, and reduces harm to humans and the environment.

• The product is made from recycled materials.

• The item is fairly traded, which ensures that makers and designers are paid a fair price.

In addition to the above, socially responsible shoppers may take into consideration the location and working conditions of where the product was made. For example, buying locally made items reduces our overall carbon footprint.

So what’s hot now in the Triangle? According to several area boutiques and designers, recycled merchandise and bamboo blends are fast gaining in popularity.

“Customers are asking for bamboo,” said Zequel Hall, manager at Night Gallery, Chapel Hill. Hall describes their bamboo blends as soft to the skin and silky, adding that bamboo is mold resistant and has excellent wicking characteristics.

Bamboo is one of several raw fibers that are considered eco-friendly. There’s hemp, modal (beech wood), organic cotton (pesticide free), organic silk (silk worms are thankful), soy and tencel (wood pulp).

Wendy Smith, co-owner at Cameron’s, Chapel Hill, says organic cotton is popular, but their customers are learning more about bamboo and modal as other sources for fabrics. Smith describes bamboo and modal as very soft, breathable fabrics. “Once a customer has tried them, they come back asking for more,” she says.

There’s also recycled fashions. “Recycled items have been a big hit,” says Smith. Cameron’s sells bags made from recycled water bottles and old vinyl billboard signs with seatbelts to lock up your precious content. Galatea Boutique, Raleigh, has a display of recycled jewelry from a local designer.

Local designers like Ileana Rodriguez are creating unique pieces while helping the environment. Ileana (www.indiaromeo.com) makes colorful vintage-inspired apparel and accessories by hand. Her favorite pieces are made of antique fabric passed down from her boyfriend’s grandmother, who used to be a professional seamstress.

Local artist Kristen Townsend (www.moodswingstudio.com) recycles vintage clip-on earrings and images from vintage storybooks to make new bauble jewelry. Ronnie Tomany (wristrecords gmail.com) makes wrist cuffs (think Wonder Woman) from recycled vinyl records in a variety of colors.

Beleza, a fair trade boutique in Raleigh, has a display of recycled aluminum jewelry made by a couple in Brazil. For more colorful pieces, check out the paper bead jewelry made in Uganda. The beads are not painted or dyed. Do you like gold but not the price? Don’t miss the golden grass earrings and bracelets that come from a small region in Brazil. The grass looks like gold strands.

While this article focuses on women, you can also find eco-friendly clothing for infants, children and men.

How do you know if a garment is considered eco-friendly? Ask the staff. Generally, the staff at boutiques and independent stores is very knowledgeable about their merchandise and can help you find specific items that they stock. In addition to boutiques, major department stores are starting to carry eco-friendly clothing. If your favorite store does not stock eco-friendly fashions, ask them to carry some lines. Happy eco-shopping!

Kim Grant is a Green Lifestyle and Events Consultant. She helps people here in the Triangle to organize events and keep them green, and she helps people to green their lives more effectively.