With Al Gore’s thesis of The Inconvenient Truth, the release of 2012 and news of global warming inflicting its peril on our planet, it has never been a better time for folks to be aware of their consumption habits and be more “Earth Conscious” about what they do…

Alright, so the opening line is a tad bit unconventional to what we’d see in a fashion article, but it’s not far from the truth. Just recently fashionistas –and “fashionistos”- are diverting their attention away from lavish, pimped out, chinchilla fur coats –right…as if fur was in style- (and no, I did not reference that line to any sort Bubba Sparxx lyric), and looking more towards sustainable fashion.

Bursting with creativity in fashion and practicality, the NIXXI line came to fruition in 2007 by Saltspring Island designer Jada-lee. Much of the pieces created through the line are inspired by the observations and surroundings of the established designer. The result of this is pure genius: a hybrid collection that includes four major, showcase pieces; while the rest harmonize the collection with designs that are classic, clean and have a hint of simplicity. With pale pinks and classic -but feminine- designs dominating shops this season, NIXXI forecasts a spring line consistent with Jada-lee’s vision. This year also spells new avenues for the line, as it prepares for the launch of a girl’s collection, and an artistic collaboration with local artist Camilla d’Errico.

Though bridging the Saltspring Island- Vancouver gap has been a feat for her, the growing trend of sustainable clothing has made it easier to push NIXXI further into the limelight. With eco- fashion making its presence in the West Coast for both consumers and designers, it has never been easier to find eco-friendly pieces and suppliers that cater to organic fabric, prints and color swatches.

With a fusion of versatility, boldness and environmental responsibility, NIXXI creates a place of zen in a closet filled with the hustle, bustle and smog of the city life.

Want to be a enviro-fashionista? Check out NIXXI at your local Body Politic , Twigg and Hottie, Velvet Room and Secret of Identity.

OR

Go right to the source at www.nixxi.ca

Written by: GRACELLE BONIFACIO

Despite the many efforts we make to go green, let’s face it, our efforts are much like our new year’s resolutions; we (and myself included) tend to fall off track when it comes to following goals for the betterment of anything these days.  And although we are given the help of environmentalists and pro-eco activists, sometimes their efforts to get the rest of us lazy bunch active in saving the earth, bats at zero when we become guilty as creatures of our own bad habits.

So where can the average person turn to, to contribute, when the most minimal of efforts to avoid littering and recycling become almost, always “forgotten”?

Me + You. And with no pun intended, “together we can help…” says Jenny Hughes founder  and designer of Me + You, a local Vancouver company carrying eco-friendly, reusable shopping bags that have become the talk of the town (to say the least).

Influenced by the changes in life, nature and people, Jenny puts her designs to life using eco-friendly, high-quality materials and adds a little flare with logos and statements to grasp our attention. And grasp it she did indeed. Me + You carries an array of fashionable bags not only bought by Vancouver locals, but celebrities, who are among the many being spotted carrying her designs. “There [are] many celebrities that have a passion for being eco-friendly such as Woody Harrelson [who] got a bag and that means a lot to me cause they have so much influencing power… Showcasing the bags as swag bags for the celeb’s at TIFF was an honor.”

As Me + You reusable shopping bags continue to stir up the fashion biz and the environment across Canada, the US and Europe, Jenny Hughes strives to continue to help us (lazy bunch) with easier ways to contribute going green. “We are starting an ambassador program and are taking our message globally. We want to not only supply a great quality alternative to plastic bags but also educate and inspire others to get off of plastic!”

So while we indulge in her creative designs and get lost in the excitement of consumerism and this absolute must-have item, Jenny Hughes reminds us why she started this company in the first place.  “The best part of Me + You… is knowing that the brand is helping to spread a message to STOP USING PLASTIC BAGS.”

written by KATRINA PERALTA

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***EXCLUSIVE TO MODLINE READERS!

Me+You would like to offer YOU 20% off their bags, online.
Visit the many styles available here; http://www.meandyou.ca/shop/catalog/on_sale
…and don’t forget to use promo code: eco when checking out.

http://www.meandyou.ca/

Designer, Jenny Sandberg of Hawks Ave. utilizes an eco-friendly line and alters it exceptionally well with her ‘bad-ass’, rock and roll inspired, street wear vision.

Without further ado, I managed a fortunate opportunity to be squeezed into her tight schedule for a quick one on one, with the artist, the designer, the mind and the amiable personality behind Hawks Ave, Jenny Sandberg.

Let’s just start off with your background, could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

J: I’ve been in the industry for 12 years so I’ve done everything from custom design to teaching. I teach right now at Blanche MacDonald and I also design for, and operate Hawks Ave.

When did you realize you wanted to be in fashion?

J: I always had my own unique vision of what I wanted to wear, but I couldn’t always find it in the market. I started making my own clothes to fit my own style, and people would want them for themselves. I started out making small custom orders; one of a kind pieces, and from there I started designing denim. Now I design and run Hawks Ave.

How did you come up with the name Hawks Ave.?

J: I grew up in the North of BC, and I’ve lived in Vancouver for 7 years now. I wanted my company to have something that was part city, and part nature.  I’m inspired by nature, and brought back to reality by the city. Hawks Ave. is a street wear line, but all the designs have an element of nature in them shown by the art work — for example the Spring 2010 line is themed ‘hunters, trappers’ with the stag and antlers, the hawk skulls, the bear paws, and the pistols. Hawks Ave {the street}is actually a couple blocks from the factory where everything is manufactured so it kind of fit perfectly –you know a little bit of Vancouver, with an element of nature.

What are your influences for coming up with your pieces?

J: When I’m designing I always think about what’s going to be comfortable as well as fashionable and of course keep it edgy. Hawks Ave is a rock and roll inspired eco line. I wanted a bold, stand out line that could speak for itself. I also always think about the sustainability factor, and how each person can do their part for the environment. I use organic and sustainable fabrics, and manufacture locally. The idea is to try and reduce the carbon footprint and keep the money in our local economy. The designs are also meant to be worn multiple ways, and should be able to stay in your wardrobe for seasons to come.

When you come up with an idea for a piece, how long does it usually take?

J: It varies but for me I have a strong background in garment construction and drafting so for me it’s not as bad, I can sort of design a piece fairly quickly and think about how it’s going to fit. Making sure it’s production and how it’s going to fit your customer, is where the time factor comes in.

Are there any everyday life situations that help you come up with a certain style?

J: I do keep up with what’s in the market, but a lot of it has to do with what I feel I want to be wearing, and translate that into what I think others want to be wearing. A lot of what fashion is, is forecasting, checking trends etc.  So I’m constantly researching what’s out there, and the internet is perfect for that!

So that’s how Hawks Ave stays up to date…

J: Yeah, you have to make sure you keep up with what’s going on in the industry, but I think that it’s also somewhat in-born in designers. You either have the ability to design, or you don’t.  I always could kind of feel when a style or a trend is, or was going to go on to something bigger… sometimes you’re wrong ….but generally you get a feel for it so I think that’s why you’re either in the industry or not…

I guess that’s why you’re doing really well, with all the media attention your line is getting, how do you feel about the success of Hawks Ave?

J: Hawks Ave. is doing well for its second season. It’s definitely got a lot of attention; I think the line is strong and speaks for itself. The press has been good, a lot of stores have taken the line, and it’s selling well. Of course the success is based off of a lot of hard work and determination!

That’s awesome! Ok, just for fun, what are YOUR favorite pieces in your spring/summer line?

J: I’d probably wear most of them (laughs) but…I love the crop top! It was one of the ones I was a little scared to do because it like ‘hmm are people going to buy that?’ it’s so 80’s! That got a lot of attention I had a couple stylists contact me about that one. As well, I’d have to say the leggings are always a hit for me, the tunic with the gun logo– I love that piece!

Want know where you can find Hawks Ave.?
Visit: http://www.hawksave.ca