NEW ITALIAN FASHION PHENOM DEBUTS FIRST COLLECTION USING BREAKTHROUGH SUSTAINABLE "FABRICS"

 

This week we were honored to be sent a video of the runway show of a new Italian fashion designer, who is taking the eco fashion world by storm. Adamo Bianchi's eclectic work is based entirely on reclaimed and recycled food, designed to be worn and then eaten, because he is so strongly committed to no waste. You can even send any left-overs back to his company and they will create an entirely new piece for you. The collection is called a "Tribute to the Life Organic" and the styles are made from such unusual and provocative "fabrics" as chocolate (shown right), lettuce leaves (Bianchi is shown below right with his lettuce swimsuit model) and tomatoes (as shown below from his accessories collection). The show-stopper though was Bianchi's cream puff gown (shown left with Bianchi proudly in the background). At the exclusive after party, invitation-only guests were treated to a giant feast, as all of the runway designs were laid out on an enormous buffet. Bianchi's background is not in the fashion world. He actually began his career as a pastry chef, so the transition to fashion is a perfect new way for him to express himself. According to Bianchi, the collection is designed for the woman who is used to making a fashion statement with her couture look, would like to take steps towards responsible, environmentally sound practices and loves to eat. Many of the designs will be available in the U.S. later this month at Whole Foods stores nationwide.

 

 

 

 

We love handbags almost as much as we love shoes. Okay...maybe some of us love them even more than we love shoes. Actually...my educated guess would be that it's equal lusting. In any case, we think we found some amazing designers doing amazing things with sustainable materials to create very fashionable eco friendly handbags from structured to bohemian chic to clutches and everything in between. I'm sorry...I just couldn't get it down to 10...so it's a top 11 because you simply need to know about all of these! Happy lusting!

IDIOT-PROOF EYES

 

Choosing eye shadow, much less applying it, can be a tricky feat. That is why we are crazy about two idiot-proof products from
Bare Escentuals: “Tutorials” and “Meet the Eyes.”

 

“Tutorials,” as the name suggests, give you everything you need to create the latest eye shading fad, from the high-sheen “foiling” technique to the sultry appeal of the smoky eye. Each kit contains the shadow colors and brushes you will need, as well as a detachable instruction card that takes you step by step through the process of creating beautifully dramatic eyes. The “Meet the Eyes” collections feature three totally wearable colors from the same color family, packaged together and labeled “light,” “medium” and “dark.” Apply light all over, medium in the crease and line with the dark…or play around with your own combination. They blend so beautifully, you can’t go wrong. There are six different palettes, but we are nuts about the “Meet the Nuts” group, three universally flattering shades of brown, ranging from pistachio to chestnut.

 

Like the rest of the Bare Minerals cosmetics, these shadows are made with only the purest and highest quality minerals found in the earth. The colors are true, long-lasting and non-irritating to even the most sensitive eyes. Add to that the fact that they are free of chemicals and preservatives and you’ve really got something to bat your eyes about.  Available at www.bareescentuals.com or your nearest Sephora. 

 

WANT IT, GOTTA' HAVE IT!

 

So, this dress is just absolutely too cute for words! It's called the Accordion Dress in Carrotjuice and it's 100% organic cotton from Popomomo. Even the name of the company is cute! It comes from "Post-Post Modern Movement"...get it?...which is how designer Liz Wasserman describes her inspiration for the eco friendly fashion line, which also uses only vegetable dyes and washes. Liz hails from designing for Urban Outfitters and Free People and all of the pieces in this collection have incredibly cool shapes and draping. We just happen to like this dress the most for spring and summer because it's bright and easy to wear. At $178, the price is good too and...added bonus...since it's one size fits most, it makes it easy to order online! We suggest pairing it with a tank underneath and a flat gladiator sandal and you'll be stylin'! You should also check out Popomomo's gathered tunics and other dresses, like the one shoulder Hera dress. You can see the entire collection at www.popomomo.com or buy it at www.sodafine.com.

 

NORDSTROM AND MACY'S LOOKING A LITTLE GREEN...

 

This falls under the "we thought you should know" category. Nordstrom and Macy's are taking small steps to be kinder and gentler to the environment. Nordstrom will be moving to all recyclable shopping bags and gift boxes this year. The company will begin to roll out the cotton-handled shopping bags this month with plans to introduce the gift boxes, made out of recycled paper stock, in time for the holiday season. Nordstrom has also introduced a reusable tote bag, currently available in its west coast stores, but set to expand nationwide. The brushed metallic linen tote features an illustration by artist Ruben Toledo of such U.S. landmarks as the Space Needle, the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. It also zips up into a small pouch and can be yours for $21.95. You can read more details at www.nordstrom.com. On to Macy's...

 

Macy's has announced a new partnership with the National Park Foundation with a whole lot of activities planned around this union. In celebration of Earth Week (what a surprise...) and National Park Week, the collaboration is part of Macy's "Turn Over a New Leaf" environmental awareness campaign that will run from April 20th through April 27th, complete with its own "100% natural cotton" reusable tote bag for $3.95 with $1 from each one sold going to National Park Foundation. And then there are the events...lots and lots of events...the charity shopping event...the Earth Day celebration...it just goes on and on...and the contests...don't forget the contests!. Get the details at www.macys.com or www.nationalparks.org.

 

If you didn't click through to the contest in the top article, please note that this article was just us having a little fun on April Fool's Day. It is completely fabricated. Our publisher made us do it... The rest of the newsletter is completely legit...we promise!

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