Tuesday, April 17, 2007

trend report - eco chic

In celebration of Earth Day later this week, why not add a glimmer of conscience to your closet? Celebs like Julia Roberts, Leonardo Dicaprio, Cameron Diaz and Mandy Moore are jumping on the bandwagon, and it's time for fashionistas to start pitching a little passion for the planet. Making eco-friendly clothing choices no longer means sacrificing in the style department, as even mainstream retailers have launched socially responsible clothing lines. Pick up a pair of Loomstate jeans, made from organic cotton grown without synthetic fertilizers (Jake Gyllenhaal wears 'em!) or make your next pair of Chuck Taylors from Converse's hemp line. Stella McCartney has expanded her vegan-friendly fashion empire to include ethical skincare products made without petrochemicals or silicone, and even market giant H&M has introduced an organic cotton collection. Bono and wife Ali Hewson partnered with an NYC designer to create Edun, a socially-conscious clothing line made using sustainable employment methods in developing countries, and Bono successfully launched the (Product) RED campaign to generate cash for the Global Fund to fight AIDS. Check out the surprisingly beautiful totes made from recycled newspaper at raw-bags.com, or pick up a stylish Marc Jacobs canvas shopper to lug home your conscientious cache.