Zefyr - Jewellery That's a Breath of Fresh Air

Zefyr: a warm playful breeze from the sea, carrying the scent of spices and far-off lands 

Jewellery can be so many lovely things, a joyous celebration of a special event, a keepsake of a treasured relationship or an expression of your unique take on life. People often put a great deal of thought into choosing a piece of jewellery - yet much of the time we're missing a really important question. Is this jewellery ethical? Has its creation been kind to people and planet? 

Did you know that the average goldmine uses enough water to meet the basic needs of a large city’s population for a whole year? Or that 40% of all reported toxic pollution releases are caused by the mining industry, which is also the second largest contributor to greenhouse gases? 

 
The good news is there are ethical choices out there and you don't have to compromise on aesthetics either! One such option is Sydney-based jewellery label Zefyr. I'm delighted to share with you my recent interview with Founder and Designer Tanya Coelho.

 

Q. You come from a family of craftspeople, but what is it about jewellery in particular that sparks your creativity and passion? 

I think it's the medium itself. I tried working with clay, fabric, wood and glass in the past but we weren't friends. It was metal that stole my heart. I love soldering, beating the metal, shaping it, everything about it except sanding. 

Jewellery in particular appealed because I love the idea of creating beautiful objects that make people feel beautiful just by wearing them. Jewellery also has this amazing totemic ability. We add layers of meaning to our jewellery in a way that other worn objects don't. A particular jewel can connect us to our past, it can remind us of a particular event, and it can connect us to the important people in out lives.

Tanya Coelho - Founder + Design of Zefyr

Q. How would you describe Zefyr’s aesthetic in 10 words or less? 

Exotic, romantic, global and sophisticated.

Q. What makes Zefyr an ethical choice for shoppers? 

All our jewels are created sustainably from recycled silver or brass. They have also been handmade ethically by artisans in Jaipur with fair labour practices. Beauty is really important to me so I have tried to create jewellery that not only looks beautiful and makes you feel beautiful to wear but has also been created beautifully with ethics at its heart. 

Q. If you could change one thing about the global jewellery industry, what would that be and why? 

Oh god, where do I start? For one thing I think we should cut down on the large-scale mining of metal due to the huge environmental implications - the waste, the chemical leeching, the displacement of local communities. We need to recycle more. There's enough metal on the surface for us not to need to mine for the next few decades. 

The other thing I would like to change is the working conditions of the artisans making the cheap jewellery you find in chain stores. Most of the fashion jewellery you buy contains nickel, which is carcinogenic. This means that many of the workers face untold health problems in working everyday with this toxic material. 

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about why you’ve chosen to work with brass as one of your main materials? 

I initially chose brass, as brass is one of the most highly recycled and recyclable metals available. We have now been fortunate enough to discover a source for recycled silver after a long and fruitful search. In the early days of my business this option just didn't exist - or least I wasn't able to discover it. Waste is something I abhor and by creating fashion jewellery in brass I wondered if I wasn't creating more objects that would have a use by date and then be discarded. 

Instead I have decided to focus on creating jewellery that can last a lifetime and perhaps even be passed on to other generations. With silver this is possible and with brass it wasn't.  

Q. Who or what is inspiring you right now? 

The wonderful forts and palaces I visited in Rajasthan and Jaipur earlier this year have filled my head with visions. I'm about to hit the bench to start creating new jewels inspired by the romantic architecture and textures I saw in that corner of India. I'm also really inspired by the beautiful gems I picked up on my travels through Jaipur. I love their colours and I can't wait to start playing with them. 

Q. Your new collection is called Monsoon – what was the inspiration behind these new pieces? 

I was inspired by my travels to the north of Laos. While I was there I was lucky enough to stay with some of the Hmong Hilltribe people. Their geometric and colourful embroidery that they create in their textiles was so beautifully detailed and jewel-like. 

I was inspired to create in metal something that the Hilltribe peoples created in thread.  I was there just as the Monsoon season was starting so got to see the enormity that is this seasonal event.

Click here to see the new Monsoon Collection! You can also connect with Zefyr via Facebook and Twitter. 

**Stay tuned for my up-coming review of one of Zefyr's gorgeous pieces**

10 Gifts Empowering Mothers All Around the World

Next Sunday is Mother's Day, and this year I'm proud to be teaming up with Thread Harvest - a social enterprise for conscientious shoppers and change-makers who care about both style and substance, and who embrace higher virtues of empathy, respect and compassion.

All of their products have been curated based on the four key elements of: style, impact, cost and quality. Here are 10 beautiful gifts that will not only delight your Mum but are also helping to empower women around the globe!

1.  Socks to Fight Aids by Conscious Step

Each of these striking organic cotton socks contributes towards global efforts to eliminate new HIV infections in babies and keep mothers healthy. This is thanks to a partnership between Conscious Step and UNAIDS. Keep your Mum's feet cute and comfy while warming her heart at the same time :-)

2. Arrow Bangle by Article 22

I'm a long time fan of Article 22's profound and socially ethical jewellery. This bangle was crafted in Laos by artisans using Vietnam War era bombs and other paraphernalia. Funds from each purchase goes toward clearing bomb littered land.  
 
3. Neary Pacaya Tee by Raven + Lily

Sophia Lin and Kirsten Dickinson created Raven + Lilly as a platform to empower women through ethical design. This lovely t-shirt is made from repurposed remnant jersey by female artisans, many of whom are HIV+ or have escaped the sex-trafficking industry. 

4. Kelapa Shoes by Indosole

I'm loving the look of these 100% hand-crafted vegan shoes with their coconut tree print lining! Kepala actually means 'coconut' in Indonesian and these shoes seem made for holidays in the tropics. Not only are the soles made from repurposed tires, but no fuel-powered machinery has been used in their creation! Perfect for a sun-loving Mum who loves to tread lightly on the planet.

5. The Whitney Necklace by Starfish Project

I think this is a really funky combination of colours that kind of reminds me of walking along a beach on a stormy day. If your Mum loves beautiful jewellery then this could be for her! The profits from your purchase will help to provide women in South East Asia who have been physically, emotionally, and sexually abused, with income, education and on-going support.

6. Peacock Print Bucket Tote by Joyn

I adore a good tote! It's such a great gift as well because it's handy for bookworms, shoppers, beach-goers and more. This hand spun, hand woven and hand block-printed cotton tote is so pretty and practical. Crafted in Rajpur, India, each bag represents a steady job under fair conditions for someone in need. 

7. Wilbur Fleece Sleepwear by ALAS

One of my favourite Australian labels, ALAS stands for 'All Light, All Shadow', which represents the nature of change; day to night, sleeping to waking. ALAS also stands for cute and ecochic PJs! Not only are they made from GOTS certified organic cotton under fairtrade conditions...but the 'Wilbur' print features CATS =^..^= Purr-fect for the Mum who loves snuggling in comfort with kitties. 

8. Dainty Pendant Necklace by The Giving Keys

This unique necklace features a repurposed key, which has been hand engraved with a positive word by an individual transitioning out of homelessness. If your Mum loves things are one-of-a-kind, perhaps this is the key to her heart? ;-)

9. Mulholland Sweatshirt by Threads 4 Thought

Here in Australia the days and nights are definitely getting cooler - so now is a great time to give your Mum the gift of style and comfort! With a pretty lace insert coupled with 100% organic cotton terry, it's the epitome of ecochic. 

10. Uzma Recycled Cotton Travel Journal by Raven + Lilly

Is your Mum a creative soul who loves to write? This gorgeous collection of sustainable stationery is made by female artisans who live at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Northern India. These innovative women see the potential for beautiful paper in everything from scraps of military tents, denim jeans, newspapers, and cotton rags. Amazing!

I'm thrilled to tell you that the good folks at Thread Harvest have created a special 10% off discount code just for Kindness by Design readers! Simply use kindnessmothersday10 when you purchase any items online for Mother's Day. You'll also receive a free fair-trade, hand-made card from Raven + Lily with every purchase :-)

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. Reviews cannot be purchased and submitting a product/service does not guarantee a favourable review. The opinions are 100% the author's own.

Fairytale EcoFashion

I've always been attracted to the beauty, morality and wonder of fairy-tales, from when I was small to present day they've held my fascination. Recently I've been watching the TV series Once Upon A Time and I was reminded of an idea I'd had years ago to curate a collection of fairytale-inspired items of ecofashion and beauty!

 So allow me to whisk you away to a magical realm - enjoy!

Eyelashes by Paperself - Whether you're a woodland nymph or a sparkling mermaid, London based designer Chunwei Liao has you covered! Paperself claims to be an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional false eyelashes

 High Neck Chipao Collar Capelet by Anny Schoo Eco Clothing - This beautiful vintage-inspired natural linen capelet is perfect for a stroll through the woods to visit Granny...

The Unicorn and The Butterfly Baby Shoes by Little Pitterpat - Even baby princesses need magical vegan shoes! These delightful shoes have been handmade using certified organic cotton and bamboo

Never Never Land Dress by Pierogi Picnic - Add a splash of innocent cheekiness to your wardrobe with this upcycled piece with its Peter Pan Collar. Change the look each time with a different petticoat

Bear-ly There Pillow by Bird Mafia - This super cute bear is sure to think your bed or couch is juuuust right! Made using organic cotton for the exterior and recycled polyester inside to make him nice and plump

Fae Dress by Nuvo Nova - Channel your inner Tinkerbell or Flower Fairy with this sweet dress crafted from vintage materials

Love Pendant by Annabel Panes - Surely one of the most important themes threaded through fairy-tales is LOVE! This stunningly elegant necklace was made in Lima from certified Fairtrade silver mined in the Andes

Sofia Two Piece by Reformation - If you're after a modern take on a fairytale princess then look no further than this beautiful ivory two piece! Impeccably crafted from surplus material, it's feminine yet funky

Light Fairies by Beatrice Oettinger -These utterly strange and delightful lights consist of tiny fairy dresses which have been baked from flour dough and dyed with beetroot! Each exquisite string of lights is unique

Explorer All-in-one by ALAS - How adorable is this all-in-one nightwear from ALAS? It reminds me of the character Michael Darling from Disney's 1953 version of Peter Pan! You can rest easy in these pyjamas knowing they're made from certified organic cotton

Constellation Dress by Vaute Couture - Feeling ordinary? Perhaps it's time to wish upon a star? Loving this organic velvet dress for stargazers and dreamers!

"The fairy poet takes a sheet Of moonbeam, silver white; His ink is dew from daisies sweet, His pen a point of light"

~Joyce Kilmer

Purr-fect Pieces of Ethical Design

Looking for something fair and sustainable that will get your sense of style purring? Check out these fabulous ethical feline finds =^..^=

David Meowie Pillow by Two Lost Souls -Bowie and kittens? What a winning combination! How adorable is this handmade pillow case plumped up with recycled plastic faux down

Meow or Never Sweatshirt by Vaute Couture - Keep cute and warm with this organic cotton top! It's also a great way to start a conversation about the awesomeness of adopting shelter animals :) 

Love Cats Rings by Sarah Healy Design NYC - Inspired by the song 'Love Cats' by The Cure, this super sweet ring has been carefully crafted by hand. PLUS 10% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to the ASPCA

Cat Backpack by Little Frenchy - Tired of your boring bag made from synthetic fibres? Then check out this blast of sunshine and kitties made from certified organic cotton and natural dyes

Tiger T-Shirt by RCTees - A beautiful tiger face has been lovingly hand printed onto this organic pima cotton shirt

Vintage 1980s Michaele Vollbrach Maxi Dress - Wonderfully quirky, this vintage dress is fantastic for fabulous winter layering

Kat and Mouse Shirt by Pini Piru - This funky kids tee depicts the epic rivalry between cats and mice printed using water-based ink on a 100% organic and fairly traded cotton tee

The Grin by Pini Piru - Another crazy cat character from this Netherlands-based label graces a fairly traded and organic cotton tee

Fat Cat Coin Purse by Blue Q - This serenely happy orange kitty coin purse is made from 95% post consumer recycled material and is sure to put a smile on your dial!

Cat Ballet Shoes by FC Select - These 100% vegan flats are simply adorable! I'd like to know if the cruelty-free materials are also sustainably sourced...stay tuned :)

Leopard Shoulder Trim Dress by Ruby Rocks - Fierce AND fairtrade = WIN! Made in a small factory in Bali, Ruby Rocks knows each and everyone of their employees and ensures they're not only paid an above average wage but also receive healthcare for themselves and their family members

Kitten in Hammock Necklace by Unique Art Pendants - Need a buddy while you're out and about? Why not this little fella? This cuddly pendant has been handmade

Live in the Meow Tee from People Tree - This lovely tee has been handmade by the artisans of Assisi Garments in India using fairtrade and organic cotton fibres

Black Cat Dress by Leah Goren - I definitely have my eye on this dress for summer! The dress is made from 100% organic cotton sateen and the cat print is 100% cuteness

Leopard Ring by Love Hearts and Crosses - This 100% porcelain leopard just wants to hug your hand! Each spot has been hand painted 

Two Peas in a Pod by Nic and the Newfie - Loving this pair of mischievous Siamese cats watching a bumblebee! This super comfy looking sweatshirt is made from a combination of organic cotton, recycled polyester and rayon. Also thumbs up to pockets!

Leopard Jumper by ASOS Africa - Be an urban wildcat with this handmade jumper which has been crafted under fair conditions in Africa. This top is part of a wider collection  produced in collaboration with a rural Kenyan community north of Mombasa

Georgie Kids T-Shirt by Stella McCartney - Um cat cuddles all day??? Yes please! Loving this certified organic cotton tee from Stella's high-end ecofashion label

 
Feeling warm and fuzzy after all this kitty-themed design? Then why not look up your local cat shelter and ask if you can volunteer for a few hours? One great thing you can do is to give them all a lovely brush and a kind word =^..^= That's how I found my little rescue boy while living in the Fiji Islands :)