Pure Pod - Purely Australian Sustainable Fashion

As much as I love interviewing ethical designers from all around the world - it's always very special when I get to chat to someone based here in Australia! In 2007 designer Kelli Donovan and photographer Sean Watson went out on a limb and launched their own ethical fashion label - Pure Pod. 

I recently spoke to Kelli about the ups and downs of starting an eco-fashion brand. Theirs is a story of dedication, creativity and determination that I found to be very inspiring...I hope you will too!

Q. Why are sustainability and social ethics an important part of fashion design for you?

We don't believe sustainability and ethics should be a choice as a manufacturer and designer. We think it is an integral part of design. We all need a healthy planet to live and survive so why should it be something we ignore when manufacturing products.  We all have the responsibility to do the right thing as this planet is borrowed from the next generations. If we stuff it up what are they going to do? No powerful organisations, huge amounts of money or large armies are going to bring back a healthy planet are they? 

You can make beautiful things with the right choices and feel good about making them. This story then makes our stockists and customers feel good about what they are purchasing, knowing they are making ethical consumer choices! We have a close relationship with many of our makers, printers, cutters, pattern makers. Many of whom we have been working with for 8 years now and we always want to make sure they are okay and enjoy their work. 

It's a tough trade sitting behind a machine or printing or cutting everyday! If they are working in terrible conditions this would only make it worse on their mental and physical health. I believe this feeling will come out in the clothing and then to the wearer! Fast fashion is great at this!  I just couldn't do it any other way. Why make ethical and sustainable clothing  you are passionate about if the story behind it doesn't match the beautiful eco garments? Just doesn't make sense, so to me there is no choice!!  

Q. How would you describe Pure Pod's aesthetic in 10 words or less?

Life style, passion, nature lover, adventurer, slight touch of vintage, dreamer, compassion, clean cut styles that will last the test of time, a life long story behind it << Hee hee slightly over 10 words ;-) Love the answer though! 

Q. What are some of the challenges you've faced as an eco-friendly fashion brand? How did you overcome them?

A huge challenge is to make in Australia. It is getting harder and harder to survive as a brand. Many of our wonderful crafts people are retiring and there is not a younger generation coming through, plus these people are taking with them amazing skills that younger generations do not know. 

Also being Australian Made doesn't get as much media support as a Fair Trade or offshore made ethical brands. These brands are wonderful but we love our makers and know if we stop giving them work they won't survive and many won't get other work as they are too old in their fields to start another career. 

Cash flow is always a big one for all designers, retailers and suppliers. This one we all have to juggle constantly and often paying ourselves last after everyone has been paid and looked after! Ethical and eco fabric suppliers — it can be very hard somethings finding eco-certified fabrics which are good quality and wear well, wash well and stand the test of time. Sometimes real eco-organic veggie dyed fabrics can be much softer than a hard wearing synthetic fabric. We need to educate our customers that this is the case. 

Q. What's your favourite piece in-store right now (I think mine is your Amazon Dress)?

My current favourite is the veggie and herb dyed, hand block printed, organic cotton Mandala Peplum top. I have both colourways - mud sport and the indigo spot. I can't take them off. The fabric is so soft on your skin and beautiful for hot days. It can be layered for cooler days and looks great with pants or a skirt. We have sold this to many different shaped women and they all look amazing wearing it. Even larger busted customers have loved this top. They were hesitant to put it on but once they did they took it!

The fabric is hand block printed with mineral, veggie and herb dyes. These dyes are virtually at Ayervedic medicine levels, so they are good for your skin and body. As our skin is the largest organ in your body it is smart to put things on it which are pure and organic as much as possible as chemicals from our clothing and skin products can go into our skin.

Q. If you had to choose another profession — what would it be? 

I am also a yoga and Pilates teacher so I think I would go into the health and well-being industry more and learn also to paint or sculpt! I love making people feel relaxed and get in touch with their bodies and mind, and release stresses from their everyday lives. The best feeling is when my students sit up from the Savasana (relaxation) at the end of class and they are all dreamy and relaxed! It's almost like they have gone out of their busy minds and back into their bodies, a grounding feeling! This calms the nervous system and mind!

Q. Who or what is currently inspiring you? 

I love all the amazing artists, crafters and designers we meet in the designer market circles, through different groups I am a part of and just in everyday life! I am not always into following famous people but those who are making a difference in their everyday lives for the better!

Q. What does 2015 hold for Pure Pod? 

This year we have a strong focus on our children's collection - 'dirtgirlworld' organic and ethical kids clothing. We are launching it at Kids In Style in Sydney on 19th February. We are producing the collection for the ABCTV 2 kids show 'dirtgirlworld.' 

We are very passionate about it as we have a little 4 year old girl called Ruby. We want to make families and parents aware of their natural surrounds and to take care of the planet from every purchase to every step! This show teaches kids about the natural world, recycling and just getting outdoors and having fun! Plus it is a fun program with music, colour and learning. Get outside and get grubby! 

You can connect with Pure Pod via Facebook and Twitter - KBC x

Kind Events: Fashion Hound's VIP Thrift Shopping Event #3

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of combining a few of my favourite things - thrift shopping, catching up with friends and giving back to the community - thanks to Faye De Lanty's 3rd VIP Thrift Shopping Event!

Catching up with Faye de Lanty and Ryan Collins for shopping and a good cause!
Photo: (c) Bryan Marden

Held at the Red Cross Shop in Rozelle, Sydney, proceeds from the night's shopping go directly toward the amazing programs run by the Australian Red Cross. 

Red Cross stores sell fab recycled and new goods to raise funds for the everyday work of Australian Red Cross. Photo: (c) Ryan Collins

TV Presenter and sustainable fashion advocate Faye (also known as the Fashion Hound) has created this series of deluxe thrift shopping nights to show how fabulous 2nd hand fashion can be! During the evening Faye demonstrated her penchant for celebrity styling using items from in-store. 

This model has been given the Gwyneth Paltrow treatment.
Photo: (c) Bryan Marden 

 

Here's a model rocking a Nicole Ritchie inspired look!
Photo: (c) Ryan Collins

If like me your style is a little less celeb and a little more eclectic - thrift shops can be treasure troves of quirky awesomeness. For instance I nabbed myself this cute little bee handbag :)

One of the highlights of the night was the photo-bombing bow-tie wearing pooch and his reluctant but dapper fellow fido. Faye always makes sure there's some real fashion hounds at her fabulous events!

Media savvy fashion pup! Photo: (c) Ryan Collins

A puppy photo-bombing moment :) Photo: (c) Ryan Collins

Some pups basked in the paparazzi glow, while others (left) merely tolerated it! 
Photo: (c) Bryan Marden

Buying something feels so much better when you know that all of the proceeds will be going to projects making the world a better place. By shopping at one of Red Cross's stores you're supporting worthwhile initiatives focused on pressing issues such as: food security; mental health; homelessness; social isolation; emergency services and much more. 

Photo: (c) Bryan Marden

Photo: (c) Ryan Collins

Photo: (c) Ryan Collins

Chilling with my fellow ecofashionistas Faye de Lanty and Julia Roebuck 
Photo: (c) Bryan Marden

You can keep up to date with Fashion Hound's events via Facebook and Twitter. 

Sustainable Fashion Label Sara C - 'Nature Lust' SS13 Collection

Last year I introduced you to a fabulous ethical designer with a passion for prints - Sara Cohen. Almost 12 months on I decided it was time to see what new and exciting eco-design adventures were afoot at Sara C label, so I recently caught up with Sara herself to find out! 

 
Q. What’s been happening at Sara C since we spoke last October? 

We’ve been rather busy since we last spoke. We have spent our time honing what we’re currently doing - sourcing the right fabrics, getting the shapes right, and designing lots of new fabulous prints. In May we launched our new collection Nature Lust, which has gone down a storm. 

And we’ve also just finished designing our new collection for next Summer. So lots more colourful, bold, vibrant prints coming your way. 

Q. How would you describe your latest collection SS13 Nature Lust? 

As naturalist John Muir once said, 'In every walk in nature, one receives far more than he seeks.' 

My new collection Nature Lust is inspired by the simple things we see everyday in nature.  The simple stories and shapes we find in flowers and trees, but don't really see. These graphic natural shapes infused with bright washes of colour to bring you a colourful collection of nature's best. 

The prints that make up the new collection are vibrant and colourful with rich blues, oranges and yellows. We have also broadened out our range to include camisoles, shift dresses, slip dresses and maxi dresses. You can read about the inspiration behind each print here! 

Q. Why do you think colour plays such a vital role in your design?

I have always had a love of colour. For me colour has the ability to transform how your feel and put a smile on your face. My vision has always been to design prints that add a little to everyday life. 

Q. What’s on the horizon for Sara C? 

We have just finished designing our new SS14 collection. You can expect to see some exciting new prints and some fabulous new shapes. 

After that, well we have big dreams to grow the Sara C name and share our love of nature. So we’ll have to keep you posted.  

You can connect with Sara C via their Blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest! 

Kindness by Review: Veryan

Last week on Kindness by Design I introduced you to an amazing young designer, Veryan Raiker, intent on mixing sustainability, social change and style. One of her gorgeous designs - the Organic Cotton Jersey Top in Dusky Coral -  stowed away in my luggage during my recent sea voyage around South America!

One of the great things about this GOTS Certified organic cotton top is how versatile it is! I found I could easily pair it with some fitted jeans, my new sustainable Tagua Nut jewellery from an Ecuadorian market and vegan heels for cocktail time aboard the Ms Veendam - a chic yet funky look.

I really appreciate that this gorgeous shade of Dusky Coral comes from non-toxic reactive dyes with minimal ecological footprint. 

When you're traveling for long periods of time like I was - it's essential to bring clothes that can be used for more than one occasion. This top was lovely, cool and comfortable to wear with shorts on sweltering tropical days. 

Veryan has a great eye for details that don't need to shout at you and I think this slit down the back of the top has added some intrigue to the mix!

So if you're after something sustainable that's sophisticated but edgy - I think you'll enjoy Veryan's aesthetic. I can personally verify that this top is suitable for standing on a windy deck trying not to lose your Panama hat, as well as for playing hopscotch in the middle of the ocean :)

Northern hemisphere ecofashionistas can shop Veryan here, while I would recommend my fellow Southern hemisphere ecoawesomes head here. 

Big thanks to my photographer Ryan Collins - you can connect with him on Twitter.  
 

 

Veryan Brings You Simple Luxury and Positive Social Change

Veryan Raiker is an effervescent and driven London-based designer creating beautiful clothing with a sustainable and socially conscious twist. Her style is thoughtful, deliberate, sophisticated yet incredibly wearable. It was my absolute pleasure to interview Veryan and find out more about her fashion inspirations and motivations.

Q. When did you know that ethical fashion design was something you wanted to pursue?

A few years ago, I nearly missed out on a length of beautiful, light, frothy silk voile needed for my sister’s wedding veil—it was touch and go, I just managed to place my order before the tiny mill in the south of France, where the fabric’s woven, closed for the whole of August. The romantic history of the fabric struck me and I realised that I wasn’t the sole creator of, in this case, Merryn’s wedding dress, but part of an interlinking web of designers and artisans.

My interest in the heritage of fashion and the consequences of decisions made by this enormous, thriving industry was sharpened—how could I make a positive contribution to it? Sustainability, through ethics, design and ecology became my sole focus when creating Veryan.

Q. How would you describe the design aesthetic of Veryan in 10 words or less?

Simple, classic—we dance the line between practicality and tailoring.

Q. Can you tell us a little about what makes Veryan a great choice for eco-friendly fashionistas?

We are a growing brand and each new series we create affirms and concretes our principle of sustainability—not only in ethics but in design. To create a wardrobe of style, a selection of interchangeable garments that work seamlessly together, that are locally made from the most luxurious ecological and ethical fabrics will be our enduring aim.

Increasingly, as we grow, we will offer this: simple luxury and positive social change.

Q. Which ethical designers are inspiring you right now?

The jewellery by Johari is beautiful, their Miale necklace with its roughly textured cascades of hammered brass is my particular favourite. Their designs are elegant and the fact that their Johari Foundation uses 100% of their profits for local social enterprises, is inspiring. 

Miale (‘sunrays’) necklace by Johari

New York designer Titiana Inglis’s structured minimalist designs showcase how well ethical and high fashion can intermix—with the variety of ethical and ecological fabrics available to designers now, fantastic designs can be created without compromise.

Q. What advice would you give to other young designers interested in becoming more sustainable?

I’d say: research, research, research—then take time to build up relationships with like-minded companies and individuals. Enjoy the development of your brand, it can be really tough, but each difficulty that arises is the beginning of a new learning curve.

Q. If you had to choose another career other than design – what would that be?

Honestly, I can’t think of a career I’d love more!

Q. Do you have a favourite item that you’ve created?

I love the shirts we’ve released on The Beautiful Think for AW and am very excited for what’s coming up next season. I do love the organic cotton shirt though, it’s so easy to throw on with dark blue vintage jeans and tan sandals—I’m a hoarder of clothes I can throw together, that can be worn in the studio and out and about in London too.

Q. What does the future hold for Veryan?

There are so many exciting things coming up! We’re polishing off the next SS womenswear collection right now, which I can’t wait to launch. I’m beginning to dabble in menswear design, plus there’s an exciting underwear collaboration coming up this autumn. Every day I’m pushing my ethos and designs further—I’m loving every moment. 

You can connect with Veryan via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. Stay tuned for an exclusive Kindness by Design + Veryan photoshoot!

When It Comes to EcoFashion - The Beautiful Think!

There's nothing quite like meeting someone who shares your passion and enthusiasm for ecofashion - so it's been my utter delight to get to know Brooke Hahn, the Founder of ecochic online boutique The Beautiful Think! This vibrant woman's zest for living a holistic and beautiful life is contagious...in the nicest possible way ;-)

Q. What drove you to create an online sustainable fashion boutique?  

I’m a huge fan of Peppermint magazine and am constantly inspired by designers doing amazing things for sustainability. I love trawling through each issue and discovering new brands, but it struck me that this process for buying could be made easier – a website where all of these labels were available in the one place, so that buying eco fashion was as convenient as buying fast fashion. I wanted to capture that inspired feeling of being a part of something meaningful; and it needed to be stylish as I’m not a hippy. (And I wanted to break down the misconception that eco fashion = daggy fashion).

Brooke is wearing the Little Blue Dress by Etrala London with Jen Straw Clutch by Kayu Design

I thought that if I wanted a website like this, then other sustainably-minded people must too, so why not go ahead and create it? You know, as you do… ;) 

There were definitely panic attacks at times and delirious giggles at others (early on when designers started saying yes and it all became very real), but it has been the most amazing amazing experience where I’ve been able to meet and connect with so many like-minded and inspiring people. I love that I get to live and breathe The Beautiful Think every day! It rocks my world (and my socks).

Q. How would you describe the design aesthetic of The Beautiful Think in 10 words or less?

Style, meaning, depth, connection.

They are the four words that have been with me since TBT began. I took those words to my lovely graphic designer in the beginning and I’ve been repeating them ever since! The design aesthetic always needs to embody these elements.

Tombo Jacket by NearFar

Q. If you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be and why?

The mass consumption of fast fashion.

Large, fast fashion retailers churn out cheap, poor quality garments so that we buy them without really thinking about the impact – the human and environmental cost to create them. We wear the garment once or twice before it washes funny or it’s no longer fashionable (or shiny and new), so it gets thrown to the back of the wardrobe and eventually ends up in landfill. Then we go and buy the next trend item and do the same. It’s a cycle that is reinforced by our consuming behaviour, where we don’t think about our impact (nor are we encouraged to. Thinking could decrease sales!).

Charlotte Dress by MuMum Organic

Yet if we make a choice to consume mindfully, with awareness of the environment and garment industry workers, we can slowly break this cycle. Then real change can happen, once we shift from the throwaway fashion and the it-doesn’t-matter-if-I-only- wear-it-once-because-it-was-cheap mindset.

Q. Which ethical designers are inspiring you right now?

I feel incredibly inspired by my labels in different ways. Bhalo, One Colour, Kampala Fair, Sseko, IOU Project, Vyosna and NearFar give me a heart squeeze when I think about the beautiful artisan communities they provide employment for (people that might otherwise be lost in the poverty cycle); Starfish for their beyond stunning collection; MuMu organic for meeting almost all sustainable and socially responsibility criteria; Colin Leslie Eyewear for his reach into mainstream media (the Brit Awards woo!) and raising the profile of ethical fashion. Honestly, I could list them all!

Q. What makes The Beautiful Think a great choice for eco-conscious fashionistas?

The Beautiful Think is a stylish website – many people with eco/ethical values aren’t hippies and love beautiful clothing like everyone else. I really wanted to embody that in the feel of the site and I think people really love that about it. And on the flipside, TBT isn’t an empty, just-another-shopping website – it has a feeling and depth all of its own that makes a real connection with people.

Back Drape Plunge Monokini by Curlee Bikini

We also have a weekly mindful living and wellbeing blog/newsletter that covers a range of topics in the mindful living area that are meaningful for our audience: sustainability, alternative health, self-love, empowerment, Taoism. The most popular piece I wrote (which also happened to be my favourite, we’re on the same page!) was ‘Stop worrying and start living The Way’, which covered Winnie the Pooh’s philosophy on life: simply being.

I think for many people there is this growing awareness and discomfort in our current system of living; where something seems a beat off-kilter. TBT really explores and challenges how we live currently and allows readers the opportunity for greater connection with themselves, others and the environment.

Q. Do you have a favourite item in store right now?

I have too many! I LOVE Veryan’s organic cotton shirts, MT Labels’ bags and clutches, Etrala’s new 70s inspired collection, Vyosna’s new collection… I could go on and on...

Q. What’s your advice for young people interested in making a career out of ethical fashion and design?

The fashion industry is often regarded (quite accurately so) as being vacuous and hollow. Building a career in ethical fashion and design takes a hollow industry and injects meaning and value. Doing something creative that you love that is also pioneering in sustainable fashion – that is making a difference, that is inspiring. Plus I’d love to read about you one day in Peppermint magazine and feel the buzz, or sell your collections through TBT!

Q. What does the future hold for The Beautiful Think?

Excitement, inspiration, happiness, challenge, connection... :)

But along with these lovely things, the future will be to continue growing and inspiring others in sustainability, eco fashion and mindful living in general. To build people’s sustainable wardrobes instead of fast fashion ones; to share more beautiful eco labels; to change the way we consume and connect with fashion. And of course, TBT will continue exploring and sharing mindful living and wellbeing topics, to get people to think about their impact and ways to live a meaningful, happy and connected life. 

You can connect with Brooke + The Beautiful Think via her Facebook, Twitter and Blog!

Australian Label Sinerji is Exceptional in Design and Ethics

Based on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, Sinerji is a designer clothing label which creatively balances a caring ethos with a distinctive aesthetic. Sinerji is the brainchild of designers Alice Jones and Louise Visser, and it's my pleasure to share with you my interview with the inspiring Alice!

Q. What inspired the creation of eco-fashion label Sinerji?

Louise and I wanted to create a label that produced stylish & fun clothing, that was also flattering, comfortable and that could be worn to work and play…sounds simple enough right?  BUT it also had to be produced with ethical, sustainable principles and absolute transparency.   

After having worked in mainstream fashion and seen the lack of ethical accountability that was standard practice, we wanted to shine a light on that aspect of things at the same time as creating beautiful, wearable collections.

Q. How would you describe the design aesthetic of Sinerji?

We are definitely classic gals, and Sinerji is all about feminine lines and clothing that accentuates your good bits.  There is dose of 1950’s and 60’s structure; we have found those shapes really work for our customers and the varied body shapes of the modern woman.  Having said that, we are inspired by modern themes and trends, and our natural environment too.

Q. What makes Sinerji a great choice for eco-conscious fashionistas?

Sinerji is a fabulous choice for the eco-conscious fashionista; we created our core principles when ‘eco-fashion’ was just a blip on the horizon, and nearly 6 years on, we have seen the fashion world embrace the change toward eco and ethical the way no other industry can! We strive to go over and above our customers and our own expectations at every turn. 

   

To that end, we use only sustainably farmed, organic fibres, natural based dyes, and our production is not just fair trade, but we work directly with every individual in our supply chain…from farmer to sewer.  Even our tags are printed on hemp using vegetable based inks.    

Our designs are unique and I think we have created a strong signature using those beautiful, soft, cool organic fibres but the Sinerji story really sets us apart from the mainstream.  We believe we are showing how to make a positive difference through fashion.

Q. Which ethical designers are inspiring you right now?

Vivienne Westwood has always been an inspiring woman, but her more recent eco offerings have been great.  There are some amazing Australian eco labels; One Colour, and Pure Pod, are both doing wonderful things, as is our gorgeous friend, eco model Amanda Rootsey.  But we are inspired by the people we work with more than anything; particularly the women who weave and dye our fabric in Thailand.  They are funny, strong, intelligent and so positive about life and community…all while juggling children and hard work.  A few days spent with them is truly inspiring! 

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about the artisans you work with overseas?

We work with two different groups; in Thailand we work with a small permaculture village where the organic cotton is grown, loomed, and dyed with natural dyes in the traditional method (meaning no nasty chemicals).   

And in India we work with another group who have access to some incredible eco fibres, and who are G.O.T.S and Oeko Tex Certified.  Both groups are Fair Trade, and the most important thing to us is that everyone is paid well, is safe and is able to grow and strengthen their family and community through working with us.

So far we have seen some beautiful, positive changes in the communities we work with, like children going to school and university, and the establishment of a Community Bank, so that is very rewarding.  We are able to see a positive environmental impact also, which makes us very happy!

Q. Do you have a favourite item in store right now?

Our new Pleat Pant is my current favourite…and the Embroidered Mini.  The pants are a great fit, with inverted pleats in the front and a little button feature at the bottom for adjustable length (so you can show off your winter ankle boots!).  The Embroidered Mini is great with tights and boots.

Q. What’s your advice for young people interested in making a career out of ethical fashion and design?

My advice is to ask lots of questions, keep an open mind, follow your heart, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, or to question something that you think could be done better.   

Your choices shape who you are as a person, in business, and who you are as a designer, and all of these things create the signature of your label…which you want to stand out from the crowd.  You won’t achieve this by following the pack!

Q. What does the future hold for Sinerji?

We hope to spread our message as far as possible; that beauty and fashion are more than just trends and marketing.  That fashion can be the catalyst for truly magnificent, positive change in our world.  True beauty comes from how we carry ourselves through the world, and how we relate to those in our immediate community, and in our global community. The positive flow on effect from the choices we make everyday are infinite. 

You can also connect with Sinerji via Facebook and Twitter!