I believe that as consumers our purchasing choices have enormous power to shift standards and influence change both locally and internationally. People are browsing and shopping online more than ever before a trend that is set to grow. EcoChic Magazine is the ultimate browsing resource for those looking to make eco chic lifestyle choices in fashion and beauty.

Today we are unveiling our latest “EcoChic Consumer Guide to Ethical Purchasing” with the aim of  unravelling what is really behind the eco labels to make those shopping choices so much easier. Do take a look…

Do join our celebration and take a look….

The Anne Wiggins Ethical Silk Collection

Here at EcoChic we are delighted to introduce the debut collection of an inspired designer whose ethical standards inform every aspect of her work. There’s only one problem: just thinking about these beautiful garments has made us feel extraordinarily relaxed and pampered – so do bear with us if we drift off in the middle of telling you the Anne Wiggins story…

View this exceptional collection HERE

For centuries a closely guarded secret…a bargaining tool for peace…more valuable than gold…silk is truly a luxury commodity and the Anne Wiggins London Essentials Collection seeks to bring you designs worthy of this sumptuous material. Simplicity of design; quality without compromise; the highest ethical production values – these are the tenets of the Anne Wiggins brand. The underlying concept of this stunning collection of  nightwear and lougewear is simple, and based upon an unshakable philosophy: indulgence without exploitation. Informed by her long-held Buddhist beliefs, Anne Wiggins has sourced the finest in humanely-produced silk, and used ethically sound and environmentally aware artisanal methods to produce this beautiful range of garments. With every step of the process guided by sound ethical practices, the journey to beauty truly comes from within.

A different slant on silk

“The best quality silk I’ve come across in decades” Silva Jozanc (London, UK)

“I was immediately attracted by the knowledge that ethical methods had been used at every stage of the production process. …the range has a purity, delicacy and symmetry that I have struggled to find elsewhere.” Natasha Proietto (Geneva, Switzerland)

Standard mass-produced silk comes from a method which involves silk worms being destroyed by the harvesting process. This was never an option for Anne’s work: instead the raw material she employs comes from a humane process in which the silk moths are allowed to mature and emerge from their cocoons as moths. This emergence breaks the silk fibre into strands which must then be de-gummed and spun rather than spooled to produce a workable fibre. This difference in the raw silk – short fibres rather than one continuous strand – is significant in that it results in a warmer, softer silk. Produced in a small factory in Japan, no toxic chemical treatments are used in the manufacture of these garments. Factory conditions are monitored to ensure fair wages and working hours, and high environmental standards are adhered to throughout.

The end result is a collection of limited edition hand-made garments whose refined lines and attention to detail truly do justice to the exceptional quality of the silk. From silk worm to factory, to the day you receive your own beautifully packaged and very special delivery, it’s undoubtedly a winning combination.

Exclusive, understated and eminently desirable

“Anne’s designs come with my highest recommendation and will be my first and only choice of sleepwear.” HSH Princess Francie von Schonfeld (London/New York)

Happily for all concerned, ethical production methods naturally lead to the highest quality silk which, married to Anne’s subtle designs, means that ‘green’ night wear need not be about compromise. Far from it, in fact.

The range includes pyjamas, gowns, robes and camisoles: all presented in sexy, indulgent champagne coloured silk. Take a moment to appreciate the considered design work and attention to detail: covered buttons, adjustable straps, bust support, hidden pockets. Even a brief perusal of this collection can’t fail to impress.

Treat yourself and your skin will love you forever; treat someone else and – well, we’re not making any promises, but…!

“They are beautiful to wear and wearing them makes me feel beautiful. ” Helen Buckland (Sydney, Australia)

Do take a look at the breathtaking Anne Wiggings London range HERE

CRED is delighted that Livia Firth wore the first ever Fairtrade Fairmined Ecological gold jewellery at the Oscars 2011 ceremony, as part of her Green Carpet Challenge. Livia shows one more time that fashion can be altogether desirable and guilt free with a delightful set designed and hand-made by goldsmith Anna Loucah in collaboration with CRED Jewellery.

The jewellery is the first in the world to be stamped as Fairtrade Fairmined Ecological. Created with Oro Verde gold from Colombia – the world’s only source of Fairtrade Fairmined Ecological gold – and featuring 35cts of gorgeous traceable Aquamarines from a community mine in Zambia and Jeweltree diamonds from the Liqhobong Women Miners Cooperative in Lesotho.

‘We associate gold with love and beauty but there is often nothing beautiful about the way that gold is produced. Tens of millions of small-scale gold miners risk their lives in often appalling conditions and get a raw deal for their strenuous efforts. There is a real need for consumers to demand higher standards when they purchase gold and they can do this by getting behind this new and important initiative.’ Livia Firth

View our range of CRED Jewellery on EcoChic Boutique HERE

Images – Vogue.com – Green Carpet Challenge

Understanding the Problem

ASM workers face many hardships, but often mining is the best or only choice they have to make a living. Individuals and small groups have limited access in a market which favours large scale production, and thus small mining operations tend to be informal, illegal, and unregulated. Inadequate tools and training, and poor handling of toxic chemicals, frequently lead to hazardous conditions for workers and various forms of environmental damage. Concerned with making a day-to-day living, miners often sell at a low price to on the-spot buyers and thus struggle to improve living conditions for themselves and their families. In some cases, with no childcare facilities, children simply work alongside familymembers at the mine site.

Positive Change

Itʼs not surprising that we donʼt know the ins and outs of where the gold in our jewellery comes from. But until recently, even if we had asked the question, answers would be hard to come by. That situation is now changing, and our purchasing choices in this market already have the potential to effect a positive change in the lives of some desperately poor communities. Whatʼs driving this change? The Fairtrade and Fairmined mark.

What is Fairtrade & Fairmined Gold?

For the first time, consumers now have the opportunity to buy jewellery that is Fairtrade and Fairmined certified, and this is a hugely important step for the industry. In simple terms, the mark means that the gold has been mined, processed and traded in a fair and responsible manner. To achieve this guarantee, standards have been determined by Fairtrade International (FLO) and the Colombia-based Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM), with the aim of empowering artisanal and small scale miners to achieve a fair price for their work. Certification not only addresses working conditions and environmental responsibility but drives improvements in living conditions and prospects for whole communities. Aside from health and safety considerations, there are usually environmental implications where unregulated mining is concerned. A lack of awareness and poor training can easily lead to environmental damage such as the release of toxic chemicals into the environment, water pollution, soil erosion and deforestation. In fact, bad mining practices are responsible for the release of hundreds of tonnes of mercury every year.

How Does Certification Work?

ASMs seeking certification must achieve agreed standards in the following areas:

• Working conditions and safety – protective gear and training is mandatory

• Child labour – regional laws must be observed, including age limits and protected health and schooling for children

• Environmental responsibility – correct practice and minimal use of toxic chemicals

• Local community input – funds go back into improving the mining community

• A traceable supply chain for the first time between mine and retailer

In return the miners receive:

• a minimum price which is guaranteed at 95% of the international market price

• improved market access

• a Fairtrade premium of 10% of the guaranteed minimum

• optionally, an additional 5% Ecological Premium for eliminating chemical use

• access to technical support and training

Read more on the Fairtrade and Fairmined Standards HERE

The scheme is already underway in Latin America with the first certified fairtrade and fairmined gold mine at the Cotapata Co-operative, Bolivia, where the associated financial benefits are facilitating real-world improvements. Small-scale producers joining forces may choose to invest in more efficient, safer equipment which may, for instance, allow a move away from mercury use to less harmful cyanide processing. Existing certified groups have already put money into childcare, thus removing children from mine areas. View the latest from the Alliance for Responsible Mining.

Other positive results have included relocating housing away from hazardous areas and improving healthcare. This is genuine, life-changing stuff.

For the latest Fairtrade Foundation and Alliance for Responsible Mining Report entitled ‘ Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold, Empowering responsible artisanal and small-scale miners, READ MORE

The Future

As this groundbreaking initiative launches in the UK expansion to other countries is planned throughout 2011, with the aim of achieving Fairtrade and Fairmined standards for 5% of the gold jewellery market over the next 15 years. While ARM and FLO look to governments to change legislation, individual consumers also have the opportunity to make a measurable and positive difference in this market by creating demand amongst retailers for responsibly mined gold. Next time you are browsing for jewellery, look out for the dual stamp and labelling that makes it easy to be part of the change HERE

CRED Jewellery believe in making beautiful jewellery that has ethical integrity. CRED are set apart by their commitment to fair trade, their pioneering spirit and the production of exciting, quality jewellery designs.

CRED Jewellery is the original Fair Trade jeweller. CRED do not make this claim lightly, but as pioneers they have pursued the dream of Fair Trade jewellery and brought it to reality. CRED do not just design beautiful jewellery, but have travelled the world to work along the supply chain to create a sustainable way of mining and producing. Even in the way their profits are invested, CRED are doing business differently.

As partners with CRED Jewellery we are delighted to be featuring their gorgeous fairtrade and fairmined Gold Collections in EcoChic Boutique HERE

CRED were founder members of the Alliance for Responsible Mining. CRED develop lasting relationships with their partners and have been instrumental in the introduction of the Fairtrade mark for gold. It is an ongoing campaign of continual improvement: they will not be satisfied until 100% Fair Trade jewellery becomes an industry standard.

Ethical Pioneers

CRED have been pioneers in ethical jewellery since 1996. They were the first European retailer to sell independently certified Fair Trade gold, and the first high street boutique to exclusively sell ethical jewellery. In 2003 CRED produced the world’s first truly ethical wedding rings: wedding bands made from gold from a traceable source that was certified as environmentally and socially responsible. They remain CRED’s bestsellers.

Read the CRED story…

Design & quality

CRED believe that beautiful jewellery and ethical integrity are intertwined. CRED have an inhouse design team and also collaborate with renowned designers and up-and coming talent to constantly offer fresh and exciting pieces…

Each piece of CRED jewellery is made from metal which is fully traceable, and all precious stones have a certificate of origin. From simple fair trade wedding rings to their design collections they have personally seen the background of the producers so can give you the story that accompanies it. If there is anything you want to know, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Spreading the love

As CRED want to see fair trade jewellery become widely available, CRED use the partnerships and knowledge we have developed over years to supply numerous designers across the UK and Europe with fair trade gold, so they too can create beautiful designs with ethical integrity.

Greg Valerio

“When I started CRED Jewellery in 1996 my desire was to create a jewellery company that had the principles of Fair Trade at its very heart, as well as satisfying my personal desire for beauty and wonder. These two simple ideas are intrinsically bound together, because beauty at its most intense is a reflection of the wonder in nature. Jewellery is the finest symbol of this when it is sourced with social and environmental integrity, capturing, creating and conveying this genius.

“It has been an amazing journey that has taken me to some of the remotest regions of our world, met some of the most extraordinary people and witnessed some of the best and the worst practices in mining. Human and indigenous rights, environmental justice and human creativity are at the heart of our Fairtrade company.

Greg Valerio, Founder and Fair Trade Campaigner.

Reader offers

This month, for 2 lucky readers, a gift from Faith in Nature will be given. Each of their formulations are certified organic and made with natural, Community Traded ingredients. And while this line delivers well-researched and developed products, an expensive price tag is not associated these high quality, environmentally friendly products! Enter our reader giveaway HERE

Valentines Day treats

Just in time for those choosing to celebrated Valentine’s Day this year, the Fairtrade Foundation and Alliance for Responsible Mining have collaborated with small-scale mining companies with hopes of revolutionizing the jewelry industry. In “Fairtrade Certified Gold Launches This Valentine’s Day,” truly beautiful pieces of jewellery are introduced, and for the first time ever… the story behind the jewellery is equally, if not more, beautiful and exciting! This ethical way to create jewellery- featuring everything from fairtrade and fairmined gold to gems and diamonds- has the potential to completely change the way our beloved jewellery is mined, produced and sold. … And did we mention the jewellery itself? I think its safe to say that wearing the fair trade jewelry featured in this months green glossy issue will make you feel as beautiful on the inside as it looks on the out! You can view our gorgeous fairtrade and ethical jewellery collections HERE

Beauty products unveiled

Also featured in this month’s online issue is “Beauty Products Unveiled,” introducing some of the potentially harmful chemicals found in everyday beauty products and cosmetics. … And let’s face it, with the number of beauty products an average woman in today’s society uses, our skin and beloved environment may pay the ultimate price. There is an added bonus too, we will our latest eBook, Body Beautiful, the Natural and Organic Way is now live HERE, with some fantastic contributions from the Soil Association and many organic beauty brands.

And as we enter a new year the words “climate change” are still evoking powerful emotions. Not enough seems to be known about what actions, or plans for action, are being put into place. Touching on previous setbacks and looking forward with high hopes for our planet’s future, Emma Pointing’s, “Cancun Climate Change, 2010 Review,” discusses the past, present and future of our governments response. And in Rachael McKendry’s, “The Nature of Biodiversity,” we are encouraged to spend time learning about the effects our current lifestyle has on the millions of plants and animals which we share our planet with.

And with that, I encourage you to settle in with a steamy beverage and this season’s latest green glossy … because compromising your personal sense of fashion should not require compromising the environment!

Remember to take care of yourselves and your surroundings. Cheers, the EcoChic Team

But whether you decide to wear your heart on your sleeve, or wrapped round your partner’s finger, lavish this February in pure fairtrade and fairmined GOLD. This is an amazing story of hope against all the odds and one that EcoChic Magazine is simply thrilled to celebrate.

Dazzle in Ethical Gold Dust

The Fairtrade Foundation and Alliance for Responsible Mining have collaborated together to bring about social, environmental and economic development in small- scale mining and artisanal communities. The opportunity to enrich and empower workers will be achievable with many currently trapped in unfair supply chains, struggling to get a fair price for the gold they find. It will also gives retailers the chance to offer the public certified sustainable gold for the first time too.

EcoChic Boutique holds a stunning range of gorgeous ethical and fairtrade Jewellery, view our collections HERE.

Acclaimed ethical jeweller Ute Decker is to reveal her new Fairtrade gold collection on Valentine’s Day 2011. Known for her minimalist sculptural designs, she will be one of the first worldwide to promote and turn this exquisite gold into stunning ethical jewellery. Commenting on this commendable but long awaited process she says,

‘I am proud to support small scale miners, their rights, livelihoods and our environment. 15% of the Faittrade premium will directly benefit the artisanal mining communities; paying for a midwife, schools and clean water. I already have several pre-orders for pieces in Fairtrade gold; my clients are excited to be part of the best gold story in the world.’

Greg Valerio, founder of CRED Jewellery, refers to this launch as a way of “banishing the injustices and providing a new equitable system. Right now, there isn’t any traceability, and jewellers don’t know where their gold comes from, the Fairtrade & Fairmined Gold Mark changes this, it is a powerful story”

Jewellery retailer Pippa Small wishes to see Fair Trade mines encourage other mines to become certified. She states,

‘If public demand for cleaner gold goes up, the mines will see there is good reason to become certified. If we can increase awareness among consumers then we can help bring about a positive change.’

The concept of everything Fair Trade has become an irreversible evolution, proving not just to be a passing trend. And in correlation, consumers are increasingly developing concern about what’s behind the products they buy also.

Dangerous Grounds

A specially chosen piece of jewellery is given as a symbol of love. But for the millions of people who want to display their affection this Valentine’s Day, the way they choose to show their pure intention could plainly be mired in misery.

When someone utters the words ‘blood diamonds,’ many may have a strong understanding about the concept. However, little is truly known amongst consumers about the process of extracting gold, silver and precious gemstones, before they are put into the hands of a jeweller. Lethal chemicals like cyanide and mercury are used for extraction and then the toxic waste is thoughtlessly deposited back into running rivers and streams. More often than not the employees are children working in abhorrent and dangerous conditions, and for many workers pay is appalling.

Showing someone your eternal love come this Valentines can be costly, not only to your wallet but also to the lives of communities and our planet. Unethical mining and trade within the thriving jewellery industry for such sought- after commodities inevitably exploits and destroys.

Send a Loving Gesture and……Sparkle with a Difference!

To ignite those promising romantic imaginations take a look at some of the leading jewellery designers and their ethical pieces below.

Award winning Leblas jewellery represents a fusion between traditional craftsmanship and fine contemporary design. The handmade Filigree Links ring, available in white silver, rose, black and yellow gold are wonderfully dramatic. A perfect gift that’s aesthetically unique.

Creating vivacious yet graceful engagement and wedding rings is Chocolate Couture’s domain. Thinking about popping the question? Its never been so easy. Choose from the quintessentially novel Le Fleur ring for the engagement to the Greed Gold/ Silver rings for perhaps, lets say, the wedding? Working in partnership with EcoChic Boutique to view more from their collection.

Embrace the four elements of nature this Valentine with Caipora’s earthy bold jewellery. The feminine Sugar Loaf necklace is a classic for both day and evening attire. The Thunder necklace is one to compliment a vibrant and fun- loving person. Assort through their Earth, Water, Wind and Fire collections all available in EcoChic Boutique.

If you feel like splurging the Kolibri Multi Dropstone Earrings, exclusively made for CRED by designer Sarah Harley are incredible. The hummingbird detail on the yellow gold coin is lit up by the colourful droplets of sapphire, ruby and amethyst gemstones. Sheer beauty.

At EcoChic Collection we know that rushing frenziedly around the shops hunting for that perfect gift is nothing but a daunting and tricky experience.

Visit our EcoChic Boutique HERE to view more stunning Fair Trade and Ethical Jewellery Collections and celebrate this truly historic story.

Founded by Creative Director Deborah Miarkowska, the philosophy behind EcoChic Collection is simple; a passion to inspire pure ethical indulgence, with respect to people and the planet.

Since 2007, EcoChic has drawn upon the expertise of its expanding team, creating EcoChic Magazine, the Ethical Fashion Collective for the South East and to the launch of the new service for business; EcoChic Consulting.

The power of three

A dynamic three-in-one package, EcoChic Collection is made up of:

EcoChic Boutique

An inspiring collection of design led ethical and fair trade jewellery and accessories, showcasing the very best of ethical jewellery. Look out for the forthcoming EcoChic publication celebrating the launch of the new Fair Trade Gold Mark, showcasing the very best Ethical and Fair Trade Jewellery.

EcoChic Magazine

The inspiring green glossy for EcoChic lifestyle lovers, EcoChic Magazine demonstrates vibrantly that we can live a stylish life ecologically and support less developed or advantages countries or communities. It is our passion to unearth gorgeous eco designer fashions and lifestyle pieces to share their stories. We celebrate the very best of ethical business, people and brands that are dedicated to environmental stewardship, human rights, community growth and social responsibility. Take a look HERE.

EcoChic Consulting

The latest growing enterprise, to deliver a range of dynamic business services, created and developed with the triple bottom line of people planet and profit in mind. These include our communication packages, environmental support and management and our successful EcoChic events. 2011 heralds the launch of our training package as we partner to deliver an internationally recognised CSR programme.

A future set to shine

As an online eco glossy, EcoChic is increasingly featured in the National Press, with collaborations with the Ethical Fashion Forum, to the Environmental Justice Foundation and pioneers in the Fairtrade Jewellery Movement.

Deborah Mirakowska says, “We are delighted at how quickly EcoChic has been received within the fashion industry, media and public alike. We have collaborated with the worlds best ethical brands, showcasing the inspiring human interest stories behind the products and how it is possible to achieve social and environmental justice whilst retaining quality, design and craftmanship.”

Collaborate and Inspire

EcoChic welcomes the collective spirit of like minded individuals and brands to spread the eco style word. Here are a few ways of partnering with us.

Brands - communicate your new product, design or project to an established audience and discover ways you can do that by partnering with us in our communications packages.

Designers - are you an ethical designer with a great collection that, no matter how small, you think will excite us? We’d be delighted to consider your range to feature in EcoChic Boutique.

Interested in our EcoChic Events or training programmes, please contact us.

Story tellers/ Interns – do you have a burning desire to publish with great eco and ethical credentials? We’d love to hear your feature ideas, send them over and we will take a look.

Deborah Miarkowska says, ” 2011 is full of very exciting opportunities for us and our partner brands. From our ebook range, our coffee table publications to our Consultancy, we are delighted that we continue to inspire and educate. Do contact us, hello@ecochiccollection.co.uk

Join us in 2011 to celebrate ethical indulgence with no compromise to people and the planet”.

Do take a look a the short film below, of Chris Evans at the Archbishop’s Palace, it’s full of fun with a beautiful message. Happy Christmas.

For the first time in its history, London Fashion Week 2010 reserved a slot in it’s packed, A-list schedule for a catwalk dedicated entirely to ethical fashion. With Erin O’Connor modelling and well known designers such as Stella McCartney alongside newer and smaller labels, the British Fashion Council have embraced the interest in this growing ethical and fairtrade fashion market. UK ethical fashion accessory company Bottletop are thriving with celebrity fans including Livia firth, VV Brown, Paris Hilton, Peaches Geldof, Miriam Clegg and many more.

The key questions

The ethical fashion arm of LFW known as Estethica. In its ninth season, sponsored by Monsoon, 2010 saw a first in a collaboration over guidelines with not-for-profit agency ‘Made-By’. Together they have redefined the key questions which designers and brands should ask themselves. For example, how can intelligent design reduce the social and environmental impact of a product’s lifecycle? What are the social costs of your production process? Does it take a lot of water to make your fabrics and have you tried to decrease the mileage of your transportation process?

Made-By defined

Made-By follow the motto, “Fashion with respect for people and planet”. They have created a community of fashion brands united by their commitment to eco conscious end products. Although most have an ethical ethos or have already taken steps towards ethical clothing production, they are by no means 100% clean. The idea is that the umbrella platform of Made-By is a commitment to be transparent and engage in an ongoing process to improve the supply chain.

Track and Trace and the Blue Button

Made-By have created their own label for the fashion industry, the Blue Button. Launched in 2006, this button appears next to the care label on the garment and signifies that the item has been produced in a people and environmentally friendly manner.

Brands joining the Made-By community must fill in a scorecard annually which is then displayed on the website so that progress is transparent. On top of this, the ingenious Track and Trace system means a code entered into the website allows you to see exactly who made your clothes, how and where. There is also an information section regarding the more nitty gritty details such the textile producers Social Accountability 8000 certification, world cotton prices, the effects of pesticides on workers and wildlife, and social policies in developing countries.

MADE-BY Track&Trace follows the trail of your clothes. With the MADE-BY code in your garment you can find out where your garment was made and by whom. In this way, MADE-BY brands open up the doors to the production process. They can’t guarantee that all their clothes have been manufactured in a 100% clean and honest way. A garment completes numerous stages before it ends up in a store, and brands do not have the power or resources at their disposal to change all of these stages for the whole collection in one go. But in the meantime, they show their progress. MADE-BY Track&Trace is the very first system to trace the origin of clothes. It is however, easy to be cynical. What gives Made-By its credentials? Why are the brands committed all smaller labels that fall in the eco category as opposed to brands we might find on the highstreet?

Firstly, Made-By is itself an initiative of international development organisation Solidaridad. Using twenty years experience in creating sustainable supply chains and fair trade systems, Solidaridad support Made-by in advising how to clean up the manufacturing process by outlining strategies around issues such as working conditions, organic cotton, and achieving environmental and social certifications.

Of the thirty six brands on the Made-By website, it is true that most are well known only in the ethical fashion space. Particularly popular are those such as Kuyichi, Edun (run by Ali Hewson, Bono’s wife) and Imps and Elves stocked by Selfridges. Ted Baker seems to be the only mainstream name on the list but there is no Track and Trace option for them and they don’t mention Made-by on their website (although they do state they don’t use sweat shops and have signed up to carbon reduction commitments in their company policy).

A call for greater transparency

Many of the bigger brands would find it hard to lay open their production process for all to see. There is nothing glamorous about child labour or 80 hour weeks for £5 wages. The likes of Primark, Tesco and H&M have this year alone come under great criticism for their supply chain management and hazardous orking conditions in third world factories. For the moment however let us commend those that are leading by example such as Stella McCartney and Monsoon and hundreds of many smaller ethical fashion labels and those who have listened to criticism such as Timberland and Nike. And let us note that with the Director of Corporate Sustainability for the Gucci Group, and representatives from the Central School of St Martins as part of the LFW Estethica Advisory Board, the mainstreaming of ethical fashion is likely to be sooner than we may think.

For information on ethical fashion

EcoChic Magazine

Made-By

The Ethical Fashion Forum

Labour behind the Label

Ethical Trading Initiative

Fashion Futures 2025, Forum for the Future

Top Image: Ethical Fashion Label Ada Zanditon, Winner of the 2010 EFF Innovation Award.

Perhaps the tide is turning?

If like me, when you hear about the overt exploitation and human cost involved in the fashion industry globally, you would like to do something about it, but not what, read on. If you have made the decision to live a more sustainable lifestyle and to only buy products that are considered ethical then fashion is likely to be something that will have thought about. There is plenty of evidence of practices in the fashion industry that are damaging to both the environment and people involved but what is ethical fashion and what do we need to consider when shopping for ethical fashion?

What is Ethical Fashion?

Ethical fashion is a term that can be used to describe any clothing that is produced and distributed in a way that is more ethical than conventional clothing made often than not for the UK high street. This can include any or all of the following:- organic or sustainable fabrics, made in an factory that adheres to ethical working practices like the SA8000, Fairtrade production that works for the benefit of the community, a proportion of the companies profits donated to charity, made by co operatives, made from recycled materials. As the term ‘ethical fashion’ encompasses so many different aspects, it can sometimes be difficult to work out exactly what is ethical and how to make the best choice son these issues.

Environmental Impact

If you want to minimise the impact that your clothing has on the environment, you can do so buy buying second hand or clothes made from organic or sustainable fibres. The cultivation of conventional cotton uses a large amount of pesticides which are both damaging to the environment and can contaminate water supplies. The growth of cotton using pesticides is also not sustainable and farmers become trapped in a cycle of using more and more pesticides to combat the resistance that the pests develop. Other environmental considerations when buying clothes are the carbon footprint or amount of CO2 emissions associated with their production and whether they are made from natural fibres and so biodegradable after their natural life. You could also look for ethical shoes as the process of tanning leather is also damaging to the environment.

A Fair Deal For Everyone

Buying ethical fashion is partly about ensuring that everyone in the supply chain gets fair remuneration. This is particularly important for the growers of cotton and the most well known and established scheme for ensuring this is Fairtrade. There are also a number of other schemes and co operatives that ensure that those involved in the manufacture of clothing get a fair deal. Buying quality clothes to last is not only the most sustainable way to shop but also allows you to pay a reasonable price for a piece of clothing which can then be passed on to those in the supply chain.

Manufacture

The factories that clothing is manufactured in are often dirty, dangerous and uncomfortable for workers. Some employ child labour, some treat their staff very badly not allowing them basic human rights and some pay less than a living wage. In particular leather tanning uses some very toxic chemicals that can be damaging to the workers as can the glue used to make shoes. Often ethical shies are made using vegetable tanned leather or other natural materials. Some companies provide information on the standards in the factories where their clothes are produced so that you can be sure that staff are treated ethically. in th e coming years look out for the work by MADEBY

Overall ethical policies of a company

Whilst some companies may sell clothing that is ethical in one way or another, for some people this is not enough. It is worth considering whether you want to buy ethical fashion from a company, which makes the majority of its money selling non ethical goods. Many companies will have strict ethical policies covering all areas of their business and may even include donating a proportion of their turnover to charity.

Watch out for green washing

Green washing is the term used to describe unsubstantiated claims about eco or ethical credentials of their products, by companies for the purpose of marketing. The only way to avoid green wash is to look for further information. Some time the labels or packaging on ethical shoes or clothing will give further information. If not the website is a good place to look. Look for standards and certifications which prove their claims and the companies overall ethical policy.

When shopping for ethical fashion, you need to decide what is important to you. The type of ethical shoes or clothing that you buy will very much depend on what you are looking to achieve. By buying Fairtrade, you can ensure that your purchase in benefiting people in another country, by buying clothes manufactured locally, you are helping the local economy and it is easier to check that staff in the factories are treated well. Which ever type of ethical clothing, you choose to buy; any small steps that you can take will have some benefit.

Images: Top: Elena Garcia, Middle: Bibico Ethical Fashion, Bottom: People Tree Fair Trade Fashion.

I was delighted to have the chance to chat to Gina Johnson, the Director of Chocolate Couture, an online boutique specialising in handcrafted ethical engagement rings and wedding bands.

Gina, can you tell me how about Chocolate Couture and how you came about making ethical jewellery?

Chocolate Couture has been going for about 4 years now. My central passion is to make ethical jewellery, traditional engagement rings and wedding bands. We are looking to get away from high street manufactured products and our passion is to change the way people think.

What is the main inspiration behind the designs you have?

Much of the jewellery we create is traditional but also a little bit unique. We have unusual engagement rings to wedding bands. Some of our themes include fire to show passion, envy to show want and need, but not from a negative perspective, we want to express genuine feeling and human experience.

I can see that being green and fair trade is central to what you do. What mechanisms do you have to ensure traceability and transparency in the supply chain?

We use where possible recycled materials and diamonds certified by the Kimberly process and the World Diamond Council Code of Conduct. We also agree with the principles of Clean Gold set out in the No Dirt Gold campaign and the ARM Association for Responsible Mining. We use several ethical suppliers. Hoover and Strong supply our recycled precious metals such as palladium, gold and silver as well as diamonds, sapphires and rubies.

In terms of gem stones, we use fair trade gem stones so we are able to trace the origin of the stones. Columbia Gem house supply our Malawi Sapphire and Ruby. These can be followed back to the mine. Fair trade Gems such as Mesa Verde Peridot, Fire Citrine can be followed to the broker who understands and supports Columbian Gems Fair Trade principles. Ruby Fair is another of our suppliers who supply ethical sapphire and rubies from Tanzanian mines. The environment, miners welfare and the ecology are all taken into consideration. We know all about our supply chain, it is very well researched and we are very open on where we get our supplies.

How do you see the market for ethical jewellery?

I think the public have changed the way they think. They are more ethically conscious. When you buy an engagement ring it’s really important to know where it came from. So I think more and more people are becoming aware and thinking about where their jewellery comes from.

EcoChic Boutique is delighted to be a selected stockist of the Chocolate Couture range HERE

EcoChic Magazine celebrates ethical fashion, sustainable design and Fairtrade Manufacture. Its all Win Win!

The fashion industry is a product of the modern age. New technologies, global capitalism and factory systems, has given rise to the highly globalized industry we have today which generates over a trillion dollars a year. Our standard production model sees clothing often designed in one country, manufactured in another, and sold in a third. At its worst this has amounted to factories exploiting workers, fast throwaway fashion, a waste of resources, intensive water, energy and chemical use and the encouragement of unsustainable consumption. What we wear, and how it’s made has a huge impact on our society and environment. An Ethical Fashion Industry has the potential to make great environmental and social change.

Future Challenges

Resource shortages, climate change, demographic shifts, new technologies, and changes in trade barriers and the global economy are all challenges that will affect every aspect of the fashion industry from supply to manufacture. How will the industry react to shortages of cotton and other raw materials, shifting supply chains and new technological development. Will water shortages and high energy prices change the way people care for their clothes. And will the present niche markets of reuse and remanufacturing of material develop into a mainstream response to higher prices and resource scarcity. These are just a few questions that designers and manufacturers will need to ponder.

Fashion Futures 2025

Fashion Futures 2025 written by Forum for the Future and Levi Strauus, profiles four global scenarios for the fashion future. It calls upon the entrepreneurs and visionary brands to lead the way in creating a cultural and economic shift towards a more equitable society and global trading system. With such economic clout and influence on consumer purchasing, the fashion industry is ideally placed in promoting social and environmental justice and a shift in values towards sustainable consumption.

Industry to lead the way

Sustainability needs to become mainstream with companies examining production process, seeding innovation for a future in a resource constrained world, and by investing in closed-loop manufacturing and higher social and welfare standards for workers. Consumer behaviour plays a major part in the sustainability of fashion, but how will it be possible to close the knowledge-action gap of global consumers unless an overhaul of ethics and production comes from within the industry itself.

This is where designers and manufactures are best placed to influence consumers and investors towards sustainable production and consumption, lobbying government and driving collective industry action. Some ethical fashion brands such as People Tree have already adopted these business models and the growing rise of Estethica at London Fashion week is testament to the growing awareness within the industry for fair-trade and ethical practices. Sustainable business practice is proven to increase profit margins and market share in a world where green business and corporate social responsible will follow the trend in becoming the norm.

Four global scenarios

The Fashion Futures 2025 Report details four global scenarios as shown below. The full report provides industry recommendations for adaption and futuristic yet factual visions of clothes grown in vats, 3-D body scanners and waterless washing machines.

Will we be Slow is Beautiful or a Patchwork Planet. It will be up to the industry on which fashion world we will see in 2025.

Scenario1: Slow is Beautiful

A moralistic world of low-carbon, sustainable lifestyles and mindsets. Strict carbon regulation and sophisticated tracking and labelling mean that consumers across the world are more aware and concerned with the impacts of the clothing supply chain. The majority of consumers are willing to pay more for a smaller number of high-quality, sustainable clothing items. The fashion industry has had to work hard, both to decarbonise, but also to shift people’s perceptions of the industry, seen as inextricably linked with the rampant, frivolous consumption of the late 20th century. Although ‘living wages’ are now the norm for factory workers, a ‘grey economy’ of cheaper fashion with poor working conditions still exists.

Scenario 2: Community Couture

Self-sufficient communities thrive in a world struggling to cope with the strain of growing populations and resource shortages. Very high costs of raw materials and disrupted supply chains have resulted in a dramatic fall in the production and sale of new clothing. In its place vibrant local networks of second-hand clothing have evolved: community bonds are strong and creative fashion solutions abound. That said many consumers still strongly desire ‘new’ clothes – now affordable only to the rich or on the black market. Clothing care is low-tech but efficient.

Scenario 3: Techno-Chic

This is a prosperous world which has benefitted from an early switch to a low-carbon economy and huge technological investment. Smart consumers are flourishing in this high-tech, open world of few trade barriers and fast-paced fashion fads. All clothing is designed for degrading, disassembly, re manufacturing and/or reuse, supported by ‘smart’ solutions for low-impact clothing care and advanced recycling networks. Man-made fabrics rule the fashion markets, providing personalised, high-tech, affordable options across the globe. Massive levels of automation and sharp declines in the use of labour create pockets of crippling unemployment across economies previously reliant on clothing manufacture and production.

Scenario 4: Patchwork Planet

Years of conflict, exacerbated by uneven economic recovery from recession and a shortage of strategic resources, have caused the global community to fragment, and there is deep suspicion between cultural blocs. This is a world of rapidly changing fashions – where styles are led by an economically and culturally powerful Asia. Supply chains regionalise to meet consumer demand for fast-changing, regional, patriotic fashion. The world is struggling to cope with mounting social tensions and environmental constraints. Many wonder how long this pace can last.

To read the full Forum For The Future Report HERE

Top Image: Bibico Ethical Fashion, Middle Image: Ciel Ethical Fashion, Bottom Image: Junky Styling.

EcoChic Magazine celebrates Ethical Fashion, Sustainable Design and Fairtrade Fashion Manufacture. It’s all win win!

Welcome to the Manumit story.

From a seedling…

Manumit Fair Trade was founded by husband and wife team in 2005, after the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign captured their imaginations. Shocked by “ethical” factories in Asia and born from the desire to help others and create an alternative and fairer way of doing business, Manumit is encouraging an ethical fashion which sets the trend for more trade than aid.

West goes South…

Our fantastic fair trade products include an array of beautiful and contemporary fair trade Silver and fashion jewellery and fair trade accessories, bags, belts and scarves. All of our products are sourced and handmade by marginalised producers and artisans in the South, who are members of either of the World Fair Trade Organisation (formally IFAT) or The Fair Trade Federation and have been through a process to ensure they are working to fair trade principles.

We work hard with these local artisans and producers to ensure that our fabulous fair trade jewellery and accessories range holds true to their heritage and traditions, not only to the benefit of their local communities, but also to offer the best in sustainable and ethical fashion.

Original and ethical…

This considerate, fair trade approach gives Manumit an authenticity little seen on the high street, translating into original and unique designs which have a genuine story and substance, with an ethical foundation.

And finally…

The growth of the fair trade movement has helped all the artisans and co-operatives expand their exports, and Manumit are proud to be a part of their success.  Manumit will remain loyal to the principles of fair trade and the need to create a better World, by promoting mutually responsive trading relationships with small producers, all with the determination and courage to better their lives, and at the same time, providing a fantastic array of gorgeous fair trade products.

View our gorgeous Manumit Collection at EcoChic Boutique, HERE.

A truly expectional handmade piece by Leblas, the ethical jewellers. For more details, do take a look HERE

As seen in Brazilian Vogue, September 2009, Caipora’s products have a cosmopolitan flavour that comes from Brazil’s colourful history, with native Indians, Europeans and Africans being the base of the country’s culture.

View our latest Caipora Collection HERE

Caipora’s History

Throughout the centuries, Brazil has warmly welcomed people from all continents, transforming its character and culture into a unique environment, full of different talents, creative ideas and professionals, who have been inspired and transformed by its multicultural mix, typical of the country.

Supporting sustainability

Caipora has chosen to work with Brazilian Communities in Pará, Belém, to produce our fabulously gorgeous items, supporting the sustainability of endangered areas and increasing the social condition of its communities.

Natural Materials

Brazil is rich in natural resources and famous for the huge variety of raw materials that cannot be found elsewhere. Their products are handcrafted, made of carefully selected materials and are largely sourced by riverside communities, who use their native knowledge to collect them in a sustainable manner, recycling wherever possible.

This method of working allows us to utilise raw materials, like un-germinated seeds, natural fibres, bone, horn, coconut, bamboo, mother-of-pearl shells, reclaimed wood and leather, being all surplus to Mother Nature’s requirements, and therefore the local eco system is left unharmed.

Zel Albuquerque, Founder & CEO behind Caipora UK, says: “The unique style of our products and the ever growing reputation is already spreading the word around the world, where local stores, consumers, fashion editors and celebrities are making a difference and, being consciously gorgeous clients!”.

Caipora’s ecological production process

Caipora’s professional artisans support the chosen designer throughout the creative process, optmising sustainability in all their products and also enabling individual items to have the designer twist aspect. This maintains Caipora’s allure and multicultural charm. After the extensive selection of raw materials, our artisans begin a meticulous production process, entirely by hand, to create each unique ecological and sustainable piece of jewellery.

During this process, everything is crafted. The human being is the main focus and the production is governed by basic values, such as care and quality. Caipora’s sustainable pieces are all consciously gorgeous and are truly making a difference.

Use of seeds

Caipora’s seeds are collected during periods of harvest, which are seasonal and can vary on shape, colour and size depending on the species of plants.

Recycled materials

The majority of Caipora’s products are handmade from recycled materials sourced from other industries, which also work in a sustainable way and most are regulated by bodies such as the FSC.

Caipora’s ecological items showcase traditional and multicultural Brazilian art and biodiversity at its best.

Product Conservation

All the elements of Caipora’s jewellery from design to production are carefully selected and meticulously manufactured. During this process they pay special attention to the treatment routine and the product finishing, guaranteeing an impeccable final piece handcrafted by artisans.

Caipora’s products are made of natural materials and can vary in size, colour or shape, which makes of each one of our products a unique piece, thus embracing our own differences, as we are all unique individuals!

All of Caipora’s fabulous pieces are sold with a natural fibre mini gift bag, providing protection and consistency at all stages of the process and enabling our clients to buy a wonderful conceptual gift.

Caipora, totally Consciously Gorgeous and EcoChic simply love their pieces. Wear these gorgeous “wearable statements with pride”. View our Caipora range HERE.

We are hoping you’re here because you love fashion, have a keen sense of style, and appreciate beautiful things. Yet you also have a conscience.

Nowadays, don’t you find we’re inundated with information about where our food comes from, but can we say the same for our clothes & the jewellery we wear? The conditions under which they were made are not on the label. You may think the recent explosion of cheap clothes are a bonus, but for those who make the items for many of the big high street brands the personal cost is high: gruelling conditions, long hours away from families and all for less than a living wage.

At EcoChic Collection, you can take a virtual tour around the online boutique, safe in the knowledge that everything you look at in our unique collection of fashion, gifts and accessories is ethically sourced and produced, stylish ethical fashion.

Many of our products are handmade by skilled artisans in the developing world, providing them with the livelihood they so desperately need and here in the the UK by our Ethical partners who drive their businesses beyond just pure profit. Many of these ethical partners use eco-friendly methods of production and organic, recycled materials.

By only choosing solely to do business with those in the developing world who we know to use Fair Trade practices, EcoChic is also a pioneer of ethical trade in the UK and features our growing collection of UK handmade products.

We have trawled the globe for, what we consider to be, a stunning collection of women and men’s fashion, beautiful jewellery you won’t want to take off, to die for beauty products (more coming soon) and a gorgeous collection of gifts & homewares.

Each of our products in our boutique has an exceptional often life changing story and we launched EcoChic Magazine, a celebration of the work of our ethical partners and their work, with interviews and fabulous product reviews. EcoChic Magazine delivers green messages in a vibrant and stylish fashion. 

Let’s change the world for the better, together.

Happy, guilt free shopping and enjoy a great read with us.

Warm wishes, Deborah Miarkowska, Creative Director, EcoChic Collection

Here is what the Guardian said..

“We work with some of the best and most influential green websites in the world in the areas of Clean Technology, Ethical Living, Ethical Travel and Green Motoring. We work with these sites to help them earn revenue to sustain them and the important role they play in the green debate”.

Take a look HERE at their Directory of Green Publishers.

With special thanks to the Guardian Newspaper.

Lets face it, nowadays retro has never been so fashionable. Today’s fashion has emerged into a playful convergence of eras, reworking vintage, perhaps even combining it with something entirely new-not just that it encourages us to move away from our throwaway fashion fix.

This week’s product of the week features Annabel Panes beautiful 30s inspired Penelope Collection. Designs that espouse just a hint of 30s glamour, in her flamboyant and playful cocktail rings, combining this with intricate detailing, as shown in her fleur studs which have been carefully designed to catch just the right amount of light so you sparkle. Designs are full of life, visually organic, almost ready to burst into flower.

This sense of beauty comes straight from the source; the stories behind them that perhaps even match the beauty of the collection itself. Handmade by CRED the entire Penelope Collection is made from Oro Verde Fair Trade 18ct White Gold and skillfully set with ethically sourced Aqua, Lolite, Rhodalite and Amethyst from Africa, India and South America.

CRED’s own philosophy in using the Western world’s demand for minerals to help improve the quality of lives of others and protecting the environments of those who are directly affected by our want, make these pieces that can be truly cherished.

View our CRED Collection HERE.

It wasn’t so long ago that the word ‘eco’ was associated with a dazed hippy culture, but in the past few years it’s gone from a buzz word to being truly hip and embraced by a growing celebrity following.

Eco Fashion labels are pushing eco-friendly and sustainability boundaries to the maximum and none more so than the team at EcoChic Collection and our collections in EcoChic Boutique. Frustrated with the effect disposable fashion was having on the environment and on the people producing our fashion, I launched EcoChic Collection in 2007 with the aim to promote ’slow fashion’ – key pieces that last for more than just one season. View our gorgeous ranges in EcoChic Boutique.

In promoting and designing unique, limited edition jewellery and accessories I hope that people will cherish their fashion accessories more, making them less likely to end up in the landfill.

Celebrating individuality and creativity.

Individuality and creativity is key to the brand. EcoChic Collections’ unique ethically produced collections are a positve response against the high street production line of unrealistic lead times and a throw away culture and human exploitation.

Individual, limited edition designs

The EcoChic Collection team understand how nothing can take your love away from a new purchase like seeing someone else wearing it, and hope that people will start to make statements with their fashion again, rather than just following the latest hot trend.

Eco Fashion is cool

What’s more, we believe that being eco-friendly and stylish shouldn’t come at a cost to the planet or the people making it. We pay living wages in our of our collections and strive to offer a range of ethical fashion pieces in our boutique at a variety of prices as we don’t see why eco and ethical fashion should only be available to people who can afford it – it should be for everyone to make conscious choices to make a real and tangible difference with their money.

Why fair trade & Organic?

Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development and it is a great story that demonstrates that trade can be done differently and will huge social benefits. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system. The Fairtrade minimum price is the minimum price that a buyer of Fairtrade products has to pay to a Producer Organisation for their product. It is not a fixed price, but should be seen as the lowest possible starting point for price negotiations between producer and purchaser. It is set at a level which ensures that Producer Organisations receive a price which covers the cost of sustainable production for their product.

Fair & Living wages

The standards also allow producers to request partial pre-payment of the contract. This is important for small-scale farmers’ organisations as it ensures they have the cash flow to pay farmers at the time they deliver their crop or product. Buyers are also required to enter into long-term trading relationships so that producers can predict their income and plan for the future. Fair trade is a success story and there are a number of eco fashion brands including EcoChic Boutique that are embracing a fair trade ideology.

So why should we be buying organic clothing?

Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in the fashion industry and is considered the world’s ‘dirtiest’ crop. Insecticide is the most hazardous pesticide to human and animal health and cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop.

Approximately 1/3 of a pound of synthetic fertilizers are used to make one non-organic t-shirt. When you think that our skin is the largest organ of our body and that it can absorb chemicals into our bloodstream, we really should be thinking more carefully about what we are putting onto our skin.

It’s not only our own health we have to consider. The chemicals used in manufacturing of clothing have some very serious side effects on the workers, including poisoning, allergies, eczema and even cancers. The point here is that the environment in which we work has a crucial impact on health and organic cotton is a celebration of reducing the health risks for farmers, a purer product for us to wear and enjoy and key benefits to the environment.

So next time you’re looking at a new accessory or piece of clothing, think about where the item has come from and how it could have been made, and perhaps that it may not be so beautiful after all. Please feel assured that all of our collections in EcoChic Boutique are carefully selected for their life changing stories, fair wages and design quality which we are aiming to improve all the time.

To learn more about ethical fashion and to see EcoChic Collection’s full range, view HERE.

If you like what we do, we’d love you to send your comments to the Eco Sussex Judges HERE.

Here’s what Sarah said about us…

Fashion, jewellery and glossy magazines are not normally associated with the world of environmentalism which, typically, comes with a much more Hessian vibe.EcoChic Collection’s mission is to buck this trend. Sidestepping mainstream fashions, this website based in Hove is an online boutique and shiny fashion magazine all in one.

Creative Director Deborah Miarkowska says it is “a hand picked collection of the finest ethically sourced jewellery, gifts and accessories. Pure elegance and ethics combined with the best in UK design talent”.

Set up in 2007, EcoChic has created an ethical in-house assessment model based on the World Fair Trade Organisation and Ethical Trading Initiative standards, and includes examining supply chains at every stage.

The magazine is updated daily with a mix of reviews, eco travel, campaigning news and ideas for stylish yet sustainable living.

Deborah says: “As a reader, you can feel good knowing you are experiencing a wide range of fresh and lively features that celebrate the world’s most committed stylish ethical businesses, people and brands that are dedicated to environmental stewardship, human rights, community growth and social responsibility. Each and every one of our features found in EcoChic Magazine has earned its status, shares our ethical beliefs and is as driven as we are by the desire and commitment to share, give back, bring hope and inspire.”