fashion ethics

Apparently, the average Aussie household produces almost a tonne of rubbish a year! And if we knew the amount of toxic chemicals that go into producing so many of those products we'd be physically sick I think.

How many of you know that clothing fabrics such as nylon and polyester are made with petroleum-based plastic that is initially melted into a thick, syrupy resin before being spun into fibres?

Every year the world spends over a trillion dollars on clothing! And the majority of it is produced in third world countries that have inefficient processes in their transport facilities and waste management control. Huge amounts of toxic waste pollute and deplete their local water supplies and airways annually.

Also, very little of the trillion plus dollars being spent annually on clothing is currently being transferred to those who need it most. Absurdly low wages, unfair and unsafe conditions for garment workers continue to be a huge problem in countries like China and India.

In fact, the more pressure we as consumers put on the industry to produce more of everything at cheaper prices, the worse the situation becomes for the factory workers. They must work even longer hours, children miss school to keep up with the demands of the factories and rather than an increase in wages that is directly proportional to the longer hours and tighter time frames, workers in places like Bangladesh are getting paid less than they were a decade ago!

Take heart though, there is an upturn in the number of clothing manufacturers and fashion houses joining the trend towards environmental and social sustainability and the on-going trends toward vintage garments, recycled and Eco friendly fabrics continues to thrive.

check out some of these websites and online boutiques for more ethical fashion:

Ethical Threads - Style with Soul

Green Is Black Online Fashion Boutique

Rachel Cassar - Aussie fashion designer using recycled fabrics

Ethical Fashion Forum - for designers/students wishing to be part of the global ethical community

The Conscientious Shopper - blog about ethical alternatives to fashion and shopping

It's nice to know that Bowerbird Vintage can also add some value

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vision boards for inspiration

Ever since I can remember, I have collected and saved "stuff" - things that inspire, things that make me laugh, pieces of fabric that catch my eye, photos of friends that capture a moment...

Any number of things can come home in my pocket from an outing, I also save ticket stubbs, theatre programs, boarding passes or just about anything that has some kind of significance or meaning for me. Before I toss out a magazine I always goes through it and cut out pieces of info and images of interest. In short, I am a bowerbird (well duh!).

What happens to all this "stuff"? Well I carry an A4 diary around that by the end of the year resembles a oversized scrap book and the rest of it - the things that I might want to check out everyday so I rememeber to remember them - they go on the cork boards in my office, directly in front of my laptop.

I usually find this is a fantastic way to both remember and inpsire. The only problem of course is when I run out of room and can't decide what needs to come down! These days my collecting has got a bit out of control and I put way more stuff up than I take down.

The solution...more cork boards I think!

Young Blood

The Young Blood Designer Markets are on again this coming weekend at the Powerhouse Museum. The last one, back in August, was well worth the visit. The calibre of talent is exceptional and there are all forms of design on display from clothing to home wares and art. and the best part???

It's all for sale - so you can pick up a few Chrissy presents while your there!

My last market purchase? this beautiful silk and feather brooch.

just one wish....

Oh, to look like Grace...if only for a day!

It's time to watch Rear Window and To Catch a Thief again I think.

I've been perusing the Sartorialist this morning and he reminded me

of the joy of watching old movies with his references

to Cary Grant and Irene Dunn in

The Awfull Truth.

Grace and Cary in To Catch a Thief for me though is the

perfect movie star combination

more frocks from the Rescued by Bowerbird label

I have been busy over the last few days deconstructing and redesigning two very beautiful white lace wedding gowns from the 1960's. They are in the process of being transformed from floor length, long sleeved extravagant frocks with trains to short sleeved, above the knee shift dresses - perfect for a balmy summer party or a night out on the town. The lace and beading still in tact - they are really beautiful.

The other two I have just completed include (on the left) a beautiful silk teal blue Ricki Renee of Sydney party frock (circa. mid 1980's). I removed the rather unattractive long puffed sleeves so common around that time, took the (ahem!) shoulder pads out and also raised the hem a few inches to just on the knee - finishing it with the original banded hem to give it back it's bell shaped look which has made a comeback in a big way the last couple of seasons.

And this little number on the right has the most exquisite fabric. An original (circa 1960's - I think, although it's hand made so a little tricky to pin point) ball gown. The tartan teal, orange and green is just beautiful - so eye catching. However the sleeves needed re-adjusting as they were just too huge and it was totally impractical being floor length.

Now I think it's really edgy - I'd wear it out to a posh bar for a night out with the girls!

Both will be available on the bowerbirdvintage web site soon

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Check This Out!

I have just found Elk Accessories online . I love a brooch so I'm in heaven. Lots of delicious jewels and other interesting goodies to look at....only problem is that a few of those that I covet are sold out at the moment :(

It's who you know!

One of the most important things I have learned since starting my own business is that networking and talking to other people in similar situations is soooo crucial to your success.

I've never been great at putting myself out there but in the last 12 months I've joined a number of organisations that have helped me connect to other people in business who are either at the same stage as me or who have years of experience. The one thing they all have in common is that they are happy to share their ideas and give advice.

Talking to others about what has worked and what hasn't, has been very empowering and motivating. I've found that just knowing that your not alone and that others have similar experiences - both highs and lows - is comforting and keeps you focused.

There are a many, many groups out there to choose from. The best ones for me have been:

(click on them for the link)

The NSW Women in Business (free! ...and 100% fantastic!)

Last Thursday Club

Australian Business Women's Network

Also, Ive been told the follow are very good too:

Business Chicks

Business Swap

and then there's Agyness....

Having just declared my delight in the Dita's of this world making vintage glamour seriously sexy again, lets not forget the quirky 80's punk revival being led by the uber cool English model of the moment Agyness Deyn. Her androgynous look is kinda beautiful and although she's supposed to be a tomboy she always looks groomed to perfection to me.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) there really aren't too many people who can pull off the whole Duran Duran, Culture Club look with the style and panache of Deyn. Personally, I wouldn't even try as the eighties certainly weren't my fashion high point the first time round, but Agyness is really rocking it now...

Photos: Imaxtree