Spring forward with a Bohemian-inspired wardrobe

Peace, love and happiness. Spring weather simply commands liberation, unapologetically. Say goodbye to your wool sweaters and trousers and knee-high boots and hello to flower-induced spring dresses, cork wedges, and cross-body strapped purses. Capture that spirit by springing forward with a Bohemian-inspired wardrobe a la eco-chic fashion.

For Her – dress, shoes, handbag, and Melissa Lew necklace from Cherry Blossom collection

Calypso St. Barth

Calypso’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection builds upon the brand’s appeal to the global woman with clothes and accessories perfect for cherry blossom viewing. It boasts light-weight trousers, long tees, and maxi and knee-length cotton dresses. Personal favorite is the Lourdes dress, all-figure flattering with a flower print, pockets and capped sleeves.

Calypso is sold at Ginger.

Katie Kalsi Handbags

Designer Katie Kalsi channels her Bohemian spirit into a collection of handbags that are both whimsical and bold. The minimalist sneaks in with limited shapes and colors (boho, doctor, messenger, and clutch) but teased with touches of rivets, fabric choice, or hardware such as solid brass and nickel. Kalsi’s “IT” bag is the interchangeable strap bag featuring signature designs from her contemporary art – a favorite among entertainment celebrities.

Far from the Hollywood glitz, Kalsi works in a converted barn on her parents’ estate in Tennessee. There, she develops the concept which is then sent to production in factories in both Texas and New Jersey. The Kalsi collection is sold online and in specialty boutiques.

Salpy

Slip into a pair of Salpy clogs and tread lightly on Mother Earth. Husband and wife duo Salpy Kalaidjian and Kevork Kalaidjian create designer women’s shoes made with feather light wood bases and hand-tooled leather. Salpy shoes are available as high heels, clogs, and slides. Opt for bright colors such as “ocean” and mango.

Salpy is sold at Simply Soles.

For Him – trousers, shoes, and cuff

Panda Snack and Red Engine

Wear your eco-sensibilities with Panda Snack sportswear. The husband/wife designer duo produces a collection of polo shirts, jackets and trousers made from bamboo.

Up the cool factor with a pair of vintage denim jeans by Red Engine. The LA-based company may import denim from across the pond (Europe) but keeps production at home.

Panda Snack and Red Engine are sold at Caramel.

TOMS Shoes

Spread the love every time you wear your TOMS. Founder and head designer, Blake Mycoskie, donates a pair of TOMS shoes to children in developing countries for every pair sold. Choose from the new vegan collection, shoes made from a blend of recycled products, faux suede insoles and rubber outsoles. TOMS is sold at Nordstrom, Sassanova, Shoe Fly and online.

Fisticuffs

Local designer John Davis takes vintage belts and other second-hand leather and fashions into edgy cuffs. Fisticuffs is sold at Meeps Vintage.

Jewelry Designer Spotlight: Mojee Design

It is 10 p.m. and Mojee Shokri’s creative juices begin to percolate. The luxe jewelry designer retreats to her design studio to mull over an inventory of semi-precious stones and fresh-water pearls scavenged from her travels in Southeast Asia, Turkey, and Iran. She remains steadfast weighing her options until inspiration strikes and the pattern is sketched in memory. Only then does she call it a day – as dawn breaks.

Shokri’s non-traditional work hours suit her personality and equally her collections: bold and ambitious. Her restless spirit led her to DC from Iran to study ten years ago and one art class later, she found her vocation as an artist.

She honed her skills in photography and painting before perfecting her craft in jewelry design. The only thing missing was her enterprise.

In true entrepreneurial-fashion, she knocked on the doors of the nation’s capital most reputable jewelry stores and introduced herself to Washington’s elite.

“I was young but persistent,” says the now 30-year-old. “If you love what you do then you just have to get yourself out there.”

Her collections are sold at Keith Lipert Gallery, Wink, and Muleh, and have been featured in Lucky, DC Modern Luxury, and Washingtonian Magazine, the latter crowning her as one of DC’s most beautiful people.

“Like my collections, I tend to have an eye for unique pieces, whether it is shoes, clothing, or jewelry. I describe my own personal style as chic and edgy. I always like to include a touch of something unique to accent what I’m wearing, just as my designs tend to have a touch of flare that makes the jewelry standout,” Shokri says.

When she is not attending to her jewelry (all produced by hand), she consults with her sister in Iran regarding their wedding planning business or scours artisan markets in remote parts of the world or studies the latest trends.

Shokri’s spring/summer 2010 collection, available online, borrows from Roman architecture and decadence reined in by softer colors and one statement stone or pendant.

“The collections evolve over time,” Shokri says. “But this season’s pieces are some of my most proud designs.” Just another’s day work.

Earthworks cites eco-luxe jewelry designer Alberto Parada in recent report

In February, Earthworks released its findings on how jewelers and retailers fared in ethical sourcing of metals. The DC-based advocacy group behind the No Dirty Gold Campaign rated 39 jewelers between February and October 2009.

Among the small jewelry designers was Alberto Parada. The award-winning eco-luxe designer received a B grade, which translates to 11 points earned in 16 areas. His signatory to the No Dirty Gold Campaign puts him in the company of 20 retailers and designers in the small to medium-sized jewelers category. Brilliant Earth earned top billing with 13 points (grade A).

The signatories of the No Dirty Gold campaign’s “Golden Rules” principles agree to use cleaner gold suppliers. These suppliers must adhere to 10 tenants of protecting workers, communities and the environment. Parada uses 100% recycled gold and buys metals and diamonds from certified mines in Canada. His gems are sourced from Brazil in raw and cut locally.

In two-short years, Parada has gained national attention for his luxurious line thanks to collaboration on the runway with leading fashion designers and features in national publications such as Organic Spa and Boho. For the former jewelry appraiser turned designer, the real achievement is raising the profile of eco-jewelry.

“It is not enough to educate retailers on the importance of sustainable jewelry, but the consumers must be equally aware,” the DC designer says.

Consumers have played a critical role in exposing the fashion industry’s supply practices through anti-sweatshop and “shaming” campaigns. The jewelry industry is not indifferent to the repercussions of societal impacts. Earthworks’ depiction of the gold industry as “one of the dirtiest industries” is supported by claims that the average large gold mine uses 1,900 tons of cyanide per year and a single gold ring generates 20 tons of mine waste.

“It is amazing the amount of waste that occurs,” Parada echoes. “I choose to use recycled gold because I believe it is the right thing to do.”

In addition to signing the Golden Rules (GR), Parada has conduced a supply audit, shared the audit results with the No Dirty Campaign, and incorporated the GR into his policies and contracts.


The self-taught designer carries that spirit of transparency into the design process from the initial sketch to the goldsmith’s touch. His sketches are a study in architecture and color – a Frank Lloyd Wright meets Georgia O’Keefe – creating a visual for honesty and self-expression. The “Roman” ring, in particular, demonstrates the harmonic blend of three gold bands (yellow, white and rose) fastened by a strip of three inset diamonds, perhaps a symbolic gesture for creating a platform for different worldviews working toward a common good.

In May, Parada will launch his spring/summer collection with an unveiling at Mystique Jewelers. The collection boasts more rose gold, moonstone, and onyx, the latter a new addition to Parada’s oeuvre of stones.

To learn more about Earthworks, visit their Web site and download the Tarnished Gold? Assessing the jewelry industry’s progress on ethical sourcing of metals report.

Lanyapi Designs: Repurposed vintage jewelry with a soul

Vintage is inherently immortal. Furniture collectors flock to antique stores to restore weathered centuries-old chairs and armorers. U.S. cities like Reno, Nevada host week-long festivals in honor of the “vintage” car. Fashionistas shop “vintage” stores for original Chanel suits and one-of-a-kind concert tees. Etsy has cornered the repurposed and vintage jewelry market, and among its designers is D.C. resident, Daisy Bandera-Duplantier.

Bandera-Duplantier, 24, launched Lanyapi Designs two years ago when her collection of charms required a new lease on life.

Lanyapi, in reference to the act of giving something extra, honors relics and quarter-size charms such as lockets, a key, or even a tiny harmonica by fashioning them into necklaces, earrings, bracelets and keychains. They are memories worn close to the heart.

You can say that Bandera-Duplantier is a romantic, unlocking personal sentiments experienced in association with a time, person or place.

“I don’t necessarily follow trends when I am making my pieces,” Bandera-Duplantier said. “I love turning something old into new and knowing that a piece is going to evoke an emotion in someone.”

Case in point, I fell in love with the brass-plated cut out of France and attached Eiffel Tower necklace, recalling fond memories of my study abroad there in college.

She approaches each collection with a memory of her own.

“I am inspired by nature and travel so you will find many pieces from places I’ve been to such as India, Peru or Japan, or I develop a theme around love,” she says.

Other sources are from vendors on Web sites like Etsy, fairs, flea markets, and Eastern Market, where a special section is reserved for vintage.

Repurpose your own special token with Bandera-Duplantier’s help by placing a custom order on her Etsy site, www.lanyapi.etsy.com.

While some humans like to think they are immortal, vintage has found its fountain of youth with a little help from jewelry designers like Bandera-Duplantier.

Lanyapi Designs Trunk Show, Friday, February 26; 5 – 9 p.m. at Nana

DC Fashion Shows Spotlight Ethical Designers

Ethical fashion shared the spotlight at DC Fashion Week 2010 thanks to Avani Ribbon. The organization introduced nearly 150 eco-fashionistas and fashionistas alike to six designers and fair trade companies, proving that eco and ethical fashion is ready-to-wear and au courant.

The Textile Museum served as the backdrop for the runway complementing the current exhibition of contemporary Japanese fashion. Gowns by Japanese designers Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto were suspended in air while DC designers showcased green jewelry, fair-traded handbags and scarves, and clothes produced by women co-ops grounding the fundamentals of style and innovative design.

For the parents of one of the models, the show debunked the idea that eco-fashion means hemp tees.

“The name “eco-fashion” can suggest clothes that are unattractive, but the designers showed how eco-fashion can be great looking,” Jim Sandman said with his wife, Beth Mullin, adding “you could really see yourself wearing some of the pieces.”

Model Bridgett Bassett, 21, sported a sheer tank and sheath top by Rupalee over black leggings (her own) and a necklace by Calamarie in the show. “I love the boho feel of this look. It is very light and flowy,” she said. “I would not suspect this top is “green.” This is something I can dress up or down.”

Cecilia Guerra dressed models in her new collection, Ceci G. The jewelry designer recently turned her skills to apparel, combining her reverence for the 60s and bold colors. The simple A-line construction factored into casual and cocktail-ish sheaths that could be dressed up or down with a pair of shoes.

Thick wool scarves by Peruvian Trends substituted for menswear as male models boldly walked passed spectators naked sans covered from waist to thigh (although most donned scarves around the neck with or without the pants).
Going green looked chic when accessorized with jewelry by Melissa Lew or handbags by fair-trade companies Calamarie and Blumpari.

Avani Ribbon works with local and international eco-designers and fair-trade companies in educating consumers about ethical fashion. The DC-based organization has produced shows for DC Fashion Week and Street Glam Fashion Event.

DC Ethical Fashion Runway Show kicks off DC Fashion Week on Monday, Feb. 15

DC Ethical Fashion Runway Show kicks off DC Fashion Week this Monday, February 15 at the Textile Museum. The Ethical Fashion Show features local and international ethical designers who take an ethical approach to their design and production. Avani Ribbon, in collaboration with Social Butterfly Events and DC Fashion Week, marks its return as organizer of the show.

Avani Ribbon’s main objective is to promote sustainable development in the fashion industry. It achieves this through education and marketing services to small businesses (retailers) and designers. Priya Downes, founder and President of Avani Ribbon, requires their clients to adhere to an ethical code of conduct.

“Being part of the DC Fashion Week demonstrates that ethical can set trends and that green designers can compete with the mainstream,” Downes says.

The show will feature six jewelry and accessories designers.

Designers

Blumpari
Winner of the NYC Design Competition for “Most Socially Responsible Handbag,” Blumpari designs handbags inspired by the Thai culture and traditions. Blumpari, pronounced bloom-pari, means the “the eternal heavenly blossoming flower.” Designer Cherry Kwunyeun studied at Parsons where she received a Fulbright grant to study and consult on microfinanced handicraft/textile groups in Thailand.

CG Originals
Since 2003, Cecilia Guerra is creating chic and fun pieces of jewelry, her collection includes pieces made from materials such as sterling silver .950, turquoise, spondilus and avalon In 2005 she combined her lifelong interest in the handcrafted arts with her niece Patricia Real forming CG originals. The pieces are designed for women of all ages to make them feel sophisticated and stylish.

In February 2009 CG originals introduced a ready to wear clothing line Ceci G. The designer Cecilia Guerra get her inspiration from the late 60's, as well as the different colors and textures of the fabrics.

Calamarie
Traditional Art Reinterpreted was founded in 2009 by Catalina Lemaitre in Washington DC. Calamarie works with artists across Colombia to preserve traditional art forms by purchasing and developing products that use traditional materials and techniques but are reinterpreted for the contemporary woman. At DC Fashion Week 2010, Calamarie will showcase the recently arrived winter collection, including virgin wool and hand woven hammock cloth bags, iraca palm clutches, ground coffee, seed and orange peel necklaces and many more hand-made and earth-friendly accessories.

Melissa Lew Jewelry
Melissa Lew is an award winning DC Metro area artist and designer whose work is strongly influenced by her Chinese heritage, especially the culture’s deep respect and esteem for nature. She uses various green and sustainable materials, including recycled silver (precious metal clays) and bamboo, to create unique eco-friendly, sculptural jewelry to wear and/or display. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Visual Technology from George Mason University in 2005; her work has received numerous awards and has been exhibited throughout the D.C. Metro area, including at the Bead Museum of Washington D.C.

Peruvian Trend
Peruvian Trend Co. represents the fine art and crafts of Peruvian indigenous women artisans. Using ancestral techniques, PT Co. showcases clothing, accessories and home accents using 100% natural fibers as Baby Alpaca wool, Pima organic cotton among natural elements as semi-precious stones from the Andean region of Peru.

PT Co supports the artwork of women artisans from the Andean and Northern region in a NGO called Myta Kipu, where 90% of the money goes to them and 5% is used to organize preventative and public health campaigns in their communities. This partnership provides these women with income and needed health services.

Rupalee
Rupalee presents figure flattering, contemporary women's apparel conceived to make its wearer look fabulous, feminine and graceful at all times. Rupalee's sustainable and fair-trade clothing is eco-friendly, made from hand-woven and hand-block printed fabrics, earth friendly dyes and hand embroidered. Fabrics are 100% cotton, cotton silk blend and 100% silk is used. Rupalee is a member of Fair Trade Federation.

The event is free but reservations are highly recommended (space is limited). Doors open at 6 p.m. for networking and show begins at 7 p.m. RSVP at info@avaniribbon.com.

For an education in vintage, shop Treasury

For an education in vintage, one only has to turn to Treasury. The Logan Circle boutique covers the spectrum of fashion’s most celebrated to lesser-known designers thanks to owners Katerina Herodotou and Cathy Chung’s keen eye. The fashion historians carry clothing, shoes and accessories as early as the turn of the century to the 80s, all sourced from private collections and estate sales.

Herodotou and Chung’s vintage repertoire culminated in 2007 with Listopad, the name of their traveling collection sold at venues across the district akin to trunk shows. The duo opened their brick and mortar on 14th Street NW in July 2009.

So, what is considered vintage? For starters, its age: a garment/accessory 20 years or older. Secondly, it’s status as a one-of-a-kind. But it is more than a time period, Herodotou cautions, “it is a feel.” Herodotou describes her own style in terms of an era’s best fashionable moments: 70s earthy elements, the 50s tailored suiting, and the 30s classics.

Thirdly, vintage is inherently a sustainable product, a virtue Herodotou supports. “Eco-fabrics are wonderful, but they still use new resources and create waste,” explains Herodotou. “Vintage doesn’t require new resources, it is already made and often lasts longer.”

Herodotou, 25, and Chung, 32, demonstrated their environmental stewardship by remodeling the second floor space with salvaged materials from Community Forklift, a Hyattsville-based thrift store for building materials. Treasury’s charm rests in the rustic décor and wooden-framed encased jewelry displays complimenting the exposed brick walls and soft lighting.

Treasury not only excels in reversing time but also enlightens its clients on how to wear vintage in the present and future. Now that’s a sustainable model.

Upcoming store event: “Music For Lovers” – the unveiling of Lithics by Treasury, an exclusive custom line of metal rings produced by Treasury from vintage casts. Local DJs Kim and Sara (Kicks!, Black Cat) will set the tempo for the party. Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 1 – 4 p.m.