Eco-Fashion

On Saturday I participated in the Designers Downtown Market in Raleigh. If you haven’t been before, it’s a great artist’s market that takes place five times a year in the parking lot of Ornamentea in Downtown Raleigh. (http://www.designersdowntownmarket.com/) I participated as a vendor selling my bows and clips. While I was there, I of course, did some shopping!! Counterproductive, I suppose, but never the less, I noticed several vendors/artisans whose wares were made with recycled materials. I thought this would make an excellent topic for this week’s article.  Here are a few I spotted and chatted with!

Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Collection

http://www.ellavickers.com/

I met a nice couple who were set up at the booth next to me. Caroline, the rep, was selling these wonderful and fashionable bags by designer Ella Vickers. Ella who is a former sailor makes all of her bags from recycled sail cloth. “All items are handcrafted in the USA using yachts sails from around the world, saving 20 thousand yards of sailcloth from the landfill each year. Inspired by her days of sailing as first mate on a classic Americas Cup winner, Ella made herself a set of bags from a discarded sail. When regatta guests bought them right off her arm, a company was born.” The bags range from duffels to handheld clutches (I bought a clutch). She even makes dog beds and shower curtains (I wanted the shower curtain bad!!)

Zass Design's

http://www.etsy.com/shop/zassdesign

My next stop was Zass Designs. These artists are a mother/daughter graphic design team who use recycled materials to create wearable works of art in the form of jewelry.  I bought a pair of earrings that are made from recycled plastic bottles.  Zass Designs features necklaces, earrings, headbands and hair clips. The neatest part about this duo is that you can send them anything printed (birthday cards, wedding invitations, postcards etc.) and they can transform it into a piece of custom jewelry! I loved their slogan too! “Thinking and acting environmentally it's not a passing fashion, it's a respectful attitude, so please reduce, reuse, recycle!”

River Basin Outfitters

http://www.riverbasinoutfitters.com/

Unfortunately, by the time I reached River’s booth I was spent; but I felt she definitely deserved mentioning!! Designer River Takada-Capel had the greatest stuff. Very hip clothes all made from recycled materials.  “My goods are made from materials that are recycled, found, and reclaimed.  I get my materials from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets and through the giving hands of so many people.”   River’s booth was filled with dresses, jumpers, skirts, shorts and skirts for men and women. She had bags too; made from plastic shopping bags.  It was really great to see how she had transformed some of her pieces into really current, trendy looks!  I will surely be making future purchases!

I have always loved festivals and artist markets. I love to find different and unique piece as well as support someone’s creativity and talents. I think I may have spent most of my earning for the day but I met some great people and I have some new and fun accessories to show for it! I hope you enjoyed shopping with me! Buzz!