Trendspotting

Fashion Forward Tyvek

I’ve always had an appreciation for functional yet fashionable accessories, that are both durable and eco-friendly—without sacrificing style. Imagine my delight to discover designer Rupa Wickrama and her Saky Sacks. Rupa has got the “green goods!” Her bags are made out of Dupont Tyvek, a lightweight, stain and tear resistant material, which can be recycled into materials that save trees! They're good for the environment and trendy too. 

Rupa draws inspiration from her travels and collection of tribal textiles and rugs. You're sure to find a bag that matches your everyday style from her wide array of prints, including her hot new camouflage pattern.  Prada certainly knows Saky’s onto something; they’re launching their own "Camo" line for the fall. I can’t wait to match a bag to my fall wardrobe and maybe even delve into Rupa's Sakcessories.

Recycled Rugs - KOKO Company

The Koko Company does it again with these brightly colored rugs that are fabricated from recycled metallic snack food bags. This company began ten years ago with the simple idea of bringing more of the world into our homes. They were the first  to introduce us to those fabulous persian rugs made from plastic, and they have been regalling us with innovative products ever since. Chip bags never looked so good!

boho magazine - Fashion's First Eco-Friendly Publication

boho magazine, the first "green" fashion/lifestyle publication to be printed entirely on recycled paper with natural soy inks and no glossy finishes, will launch nation wide on August 12th. boho is for the creative, free-spirited women who loves fashion and beauty, but who also wants to make the world a prettier place by giving back and going green.  boho's launch issue spotlights "Fall Fashion," including head-to-toe "green" looks.  Go Green! (Pictured above: boho's Fall cover, Paint by Hand by Lena Corwin, and Coke Bottle Bracelet from designer Amanda Jaron.)

The 2008 HC&G Idea House

The 2008 HC&G Idea House, opened Friday July 25th and included three prominent spaces designed by David Bergman Architect. The annual showhouse, which is sponsored by Hamptons Cottages and Gardens magazine and is a major event in the Hamptons summer season, is eco-themed this year. As an architecture and interiors firm with an emphasis on sustainable design, Bergman was  invited to design the Master Bathroom, Dressing Room and adjacent Hallway.   David's contribution is quite remarkable but I am not surprised.  Last year I took his class on marketing green products and it was truly inspirational.  Way to go David!

Clear Bags made from Plants!

ClearBags introduces new Biodegradable Clear Bags™, the Biodegradeable, Compostable, and Sustainable alternative to traditional packaging. They won Best New Product at the 2008 National Stationery Show on the supply side and rightfully so. What an awesome step forward in eco-friendly packaging.

Go Green Expo

New York's first ever Go Green Expo was held last week at the New York Hilton.  Businesses large and small where invited to showcase what they are doing to reduce their respective carbon footprint.  Consumers were able to experience hands on "eco-friendly" alternatives to current everyday products and services.  The Go Green Expo will be moving around the country giving consumers and business owners a chance to learn more about what is available to help them do their part to make our communities greener, one city at a time.  Even the event itself was environmentally friendly utilizing biodegradable table coverings, recycled signs, compostable sponsor banners and more. 

New York based CardboarDesigns was there.  This is one of my most favorite companies.  I am totally intrigued with the concept of cardboard designed products for kids. What a great way to tap into a child's creativity and sense of imagination.  They are a perfect blank canvas for children to play, create and decorate and good for the environment too.

Mother's Day Mini Cakes: The Gift that Gives Back

Just in time for Mother's Day, a new line of mini cakes from Feed Your Soul, a company founded by former Wall Streeter Mya Jacobson.  Here's a gift that gives back to both the charity of your choice and to the environment by way of eco-friendly packaging.  Mya has made it her mission "to provide a quality product that embraces a concept, one which generates an appreciation for life, for living every day, for doing the simple things that truly feed your soul. Remind yourself or someone you love how good it feels to truly taste life: bite by bite."   See Mya recently  featured on the Donny Deutsch show The Big Idea. 

Eco-Bags the New Swag

....................................The A&P / Elizabeth Haub Bags

We are seeing increased momentum towards eco-friendly shopping bags as the people's choice, as well as an industry standard.  From various state legislation outlawing plastic bags to mainstream brands embracing reusable bags as the giveaway du jour. 

Walmart introduced their reusable bag in October 2007 and is sponsoring a 1 million Reusable Bag Giveaway that will take place on Earth Day, Saturday, April 19th.  While, New York's D'Agostino supermarket chain is wrapping up a contest that encouraged New York University students to design its new non-woven, recyclable fiber D'Ag bag. The winner will be announced on Earth Day.

Here are two custom Ancora bags created from recycled paper.  The Key Food bag is made from their actual in store promotional banners!

The Holding Company created this 100% cotton bag for Avon's Mark brand.  Envirosax makes this 100% hemp bag.  We love their line so much we gave a bag to our clients as a Spring gift.

Go Green Launch Party

In January I was part of a "Go Green" launch party to introduce Ancora my new line of eco-friendly tote bags, accessories and home products.  The launch was in collaboration with GeoArt by Cynthia Gale and Om Aroma, two other Manhattan based, women-owned businesses (also fellow members of Ladies Who Launch).  The event had an overwhelming turnout and we raised $2100 for The Council for the Environment of New York City (CENYC).

Pictured with me from left to right are my Ancora partners Catherine Mariasch and Maria Capotorto.

More about the Ancora line to come but for now, here is a sneak peek at one of our custom made tote bags.

The Ancora website is coming soon along with pictures of our line.  So stay tuned!