Eco Fashion Show at Notting Hill London 2009

In support of The Big Issue, some of UK’s topBuy online from for men, women and kids.
ethical designers came together for a fashion show atLast but not least in the first half was the men’s
the Tabernacle in Notting Hill. Providing the music werelabel Credau, showing their SS10 collection in inky reds,
The Phoenix Rose who are signed to UK’s firststormy blues and smoky purples. The colour dyes
green music label Archangel Green UK to launch theirwhich are designed to age and fade are safe dye and
debut single Sick & Tired.mastered by London based professional dyers. There
Entrance fee was a copy of that week’s Big Issuewas a mix of smart and casual pieces. Graphics were
which you could conveniently buy at the door (someinspired by a bicycle theme representing freedom and
of us didn’t know this and went in search of amovement. New fibres such as hemp and recycled
seller before going – why is it you can never findpoly/cotton have been introduced in this range along
one when you want one? ) with the usual cotton and silk. Credau was created by
On the floor exhibiting their nautical themed SS10French designer Aude Lesur. Buy at Debenhams in
collection was Lowie whose designer BronwynOxford St. London.
Lowenthal was inspired by a trip to Turkey.Before the second part of the fashion show started a
  Lowie’s accessories included clutches andfundraising auction was held. Clothes were donated by
purses in vintage fabrics, organic cotton crochet beretsthe labels and exclusively made for the auction (again
& scarves, customised man styled caps and ecomodels not included) and The Phoenix Rose auctioned
friendly leather belts. You can buy at  the V&A.themselves off for a one night gig.
museum. “Here come the girls!” The second half of the
The evening ‘s first catwalk show was all aboutfashion show started with My Only One. They take
men’s fashion and featured Trousers London,unwanted and unsaleable vintage clothing and
Simple Shoes and Credau.transform in to casual clothing. Their SS10 collection
First on the catwalk - Trousers London. All eyes wereSport Nouveau is a modern take on traditional
on the male models who appeared bare-chested andsportswear. Oversized men’s sports t-shirts from
toned wearing just their low slung jeans.  Trousersthe 70’s and 80’s make a ruffle cape and
London jeans are made from organic denim in Italytwo-tone track leggings; dresses from the 50’s and
and each model of jean is a limited edition due to only80’s are now feature items such as the eco
small batches being made. Every pair is given a uniqueplaysuit and reclaimed prison shirts are transformed in
ID number to ensure the exclusivity of the jeans.to bustle skirts and harem trousers. You can buy their
 Unfortunately when buying their jeans, noSS09 collection now in Oxford Street’s Topshop.
bare-chested models are included.  Buy from Son of“The boys are back in town” with THTC. The
Stag and Closet Case in London.Hemp Trading Company’s designs have been
Simple shoes were next, showing their collection ofcreated by some of the UK’s leading street artists
sneakers which are made of sustainable materials.and graffers therefore combining street culture with
Some of the materials used are the usual suspectsthe ethical fashion industry.  Buy online from The
we all know: organic cotton, eco certified leatherTHTC's models ended the night with impressive break
& suede, hemp, silk, wool, cork and bamboo. Butdancing, proving hemp is three times stronger than
they have added recycling in to the mix such ascotton.
recycled car & bike tyres, recycled inner tubes,This fashion night showed you can still be a fashionista
plastics and even recycled carpet padding. Hats off towhilst being eco-friendly. Let's hope the word  gets
them (or would that be shoes?) for being so inventive.out.