Spring Forward! Cutting Edge Sustainable Brands Coming S/S’11 to Eco Citizen…

Swedish Hasbeens has been at the forefront in the midst of the clog craze. Founders and childhood friends, Cilla Wingard Neuman and Emy Blixt launched Swedish Hasbeens in 2007 after stumbling upon 300 pair of authentic high-heeled 70’s style clogs in the basement of a former Swedish clog factory. Fast foward 4 years and a collection of 19 different styles in a wide array of colors are being sold in 22 countries with celebrity fans like Sarah Jessica Parker and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The shoes are hand-made with Swedish-grown alder wood or lime tree and the leather is chrome-free natural grain leather.

A Peace Treaty was launched over two years ago when Farah Malik, a Pakistani Muslim and Dana Arbib, a Libyan Jew, made a personal pact with one another to help create employment opportunities in areas of socio-political strife by recruiting local town artisans who have been unemployed due to political tensions and social unrest. The dynamic duo targets a different handcrafting technique from struggling regions in countries around the world as a base for each limited edition collection. A Peace Treaty also donates to a nonprofit development organization called Counterpart International, where proceeds go towards reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

Koch, (pronounced like “cook”), a line of clothing and handbags, designed by Nicole Musselman Boykin, is produced entirely by local artisans in Texas or New York. A small team of women sews her collection of loose, sexy caftans and boy shorts to handbags that fit every woman’s everyday purpose so she can fulfill her daily needs in a fashionable manner.

H. Fredriksson is a collection of photographic patterns known for pieces that embrace time and timelessness.” Launched in 2004, Fredriksson made the conscious choice to have her entire collection manufactured in New York. Why? She enjoys the gratification of knowing that craftsmen and women working under fair conditions produce her garments. Producing local supports a threatened industry and craftsmanship that has remained an important aspect of New York for centuries. While many companies have shifted to overseas production to save money, Fredriksson strongly believes that paying the extra few dollars for apparel well made under fair conditions without unnecessary shipping emissions is well worth it.

Interested? Shop these designers online or in stores at Eco Citizen!

Rethink Wool

To be honest, I was a bit skeptical when I first read the words “wool” and “comfortwear” in the same sentence. When I think of wool, I think itchy and uncomfortable yet Rambler’s Way is entirely the opposite, with a luxury hand so soft and luxurious that it feels like second skin for everyday comfort year-round.

Rambler’s Way Farm is a family business that promotes transparency throughout the production process to ensure that each superfine worsted wool garment provides warmth and comfort while maintaining their commitment to equality and sustainability. Not only do they grow their very own Rambouillet sheep but they also produce their wool line entirely on American soil to benefit local economies and the environment. Items can be a bit of a splurge as the selection ranges from $45-$250, but each piece is so versatile that it’s worth every penny. Not to mention that purchasing Rambler’s Way clothing keeps our dollars invested in companies that put it directly back into the community.

“To fashion a model of American worsted wool products which provide consumers with superior choices in apparel and responds to a changing world in which environmental sustainability and local economic activity are essential for global survival.”

If I could go back and add one more item to my Christmas wish list, I would have added the Women's S/S Scoop Neck. Wool that offers practical and stylish protection? I’m in.

Manifest Destiny

We're Back! (to blogging)

Ok, so it's been almost a year and we've been super busy here at Eco Citizen.
In October of '10, ( just after our 3rd birthday) we moved our store to the main drag of 2255 Polk Street @ Green. The foot traffic is high and the new space is great, complete with VIP awning. We are geared up for 2011 which will be better than ever! We are also excited about the new talent we found last market in NY and bringing West for Spring'11. Stay tuned for weekly updates as the merchandise begins to roll in.
Happy New Year and thank you for your support!