Published by Vanessa Brunner under Stores

Lela Katz, owner of EcoLogiQue

In order to get more of an inside glimpse of the green fashion industry, the owners of two of San Francisco’s finest green boutiques were gracious enough to do a Q&A with Green By Design. Their answers were truly inspiring. It’s great to see people so passionate about what they do.

1. How did you get involved in environmentally friendly fashion?

Joslin: While volunteering for the Santa Fe Folk Art Market one summer, I met a Brazilian lace maker who supported 26 indigenous villages with the sale of her lace research, I decided to move to San Francisco, a city that is at the center of the green movement. Eco Citizen was born from the simple desire to help people and contribute to the well-being of the world. It feels good to know that the items I sell are not only well designed but also fair trade, organic and sustainable.

Lela: I grew up in the Redwoods, surrounded by people living off the land, which gave me an environmentally friendly foundation. While I studied International Relations in College, I worked at a store focused primarily on Hemp Clothing.  This was my inspiration for opening my own store.  After moving to SF and being unable to find an Eco-Clothing Store, I decided to provide San Francisco with an Eco-Boutique, EcoLogiQue.

Joslin Van Arsdale, owner of Eco-Citizen

2. Why do you think it’s important for the fashion industry to take a green approach to things?

Joslin: The fashion industry is vast and there many smaller companies and well known brands that do take a green approach even before ‘green’ existed. Yet, I think its very important to differentiate these companies from the mass fashion industry which has a history of human rights and environmental abuses.  It is important that these companies slow-down, re-examine their policies and be accountable for their actions and prioritize social accountability over the bottom line.   True sustainability can also be cost effective.

Lela: It is important for the Fashion Industry to take a green approach because it is so influential in our society.  If clothing and accessories are produced with sustainable materials, then people will see how easy it is to be green.  In addition, as we have seen with the trends, if Eco-Fashion is what is hip and trendy, then more and more shoppers will buy green.

3. What exactly is your store doing to make a difference?

Joslin: I run a green business and only represent designers who are 100% invested in sustainability and fair trade.   I hope that my store sets an example to other stores out there and inspires people by showing them that eco- fashion can be both conscious and fashion forward.

Lela: At EcoLogiQue, we carry brands that maintain eco-friendly practices on all levels of production.  In addition, we focus primarily on Local Production, to decrease our carbon footprint.  We also furnished the store with mostly recycled and vintage pieces.  And we use as little resources as possible, for example, we do not leave lights on at night.

Eco-Citizen's San Francisco store, at 1148 Vallejo

4. Do you think the industry will ever be able to completely change?

Joslin: It depends on what you mean by completely, I do believe there is a shift going on which is a segue to change. People are starting to wake up and start to ask questions about the items they are consuming instead of just buying things on auto pilot for sake of convenience and price.

Lela: The industry can definitely make many changes for greener practices, and I do hope that one day all companies will consider their impact on the Earth.

5. Do you think there are some lines that might claim to be green, but just use it as a label?

Joslin: Yes there is always green washing, therefore it is crucial that the customer ask questions such as:  Where is the item made, is it fair trade, what is the item made out of? I found that usually when a company or representative is not familiar with the vocabulary it 99% is not what they claim, meaning eco-friendly.

Lela: I have seen lines that use the ‘green label’ that aren’t entirely eco-friendly.  It is a marketing tool that is used by many companies.  There are stores that carry one or two eco-lines, but everything else in the store is not sustainable and they claim to be green. A perfect example of Greenwashing.

6. What’s next for your store? Any new additions/changes?

Joslin: Currently, I’m designing a line of clothing for the Eco Citizen brand.

Lela: In an effort to think globally and act locally, EcoLogiQue has launched an online store!  www.shopecologique.com We are doing everything possible to make Eco-Fashion accessible to the whole world.

7. Why are you passionate about this field? What has inspired you?

Joslin: I’m passionate to affect change through providing positive products that help improve the lives of the people who make them.  Currently, I’m inspired by the innovations of eco-textiles and endorsement of eco-fashion by a growing number of celebrities which helps bring awareness to the masses.

Lela: I am passionate about Green Fashion because it is our future.  Every step we take to support sustainable practices is a step in the right direction.  My inspiration comes from the positive feedback I get from customers and the community.  Especially in this economy, people want to feel good about what they spend their money on.  I always remind shoppers that their most powerful vote is with their dollars.

EcoLogiQue's storefront and main storeroom, located at 141 Gough

8. What are your thoughts on eco-luxe? Can fashion be green and affordable, for those who might not be able to afford higher priced clothes?

Joslin: Creativity and inquisitiveness are eco-luxe. I think it is important not to limit oneself through labels and price. One can mix and match new eco clothing, with vintage or thrift store clothing and look expensive.   Also, I feel that the price point issue of eco fashion has been exaggerated- it is no different than the contemporary price points of non-eco boutiques that carry popular fashion brands.   Its about buying products with a conscious instead of a brand name. As a consumer I know that I feel fulfilled when I buy a product that helps others and contributes to make the world a better place, versus buying a purse made from plastic and fake gold that was made in a sweatshop and is trendy now but gone tomorrow.

Lela: At EcoLogiQue, we provide affordable Eco-Fashion.  We have proven that not all green products are expensive.  There will always be the higher-end options, but there are so many cutting-edge eco-companies that offer products at very low prices.  These are the lines that we focus on and promote.  I also like to remind shoppers that buying an item made from Hemp or Bamboo, might cost a little more than a similar item made from synthetic material, but will last at least ten times longer.  We will end up spending less in the long run, if our clothes last longer.