Left to be Found is an exploration into little magic interactions of finding and gifting garments within an urban environment. The project aims to encourage altruism through the process of giving; and to strengthen the connections between ourselves, the objects surrounding us and others. The objective of this project is to address the throw-away culture problem in a non-preaching, playful way.

So I was a little disappointed when I saw the bags that Elle collaborated with the Portable Light Project on. The idea was that eight famous fashion designers, including DVF and Loeffler Randall would design bags using the flexible solar panels that would then be auctioned off to raise money for what is, quite frankly, an amazing project.
My disappointment soon turns to awe, however – read on for the surprising finish to this cautionary tale of when high fashion goes solar!

As a sustainable fashion designer or conscientious consumer, you do what you can to make the best possible choices for the world. But sometimes your efforts feel small, or über-specific – and at times like these it helps to look around and see the global initiatives taking place. They’re hugely inspiring! It’s also a relief to see you’re not alone. Here are our top global happenings in the world of eco fashion from ecotextilenews.com for the last few weeks. As to which effort wins the cool award, we’ll let you decide.

I am seeing more and more community sewing centers popping up, more and more local clothing swaps happening, and more and more workshops on how to make/alter/mend your own clothes. I am officially calling it people – get in on that game before you get left behind. The past is now the future and in this case, being stuck in the present is where you don’t want to be. After all, how are you going to feel when there you are in your community garden with all your neighbors, and you’re the only one who’s wearing store-bought overalls?

Welcome to Earth Day 2010. We were going to do a giveaway – but then we thought – today is about giving back to the Earth… So today I present you with my favorite place on this beautiful planet and 10 ways you can give back to the Earth in a fashion-y way. Including::::Join our SUMMER LIGHT CHALLENGE! Can you reduce your wardrobe to 10 essential pieces for an entire summer? I’m going to!

What does the word sustainability mean to you?
It’s relatively straightforward, according to Merriam Webster. But when you apply that term to a certain industry or facet of your life, this simple definition can twist and turn.

Over the past couple years, the amount of green and DIY weddings have increased exponentially. A combination of the impact of the recession and the growth of the green movement, we’ve all seen the impression that green/recycled/DIY has had on fashion, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see that transfer over to weddings.
(images c/o thegreenbrideguide.com)

In a consumer driven world, it’s easy for the most focused eco-expert to lose perspective. Amidst the whirlwind of organic cotton, vegan shoes, and bamboo sunglasses, it’s important to stay grounded and remember why we do what we do, and what it is that we’re fighting for. The most recent San Francisco ForestEthics event, benefiting the “Do Not Mail” campaign, was just the thing to bring me back.

Rather than catering to the YSLs, Guccis, and Pradas of the fashion world, San Francisco fashion tends to encourage and support the growth of local merchants and designers (which, due in part to SF’s green reputation, includes a lot of eco designers), both through Fashion Week and various associations.

(Image c/o Stylehive.com-8/26/07, San Francisco Fashion Week: Structurally Sound)

As every eco-fashionista knows, green gear is popping up everywhere! And now, finally, green clothing design has reached the pinnacle of fashion in the United States: A top notch show at New York Fashion Week. For 2009, The GreenShows is the only premiere fashion event that is 100% committed to eco-friendly and fair trade fashion at New York Fashion Week.

What strikes you immediately about SUST, a sustainable clothing line based out of San Francisco, is their unwavering commitment to start a movement. The line is all about inspiring people to integrate green into each and every part of their lives. The Sustainability Across America Tour, sponsored by SUST, is a perfect example of how that drive can be used to expand out and make a difference.

Like many others, I’ve always had this sneaking suspicion that lots of holidays were created by greeting card companies and florists. Hallmark and FTD notwithstanding, it turns out that Mother’s Day is a real holiday with ancient origins.