We Moved

to a Wordpress blog. Also, changed the spelling of Design Aware.  I think we were trying to be clever 'awear' like to wear...your clothes...get it?  Anyway, check us out. http://www.designawareryerson.wordpress.com/

xoxo

New Website

Hi !

For those of you sourcing sustainable fabrics, there is a new website to make it easier for you. Its called Source 4 Style and it launched to the public about a week ago. You can search from hundreds of fabrics according to material type (bast fibers, cotton, leather, wool ect.). It also makes it easy to request swatches.

http://www.source4style.com/

That's all for now!

<3 Alice

Sustainable Fashion on the Shopgirls Blog

Last i wrote we were discussing the fashion industries ability to operate sustainably.  On the journey from designer to consumer there are many people, organizations, and resources involved. One major hurdle is the fact that traditionally the industry has been less than transparent; keeping manufacturing behind closed doors and much to be answered in terms of distribution and environmental impact.

read more here

White Gold: The True Cost of Cotton

Boycott cotton from Uzbekistan!

Video - http://www.ejfoundation.org/page325.html

More info: http://www.ejfoundation.org/pdf/white_gold_the_true_cost_of_cotton.pdf

Vintage

I hope this works - vintage Stores in Toronto!

Harry Potter Wizard an Eco Designer?

I was surprised to read that Emma Watson, the 19 yr old British actress from the Harry Potter movies, is now an unlikely eco-fashion designer. Recently, she has become a fashion muse – she’s the face for Burberry’s S/S ad campaign (pastel trenches!), and has another contract with Chanel, she’s been in Vogue and sat in the front row of every Fashion Week.

She recently collaborated with People Tree to develop her own eco-friendly and fair trade collection, ‘Love from Emma’ (view it here àhttp://www.peopletree.co.uk/category/emma-watson/)

Both womenswear and menswear, 80% of it is made from 100% organic and Fairtrade certified cotton and its made entirely by Fair Trade benefiting the lives of disadvantaged workers in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Inspired by summers in Britain, it has some very cute cardigans as well as vests, summery dresses, jackets and accessories. Apparently Emma Watson created the collection to promote fair trade and eco-fashion to a younger generation because she felt that 16-25 yr olds weren’t aware of these issues and didn’t have enough choice when it comes to eco-fashion. Plus, she personally made the design decisions herself. Read an article on the collaboration here - http://cocoecomag.com/new/

Shameless Self Promotion

Hey guys,

I've been asked to write a regular post regarding eco-fashion for the shopgirls blog. Thought you might be interested.

Trash Fashion

Okay...so i'm not sure how to start this post without verbal diarrhea containing 101 personal opinions regarding fast trash fashion boutiques. You know the ones, racks upon racks inexpensive clothes that hit the store before the ink has dried on the latest street trend photos. It's no secret that many most of these rapidly produced ultra trendy garments are of poor fit and worse quality.  Yet the majority of the population continues to flock to these stores like a sheep, recently shorn and in need of a good coat. But instead of a good coat they end up with a shitty one that they'll throw out by next season along with a few sparkly shirts, some cheap tights, and a handful crappy plastic jewelry. We've all been there, emptying our closet into boxes and bags meant for the nearest goodwill. "The belt loops ripped the first time i put them on; i wore this shirt once but it got all twisty after i put it through the wash; i haven't EVEN worn this!; uhg what was i thinking?; etc etc etc." We sigh at the x amount of dollars wasted and try to comfort ourselves with the thought of someone with less dough who will find the article on the next 50% off day at the thrift store. But lets be honest, that top wont last anyone more than a year before it falls to threads. And dont even get me started on the community of talented designers who all have to compete for the tiny market of conscious shoppers while the rest of the fashion savvy refuse to pay for good quality creative design that actually costs what its worth, fits well, and is made to last.

I am aware that there are many people who study fashion with the hope of job security in the form of a product development position in a large corporate chain. And there are even more who's first thought for next weekend's outfit leads them right to the corner of Yonge and Dundas (or the nearest sale rack at the mall). I generally try to bite my tounge and lead by example. But after reading this article in the New York Times the angst has turned into a ball of rage sitting in the pit of my stomache. This is what happens when clothing is produced at such a rapid pace that theres not enough time to sell half of whats made before the next trend takes over. As if these giants arent moving things to the end of the product lifecycle quickly enough, countless stores are skipping the consumer all together and heading straight for the dumpster. All in the name of brand scarcity i suppose. Read the article and form your own oppinion but please think about what your supporting when you spend your hard earned cash on the 'perfect outfit' for your date next friday.

Trashfusion

Check out this call for entries put out by Canadian production company IHP. Trashfushion is a competition for designers from all walks of life " based on the ethos of Recycle - Reuse - Reduce - Refuse. " Designs will be presented on the runway at the Green Expo in Mississauga (May 1st) and Milton (May 15) and winners receive $1000, photos, media, and display at The Rage in Kensington market. Click here for more info.

Love Forever
Jamie

eco leather... oxymoron?

hello there...
i came across a neat website about ethical leather and vegan shoes. mind you, they are located in the UK. still, and interesting take on leather as a natural and renewable resource. i looked around a bit more and found a few interesting sites and articles for anyone who is interested in the eco side of leather. there are, however a host of other issues that arise within this leather debate. animal rights for one. the constant pouring of funds into the billion dollar meat industry that is, let's face it, adding to a lot of the destruction of the planet and let us not forget the excess amounts of chemicals required for the tanning process.
then there's the used, vegan and vintage sides of leather.
anyways.. just some thoughts. can leather actually be 'green'? i don't know.
care to comment? please do....

green shoes
eco leather? yes or no
eco leather, vintage and vegan

jen

After emerging from the Eaton Center

i took a deep breath and calmed my pulse. It's a place i try not to visit often. On a good day the underground crowds give me anxiety. Christmas season? Lets just say at 5'1/2" i'm most peoples elbow height and a black eye just in time for the holidays is not my idea of photogenic. But i needed winter boots and sometimes there's just no other option for someone with limited time and limited funds. Which brings me to the point. Where are you doing your Christmas shopping? I know the mall seems like a quick way to cross everyone off your list but i'm here to urge you to shop local this Christmas season. Think of all the local artists and designers (soon to be you) who will appreciate your purchase way more than any sales person in the mall. The money you spend in Kensington Market, Parkdale, or The Beaches will go right back to the local economy and the gifts you find will be original, creative, and good quality. Besides, the snow has yet to fall in our corner of the world and some fresh air between stores will do way more for your mood than the escalators and tacky Christmas decorations. My personal fave place to buy local? Shopgirls Gallery Boutique (its just west of Dufferin on Queen). It's all Canadian small run pieces including work by current and former Ryerson students. The FTA also has a shop sustainable initiative happening this holiday season. So DO IT! You'll be glad you did.

Love Forever,
Jamie

Merry Christmas and labour rights...

If you have ever thought about where your clothing was made, you have probably thought about sweatshops. And if you are like me, this makes you angry because you cannot believe that people can allow other people to work and live under such horrible conditions. And it also makes you angry because you have no idea what to do. Stop shopping? Boycott? Scream? Go naked?

What I usually do is write a letter. (Although screaming feels good sometimes...and nudity...need I say more?) I write a letter to a clothing company that I like to shop at asking if ALL their employees know their code of conduct? If the workers making the clothing in the factories off shore make a living wage as opposed to minimum wage? (minimum wage is most often not enough money to buy food and shelter) I ask if they can guarantee that the T-Shirt I am wearing from their store is made in completely fair conditions?

So this Christmas, when you are doing your Christmas shopping, take a few minutes and send off a friendly strongly worded letter to a store of choice. If you do not get a timely response, follow up. And keep following up until you hear back. Essentially, bother them as much as possible so they know that they have customers that are concerned about the ethics of the product they are purchasing. Demand and hopefully they will supply.

I have included a sample letter you could use below. Feel free to add or change anything according to your personal experience...and you could email it out to everyone you know...I dunno...I am just saying.

Much Love,
Jade xo




(Your Name)
(Your Address)


(Company Name)
(Company Address)

(Date)



Dear ________,



I am writing to ask for information about the working conditions in the factories that produce garments for your company.

I am a customer of your company and I have attached a receipt of a recent purchase to this letter. I am concerned about the working conditions and treatment of the workers that are producing the products that I am purchasing for your stores.

I saw on your website that you do have a code of conduct but I couldn't find any information about how you make sure the code is followed by your suppliers. How do you monitor whether or not this is the case? How do workers find out about your code? What evidence can you send me of working conditions in the factories that produce your products? Are the workers making a living wage?

I would be interested in getting some information on your auditing results or ethical policy. Do you have any long term contracts with your supplying factories? As well, do you make your factory addresses transparent anywhere, as I could not find them on your website.

I enjoy that products that your company sells, but I want to be assured that they are being made under fair and ethical conditions.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly.



Sincerely,


(Your Name)

Wanna hang out?

Just wanted to send a quick note to let everyone know about a round table discussion happening tomorow. (Monday Nov 30th) Its a bit short notice but if your free around @5pm come stop by KHS148. Were all in the labs this time of year so make it your coffee/dinner break, you deserve it. :) Where going to watch a 10min video on free trade & garment manufacturing to get the ball rolling and then see where the conversation takes us. We'd also like to let you guys know what kind of ideas we have for Ryerson in the coming semester and we'd love your input. If you have some time & want a bit of background info check out these articles

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/fair-trade/
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_48/b4011001.htm

Don't worry if you don't read the articles, you can still come out and talk about the issues.  Bring ideas, comments, and any questions you might have.  We look forward to see you there!


xoxoxo
DesignAWEAR

Eco-Friendly Artists Selling Stuff!

F.Y.I --> From today till Sunday December 6th the One of a Kind Show and Sale is happening here in Toronto at the Direct Energy Center, Exhibition Place. Open Weekdays 11am-10pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm, Sundays 10am-6pm.

Tickets are $10-$12 (but I remember Ryerson having access to student priced tickets last year? ask around!

It’s a fun way to spend a day with friends (the event is HUGE, takes all day) and do some Christmas shopping. They have a Green Living Section at the event where different artisans and crafts-people sell eco-friendly products, many of them made locally. It includes Jack and Marjorie, Toronto designers who make sweet bags from old materials from the military. Fluf which sells prducts made from hand-printed (water-based and biodegradable inks of course) fabrics on hemp and organic cotton. A few others selling eco-friendly children’s wear, also recycled leather goods from Rachel f.. Earth to Body which sells fair trade, eco-friendly, high quality skin products with natural and organic ingredients..plus lots moreeee.

<3>

Buy Nothing Tomorrow!

I came across a blog posting today from planetfriendly.net announcing that tomorrow, Friday Nov. 27 is worldwide Buy Nothing Day. I have heared about this day before but honestly never gave it much thought because a) I never knew what day it was on and b) was just too busy to make an effort.

I don’t think these are very valid excuses, so this year I am going to attempt to resist the urge to spend for 1 day to reduce my consumption…sounds simple enough!

Buy Nothing Day has been happening since 1992 and was started by a Vancouver artist, Ted Dave. The idea is that it is an international day of protest against consumerism and a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption (65 nations now participate).

It’s a an interesting concept that promotes the idea and practice of consuming less…which is key if we hope to change the current environmental state of the world!

Wish me luck!

<3>

Ryerson has a Telio Account

Finally!

For the past few years most of us have been under the assumption that without a business account, students cannot purchase from the Montreal based wholesaler. Well, when people -*cough* designAWEAR *cough*- get talking, emails get sent, and the right people connect. In case you accidentally deleted the most  recent  Ryerson fashion news email here's the guidelines:

Open mon-fri 9-5 (closed between 12 & 1)
Télio Toronto Showroom
219 Dufferin Suite 106 A
Book appointments a few days in advance - groups of 3-5
usually 10m minimum but they'll allow 3m min for students with $8 cutting fee
$10 delivery
bring credit card
can't cut swatches of everything so bring camera
questions? contact Jessica Bundy @ 416 532 9444


Now all we need is a membership to the FTA & we'll all receive a 10% discount from Telio's variety of  organic fabrics. (tencel, bamboo, cotton, denim, woven and knits)     If you don't have time for a trip to the showroom check out the resource binder in the fashion office for swatches of some of the fabrics available.

Love Forever,
Jamie

Ya, it's happening.

So I am going to have to give a little shout out to Ryerson in this blog, as they seem to be taking some strides in the sustainability movement. This wee Professor Lu Ann Lafrenz celebrated sustainability with a class open to all students and faculty. There was the screening of "The Story of Stuff" (http://www.storyofstuff.com/), Alex Fox from the Ryerson Chapter of Engineers without Borders, and a panel of great speakers. Professor Kimberly Wahl followed the next day, with an awesome lecture on what sustainability really looks like in the fashion industry. And just to toot our own horn, designAWEAR followed Kim's lecture with a kick ass presentation...I'm just sayin'.

And finally, today, in the top floor of the HUB there is a sustainability fair. There will be a bunch of Ryerson student groups focussing on sustainability and more. So come check it out.

So Ryerson, with my cyberspace beer in hand, cheers to you.

Much Love,
Jade xo

Cocktails and Competition

If your looking for something to do this weekend you might want to check out R4 Fashion. The Eco-fashion event starts with a cocktail party, moves to a documentary screening, and ends with a competition. It's happening Friday at the Atlantis Pavilions, on Lakeshore Boulevard. The event is an initiative from Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) at Waterloo University. Tickets range from $25-$40 and proceeds go back to STEP to help fund future projects. (see; wind turbine on the Waterloo Campus!) For full event schedule click here or check out the R4 Fashion site for more info.

Love Forever,
Jamie

designAWEAR.... we've just spent the last few hours putting together a board for sustainability in the hub at Ryerson and finishing up our powerpoint for a class presentation.
shout outs to the team! whoot! gettin' er done!
on a more serious note, putting this stuff together has really made me realize that we have accomplished a lot. i never would have thought we'd be doing a presentation to a class as part of the course outline or have a three inch book full of suppliers that offer envrionmentally friendly fabrics... cough* stored in Lorna's office cough* it's pretty cool to be apart of!
and guess what?! you can be apart of it too!
let me count the ways.....do your own research and comment on here, visit the links to the right of this post, add to the resource binder (still looking for info on printing, papers, packaging..the more communications side of things), come to our information session on November 30 at 5pm- location to be announced!
anyways.. it's late.. the final muslin is due this week... no links today.
come stop by our table at the hub this Thursday, November 19 between 11 and 3!
night.
jen

Fashion Sustainability Class!

For those of you interested in sustainable fashion at Ryerson, in Toronto, and sustainability and fair trade in general you should attend the Intro to Fashion Sustainability class happening Tuesday, November 17^th, in LIB72 from 3:00-6:00 at Ryerson. The class is open to all faculty and students.

This special Intro to Fashion class is dedicated to all things sustainable and DesignAWEAR will be presenting info on our organization and important resources. The class will begin with a screening of the short web movie “Story of Stuff”, followed by speakers from EWB Fair Trade, a Fashion Sustainability Panel and Q&A and of course a lovely presentation from DesignAWEAR! Also, Kelly Dennen from Fashion Takes Action will be speaking.

I mean really, what more could you ask for?

Alice