FINDING CLOTHES good for the planet used to be, at best, a labor of love. The looks were limited, the selection was scarce, and the styles available were, well, not all that fly, which left you with a decision: Forget the whole “Go green!” thing (which, at this point, is not an option), or sacrifice aesthetics for your ethics. No longer. The best stuff for this spring lets you show off your love for good looks—and Mother Earth.
If you’re not completely sold on global warming (it’s real! stop playng!) or eco-friendly cotton yet, you can still make everyone jealous by copping clothes in the strong, vibrant color that gets everybody in the mood for spring.
FOR HER (Left):
Denim blazer and scarf, both by H&M
H&M introduced its first organically produced clothing in 2007. ($50, $15; hm.com)
Bluffs cardigan by Loomstate*
The men’s and women’s collections created by Loomstate, a brand started in 2004 by New York City designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Hahn, are casual, comfortable, and filled with character. But they’re extremely eco-friendly and the production process is always respectful to the environment. ($161; loomstate.org)
Heritage silk shirt by Banana Republic
Banana Republic launched its green collection in summer 2008 using renewable fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton. ($89; bananarepublic.com)
Skinny jeans by Levi’s ECO
Levi’s started producing “green” jeans in 2006. ($70; levi.com)
Mobius bracelet by Marjorie Victor
This New York designer has been creating organic jewelry since 2003. ($205; 800-881-6046)
Eco-friendly tote by Salvatore Ferragamo
This spring, the Italian fashion house is introducing Eco Ferragamo, a line of bags made using a nontoxic tanning technique, hand-woven hemp lining, and dyes from natural elements like tree bark. ($1,390; 212-759-3822)
Espadrille wedge by Payless Zoe & Zac
Payless is unveiling a collection of women’s shoes and handbags that uses organic cotton, linen, hemp, recycled outsoles, and biodegradable glues. ($27; payless.com)
FOR HIM (Right):
Recover jacket by Mottainai*
In Japanese, the word mottainai roughly translates to “what a waste”—a philosophy that’s been adopted by Brooklyn, N.Y., designers Luke McCann and Robert Lido since they started their clothing line in 2007. Not only do they create pieces like this one that features versatile patterns and designs, but they do it using sustainable products like organic and recycled denim as well as natural dyes. ($459; mottainainy.com)
Chambray shirt, by Loomstate for Target
Through an exclusive partnership with Target this spring, Loomstate will release a collection of organic cotton clothing that’s as friendly to your pockets as it is to the world’s ecosystems. ($28; target.com)
Peace Period T-shirt by Jon Gray*
Menswear designer Jon Gray is inspired by two things: the socio-political world that surrounds him, and the belief that sustainable clothing can also be luxurious. He paired the two in 2007 to create Jon Gray International, a company devoted to making a strong statement through both design and production. ($55; jongraynewyork.com)
Barracuda jeans by Prps
Created by Akademiks founder Donwan Harrell and manufactured on old Levi’s looms in Japan, these jeans are made using African organic cotton. ($438; prpsgoods.com)
Solar-powered watch by G-Shock
This Casio couples a solar panel with a rechargeable battery to deliver juice the all-natural way. ($600; gshock.com)
SK8-Hi Lx sneakers by Vans Vault Eco Pack
Vans is launching a Vault Eco Pack using two great materials: Maharam Messenger and Mod Green Pod. ($110; vault.vans.com)
(Clockwise from top left):
New Era fitted cap ($32; neweracap.com)
Sean John print shirt ($58; 212-220-2633)
Claw Money Gazelle sunglasses ($250;
clawmoney.com)
Rocawear limited-edition track jacket ($98; rocawear.com).
Akademiks ladies razor jeans ($56;
akademiks.com)
Baby Phatby Kimora Lee Simmons party
dress ($79; dillards.com)
(Center: clockwise from top left)
Freestyle shark Classic watch
($55; freestyleusa.com); Rockport 1971 Croydon sneakers ($80; undergroundstation.com); Stussy belt ($30; stussy.com)
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