Petra Hanson, Professional Fixxologist

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Ariel Azoff — No Comments ↓

Petra Hanson is not just any fixer. She’s a fixxologist. She takes your old clothes, metamorphosizes them, and turns them into beautiful butterflies…so to speak. When I visited her in Brooklyn in January, she showed me a beloved old Hermès scarf that she’d attached a ribbed neck and sleeves to and voila: beautiful poncho!

A native New Yorker and a graduate of both FIT and Cornell, Petra is a knitwear designer by trade. She’s designed for Oscar de la Renta and Julien MacDonald, among others, and recently did a bit of freelancing for Coldwater Creek and eco brand Under the Canopy before striking out on her own. Continue reading →

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Eco-Fashionistas

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Ariel Azoff — 9 Comments ↓

Amended Title: The Seven Habits of [What I Imagine to be] Highly Effective Eco-Fashionistas

In my pre-thanksgiving post entitled “Baby Steps: How to Lessen Your Eco Guilt This Holiday Season,” I discussed a few steps we conscious consumers can take that will help us go green bit by bit – or recycled bottle by organic yoga pants.

That was the beginning.

Now, I want to share what I imagine to be seven habits of men & women that have achieved an outstanding level of green in their wardrobes.
Disclaimer: I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it.

1. Don’t be a mindless shopping machine

Research brands: if you are lusting after a particular blouse, lookup the CSR information for the designer to find out where, how and with what their clothes are made. If you find out that they’re on the right track – maybe the blouse is made locally or uses eco-friendly material – great! If not, consider spending a few extra minutes perusing the net for one that looks just like it but will be better for mother earth.

Eco Bonus: There’s now a site that does this for us! Fashioning Change shows you stylish, eco-friendly and ethical alternatives to well-known brands. Check out the “Wear this, not that” feature: Continue reading →

Dear Iowa, Caucus THIS

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Ariel Azoff — 2 Comments ↓

In honor of tonight’s GOP Caucus, (or perhaps in spite of it) I want to give some eco shoutouts to sustainable fashion folks in the Hawkeye State.

Dear Iowa, Caucus THIS

Designer Ananda Duszynski makes upcycled (recycled and upgraded) clutches, totes and clothing. She uses vintage and repurposed materials in her fabulous creations. No stranger to Sustainable Fashion, Ananda worked for both Ducette Duvall and Feral Childe. She used to be in NY, but is now located in…..Fairfield, Iowa!

Check out her website for clutches & totes, and Etsy store for dresses & more! Dear Iowa, Caucus THIS