Vuori Clothing   a newly launched label  with a great message  ,  created by Joe Kdla and Chad Alasantro caught our eye not only because of the great mission behind the label , but also by the design quality of the mainly graphic t-shirt collection.

“Using fashion as a medium, Vuori recognizes the environmentalists, activists, and humanitarians whose visions inspire us to live with more awareness. On the inside of each garment, we pay tribute to these individuals and their respective heroic endeavors. With each season, retailers are invited to get involved, and direct the donation generated by their purchase to the organization/s whose missions align with their stores unique values. Made from the finest 100% certified organic cotton, the garments are adorned with hand-tailored recycled polyester ribbons, a symbol  demonstrating respect  for these individuals, and serves as an invitation to  the customer, to visit our  website and get acquainted with the season’s heroes, united and aligned to seed positive change.”

Vuori’sFall 2009 collection represents collaborations with Sam Roberts, Canada’s Juno award winner for Rock Album of the Year, Australian singer song writer and environmental advocate Missy Higgins, former MTV anchor and Oprah’s go-to environmental messenger, Simran Sethi, and Graham Hill, founder of TreeHugger.com and Discovery Channel’s planet green. A closer look at the women’s  tees on the next page.

For their annual collection  of Fashion Against Aids tees, Designers Against Aids partners with H&M on a collection where 25% of the proceeds will be donated to  youth aids prevention programs. This years collaborators include:Yoko Ono, Yelle(above), Roisin Murphy, Cindy Lauper, N.E.R.D, Robyn, Tokio Hotel, Dangerous Muse, Katherine Hamnett, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry. Available May 28, 2009 at H&M Divided departments. More images on the next page. via neo2

Inspired by their frequent visits to Nepal, Michelle Baldwin and Michelle Taylor-Spearman  launched their accessories line in 2007. TDM designs luxurious and exquisite cashmere wraps, scarves, shawls and Masino silk scarves all hand-made in Nepal .The  large Rosa  made of 100% silk is the perfect Spring to Summer scarf , super lightweight, soft and can work as a shawl or a pareo.

TDM Design works directly with predominantly women cottage industries in Nepal to support women weavers and women craftsmanship in Nepal. Each accessory is hand-made using the highest quality fibers in order to ensure the ultimate in splendor of each piece, and pride in workmanship.

Alexander McQueen Earth Skull Scarf  in support of the Home Film  is available  for pre-order. Produced in a limited run of 200.  Made of 100% Organic Cotton.  Profits will be donated to www.goodplanet.org. Detailed images on the next page.

To support Yann Arthus Bertrand’s Eco film , Home Sergio Rossi designer Francisco Russo created a pair of  Eco  friendly pumps. Made of  recycled scraps of leather , using vegetable dyes, the packaging and the entire shoe is biodegradable. Available June 5th in select Sergio Rossi boutiques. via Vogue France.

The Celebrate the  environmantal  film, Home by Yann Arthus Bertrand and Luc Besson ,  Gucci created a special edition tee,  fusing the Gucci and Home film logos, made of organic materials and natural dyes. The profits from the sale  will be donated entirely to Goodplanet. The Home film , financed by   PPR ( who owns Gucci)  launches June 5, 2009, but the tees will arrive in select Gucci boutiques on May 25th. via Vogue France.

When I met Kate D’arcy the designer of Toggery  recently,and I found myself in awe of what I like to   call a   true ’stilleto activist’. She had on as much accessories as yours truly which is miracle in itself(!) , but  mostly Kate’s collection of versatile basics also exemplified what  sustainable fashion should mean today:  A concious  fashion alternative , that  is not limited by the ‘eco’ term or  category and holds the same, design,  and style quotient as  any of its high end  contemporaries. Until sustainable apparel becomes the norm and not a ‘niche’  , take a  closer look at my favorite pieces of Toggery Autumn/Winter 2009.

Retalhos Cariocas is a clothing and accessories label created Silvinha Oliveira, Vivian Santos, Luciana Meireles, and Daniella Estevez , hailing from Barreira do Vasco, a favela in Rio’s Zona Norte. Made from  donated scraps of fabric ( rethalhos). The label emulates the colorful style of the  native inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro commonly called Cariocas. HighSnob Columnist  Tim Broahagen  got to speak to the designers about the label, their goals and much more. Read the extensive  feature here. On the next page a few of my fave pieces from Retalhos  Carioca. These girls rule!

Mad Imports,  a  Brooklyn based socially & environmentally responsible company,  that markets handmade handbags from Madagascar & Kenya collaborates with Epaulet  Boutique on a special edition cluch bag. The Zebra Opal Clutch.The perfect summer clutch. Available at Epaulet Online.

(L) Mika Machida (R) Toggery by Kate D'Arcy

Before it becomes the norm, Eco friendly gear can sometimes be hard to find in one place. The newly launched Planet Threads, created by JoAnn Ciaramello provides a  great platform for stylish eco-friendly shopping by grouping some of the coolest eco – brands out there like, Mika Machida ,  Avani activewear , Nixxi, Toggery by Kate D’Arcy, ecoSkin, Topo Ranch, and much more. The online store also allows the shopper to choose the product based on the materials and the method of production. Check out PlanetThreads for More!