Eco-couture: Do good & look good
Bag it
At Demano, you can buy as many bags as you want guilt free and know you're doing your part to save the environment. This Spanish brand produces unique bags and accessories using PVC and polyester materials from discarded festival, arts and museum banners in Barcelona, Spain. Available in totes, messenger slings and shopper bags, each carry-on is named after a place in Barcelona and made with different clip-ons, coloured velcro and zips. Demano's bags are UV resistant, rip-stop and waterproof and available as limited editions to ensure exclusivity. Price: $89-$159 www.demano.net Echo #02-12 Wheelock Place. Tel: 6235 2946. barefoot ION Orchard Mall, Basement 3, Unit 13. Tel: 6509 9148.
Bamboo magic 
Belle & Dean uses organic cotton to design simple, stylish clothes in monochromic colours. Organic cotton is grown within chemical-free soil, which doesn't use artificial fertilisers. This makes the soil healthier and more fertile, which subsequently helps to improve the quality of all it comes into contact with. Because organic cotton feels softer than regular cotton, it also provides the basis for quality, comfortable clothing. Belle & Dean garments are designed in-house and are made without strong dyes or bleaches, items include a baby range, toddler t-shirts and stylish t-shirts and vest tops for women. T-shirts highlight designer prints of endangered animals and plants to further underscore Belle & Dean's eco consciousness and each garment is screen-printed by hand using environmentally friendly water-based ink. Shop online to enjoy free delivery within Singapore. www.belleanddean.com HOLLAND VILLAGE The Nest Shop, 27A Lorong Mambong. LITTLE INDIA OG Albert, 60 Albert Street. ORCHARD OG Orchard Point, 160 Orchard Road. CHINATOWN OG People's Park 100 Upper Cross Street.
Asian sensation
Singapore-based designer Teddy Or has created a ready-to-wear line and yoga apparel made from biodegradable bamboo fabric. Teddy's award-winning designs have a strong focus on versatility. There are a few ways to wear each garment allowing you to go with your mood - playful, or elegant. Some of Teddy's collections are inspired by Malay Kebaya and Japanese Kimono culture, Victorian and Edwardian styles, the 1940s and boyish get-ups for females. www.teddyor.com
Doinky Doodles stocks a whimsical range of colourful handmade totes, adult t-shirts and toddler and baby wear made of 100 percent recycled clothing and excess fabrics from selected factories. The ladies collection consists of vintage and pre-loved clothes. Doinky Doodles takes eco-consciousness one step further by using recycled paper or plastic bags to package its products. All labels and promotional leaflets are also printed on excess paper accumulated by printers. Shop online, customised orders welcome. 33 Bali Lane, #02-00. Tel: 6292 2248, www.doinkydoodles.com
Walk the talk
Footwear and apparel behemoth Timberland was the first company in the world to initiate the use of recycled rubber from discarded tyres to manufacture the soles of its famed boots. All boots also use 50 percent recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) lining. And once you've worn them out, you can disassemble and recycle your boots, or return them to any Timberland store to be recycled. Timberland also carries out eco-friendly activities worldwide and has increased its use of renewable energy, organic and recyclable materials in the production and transportation of its products. Check out the new EarthkeepersTM Collection, a clothing line based on organic cotton and hemp materials. www.timberland.com.sg ORCHARD 176 Orchard Road, #01-01/03 The Centrepoint. 252 North Bridge Road, #01-30 Raffles City Shopping Centre. SOUTH 1 Harbour Front Walk Singapore, #01-81 VivoCity. MARINA BAY 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B2-103/104 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. EAST Singapore Changi Airport, #021-41/42 Terminal 1 Transit Lounge.
Earth Hour returns on March 26. At precisely 8:30pm the world will switch off its lights in unison for one hour, to pledge support for a sustainable and low-carbon future. Head down to Marina Bay and join the Earth Hour Night Walk - prepare a picnic basket, bee's wax candle and make it a night to remember as you enjoy concerts, a carnival and an outdoor movie screening. www.wwf.panda.org
Top global brands such as adidas, Levi's, Stella McCartney, Banana Republic, Triumph and Marks & Spencer have also jumped on the "green bandwagon" with their own collection of eco fashion lines.
Posted Feb 2011
