Photo Credit: Raphael Mazzucco; model: Elyse Levesque

Vancouver is on a mission to be one of the greenest cities on earth. Yes, we eat locally and organically and recycling is a must, but how often do we stop to think about what we are wearing? The local warriors in Vancouver’s budding eco scene sure do!

Leading the tribe is Myriam Laroche, the mastermind behind the first Eco Fashion Week, happening in Vancouver from September 27-30, 2010 in conjunction with Aveda, the presenting sponsor of the show.

Runway shows will be held at the new Creekside Community Centre in the Olympic Village, featuring international designers like Lara Miller and Prophetik, in addition to well-known local talent like Nicole Bridger, Nixxi, Kim Cathers, Lav & Kush, Lara Presber, and Margarita Angelatos’ two lines — Red Jade and Peridot Kiss.

The green carpet VIP closing gala will be at Club 560 (560 Seymour Street) on Thursday, September 30 from 9pm-2am and attended by the likes of Nettwork Recording Artist K-OS and the world’s first eco supermodel, Summer Rayne Oakes. Tickets are $30 and available online at www.ecofashion-week.com.

Credit: Nicole Staffoard

Freedom Clothing is a Toronto based collective (939 Bloor Street West) that strives to offer its consumers sustainable, fashionable and reasonably priced clothing. The designs incorporate recycled fabrics with new materials to produce garments that are not only eco-friendly, but feature bold, eccentric designs that make a powerfully sustainable fashion statement.

GLOSS: What labels do you carry?

Freedom: Fairyesque, Embody by Tara White, Tadaa, Poisson, Lillikoko, and Soy.

GLOSS: How long have you been involved in the fashion industry?

Freedom: We started the store three years ago.

GLOSS: How would you describe your most recent collections?

Freedom: Our most recent collection was filled with cute basics, including shorts, vest, and bubble dress. Yet, to give a new twist to old ideas we utilized recycled fabrics as well as soy and bamboo into our line.

GLOSS: What are your views on sustainable style?

Freedom: Freedom clothing loves sustainable style, it’s fashion without any guilt.  As humans we have to be aware of our ecological footprints and as designers we have to find ways to do what we love, such as make clothes and not harm the earth.  At Freedom we use recycled fabrics and rework vintage, which provides us with plenty of options and allows for us to be creative.

GLOSS: What makes your designs distinctively yours?

Freedom: At freedom we sell clothing with a conscience.  All the clothing we feature in the store is made with love by local artisans who are aware of global issues specifically related to the fashion industry, such as sweat shops and sustainability.  We try to offer a place for smart, intellectual people can shop and get amazing clothing that they love and feel good that their money was not put towards harmful practices.

Myspace http://www.myspace.com/freedom_clothing

Website: freedomclothingcollective.com

Credit: Nicole Staffoard