eco-chic Archives - YOGUE: INSIYA RASIWALA-FINN

Eco-Tonic

October 2, 2010 by insiyar Leave a Comment

Will Vancouver continue to grow as a Yoga hub?

The answer when put to Aleksa Havelar of Tonic clothing is a resounding yes. I caught up Aleksa last week and got the inside scoop on a local company that still designs and manufactures their yoga-lifestyle apparel in Vancouver, Canada. And yes, though they are compared to that “other” yoga company, the one that put Vancouver on the yoga apparel map, Tonic’s clothing does look different, not a spin-off to lululemon.

I also like Tonic’s continued focus on eco-fabrics – something I consider quintessential to a yoga brand – after all shouldn’t Yoga be synonymous with Sustainability? Sustainability to me = the interconnection we often give lip service to in yoga practice and philosophy, while forgetting how it relates to “real life” or as US based yogini Seane Corne often refers to, the now cliched statement, “our yoga practice off the mat.”

While still a small company, Tonic’s reputation is on the up and up. Tennis star Martina Hingis recently wore Tonic at the US Open this past summer, leading to some high profile and free advertising for Tonic on the world stage. Said Havelar smiling, “we didn’t have to pay to be there. As for our future plans, maybe we’ll be designing more tennis gear…”

Martina Hingis wears Tonic (on right) at the Sept 2010 US Open

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The Art of Adorment: Yogic Bridal Jewelry

June 24, 2010 by insiyar Leave a Comment

When we meet at a little Japanese tea house in Vancouver, I recognize Canadian artist, sculptor, designer and Yogini Sonja Picard by her striking auburn hair. It’s an apt complement to her infectious smile and vivacity, yet belies the layer of serenity that lies just beneath. Having enjoyed an active career as an artist and sculptor, Sonja began a study of yogic philosophy in 1996, and was inspired to create and design pieces of jewelry as an homage to this knowledge. In 2000, she launched her eponymous jewelry line, the Sonja Picard Collection (SPC) that now has over 350 pieces crafted in silver, gold, gemstones and Canadian diamonds and celebrates the yogic and tantric traditions of adornment.

Today, Sonja puts her sculptural background to use as she first hand-carves each original piece in wax, adding a unique, sculptural organic and tactile quality to her jewelry. As Sonja launches the newest addition to her work, the SPC Bridal Collection, Yogue chats with her about Yoga, creativity, the eco aspects of her design process and of course bridal inspired yogic jewelry. Also, read on to get a special offer on SPC jewelry just for Yogue Readers.

Sonja Picard, Yogini, Artist and Jewelry Designer

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Hip + Tranquil Goal Setting

January 20, 2010 by insiyar 6 Comments

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Plato

I know we’ve chatted a little bit about goals and goal setting this year already at Yogue, but the newness of this year is still with us and I’m happy to share some insights and experience from a fantastic writer, yogi, activist, eco-designer, enlightened dynamo and friend of Yogue, Kimberly Wilson, a.k.a. The Tranquil Hip Chick. Here’s what she has to say about the magic of the start of this year. Grab a pencil, notebook, a cup of hot tea and read on for some inspiration. Also, watch this space for a review of her books. Thanks Kimberly.

A Fresh Start.

It’s that special time of the year where you may take a step back to evaluate where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re heading. Each year I love to list my past year’s highlights, lessons learned and dreams for the new year. This offers an opportunity to take stock annually to ensure movement in the right direction. Pull out your journal, kick up your heels, grab a mug of tea, and let’s indulge in a dose of reflection.

What are your 2009 highlights?

Can you bring them together in visual form? Collect photos from your adventures and make a collage or desktop. Doodle the highlights, mindmap, or simply list them. A few of my 2009 highlights include learning about mindfulness-based stress reduction, spending 10 days in Paris, leading retreats in Costa Rica and New York, returning to school to pursue MSW, Tranquil Space Foundation’s film festival, celebrating Tranquil Space’s 10th year, penning Tranquilista, releasing a 4th yoga to go CD, and celebrating 5 years with my supportive beau. All in all, a productive, blessed year.

Now let’s list your lessons learned.

You know the ones – those ongoing “opportunities” disguised as “challenges.” What lessons are you taking away from your experiences this year? For me, I plan to keep working with my 2009 word of the year “spaciousness” and remember it when over-scheduling or over-committing, declutter daily, savor the simple things (lesson brought back from Parisians who you’d never catch with a to-go cup). Keep these lessons in a prominent space that you can reference often.

Now it’s time to look forward.

What do you want 2010 to hold? When you ponder what you want your life to look like December 31, 2010, what do you see? A new career, an adopted pet, a new city, a continued relationship. Take a moment to collage, draw, dream, or paint it. Cover your new planner with images that speak to your vision.

A few of my dreams include: More strategic use of time and energy. Design new e-course based on Tranquilista or living your yoga. Set up my etsy store. Daily meditation. Host monthly dinners at chez moi. Return to dance. Daily sun salutations. More you tube videos. As we cross the threshold into a brand new decade, I wish you oodles of tranquility. Raise a glass to 2009. Honor your efforts.

Choose a word to focus on in 2010 – my attachment to “spaciousness” will continue.

Relish in being uniquely, fabulously you. As Buddhist monk Pema Chodron reminds us, you are perfect just as you are. I like to think that we can simply add dashes of enhancements (like the boosts we add to our smoothies at a juice bar) through practices of reflection, intention, and action. Let your life sparkle and shine in 2010.

To learn more about Kimberly and her hip yet tranquil endeavors, please visit: www.kimberlywilson.com

Yogue Style Files: Deux fm

December 3, 2009 by insiyar Leave a Comment

Can we change the world through our clothing? Yogue chats with Anna Gilkerson of deux fm.

Lhasa, by Deux FM

Originally from small town Nova Scotia, Anna Gilkerson left the rural landscape of her youth to study fashion at FIT in New York City and at Polimoda in Italy. This lovely lady is on a mission to create beautiful, wearable clothing and contribute to her local Nova Scotian economy. She brings with her not only passion for the sustainable lifestyle but also experience – she was previously a designer at eco-favourite, Matt + Nat and founded Deux FM in 2006.

The line, which is pronounced deux femmes – implies two women or the dual woman. In Gikerson’s words, “Deux fm is for the woman who broadcasts both fashion and ethics.” For Fall 2009, Gilkerson continues to hones her trademark clean-lined, yet feminine styles at affordable prices.

Adding another notch in her eco-fashion belt, Gilkerson will be participating in Eco Chic Geneva in in January 2010, a conference in conjunction with the United Nations Trade Development to promote and educate the world about the sustainable clothing industry, as well as the GreenShows in NYC on Feb.17th, 2010.

Here are some excerpts from our chat. Scroll below to see some of our favourites from Deux FM’s 2009 fall/winter collection.

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Y. Have you always wanted to design? And was it always clothing?
A.G. I was always into art and design. I studied art in New York before I went to F.I.T. I took painting, sketching and sculpting- all before I decided to get serious about fashion design. As a kid I loved to make costumes and fashion drawings but I was never overly serious about it. It was one of my joys, simple as that.

Now I can’t believe I am so lucky I get to do what have loved since I was a child and I get to be involved in an important industrial movement that is doing good for the world.

Y. How has growing up in Nova Scotia influenced you and your philosophy with respect to design?
A.G. Nova Scotia is a very eco minded place. Our provincial recycling system is stellar and we are also very community oriented and locally focused here. It is a very natural place and it’s quiet, the air smells good here.

Y. What was your experience in NYC like and Florence?
A.G. The experiences were amazing! Coming from a small town and taking up digs in NYC was an intense adventure. I learned a great deal about hard work and dedication in New York and a lot about living life from the Italians. The Italians have such natural style and I love their attitude to life. I rode a bicycle there and took the subway in NYC. Both very green methods of transport whereas in NS we drive a lot because it is the country and there is nothing here. That is what I do miss about the city, the energy and the passion and the eco transportation! Montreal was huge for me as well, I worked in the fashion industry there and I learned so much about collection development and production. Having my own business has taught me how to run a business, so there has been lots of trial and errors. I am content with the path I have taken thus far.

Y. Do you think we can change the world through our clothing?
A.G. I think that the green fashion industry is one facet of a global scale movement. It is equally important as all the others but I think it takes more than just clothing.
Fashion can help because it speaks to a young generation. There are so many brands now that provide green fashion equal to or better than the non-green.
It is hard to tell the difference these days and this is what helps change.

Y. What inspires you?
A.G. True style, not following trends, honesty, humor, luxurious comfort, beautiful colors and imperfect textures, whole fashion eras and tiny details.

Y. What else are you passionate about?
A.G. My family, music, travel, food, books, movies, the ocean.

Y. Where can we find deux fm (on the west coast)?
A.G. Nowhere as of yet! Alberta and online are the closest you will find. I am hoping to secure some west coast retailers but the competition is crazy over there. BC is a mecca for organic clothing + lifestyle.

Y. Can you speak about any initiatives you are involved in to promote eco fashion in Canada?
A.G. For Fall 2010 we will be launching our new organic-intimates collection that is produced locally by an established century old underwear manufacturer. Recently we provided work to local sewers by making bikinis out of reclaimed fabric ends and we have also worked with a women’s knitting co-op in Peru. We also have begun to provide internships to students and graduates that want to learn more about local and eco fashion business opportunities. We continually donate to charities such as the David Suzuki Foundation and Clean Nova Scotia.

Y. What can we look forward to for your new collection.
A.G. Our Spring 2010 capsule collection is inspired by the old world of wooden sailboats. In coastal Nova Scotia, despite job loss due to factory displacement and over-fishing, there remains a thriving boatbuilding community. The deep blues of the North Atlantic play against the washed out sky and the soft antique whites and taupe of deck, rope and sail. Loosely tailored menswear combine with feminine silhouettes to create a look that is both function and fashion. Fabrics include hemp, soy, lyocell and organic cotton jersey blends, bamboo denim, OEKO-TEK certified organic cotton shirting, linen jersey manufactured in Canada and GOTS certified organic cotton denim from India.

*We also have a capsule summer collection also coming out at a later delivery. New swimwear styles, gorgeous dresses and soft summery sweaters in bold jungle hues.

To learn more about the line and to find a list of retailers who carry deux fm, please visit www.deuxfm.com.
Online, you can find deux fm at www.beklina.com and www.greenisblack.com

Freya Dress

An eco-ensemble

Eliza Dress

Lois Coat

Liberated by “Libre”

October 28, 2009 by insiyar Leave a Comment

Glass n' Poly libre tea glass

“If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.”
Japanese Proverb.

For those of you who know me. I love tea. I just don’t have the lifestyle, that is conducive – always – to sipping tea slowly and savouring the ritual of it.

And like all of us eco-minded individuals out there, I’ve been searching for the ideal eco-tea mug out there… perfect to hold your warm cup of tea while walking outside on a crisp fall Vancouver day.

And have I found it?

Well, the verdict is still out, but new Canadian company Libre Tea’s Libre Loose Leaf tea glass is close. Available in two versions, one that is a practical glass ’n poly tea glass with a polycarbonate exterior and glass interior; and another that’s a more handle-with-care all glass (in the interior and exterior) design.

Both are BPA free, transparent, so yes, you can see the tea leaves soaking, usable with loose-leaf tea as they come with a removable and easy to clean stainless steel tea filter; and importantly, are beautifully designed, making an eco-chic addition to your fall wardrobe, office desk and possibly (since I have not to date tested this) even your bicycle basket.

I love that the lid screws on really tight so there is no spillage while commuting and that the 2 layers of glass and polycarbonate prevent the cup from getting too hot to hold it comfortably.

My only advice, you have to clean the Libre glasses and dry the insides out well (as you would wine-glasses) so there aren’t any streaks or marks left behind from your tea.

For more information on Libre Tea Glasses, how to use them and to purchase, visit: http://libretea.com/
The glass’n poly model holds approximately 9oz. or 260 mL.
Cost: $24.00 USD
The glass n glass model holds 10 oz. or approximately 290 mL.
Cost: $25.00 USD

ecouterre unveiled

September 23, 2009 by insiyar Leave a Comment

A New Home for Sustainable Fashion online:

Just got word that eco-design portal Inhabitat just unveiled Ecouterre, an eco-fashion website dedicated to writing about about designers who not only contemplate cut, form, and drape, but also a garment’s social and environmental impact, from the cultivation of its fibers to lifecycle and disposal.

Sweatshop worker in Bangladesh, Photo courtesy new york times.

In ecouterre’s words, their mission is: To follow the evolution of the apparel industry toward a smarter and more sustainable future, as well as facilitate a conversation about why sustainable fashion matters.

Ecouterre Logo, Ecouterre, eco fashion, eco fashion website, new sustainable design website, new eco fashion website, new sustainable design website

Definitely important in Yogue’s view, since our take on clothing has always been that it affects all of us and so intimately. After all, we do wear clothes (most of us) all the time and the choices we make collectively and individually can have an enormous impact on our environment.

Add ecouterre to your bookmarks to stay in the loop for news on emerging eco-fashion trends, interviews with leading designers working with sustainable fabrics and the stats on why moving towards sustainable practices in fashion could be the saving grace for what is generally a pretty wasteful industry.

namaste. peace.

Eat Alfresco, Vancouver

August 27, 2009 by insiyar Leave a Comment

We may live in cities with parks, plazas and collective spaces, but how often do we use them? And how?

The Annual Parisan White Dinner

That was the question on local bon-vivants and urbanscape explorers Rob MacDonald and Scott Hawthorn’s minds, when they created the “Eat Alfresco Vancouver” concept. Inspired by Paris’s annual White Dinners, an event held usually in June, as summer sets into the City of Lights, Eat Alfresco also presents guests with a date and theme, but withholds the secret location. It is announced only the night before the soiree.

The Vancouver Approach

: The setting right in Yaletown’s Heart: we transported our food + blankets in eoin’s silver bike trailer

As 7 p.m. approached on Wednesday August 26, a group of almost fifty of us filed into the plaza right at the intersection of Davie St. and Mainland in the heart of Yaletown for the 3rd eat_alfresco dinner this summer.

Sharing food + conversations

Here, instead of a motley crew of skateboarders or little dogs more at home in their Louis Vuitton carriers than on the street; we were greeted with a sleek, snaking, accordion-like, low shelf table – actually four low “softwalls” connected together – by Vancouver darlings, Molo Design.

Food (and sipped discreetly, wine) was plentiful

The white tables were adorned with some fresh flowers and lots of food. So much food that I worried if the paper tables would hold – thankfully, they didn’t collapse all night long!

A sampling of food

local designers Steven + Jane Cox, I love Jane's stylish feather hat.

And so the night proceeded with this eclectic group of strangers and new friends in a redefined urban setting.

candle-lit dusk

Curious passers-by definitely gawked, but that did not deter us from sampling home-made deliciousness; everything from olive stuffed roast lamb, thanks to Melody li of Bouchon for 2 ; a delicious mint, kalamata olive and macedonian feta with pasta salad, cumin spiced cauliflower and plenty of sweet treats including fruit-topped meringues and decadent brownies. Local restaurant Brown’s Social Club even added to the feast, stopping by with some appetizers – as though we needed more!!!

Molo Design's soft-wall "tables"

At the end of the night, with the tables folded up, our plates and cutlery stashed in our individual bags, the square looked forlorn and quiet, awaiting its transformation for another al fresco night.

Ecoholic (When you’re addicted to the planet)

August 19, 2009 by insiyar Leave a Comment

bookCoverCan

As someone who grew up in a middleclass household in Bombay, India, where my mother recycled out of necessity and ethics, not fashion – we lived in a reality where starving people existed in the slums around the city, so wasting food was discouraged; ziplock bags were not available, so she used the re-sealable packages our potato chips arrived in to wrap our school lunch sandwiches; and we ate fresh, home-made yoghurt each day (there were no packaged alternatives to purchase); I consider myself a reasonably eco-aware citizen, one whose green sensibilities expanded when I moved to the West in my early twenties, in reaction to both the choice and waste of products, edible and otherwise that I encountered here.

These days, I continue to scrutinize the labels of every product that I purchase, spend more on groceries to buy organic, “override” my tropical sensibilities to ride my bicycle through much of Vancouver’s wet winter and as a yoga instructor, teach the idea of interconnectedness of all beings (animate and not), definitely environmental principles. Yes, you might say that I have some insights into my environmental footprint.

Even so, I found Adria Vasil’s book “Ecoholic, (when you’re addicted to the planet)” to be both informative as well as an engaging read.

Part comprehensive directory of “green” products and services available in Canada, part sharp-focus lens revealing the effects of harmful chemicals in various aspects of our daily lives, Ecoholic is also a comprehensive environmental product and services guidebook offering the reader simple and intelligent solutions to make more sustainable choices.

It is an ambitious attempt, one that Vasil accomplishes by leading us on a journey that begins with a deconstruction of the very personal realms of how we bathe and clothe ourselves, and what we put inside our bodies. There is no subject left untouched – she even discusses the environmental impact of sex products (condoms, IUDs, toys etc). The book continues on to focus on other aspects of our lives – our children’s habitats, our offices, schools and larger ecology – while presenting the repercussions of our every decision in relationship to our larger environment.

For instance, I already knew that aluminum is one of the main ingredients in conventional antiperspirants – it closes our pores so that we literally do not perspire. But I didn’t know that over half of the many eco-alternative deodorant sticks “still contain petrol-based propylene glycol (PG) – which in 100% concentrations, is known as antifreeze and is extremely toxic to aquatic life.”

Vasil is a long-time environmental reporter and since 2004 the eco-columnist at the NOW newsweekly in Toronto and has made it her hallmark to comment on pressing environmental issues in a fresh contemporary manner. She is in her element in Ecoholic, bringing eco-awareness to the masses and exhorting us to commit to at least one green change and try it on for size.

And while I recommend this book to anyone who wants practical and comprehensive advice regarding our environment, it does strike me as ironic that these words are printed on paper, 352 pages of it, albeit ancient forest friendly and recycled.

With the ubiquity and utility of the internet, one cannot help but think that the online medium might have been a more practical and sustainable method of presenting the information contained in Ecoholic, as some of it, especially the product listings sections is continually evolving and hence dated. At this point, I hope that the publisher chooses to use the book’s existing website more effectively (www.ecoholic.ca) to provide annual updates and other relevant information.

To purchase the book go to www.ecoholic.ca

US readers rejoice, the new US focused edition with updated information on US products and services is available in stores now.

Celebrate the ancient art of adornment with Chakra Vibe

April 2, 2009 by insiyar Leave a Comment

Yogue recently discovered Chakra Vibe, a line of “yoga” jewellry, created and designed by two lovely yoginis in Whistler and Toronto.

Carnelian Om Necklace

Each unique piece is made by hand in Canada, from vibrant, semi-precious beads, silver and gold and infused with positive energy and lots of love. And connecting their love of yoga to that state of being connected with our larger environment, their packaging uses soy-vegetable inks and recycled paper.

Choose from a selection that correspond to your different energy centres and feel that chakra “vibe.”