Coco Eco Magazine

Here Comes Kelly Rutherford! (9)

Sarah — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:20:45 +0000

Would the Real Ms. Rutherford Please Stand Up?

1990s ALAIA white body suit, 1980s CLAUDE MONTANA black high waisted pant, 1980s GIANNI VERSACE lambskin leather belt, 1980s GYRDA LYNGARD brown lucite spike necklace, 1960s White and Navy felt hat, www.sieliansvintageapparel.com
Paradise Heels KAILIA, www.kailiafootwear.com

Imagine a green spectrum with say Ed Begley Jr at one end and Donald Trump at the other. While preparing to interview actress Kelly Rutherford I became obsessed with a pre-conceived idea that the Prius-driving actress would firmly reside at the ‘Living with Ed’ end of this spectrum while the character she portrays on Gossip Girl, Lily Van de Woodsen, would be largin’ it with The Donald. What a delicious juxtaposition I had conjured in my mind: organic LA Mommy versus materialistic upper Eastside snob. Well, it didn’t quite turn out to be a case of granola versus Gucci.

I meet Rutherford at Le Pain Quotidien in Beverly Hills, a restaurant she frequents in every city she visits. Scribbling in her l powder blue Hermes day planner, Rutherford (41) was fresh-faced and preppy in a blue gingham button down. With her enviably slim physique, it was hard imagine her she gave birth to her second child a mere six months ago. It’s all down to nursing, which apparently “Gets you back into your skinny jeans pretty quickly!”

Despite being knee deep in a difficult divorce, the mother of two (son Hermes 3 and daughter Helena 6 months) was philosophical, upbeat and refreshingly candid.

1990s HERVE LEGER Multi Color Dress, 1980s JUDITH HENDLER Lucite Bangle, www. sieliansvintageapparel.com
Monkey Heels MINK, www.minkshoes.com

SB: When did the environmental bell toll for you?
KR: When Mrs Gooch’s opened in Beverly Hills. My mother was into health and nutrition and used to buy us organic cakes and cookies when we were young. I moved to LA to act when I was 19 or 20 and I remember buying 7th generation products for my home. I’d recycle and read about nutrition and health. Then when I got pregnant it really changed, I started thinking more globally. I got a Prius.

SB: Why a Prius?
KR: I was at a point in my life where I wanted to simplify but didn’t know how to. I love the design of the Prius, how quiet it is and love that I don’t have to get gas every week. After I bought mine, my Mom got one too and Dad got a Lexus hybrid.

SB: How is your lifestyle green?
KR: I do lot of small things. I don’t run the water when I brush my teeth; I’m teaching Hermes about that. I take short showers (mostly); I use reusable bags; I eat organic, and I use my position to speak out about the environment.

1990s ALAIA white body suit, www.sieliansvintageapparel.com
Cow Heels MINK, www.minkshoes.com
Watch, Kelly’s own

SB: Is your son Hermes named after the French fashion house?
KR: You know I’ve loved that name for 20 years. It means Messenger of the Gods. I had to find a name that would go with his middle name, Gustav — so it’s Hermes Gustav. I did think, “Can I actually name my son Hermes?”

SB: What causes do you support?
KR: Healthy Child Healthy World.

SB: Who are you heroes?
KR: Alicia Silverstone, Richard Branson, Al Gore for An Inconvenient Truth. Anyone that’s in the field of creating products that are healthy are my heroes — the more we have to choose from the more people will gravitate to that area. The economy is shifting and there’s great opportunity in that. For example, to-go containers in restaurants — we know they can be biodegradable so why aren’t they all like that?

SB: You sound entrepreneurial…
KR: I am. I have so many ideas! Ideally I’d like to open eco play centers for kids in low income areas, as well as high income areas, where people can drop off their gently used toys. I have enough toys in my home to open an entire play center on my own. You could have organic mac and cheese and hot dogs without nitrates for the kids. Moms could have organic lattes.

SB: Okay, let’s talk Gossip Girl. The character that you play on Gossip Girl is wealthy socialite. How is your life different from hers?
KR: Well I’m not a wealthy socialite, I’m a working actor (ha, ha!). I drive a Prius, she has a driver. I’m much more Californian, spiritual and into the organic lifestyle. Lily doesn’t compost and she wouldn’t carry a reusable bag. It’s not that its not happening on the Upper East Side, it’s just that Lily is from a different era. If she were a Mother in Brooklyn, maybe she’d be carrying a reusable bag.

SB: Are you alike in any way?
KR: We’re both mothers. We both love our children. I know people like Lily in the Upper East Side. I was in those circles but more as an observer. In many way we are very alike, it’s just our worlds are very different.

SB: Describe Lily in five words
KR: Luxurious, witty, goofy, maternal, love’s life.

SB: Describe Kelly in five words
KR: Simple, loving, nurturing, kind, materialistic (for beautiful things).

Kim Dress Robin Brouillette available at Vie Bungalow, www.viebungalow.com
Onda Studded Heels, CALLEEN CORDERO, www.calleencordero.com
Tuxedo, model’s own

SB: Quick fire round….
Designer: J Crew, Amber Sakai, Beyond Yoga, Tom’s shoes
Skincare: La Mer, Jurlique
Car: Range Rover (but I’d buy a used one)
Bag: Hermes Birkin bag, Hermes Kelly bag, FEED bag for groceries
Shoes: Todds, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Lanvin flats, Toms Shoes
Restaurants: Le Pain Quotidien, La Scala, Serafina
Products: 7th Generation, Method, Nature’s Gate Toothpaste

SB: If you could change one thing in the world who would it be?
KR: Legislation.

SB: New Years resolution?
KR: To get back into yoga.

1980s OZBEK multi color knit dress at www.sieliansvintageapparel.com

SB: What’s next?
KR: I’m shifting my focus. I always like to visualize the next year with images. It helps me keep focus and manifest. I did it when I was 20 years old and just starting out as an actor. I wanted a Range Rover. I put a picture of one up on my wall and I manifested it that same year. I’d also like to start speaking more and sharing in whatever way I can. I just want to be useful.

Kelly Rutherford loves Range Rovers yet drives a Prius, is as enamored with 7th generation cleaners as she is the Hermes Birkin bag, and claims to be simple yet materialistic. Sure this might sounds somewhat paradoxical. But unlike some celebrities, Kelly is honest about the temptations faced by an eco savvy, style conscious women in our modern society. As for Lily, I think the Gossip Girl writers need to get her carrying a reusable bag. Or composting.

Mac Phee Gown DALIA, www.daliaonline.com
Vintage Flower Ring NOLA SINGER, www.jewelrybynola.com
Pants, model’s own

Imperfect Angel…… (8)

Libertine Freedom (9)

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:18:05 +0000

Create your own beautiful script with the world of recycled vintage, in our exclusive story with Libertine.

Title Page/1-2

Photographer by Asha Fuller
Story by Asha Fuller and Sarah Griffin Berns
Styled by Rebecca Mink
Model. Amy Dressel Ford Models, LA
Make-Up by Naomi Warden using Jane Iredale Cosmetics
Hair by Kristen Shaw

Silk chiffon vintage caftan with Swarovski crystals; hand printed vintage silk slip dress

Page 3

Hand printed vintage silk duchess dress, BULL heels by Mink, Vintage hat from Vie Bungalow, LA

Page 4

Hand printed vintage silk dress, Drop earrings by Isharya, Vintage hat from Vie Bungalow, LA

Page 5 and 6

Hand printed vintage silk opera coat and hand printed vintage cotton dress (available exclusively at Colette), COW heels by Mink, Bracelet by Isharya, Vintage hat from Vie Bungalow, LA

Hand printed vintage silk opera coat, BULL heels by Mink, Bracelet by Isharya, Vintage hat from Vie Bungalow, LA

Page 7

Hand printed vintage silk dress; reworked vintage linen blazer with Swarovski lapels.

Page 8

Vintage wool crepe dress with Swarovski caviar crystal details, reworked vintage blazer with ostrich feather sleeves, BULL heels by Mink, Hosiery model’s own

All items are from a selection available at Maxfields and Bergdorf Goodman

www.ilovelibertine.com
www.minkshoes.com
www.isharya.com
www.viebungalow.com

Spotlight on Fashion: Libertine (9)

Vicki — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:17:25 +0000

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Through his ecofashion creations, Johnson Hartig has single-handedly revolutionized the way we look at used clothing. Hartig integrates graphic design, clothing deconstruction and additional enhancements into each piece creating a new, completely distinct look called a one-off, meaning one of a kind. Hartig finds a vintage piece, reassembles it, exposes the stitching and raw edges, augments it with details and graphics and voila, a Libertine piece of art is born. Every Libertine fashion piece on the market is one hundred percent original and one hundred percent recycled.

“I think the thing that initially appealed to me was I loved the idea of putting something on that was already worn in,” Johnson said. “It was very appealing to me to pick up something secondhand, very inexpensive and not have the burden of something new that you have to take care of, watch over or be very careful with. I just like the idea of looking like you don’t care too much. Additionally for me, it’s really exciting to take something that’s been discarded and turn it back into something valuable again.”

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Aside from the obvious environmental benefits of recycling clothing, Hartig’s whole graphic silk screening process is also lean and green. For Libertine’s silk screenings, each piece is done individually.

“We do it all on an ironing board here in the studio, using nontoxic inks. We keep it as ecologically minded as possible,” Hartig said.

Hartig and former design partner Cindy Greene launched Libertine in the fall of 2001. With its urbane, topsy-turvy style, Libertine not only remained distinct from other labels, it raised the bar on vintage chic. Just how much did Libertine raise the bar? One of the most iconic designers of the 20th century, Karl Lagerfeld was enthralled with Libertine.

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

“Karl Lagerfeld would come to the studio in New York and just basically buy out the studio,” Hartig said. “Its’ been exciting that way.”

Lagerfeld isn’t the only celebrity coveting Hartig’s masterpieces. “Celebrities in Libertine” sightings include Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mick Jagger, Michael Stipe, Damien Hirst, Liv Tyler and Orland Bloom.

“I had a Christmas party this year and Orlando Bloom was there,” Hartig said, “Orlando came up to me and said ‘I’ve been such a fan of yours from the beginning.”

Hartig believes it’s the inimitable quality of every Libertine piece that makes it so alluring for those that could have any designer they wanted.

“I think what appeals to so many rock stars and celebrities is that you never see your garment on anyone else,” Johnson said. “And for anyone that wants to look very individualistic, that’s very attractive.”

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

So how did Hartig, a man that’s never studied fashion design and really wasn’t all that obsessed with fashion become an eco-couture thought provoker?
A return to Hartig’s childhood provides some answers.

“I was raised during punk and new wave in the eighties. It was a period when fashion was creative and exciting. As a kid at home, I can remember rearranging the furniture, hanging pictures, putting out flowers and styling my Mom. I learned, by watching serious fashion, what designer clothes looked like. My favorite was “Style with Elsa Clinch” and that really influenced me. I think that was probably the impetus for my becoming a fashion improver,” Hartig said. “Then my grandmother taught me how to sew a straight stitch on an old Singer sewing machine when I was 16 years old.”

Although Hartig had been wearing vintage clothes since his early teens, learning to sew opened him up to a whole new world. “I would search for interesting vintage clothes and augment them and that’s how the whole thing began,” Hartig explained. “Because it’s what I wanted to wear myself. I first chose and recreated things that I would wear.”

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Former designing partner Cindy Greene had been a vintage clothes fan along with Hartig since they were kids and helped create their first collection. The story behind this first collection is a designer’s dream come true.

“Over the course of one weekend in New York City in 2001, Cindy and I bought and remade 15 men’s shirts. We put graphics on them, which was revolutionary at the time, because no one had put graphics on button downs,” Hartig said. “I brought the 15 shirts back to LA for delivery to the Ron Herman store. They called back a couple of days later. They said that people were grabbing them out of their hands while they were hanging them up and they’d sold out in 45 minutes and needed 25 more right away. That’s really how it all began.”

Greene decided last year that she wanted to branch out into other areas while Johnson has remained firmly entrenched in Libertine. Hartig now runs the show solo.

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Hartig’s styles intersperse classically traditional designs with flourishes of utter disregard for convention. His frayed seams, raw stitches and unconventional pleats have become Libertine signatures as much as the novel graphics. The graphic themes of past collections have included Abraham Lincoln, early American folk art, goth, 19th century Victorian, and punk.

Hartig’s spring collection “Orbs and Philosophers” was the result of a stay at a haunted hotel in Death Valley with Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. While taking pictures inside the hotel, Hartig noticed orbs in nearly all the images he shot. Whether it was paranormal energy or bad lighting, the orb phenomena served as the inspiration for this delightful and lighthearted collection.

Hartig’s newest line for men and women features rows of giant dots on tailored tuxedo shirts, on lightweight boldly colored sleeveless shifts over black tights, as well as on sweet classic black and white strapless sheaths, all paired with feathered circular hats and bracelets. A business look for Libertine Spring 2010 features a gray women’s jacket and skirt with the giant dots over a black sequined diamond patterned blouse.

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

As for the ecofashion future of Libertine, Hartig is excited.

“I feel really fortunate because now I’m in a position to do really, anything I want and there are so many things I want to do. My goal is to just keep it fun. We’re always going to be a very specialized little niche company. I don’t have corporate aspirations for it. Just keeping the customer interested, keep myself and my crew excited about it,” Hartig said. “It’s a nice way to make a living, you know, to be able do what we want and be conscientious about the environment while creating something that is exciting and good to the earth.”

For more Libertine, go to: www.ilovelibertine.com.

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Beauty Director Loves (9)

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:16:43 +0000

I’m regularly sent slews of the latest this, or the greatest that, but sadly most organic & natural beauty brands still fall short of matching or outperforming their conventional counterparts. However, there are an increasing number of superstar products that do deliver and the purpose of this column is to profile the ‘must-haves’, the ‘definitely-works’ and the ‘don’t-leave-home-without-this’ items that are taking the organic beauty world by storm…

Organic Glam Luminous Antioxidant Foundation

Organic Glam Luminous Antioxidant Foundation – $58: silky, fresh perfection
www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Sukispa Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel

Sukispa Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel – $75: Antioxidant-rich organic peel reveals a visibly smoother, refined complexion.
www.futurenatural.com

Caudalie Premier Cru

Caudalie Premier Cru – $150: The most precious and bioactive ingredients that give superior anti-aging results.
www.caudalie-usa.com

Josie Maran Mascara

Josie Maran Mascara – $22: Voted #1 mascara by Allure over conventional mascara. Smudgeproof & delivers long lashes.
www.josiemarancosmetics.com

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: Best-seller for anywhere you want fresh looking radiance.
www.rmsbeauty.com

Intelligent Nutrients Perfect Hold Hairspray

Intelligent Nutrients Perfect Hold Hairspray – $29: Powerful enough to give your hair hold, but gentle enough to leave it soft, shiny and flexible.
www.futurenatural.com

Jonathan Green Rootine Powder

Jonathan Green Rootine Powder – $15: Brilliant for on-the-go girls to absorb excess oil & product build-up.
www.jonathanproduct.com

ReserveAge Reservatrol Capsules

ReserveAge Reservatrol Capsules – $39.99: Powerhouse of antioxidants scientifically proven to significantly boost collagen production.
www.reserveage.com

Skin Deep

EmmaPezzack — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:15:19 +0000

Photography by Jeffrey Fiterman
Model Hadar Bar, LA Models
Make Up by Julianne Kaye
Asst by Kelly Hunt
Hair by Judd Minter
Black Jacket by Linda Loudermilk, Black Vintage Krizia Hat Model’s Own

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones (with skin that barely needs a sweep of tinted moisturizer before you head out the door, and requires no more maintenance than a swoosh of a wipe at night followed by some simple skin oil), you’ll know it’s a constant struggle to keep your skin buffed, radiant and polished to perfection. The cold winter months take their toll on even the most resilient skin types with the quest for gorgeous & glowing skin or matte alabaster perfection reaching obsessive proportions for most of us. There are multitudes of ways in which you can nurture your skin during this time and some of the key tools in your arsenal besides moisture, should be exfoliant (and we’re not talking the brillo pad kind but those with fruit acids to gently dissolve dead skin cells), some kind of Vitamin C serum to boost collagen, even skin tone and refine skin texture, and regular facials to name a few. Whatever your skin emergencies, inside these pages we’ll give you the scoop, the skinny, and the tricks to S.O.S (Save Our Skin)!

ALABASTER…

Photography by Jeffrey Fiterman
Model Hadar Bar, LA Models
Make Up by Julianne Kaye
Asst by Kelly Hunt
Hair by Judd Minter
Blue Button Down Blouse by Nina Skarra, at Vie Bungalow, LA

Content Description: With Twilight taking the world by storm and vampire movies popping up everywhere from the Cineplex to the 42” flat screen in your home, it’s suddenly au courant to embrace your pale, translucent beauty. Unfortunately if you weren’t born this way, no amount of skin whiteners will help your case toward alabaster perfection, but if you were, taking care of that perfection is key to maintaining a milky countenance…

Alima Satin Matte Foundation – Cool

Alima Satin Matte Foundation – Cool 1: $20
Silky, weightless and reflects light to give a flawless, matte looking finish. Nothing but 100% pure, BDIH certified mineral pigments.
www.futurenatural.com

Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer

Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer: $25
Unique ingredients create a soft-focus effect that conceals while it brightens. Vitamin K helps lighten dark areas, while white tea and cucumber extracts soothe tired eyes.
www.janeiredaledirect.com

Dr Hauschka Translucent Makeup

Dr Hauschka Translucent Makeup – #00: $36.95
A gentle liquid foundation that enhances the skins natural glow, while plant extracts, oils & waxes moisturize & protect.
www.drhauschka.com

Oliv Radiance Elixir – Regenerative Complex

Oliv Radiance Elixir – Regenerative Complex: $49.50
Super-concentrated, bioactive, anti-aging and regenerative complex. Smoothes lines, stimulates cell activity and protects skin from the damaging effects of free-radicals.
www.futurenatural.com

Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisture Stick

Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisture Stick: $22
A head-to-toe spot treatment for dry areas in need of moisture, this soothing balm conditions and repairs skin as it hydrates. Perfect for smooth, soft skin including lips.
www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Euoko W Whitening Series

Euoko W Whitening Series: $110
Advanced whitening collection promises to deliver a flawless, translucent, white, even skin tone using peptides, hyaluronic acid and marine extracts.
www.euoko.com

RADIANT…

Photography by Jeffrey Fiterman
Model Hadar Bar, LA Models
Make Up by Julianne Kaye
Asst by Kelly Hunt
Hair by Judd Minter
Blue jacket with Cowl Neck, Nina Skarra at Vie Bungalow, LA

Content Description: Radiant, glowing, and luminous can all come from within, but even assuming each of us is blessed with spectacular inner beauty, that doesn’t mean our outer beauty is following suit. Those three superlatives are some of the most coveted and desirable skin traits we’d all love to have. Here are some illuminating products to help that quest…

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer: $38
Ultra sheer satin pearl hue to give gorgeous radiance to skin, lips, eyes and works beautifully on all skin types/tones.
www.rmsbeauty.com

Organic Glam Liquid Shimmer Highlighter

Organic Glam Liquid Shimmer Highlighter: $37.10
A range of three colors ensures a fresh, dewy radiance no matter what your color preference. Great on shoulders, cheek bones, inside corners of eyes – anywhere you want some shimmer.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Skin Perfector

Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Skin Perfector: $44
Brightens the complexion, evens skin tone and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles using light reflecting particles. Great under foundation.
www.vapourbeauty.com

Korres Face Primer

Korres Face Primer: $28
Creates a dewy, fresh look to skin & provides the perfect canvas for makeup.
www.sephora.com

Sukiface Tinted Moisturizer – Natural

Sukiface Tinted Moisturizer – Natural:
A luxurious, light, and hydrating makeup that’s loaded with botanicals for a sheer, dewy, flawless finish that lasts all day.
www.futurenatural.com

Aterglow Organic Triple Eye Treatment Conceale

Aterglow Organic Triple Eye Treatment Concealer: $29
Creamy, organic concealer that brightens & freshens the eye area, while offering perfect coverage and a luminous glow.
www.afterglowcosmetics.com

FLAWLESS…

Photography by Jeffrey Fiterman
Model Hadar Bar, LA Models
Make Up by Julianne Kaye
Asst by Kelly Hunt
Hair by Judd Minter
Black Mesh Blouse by Linda Loudermilk

Content Description: No amount of concealer, foundation, or cover-up is going to give you a gorgeous visage if you don’t have the great skin underneath to set the scene. Thinking of your skin as a canvas is critical as a starting point to applying makeup that looks beautiful… but the key is to look as natural as possible, not like you had a wrestling match with the spackle. Use foundation that’s the right color, texture and consistency for your skin type and you’re off to a great start; add a splash of color on the lips & voila! You’ve arrived at a flawless finish…

Organic Glam Creamy Lipstick - Red

Organic Glam Creamy Lipstick – Red: $33
Use alone or under lipgloss for an ultra glam look that’s infused with Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Green Tea, Grape, Lemon & Orange to protect and nourish.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Nvey Eco Organic Liquid Foundation - #510

Nvey Eco Organic Liquid Foundation – #510: $45
Chamomile, Cucumber, and organic Calendula combine to create a soothing, moisturizing, and calming liquid foundation that gives natural radiance.
www.futurenatural.com

Josie Maran Mascara - Black

Josie Maran Mascara – Black: $22
Organic ingredients like Jojoba oil, Argan oil and Beeswax, condition and strengthen while the formula lengthens and defines.
www.josiemarancosmetics.com

Mod.Skin Labs Face Sculpt Serum

Mod.Skin Labs Face Sculpt Serum:
DMAE, marine algae and hyularonic acid combine to create a firming effect in under 20mins. Great underneath makeup as a primer for a smooth, flawless finish.
www.modskinlabs.com

Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist - Light

Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist – Light: $20
Quickly and effectively perfects the skin’s trouble spots. Illusionist covers dark circles and blemishes effortlessly and blends beautifully without clogging pores.
www.vapourbeauty.com

100% Pure Blush Pot Rouge – Blush

100% Pure Blush Pot Rouge – Blush: $15
Blendable & silky formulation that gives a healthy glow wherever you want color. All the taste, smell & color comes from fruit pigments
www.100percentpure.com

Spotlight on Beauty: REN (9)

Jolene — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:14:51 +0000

Spotlight on Beauty: REN

As seasoned followers of natural beauty will attest, REN needs no introduction. REN is the cool and smart brand on the block, maintaining a presence at mainstream beauty retailers like Sephora and Space NK and enjoying A-list fans like Kate Moss, Uma Thurman and Sienna Miller, all while pioneering some of the latest, greatest advancements in natural skincare. The result? A following that blurs the line between earthy and cutting edge. If there were a REN ‘type,’ it would be a beauty user who demands the top reaches of quality, effectiveness and environmental consciousness.

REN, in Swedish, means ‘clean,’ an appropriate association for a company that allows no petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, silicones, glycols, phthalates, synthetic fragrance or color into their products. The concept behind REN solidified back in 2000 when co-founder Antony Buck’s pregnant wife had difficulty finding an effective skincare line that was toxin-free and didn’t cause allergies. Motivated by her experience, the goal of the company became the creation of a safe, natural skincare line for all.

Spotlight on Beauty: REN

When REN’s London-based founders Buck and Robert Calcraft set out to create ‘Clean Bio Active Skincare’ (the brand’s tag line), they stumbled upon some real winners- products that have the potential to command a cult following in the beauty world. From the beginning, they’ve topped bigger brands with products that are customer and beauty editor favorites. What was (and is) the secret behind REN’s reputation as a beauty heavy-hitter? Like all successful beauty lines, aesthetics are key.

The first thing you notice about REN products is their packaging, a mix of minimalist, modernist chic and devout pragmatism. Nearly all REN products are packaged in translucent recycled plastic and vacuum sealed, so air or fingers won’t spoil things. This allows the company to use minimal preservatives. Second, you’re likely to notice the richness of REN’s formulas. I’ve never met a REN product that didn’t feel expensive and this makes the potency of their formulas tangible. And every REN product begs a deep inhale to take in the scent of its natural ingredients, be it rose otto, peppermint or frankincense. ‘You wake up, use REN and the world is just a 5% nicer place to be,” reads a company doctrine.

Spotlight on Beauty: REN

Of course the kicker is effectiveness. REN products are formulated to improve the skin’s natural processes of healing and protection, an idea that we can all stand behind. The majority of us choose natural products because we believe that they are as effective, and far safer, than conventional products. REN makes this certain by using active natural ingredients like cell life-prolonging sirtuin activators, essential fatty acid-rich spirulina and plant-based collagen. “REN’s approach is the blueprint for skincare of the future. With REN you can have the best of both worlds – brilliant products that really can change your skin and the comfort of knowing you’re not ingesting any nasties,” says Buck.

So what makes the list for must-have REN products? There’s no going wrong with the Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask, a sticky mix of fruit acids and papain that, given ten minutes, will bring glow to the surface of a dull complexion. If you have a special event coming up, perhaps a date you want to look radiant for, run out and get this mask!

Spotlight on Beauty: REN

REN’s rose body products also inspire raves, with the Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash topping them all. What’s the secret to its intoxicating rose scent? Steam distilled rose otto oil, both pricey and precious. When you smell rose otto, you’ll understand what the buzz behind the body wash is about. REN offers a bath oil, body oil, sugar scrub and body cream with the same scent. REN’s balms- No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm for face and Guerande Salt Exfoliating Balm for body- get my vote as well, for being mineral oil free and super-rich. Knowing that it’s natural, you’ll love feeling the moisture of these balms melt right into your skin! Best of all the cleansing balm saves you a step by thoroughly dissolving makeup- even mascara
Whether you’re just learning about REN or you’re a seasoned user, the great news is that you can expect more of the same from the company in the future.

“We want REN products to continue to mix nature and science in ways that are fresh and innovative. Most of all, we want our products to be as provocative as they are powerful, raising consciousness even if that just starts with something as simple as washing your face,” says Calcraft.
And, as always, 2.5% of the sales from every REN product go back to helping the earth and others in need. Sometimes you really can do it all!

Spotlight on Beauty: REN

Men We Love: Sir Richard Branson (9)

Anna — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:13:18 +0000

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

As I recently experienced at a dinner party, ask any man who they would be if they could be anyone else in the world, and the answer is Sir Richard Branson (apparently even George Clooney feels the same way!). He is just so impressive that people want to be him. And why not? Beyond being an enigma; a record-breaking, handsome and adventurous Forbes Billionaire; the most iconic and irreverent entrepreneur of our century; and the flag bearer for doing great business and creating a better world, Sir Richard Branson is a bit of a legend. Also immersed in the fight against Global Warming; a Space pioneer; and the man that launched one of the most successful independent British record labels of all time (as well as revolutionizing a host of other industries), Sir Richard stands as a cheeky 21st Century hero for all that’s innovative, just, and fun in the world.

Clearly no stranger to daredevil publicity stunts, Sir Richard’s antics include jumping out of a helicopter with a box of Milk Tray in his teeth upon his arrival to his wedding on Necker Island; Rolling into Times Square in a tank having rigged the Coca-Cola sign with pyrotechnics when launching Virgin Cola; And scaling 407 ft down a casino to announce the launch of the Virgin America LAX to Las Vegas route. Though let’s not forget his legitimate escapades such as record-breaking hot air balloon and speedboat adventures, and rescuing kidnapped British Nationals from Saddam Hussein’s capture during the Gulf War.

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

However, surprisingly-so, Sir Richard is somewhat humble, balking at the idea of being termed a billionaire, and instead intentionally choosing to use his likeness and brand to make a difference on many life-changing global initiatives. Having been knighted by the Queen in 1999, it would be easy to consider him a so-called-Knight-on-a White Charger; A modern day Sir Gallaghad, but that would be too predictable. This handsome daredevil, charging through life in his white spaceship, is truly legendary and one only need spend minutes in his presence to appreciate that. During one such meeting, I cheekily persuaded him to grace our Men We Love column with an interview!

Coco Eco Mag: Sir Richard, if I relayed the story of how this interview happened, no one would believe me. You are curiously accessible for such an icon. Do you believe this has contributed to the success and branding of the Virgin Group?

Sir Richard Branson: Hmm..I’m very interested in that story…I have a feeling it may have happened onboard a flight. The Virgin brand tries to do the right thing for people and the planet: we aim to create memorable experiences through brilliant design and innovation that people want, and we do it with fun but also with respect for the planet. To do that, we listen and learn, and there’s no better way to do that than with our customers. Some of the best ideas come from them so we encourage our staff to talk and listen. I love walking about and talking to our customers because they offer useful suggestions on making their experiences better. Virgin America asks guests to send instant feedback from their seats through their Red in-flight entertainment system. It’s brilliant and so easy. I know Virgin America reads all of them and has adopted more than a few ideas. And all our companies use social media to chat with their customers, sometimes when they are using our free wifi up at 35,000 feet!

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

CEM: You are a role model to budding entrepreneurs all over the world. What do you think has been the foundation of your success?

SRB: One of my favorite phrases is: “screw it, let’s do it!” My parents’ approach to life was that you shouldn’t sit around watching what other people are doing. You should get up and do things yourself. You have to be willing to take risks and try things. Had I not thought to charter a plane and gotten myself, my wife and other stranded passengers home after an airline cancelled our flight, I would not have started Virgin Atlantic! Twenty-five years later, you can fly around the world on Virgin airlines.

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

CEM: What would a typical day in your life look like? Is there such a thing?

SRB: No typical day, thank goodness. In the last few years, most of my time has been spent with Virgin Unite, the Virgin Group’s philanthropic arm, to build business-nonprofit partnerships that help resolve conflict and also a number of social problems. We use our entrepreneurial strength in creative ways to make a difference globally.

CEM: You have exhibited utter fearlessness throughout your career, whether it be on one of your record-breaking adventures, taking on Big Business, starting an airline, revolutionizing industry, or rescuing hostages under Saddam’s regime, to name a few! Do you thrive on the adrenaline of risk-taking, believe you are invincible, have nerves of steel, or a combo of all three?

SRB: Well, I certainly don’t think I have nerves of steel – and I’m far from invincible. But I do love a challenge and knowing that I’m living life to the fullest. You certainly have to be a risk-taker to succeed, but overall I just like to give things a go — and have a lot of fun trying.

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

CEM: Who or what inspires Sir Richard?

SRB: I’m greatly inspired by Nelson Mandela.

CEM: Through Virgin Unite, you’re fostering a new and exciting breed of entrepreneur. One who combines both a passion for innovative business models with a dedicated social responsibility? Can you give a brief overview of VU’s directive?

SRB: Virgin Unite was launched to tackle social and environmental problems by using an entrepreneurial approach – in short, we think differently about how to address big problems. Virgin Unite works on three areas: big ideas like The Elders and Carbon War Room, business mobilization (helping our businesses mobilize their staff and partners using their business strengths), and entrepreneurial incubation such as the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in South Africa and soon a young entrepreneurs program in the US. We use business as a force for good, and both our companies and our partners are energized by this basic and exciting principle. For example, Lady GaGa, whose tour Virgin Mobile is sponsoring, was so impressed by the company’s dedication to homeless youth, that she decided to match up to $25,000 in donations going to our youth homeless partners. And in South Africa, Virgin Unite has built public-private partnerships to tackle health care issues. The South African government and Unite started an initiative modeled after the US’ Center for Disease Control to deliver high quality data, quickly share best practices, and coordinate responses to and control serious health crises.

CEM: I am particularly interested in the Carbon War Room. What is its mission?

SRB: The Carbon War Room is working to identify, speed and scale solutions that work for business and the planet. Our new global initiative started with the help of Virgin Unite and its partners by bringing together successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, policy experts, researchers, and thought leaders to focus on market-driven solutions. Our founders include some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs and institutions who are passionate about helping to tackle this problem. In Copenhagen last month, we convened unlikely partnerships within the shipping industry to showcase efforts to increase efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions using innovative low carbon technologies.

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

CEM: Let’s discuss the Virgin Earth Challenge. $25 million for a way to clean the carbon from the sky. How’s that going?

SRB: We started the prize because removing the lethal amount of CO2 from the earth’s atmosphere is a big problem and we wanted the best minds to figure out how to solve it. Man created the problem, man should solve the problem. It’s as simple as that. The Virgin Earth Challenge offers $25m for whoever can demonstrate to the judges’ satisfaction a commercially viable design resulting in the removal of atmospheric greenhouse gases. The prize has gotten people thinking about the role of man in global warming and devising solutions on all fronts. To be sure, it is a lofty goal – and we’re continuing to incubate the initiative with leading academic institutions. I have no doubt that the prize will eventually help a team of researchers get to the next stage of development. Basically, I believe in our resourcefulness and in our capacity to invent solutions to the problems we have ourselves created. There is no silver bullet for climate change, but the idea is to get to as many solutions as quickly as possible.

CEM: Virgin puts its transportation company profits into developing clean energy alternatives. Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to fly with biofuel. Quite a feat! What other sustainability measures does the Virgin Group have in place to counteract the aviation industry’s carbon footprint?

SRB: We hope that our family of airlines can have a positive influence on the movement. We are, for example, the first carriers to call for global legislation on airline CO2 emissions. Virgin Atlantic was the first to fly with renewable fuels, and Virgin Blue was the first to offer carbon offsetting to their passengers. Virgin America’s upfront investment in new planes and fuel-saving practices means its fleet is 25% more fuel- and carbon- efficient than the average US fleets. In 2009, Virgin America became the first US airline to commit to documenting its carbon footprint via internationally- accepted standards on The Climate Registry and to offer guests carbon offsets in-flight, via the Red system.

Global warming is the greatest single challenge facing our world today. Although we represent a small part of the aviation industry, we have a high profile as a global brand and our companies are each doing their bit to raise awareness, choose the best partners, and encourage their customers to act responsibly.

Since 2006, Virgin Group has been reinvesting all profits from our transport related businesses to clean energy. And through Virgin Green Fund, we’ve plowed investments into clean technology such as Green Road, whose automated service tackles inefficient and unsafe driving to reduce harmful vehicle emissions and lower the cost of operating vehicles.

CEM: Just for fun, anything left on your to-do list?

SRB: We can’t wait for the launch of our commercial spaceline, Virgin Galactic, the world’s first. I’m very excited about our new F-1 racing team. I am also looking forward to more Virgin America launches. The local markets are so excited and supportive of the airline and the launch parties are brilliant: wouldn’t you agree?

Images Courtesy of Virgin America.

One of a new breed of Econoclast, Sir Richard is a personal hero. Committed to the war on carbon (including making his personal retreat Necker Island the first carbon neutral island in the world), he is leading the revolution in the search for a solution to Global Warming via biofuels, technology, and a healthy dose of entrepreurialism. If all of that were not enough, he is also making commercial space travel viable, and greening it at the same time (he ensures that flying into space with Virgin Galactic will release less C02’s than a person flying from London to New York and back on an Upper Class Virgin Atlantic ticket, whilst NASA’s Space Shuttle has the same environmental output as the population of New York during the average weekend*). However, always present within his endeavors is a sense of fun, and it is always branded in the Virgin-esqe cheeky, irreverent, and sexy sense of humor.

Sir Richard Branson is the poster child for living life to the fullest, doing good business whilst making a global difference, and having the most fun doing it. Across the over 200 companies under the Virgin umbrella, or the 50,000 people he employs, Sir Richard represents the accessible and aspirational spirit of the Virgin Group brand. Now, he is also almost ready to lift off into space with Virgin Galactic, and in the process blow us all away again! Incidentally, he has named his first spaceship, VMS Eve, after his Mom. Now what on Earth about this man is not to love?

* Quoted from Richard Branson Business Stripped Bare

Spotlight on Design: Ford+Ching (9)

Amber — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:12:05 +0000

BCBD Primary

It was an unexpected and unanticipated start for longtime buddies Willard Ford (son of Harrison) and John Brady when they set out to create an international agency for design. During a vacation in Thailand, and as they walked the country’s streets and roads, the cities and towns began to inspire great minds to think alike as they came across beautiful designs from local artisans and furniture makers. The duo set out to be the independent representatives for, not only their Taiwanese vendors, but for other international designers around the world and in the U.S. In 2006 the partnership of FORDBRADY was born.

FC Showroom

As they set up base in the historical Kim Sing Theater in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, a prime location in this emerging design community which Ford had already bought and lived prior to the start up of the company, they not only developed a company but also a brand. Having no background in the industry is was apparent that they had a natural and skillful eye in hand selecting stylish and functional pieces for their collections. Never professing to be an all-around and exclusively eco-friendly design gallery their choices still remained ecologically responsible. Many items of the collection (which includes both furniture and artwork) feature eco-friendly materials from around the world, which includes recycled, reclaimed, rapidly renewable products ranging from metals to woods, which all create exotic and cross-cultural options for everyone. The collection consists of contemporary designs that are inspired by nature yet warm and creative.

Silk Work Cocoon

FORDBRADY created a company that did not exclude itself from any design field. Its association with the Kim Sing Theater Group has allowed them to offer a wide rage of services along with their amazing furniture and art collections. They have in essence become a one-stop shop for all you design needs, by offering services such as, interior design and architecture services, tile and pre-cast concrete manufacturing, custom cabinetry, construction management, and more. But in 2009, not soon after FORDBRADY was formed, Ford + Ching emerged. The departure of John Brady from the team was sudden but behind the scenes the stress of a failing economy proved to be too much and the partnership came to an end. Still longtime friends to this day, Ford and Brady can’t seem to break the bond that they had on that trip to Thailand that sparked the independent design gallery’s formation. With the subtraction of Brady and the addition of childhood friend Andrea Ching, Ford + Ching continues to hold the same standards and values as it always has. With the accumulation of Andrea’s 10 years of skill, talent, and experience in the furniture design world, the partnership has been given an advantage that it may not have had before. “ [She] brings a level of professionalism and expertise that was absent at FORDBRADY,” said Ford about his new partner, going on to say “ the addition of Andrea will surely increase the scope or work and better allow us to break new designers and new design.”

Primary

The new partnership of Ford + Ching now operates to the trade mostly, and to the public twice a week. They are continuing to represent emerging designers who are both local and international. “It’s a highly edited selection of products, Andrea has a great eye fro more traditional stuff, and I have a somewhat demonstrated ability to find new designers” Ford says. The collection is now a result of an eclectic combination of shapes, sizes, materials, and functions that all compliment the current need for the “wow-factor” in design.

WB Desk

Ford + Ching Sustainable Lines:

Riiska Design- Andrew Riiska’s craftsmanship accentuates the detail in the reclaimed and found woods that make up his designs. His expert joinery and signature constructing methods stabilizes already formed cracks in the material while also providing a unique and one-of a kind detail to ever piece.

Freeing Eco Couture From The Seams That Bind!

Angus Hutcheson- architect turned furniture and accessory designer Angus Hutcheson is best know for the unique application of natural materials to lighting design. Inspired by whimsical feel, his most intriguing lighting line is composed of stainless steel and more impressive silkworm cocoons. The Chrysalis lighting collection emits an ethereal glow that only this material can create. Other designs use renewable and recyclable materials such as mulberry tree bark. All materials are selected with its environmental impact in consideration.

Wood Drop Black and White Primary

Skram- skram strive to minimize its impact on the environment with every piece that is produced. Only using responsibly harvested woods, low VOC stains and paints, non-toxic adhesives, water-based finishes. In 2009, the company is transitioning to a LEED contributing, formaldehyde-free, 100% pre-consumer recycled content substrate in all of its veneered products. It’s contemporary to transitional, high-style and high-quality casework and seating options are warm, functional, and impressive works of art.

Ching

Take Action: Paul Rice, CEO of TransFair USA (9)

Anna — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:11:32 +0000

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

Paul Rice is the President & CEO of TransFair USA, the leading Fair Trade certification organization in the U.S. Since launching the Fair Trade Certified label for coffee nine years ago, Paul has helped establish Fair Trade as one of the fastest growing segments of the food industry.

Please describe fair trade and its value to consumers in your own words.
It’s all about fairness and hope. In my mind that extends to not only to farmers and farm workers all over the world, but also for consumers who want to make a difference but don’t know how. Something as simple as a daily cup of fair trade coffee is a powerful act that reaches across the planet and helps other people. To me fair trade is all about hope.

I used to live in Nicaragua. I was there for eleven years and I worked with farmers and saw a lot of poverty and hopeless. People who worked their whole lives, yet were not able to afford to send their kids to high school, or pave their home’s floors or have clean water in their villages. The farmers looked to the government and charity to solve those problems.

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

When I started PRODECOOP, which was Nicaragua‘s first fair trade coffee export in 1990, I joined a journey with 3,000 small coffee farmers that turned the whole business model from one of powerlessness and hopelessness, to one that allowed farmers to be self-reliant. Through PRODECOOP, families put food on the table, fixed the community school, and cared for their kids with their own resources–their own money based on the principle of a fair price for their labors. Witnessing this made me a true believer in fair trade.

Which of your strategies brought about deeper awareness of fair trade in North America?
Frankly, I think it was the early recognition that fair trade is a multi-stake model which depends on the involvement and success of all partners in the system. Key partners are consumers, producers and companies. Historically, the trade mentality, as seen in Europe, saw it as a global alliance between rich countries and poor farmers. Industry was a necessary evil of getting products to markets. When I brought the fair trade movement to America, I really rethought that mind-set. My thought was that capitalism and stainability can be combined. So far the fair trade model has shown that profitability and social justice can go hand-in-hand.

At TransFair, we help companies tell their story and reach the 20%-30% of American consumers who consider themselves an “ethical consumer”–that is 40-60 million people in this country who on a regular basis are shopping with their values. This consumer is really transforming capitalism, by encouraging companies to seek a wedding between profits and stainability.

What has been the hardest part of educating the American consumer about fair trade?
Here in the U.S., we really position fair trade products as a quality product first, with the secondary message of “you are helping the poor when you buy.”

In the early days, retailers were open to bringing in fair trade goods, but they made it very clear that the product could not taste like sh-t. The stores could not charge a premium price if the product tasted bad. Farmers had to invest in quality. We took that message back to the farmers, and raised money and invested in training, quality control measures, machinery, and cupping labs. Then we had coffee farmers enter coffee contests around the word, and they starting winning award after award! Now we could go to consumers and say, “Buy this coffee not only because it tastes excellent, but also feel good when you buy it because you are helping farmers get out of poverty.”

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

What are your goals or desires to extend fair trade beyond agricultural based products?
It is really interesting to see major brands and retailers doing so well with their current line of fair trade food products that they in turn are coming back to us asking, “What more can you do to extend fair trade?” If you look at the rapid expansion of fair trade products in the U.S., that expansion has been driven by businesses eager to expand fair trade. We have moved from coffee and tea to rice, sugar, honey, wine, and much more. Now we are exploring how to certify toys, apparel, gold, sea food and timber. Certainly the standards for fair trade food will be different then apparel, but the principles of fair trade will be valid and applicable. Namely, environmental stainability, fair price, living wages, and community funds.

One exciting development that we are in the pilot phase of is farm-to-factory apparel. We wanted to go beyond the farmers who raise the cotton, to the factory workers that are creating apparel. So now we have come from certifying single composite products like coffee and tea, to multi-composite products like chocolate and body-care, to factory produced products in the spring of 2010.

What is your number-one concern with the fair trade movement at this time, and what solution do you see?
As fair trade as grown, so too have alternative methods of certification where the standards are lower to make a lower price point. To a consumer that is not aware, when shopping, that shopper may not understand the difference between a fair trade label and another certification. That person may go for the cheaper product not understanding that the means less money going back to the farmer.

Any closing thoughts?
I think we are very close to seeing a fair lifestyle coming about. Fair trade really fits into the current business trends of more sustainable supply chains, greater transparency and greater product traceability.

I really believe that people want to make a difference but are stressed with the tasks of daily life. We all eat and we all shop. By turning our act of eating or shopping into an act of grace and goodwill, we have done something truly remarkable for people everywhere. Every purchasing act is casting a vote. Stand up and be heard with your purchasing dollars! **

TransFair, USA
www.transfairusa.org

Eco Chic City Guide: Sydney (9)

Tara — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:10:13 +0000

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

Is it the beautiful sun, surf and sand or the cosmopolitan lifestyle that attracts so many people to Sydney? Everyone is captivated by Australia’s largest city and all it has to offer. You can revel in Sydney’s playground of beaches and national parks and then chill out in the most stylish boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Once you have walked over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, caught a show at the Opera House and spotted a koala in the Blue Mountains, you can then check out the many eco gems awaiting you in the stunning city of Sydney.

SHOP BOUTIQUE

Bird Textile Emporium

This emporium of eco loveliness is the name on everyone’s lips. Every purveyor of style, from magazines to museums, is rushing to showcase the eye-catching designs of Bird Textile. Rachel Bending’s award-winning label and store offers unique fashion, homewares and stationery which are handmade outside of Sydney, in Byron Bay using 100% renewable solar power. The gorgeous fabrics are certified organic and water-based dyes are used to create quirky and covetable prints. With such commitment to the environment, it is perhaps no surprise that Bird Textile became Australia’s first climate neutral business in 2004 and that owner, Rachel is often called upon to guest speak around the country at events focused on design and sustainability. To see the charming range of eco products from Bird Textile for yourself, be sure to step into their Emporium in Surry Hills. This is the prettiest place to find products to furnish your ethical lifestyle in the most striking, stylish and sustainable way.

Bird Textile Emporium

380 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, Sydney. Ph: +61 (0)2 6680 8633
www.birdtextile.com

I Ran The Wrong Way
Love the name, love the shop, love the stock! This enchanting store may be on the teeny side but their commitment to filling every nook and cranny with the best ethical and sustainable products is inspiring. There is an emphasis on showcasing Australian designers and products such as organic beeswax candles from Northern Light and Jangling Jack rings made from recycled vintage silver cutlery, as well as stocking products from co-operatives in countries like Nepal, Peru and the Philippines. The area of Surry Hills is fast becoming the place to visit when in Sydney but it is stores such as ‘I Ran The Wrong Way’ that should be at the top of your shopping itinerary. The store is designed in the style of a local, quirky general store and it’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique eco treasure for you or someone you cherish.

I Ran The Wrong Way

378 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, 2010 (Cnr Marlborough Street). Ph: +61 (0)2 9698 0698
www.iranthewrongway.com

Todae
If you want to become fully sussed about sustainable living then Todae is the destination for you. Todae offers conscientious customers the opportunity to shop online or at their store in Glebe for the best eco gadgets and gizmos. This is the perfect place to unleash the green geek within. Every manner of solar powered, energy and water saving products and devices can be found here along with other popular and useful household items. You can shop for pampering products too such as fluffy organic cotton towels, bed linen and natural organic skin care products. Todae stocks all of life’s eco essentials and the store will also fill you with inspiration on how you can start living an even cleaner and greener life.

Todae

83 Glebe Point Road, Glebe 2037. Ph: 1300 138 483
www.todae.com.au

SHOP VINTAGE

Pelle
Green girls will find that a shoe utopia does indeed exist for them in Sydney and it can be found at the ultra stylish store, Pelle. Situated in the classy environs of Paddington, this chic boutique offers women the chance to purchase second-hand designer footwear but at a fraction of the cost. Expect to find all of your shoe BFFs such as Gucci, Prada, Marni and Stella along with accessories such as decadent bags, gloves and scarves. Many people are shocked to learn the products sold at Pelle are second-hand and that the store is of the consignment persuasion because everything is in excellent condition. From cute ballet flats to skyscraper heels, this is the only place to find drool-worthy designer footwear at purse-worthy prices.

Pelle

90 William Street, Paddington 2021. Ph: 02 9331 8100
www.pelleshoes.com.au

Grandma Takes a Trip
This pretty boudoir of fun fashion finds from the 50s through to the 80s will keep all vintage loving girls happy for hours. The fashion is glam and quirky and the accessories such as hats and shoes are beyond sweet. Many of the pieces have been collected from the UK, which gives Antipodeans the chance to inject their closets with a little European style. Everything is neatly organised and presented in a sleek boutique way which makes treasure hunting all the more easier and enjoyable. Remember to take several of your best reusable shopping bags to Grandma Takes a Trip because you are bound to exit with copious amounts of vintage booty!

Grandma Takes a Trip

263 Crown St, Darlinghurst/Surry Hills. Ph: +61 2 9356 3322
79 Gould St, Bondi Beach
www.grandmatakesatrip.com

EAT

Billy Kwong
If you want a restaurant that is both virtuous towards the planet and the palate, then head immediately to Billy Kwong. Winner of the Good Food Guide’s Sustainability Award 2009, Billy Kwong is a Chinese restaurant that is showing every other restaurant how eco-eating should be done. Only ‘organic and biodynamic fruit and vegetables, poultry, meat and noodles’ are served at the restaurant, as well as organic soy sauce, sugar and oils. All tea, coffee and chocolate are Fair Trade and bottled water has even been shunned in favour of filtered Sydney tap water. These stellar initiatives are down to owner, Kylie Kwong’s extraordinary passion for the environment.

Billy Kwong

Not only is chef Kylie Kwong a popular television presenter and author of four cookbooks, including ‘My China’ (winner of Best Chinese Cuisine Book in the World – 2008 Gourmand Cookbook Awards) but she is also patron and spokesperson for Oxfam Australia, ambassador to the Fair Trade Association and supports other organisations such as the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Kylie believes that ‘our food choices should be ethical, sustainable and supportive of both the natural and human environment.’

Billy Kwong certainly knows how to make all things green delicious (and I’m not just talking about their steamed Chinese greens with organic tamari). Billy Kwong proves that restaurants can indeed make it work when it comes to caring for the planet. Now, hopefully other restaurants will follow suit and make it wok!

Shop 3, 355 Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010. Ph: +61 2 9332 3300
www.kyliekwong.org/BillyKwongs.aspx

Funky Pies
Australians love a good pie but where do you go when you want a healthy, vegan pie in Sydney? After a swim at Bondi you can make your way over to Funky Pies for an ethical refuelling. You will find tasty pies made with 100% plant-based ingredients available in a variety of innovative flavours such as Spicy Thai Pie or No Wurry Curry made with lentil, coconut and chickpea curry. There is no need to worry about ordering a pie on the fly because Funky Pies uses biodegradable packaging such as starch based plastics and recycled fibre card for their take away products. With the packaging guilt taken care of, you may as well go ahead and order a side of mushy peas, mash and gravy with your pie. Funky Pies also offer scrumptious sweet treats and organic juices and organic, fair trade coffee. Even the staff uniforms have been made sweat-shop free. Funky Pies really is saving the planet one pie at a time.

Funky Pies

Shop 2/144-148 Glenayr Av. Bondi. Ph: 0420 415 164
www.funkypies.com.au

Iku Wholefood
You won’t have any trouble tracking down healthy, nutritious and delicious food in Sydney thanks to the many Iku Wholefood stores scattered throughout the city. From breakfast to dinner, this vegetarian chain will always have a delectable dish to offer you that is free from numerous food foes such as dairy, additives, preservatives and genetic modification. Each day, gourmet goodies such as vegan cocoa cardamom muffins, fennel and olive miso soups, macroburgers and chai spiced semolina puddings are whipped together in Iku Wholefood’s Sydney kitchen for its hungry and health conscious customers. I’d suggest grabbing your meal of choice ‘to go’ and then heading to one of Sydney’s iconic sights for some sublime, al fresco dining. What could be better than biting on a piece of Adzuki Pumpkin and Ginger Pie with the Sydney Opera House as your backdrop?

Iku Wholefood

62 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Ph: +61 2 9360 5351 (see website for more store locations).
www.ikuwholefood.com

Le Pain Quotidien
At Le Pain Quotidien, you don’t have to worry about the origins of the food or how to pronounce the name (PQ will do), all you have to do is enjoy the menu which is positively overflowing with organic ingredients. The tempting array of pastries and artisan breads will encourage you to sit down at one of the rustic, communal tables for either a light bite or more substantial plate of scrumptiousness.

Le Pain Quotidien

For breakfast you can enjoy organic granola and omelettes and for lunch and dinner you can try quiches or one of the gorgeous tartines (open sandwiches) such as ricotta and dried fig with tomato, honey and black pepper. Just remember that Le Pain Quotidien originated in Brussels, so it would only be polite to try either a Belgian sugar waffle or brownie for a mid morning snack. Whichever dish you select, your taste buds will relish the fact that all the bread, coffee, tea, milk and juice served at Le Pain Quotidien are organic. This sort of organic triumph deserves a toast and may I suggest the perfect non-alcoholic drink? Homemade lemonade, made with organic lemons and sweetened with organic Agave syrup. Délicieux!

Le Pain Quotidien

Bondi Junction (Westfield Bondi Junction). Ph: 02 9386 0840
Also located at Leichhardt (54 Norton St) and Surry Hills (Cnr Fitzroy & Bourke Sts).
www.lepainquotidien.com.au

Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore
For anyone who loves a good book and an equally good cup of organic tea, then Gertrude & Alice is the place for you. This charming second-hand bookstore and café has been imbued with the literary and culinary spirits of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas respectively and is a real favourite amongst locals, artists, intellectuals, coffee-lovers and perhaps even the odd surfer or two from nearby Bondi Beach. Gertrude & Alice have a selection of over 25,000 books so you may need to pace yourself. That won’t be hard thanks to the comfy velvet lounges and café menu featuring something for breakfast through to dinner. Try delectable morsels such as the toasted raspberry and pear bread or the hearty Moroccan Lentil Stew. As you scan pages and sip from a dainty china cup filled with ‘Alice’s Famous Chai’ you may feel as though you are tucked away in a bohemian, hidden hot spot in Paris. Only, this is Sydney, but it is a lovely little taste of Europe in the sun drenched locale of Bondi.

Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore

46 Hall St, Bondi Beach, Sydney Ph: (02) 9130 5155
www.gertrudeandalice.com.au

INDULGE

Jurlique
Australian beauty brand, Jurlique is one of the world’s leading biodynamic skincare lines. Sydney couldn’t be a better place for you to stock up on your favourite Jurlique products or to introduce yourself to the range. Jurlique have retail stores and day spas located around Sydney which makes it incredibly easy to call a tourist timeout and indulge in a little holistic beauty goodness. You can opt for a heavenly aromatherapy facial or if you have been walking all over Sydney, you may want to try the Essential Foot and Leg Care treatment which Jurlique describes as a ‘facial for the feet’. If you can’t manage a spa treatment, you can always buy some essential skincare products for the long flight home. Try the best-selling Rosewater Balancing Mist to keep you hydrated and then treat your hands to a lovely cream in either a citrus, lavender or rose scent. You may not be able to visit Jurlique’s ‘self-sustaining biodynamic farm in South Australia’ but at least you can take a little bit of Jurlique home with you.

Jurlique

Retail and Day Spa – The Strand Arcade, 193 Pitt Street Mall 2000. Ph: 02 9231 0626 (further locations at Westfield Bondi Junction and Chatswood (excludes body treatments and spa packages).

Jurlique

Retail Stores are also at Bondi Beach (36 Campbell Parade), Paddington (352A Oxford St).
www.jurlique.com.au

Dr. Hauschka Discovery Centre
Many green girls are familiar with the name Dr. Hauschka. This German beauty brand has been impressing everyone since 1967 with its line of high quality natural skincare products. If you would like to learn more about the popular range of products you can visit the Dr. Hauschka Discovery Centre in Rozelle. For $30 (AUS) you can enjoy an introductory session that will cater to the current needs of your skin with an array of lovely treatments including a warm lavender compress, facial steam bath, clay mask and more (this price is redeemable with purchases). The centre not only offers the complete range of Dr. Hauschka beauty treatments, but you can also purchase cult products such as the Rose Day Cream from the retail store. This a wonderful way to spend a few hours and once you step out of the centre all dewy and glowy of skin, you can go onto to discover the many cute cafes of Rozelle and nearby Balmain.

Dr. Hauschka Discovery Centre

641 Darling Street, Rozelle. Ph: (02) 9818 6119
www.drhauschka.com.au/dr_discovery.html

Stevie English Hair
Treat your tresses to a stylish hair cut or treatment at Australia’s first climate-neutral hair salon, Stevie English Hair. Steve Corthine and his team of savvy stylists will have your hair looking just as spectacular as the celebs and models they are used to working with and they can make it all happen the most eco-friendly way. The hair colorants used are ammonia-free and ‘based on minerals, botanicals and essential oils’ while all the treatments offered are organic. Try ‘The Power Lift’ for damaged hair which uses sweet almond oil to restore your locks to their former glory. This Glebe salon has even been decorated with recycled furniture and building materials and has installed the best energy saving devices for water and lighting. Don’t forget to try one of their barista standard cups of coffee or tea when you are there because the drinks are organic and fair trade, along with the milk, sugar and honey. This is the life for the organic diva!

Stevie English Hair

153 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037. Ph: 02 9423 7033
www.stevieenglish.com.au

STAY

Diamant Hotel Sydney
Spend your Sydney nights at this hotel and you will be close to all the major sights as well as fabulous restaurants. You will find the Opera House, Darling Harbour and the chic shops of Oxford Street all within walking distance. Many of the contemporary and stylishly appointed rooms come with private balconies, courtyards and enviable, city skyline views, so book early to secure one of these.

Diamant Hotel Sydney

The hotel management monitors and reviews the environmental issues of the hotel each month and ensures that staff are environmentally aware. The Diamant’s power is run on a renewable energy source and the hotel has also strived to use water based paints and furniture and soft furnishings constructed from natural products wherever possible. In the bathrooms, all showerheads have been installed with water saving devices.

Diamant Hotel Sydney

To cater to the fitness needs of guests, the hotel also offers ‘free use of all of the facilities at Fitness First Kings Cross’ gym, so there is no excuse not fit in your daily dose of yoga or pilates. You can also find the largest bathhouse and spa in Australia near the hotel, Body Inc Bathhouse and Spa.

Diamant Hotel Sydney

14 Kings Cross Road, Potts Point 2011. Ph: +61 2 9295 8888
www.diamant.com.au

Lane Cove River Tourist Park
Stay close to nature and the city by booking into the award-winning Lane Cove Tourist Park. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are only 10kms away but you can enjoy a more serene, peaceful pace of life by staying within Lane Cove National Park. If you are not the tent pitching type then why not stay in one of the fully serviced family or en-suite cabins? During the day you can bush walk or hire boats and bikes to explore the park before enjoying a picnic lunch or classic Australian BBQ and in the evenings you can take a wildlife tour to see the native animals.

Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Lane Cove River Tourist Park is well recognised for its environmental commitment, receiving certification from environmental organisations such as Green Globe. The park has installed solar stations and a Nano Particulate Bio Reactor to recycle grey water as well as an Ark Energy Saving Unit to ‘cover the Park’s entire electrical usage.’ Recycling stations are also located around the park along with worm farms for composting. Lane Cove River Tourist Park explains, ‘every dollar spent in the Park goes directly towards maintaining our precious environment and perpetuating our carbon neutral footprint.’

Lane Cove River Tourist Park

Plassey Road, North Ryde/Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. Ph: +61 2 9888 9133
www.lcrtp.com.au

Blue Mountains Private Safaris
Hidden amongst the Australian bush, a little over 100km from Sydney, lays a secret bush camp that will give you a real slice of Australia’s green life. You can sleep by the banks of a river, beneath the open sky surrounded only by trees and wildlife. Yes, you’ll be camping but you will be camping in style. You can either drive or be picked up from Sydney and whisked away to this secluded location at the southern end of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Once you hear the sounds of the city replaced by the sounds of kookaburras, you will know its safari time. Your private guide can take you on bushwalks past waterfalls and canoe rides down the Wollondilly river as well as give you a tour of the pioneering town of Yerranderie. Remember to keep a lookout for any kangaroos, platypus and wombats.

Blue Mountains Private Safaris

After a day of intrepid exploring, you can return to camp to enjoy a lovely cooked dinner served with a glass of excellent Australian wine (sourced locally from the Southern Highlands vineyards). Sleep will be equally blissful because your ‘swag’ is actually a comfy mattress with a soft duvet and pillows. There is also an eco-friendly en suite with a hot water ‘bucket camp shower’ with towels and organic soaps provided. If this is what life is like in the bush, then hand me a billy can, put a damper in the fire and call my next door neighbour a kangaroo because I could definitely get used to this!

Blue Mountains Private Safaris

Ph: 1300 790 561 (international: +61 2 9 571 6399)
www.bluemountainprivatesafaris.com

GETTING AROUND

Public Transport
Sydney can be explored easily by public transport. Trains, buses, ferries and even the light rail and monorail can all take you from point A to B quickly without you having to rely on the more polluting modes of transport such as taxis or car rental. If you are taking the bus, look out for the green CBD Shuttle bus stops where you can pick up a free bus that travels around the city, stopping by many popular attractions.

Sites like Transport Info 131500 offer Trip Planning services that allow you to enter your starting and finishing destinations online along with your preferred mode of transport before receiving directions (in you choice of language) with the estimated travelling time.
www.131500.com.au

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

There is a variety of transport tickets available for visitors but the SydneyPass is certainly worth considering. This ticket can be purchased for three, five or seven day periods and offers unlimited travel on most forms of transport and can include return Airport Link train transfers.
www.sydneybuses.info/tourist-services/sydneypass.htm

Green Tomato Cars
For moments when only a taxi will do you can always turn to Green Tomato Cars and their fleet of hybrid vehicles. Green Tomato Cars have been operating in London since 2006 and recently began offering the same eco-friendly transport options to Sydney-siders in 2008. As you get whisked from Darling Harbour to the Opera House in a Toyota Prius, you’ll be relieved to know that the ‘electric engine uses 40% of the fuel used by comparable car services and produces 60% less greenhouse gases.’ To book a car, simply call and you will be given a quote along with the chauffeur’s name and number plate beforehand. This is the way to travel in style around Sydney but with a minimal impact on your wallet and the environment.

Green Tomato Cars

Ph: 1300 72 9998
www.greentomatocars.com.au

EXPLORE

Lets Go Surfing
When you mention Sydney, most people immediately picture the golden sands and sparkling waters of Bondi Beach complete with requisite surfer dudes and girls. Most people also secretly imagine themselves surfing spectacular 6 ft waves (with equally spectacular beach physiques). Fortunately the first part of this dream can come true if you decide to book a surfing lesson with Lets Go Surfing. This is ‘Bondi Beach’s only licensed surfing school’ and lessons are available 365 days of the year with fully qualified staff. There is a broad range of lessons on offer from the ‘which way do I stand on this surfboard’ beginner courses to more skilled courses that cater to those types that always feel at one with the water. First timers to Sydney and surfing will enjoy the Bondi Surf Experience Taste Test, a beginner course that lasts for two hours or beach babes may like to try the Bondi Surfer Girl lesson that takes place on Sundays. You can also book private lessons with a personal coach who can instruct you or a larger group of people (surfboards and wetsuits are included in all lessons). Lets Go Surfing say that ‘seventy percent of all students stand up in their first lesson’ so a splash-tastic time will be had by all, whether you’re surfing upright or surfing in a way no one has ever seen before!

Lets Go Surfing

128 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi, NSW, 2026. Ph: (02) 9365 1800
www.letsgosurfing.com.au

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
There could be few things better for the soul than taking a ramble or run along the popular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. You can start at Bondi Beach, near the amazing pool at Iceberg’s club and then pass by the Aboriginal carving at Mackenzies Point and continue on to the stunning beaches of Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Gordens Bay (ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving) and finally Coogee. The entire walk is 6kms long but you can do as much or as little as you please. There is a bus that can take you back to Bondi Junction or Circular Quay along the way.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

Blue Mountains
A day or weekend trip to the Blue Mountains is a wonderful way to see another side of Australia’s beguiling beauty. Located approximately 90 minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains attract many tourists and locals wanting to see the popular towns of Katoomba and Leura. Why not take the train from Sydney to either one of these towns and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you wind your way up the mountains. Disembark at Leura and wander around the charming stores, cafes, tea rooms and gardens and then travel onto the mountain’s largest town, Katoomba. Here you can see the famous Three Sisters, Echo Point and the Scenic Railway and the Skyway that travels across the Jamison Valley.
www.visitbluemountains.com.au

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

GETTING THERE
Sydney may be some distance away so environmentally conscious travellers may consider flying with an airline such as the award-winning, Virgin Atlantic. Not only was it the ‘first airline in the world to operate a commercial aircraft on a biofuel blend’ (demonstrating its desire to move towards more environmentally responsible transport options) but Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson has also pledged to ‘invest all of his future profits from the Virgin transport companies into bio-fuels R&D and projects to tackle climate change.’

Branson’s airline also aims to improve its ‘fuel efficiency by 30%, by 2020′ and an instrumental key part of achieving this goal involves using the most efficient aircraft. Virgin Atlantic has ordered the 787-9 Dreamliner which burns ‘around 27% less fuel per passenger’ than the aircraft it will replace in the fleet and the noise footprint is 60% lower also. This is a big step towards decreasing its carbon emissions. Virgin Atlantic also aims to ‘recycle or reuse 50%’ of its ‘waste lovingly by 2012’.

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

Fair trade teas and coffees are available on board (with organic varieties becoming available) and passengers can also choose to offset the carbon emissions from their flight through the Swiss based charity, MyClimate.
www.virgin-atlantic.com

For flights within Australia and to nearby destinations such as New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, you can fly with Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue.
www.virginblue.com.au

Airport Transfers
Sydney’s International and Domestic Airports offer a rail service connecting you to the city within 15 minutes. Tickets for the Airport Link can be purchased at the terminals with one way tickets starting at approximately $15.60. If you have too much luggage and require a vehicle for transport, you can call Green Tomato Cars for a hybrid taxi.

INTERVIEWED by: Karen Snyder
PHOTOGRAPHY provided by: TransFair USA

Airport Link
www.airportlink.com.au

Green Tomato Cars
Ph: 1300 72 9998
www.greentomatocars.com.au