Down to earthwear - Tools for green living: resources for eco-awareness and action - Brief Article

E: The Environmental Magazine, May-June, 2003 by Jaime deBlanc-Knowles

In the late 1990s, mainstream designers began using environmentally friendly fibers, such as organic cotton and hemp, in their clothing lines. It was this marriage of upscale fashion and environmental responsibility that inspired two entrepreneurs to start their own clothing lines. The result: organic, responsibly manufactured clothing that screams hip, not hippie. Sara Cross' CoolNotCruel features fashions that would look right at home on the catwalk: silk skirts, vintage dresses and organic cotton chinos. These ultra-chic numbers offer an alternative to the conscious consumer who wants to be eco-friendly without sacrificing style. Men's and women's articles range from $90 to $200.

Marci Zaroff's Under the Canopy catalog offers trendy, comfortable styles for everyday life. It could be mistaken for the Nordstrom's catalogue, with its A-line dresses and sleek yoga outfits. But Zaroff's clothes are selectively chosen for quality and consciousness. All fibers are processed naturally and colored with organic dyes such as pansy and oregano. The resulting soft colors soothe the eye, as well as the mind. The catalog features apparel for men, women and children, as well as bedding and jewelry. CONTACT: CoolNotCruel, (646) 221-6363, www.coolnotcruel.com; Under the Canopy, (888) CANOPY-9, www.underthecanopy.com.--J.D.K