Image: www.australianoutback.com
Australian outback collection
Started over two decades ago in the Down Under, the Australian Outback Collection has firmly established itself in the heart of Vancouver. Billed as “urban ready gear” for the “concrete jungle”, the AOC mixes functional wardrobe pieces with versatility and enduring style.
Dedicated to supporting their new homeland, AOC proudly promotes its Made in Canada garments. Available on their website’s online store is specific line of men’s shirts that were sewn right in Vancouver. Doing their part to help lessen their carbon footprint, the AOC has recently introduced clothing made from sustainable fabrics - specifically hemp, bamboo and tencel. Shirts and hats for both men and women at the center of their sustainable offerings, along with a multi-pocket tote bag.
Will new designs and organic cotton being their future? Ask them yourself at the Vancouver Green Living Show!
Ethical soles trading company
Nestled in the cozy streets of Winnipeg, you’ll find the home of the Ethical Soles Trading Company. Working as a Canadian distributor of ethical footwear and apparel, the company is focused on selling goods that are both environmentally and socially responsible. “The companies that manufacture these products recognize the power they have to raise social standards in the communities in which they operate, and work tirelessly to reduce the environmental impacts of their production processes. When you shop at Ethical Soles, you can shop with a clear conscience,” says the ESTC website.
Currently, the heart of their collection is from the Boston-based union apparel company No Sweat. Produced in independent, union-run factories in Canada, the U.S. and overseas; No Sweat offers men’s and women’s tops and bottoms, along with a line of Conserve-like sneakers for the whole family. Very soon, ESTC will be carrying sandals and flip-flops from Sole Rebels, an Ethiopian company who started out making traditional shoes from recycled rubber tires. Also coming to the store soon will be goods from Fair Trade Sports - balls for a diversity of sports, stitched by adults paid fair wages.
Nektar designs
Founded just last year by Nelson, British Columbia’s Catherine Gaudreault, Nektar Designs will be unveiling its Fall 2008 line at the Vancouver Green Living Show. Made from organic cotton/bamboo and soy/cotton blends, Nektar’s collection is made for both men and women right in British Columbia. “Nektar believes that stylish clothing does not have to be created at the expense of the planet,” says Catherine.
Before starting Nektar Designs in 2007, Catherine was the founder of Tigris Clothing (2003-2007). Most recently, she also designed a line for the new Seattle-based organic clothing company Truly Organic. Based in the Kootenay region of Southwestern British Columbia, Nektar's designs are influenced the rich artistic history and natural splendors in the area. For Catherine, passion is the heart of her designing influence: “passion is meant to be released, unbridled, like wildfire.”
Victoria Everman is a freelance writer, model, on-camera personality and founder of the San Francisco Craft Mafia. She is a regular contributor to Green Living Online.
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