Image: www.nixxi.ca
Nixxi
Soft textures and images of cherry blossoms greet you when you visit the Nixxi website. These Salt Spring Island designs exudes a peaceful and ethereal serenity. The cherry blossom motif served as center of Nixxi’s Fall 2007 collection, all made in Vancouver under the watchful eye of designer Jada-lee Watson.
Her soft mix and match lines includes hoodies, tees, tunic tops, pants, capris and camisoles. All were created with a slew of sustainable fabrics including: hemp, organic cotton, soy, bamboo and organic linen. Available in the company’s online store and in local Canadian businesses, Nixxi has become a favorite among casual dressers and yoga enthusiasts.
Adhesif Clothing
Looking to combine the eco-conscious act of shopping at vintage and second-hand stores with the unmistakable giddy joy of buying a new piece of clothing? Then Vancouver-based Adhesif Clothing is the brand for you. Stylish, affordable, one-of-a-kind and kind to the planet, everything from Adhesif is made from old clothing and spare fabrics from textile factories.
Montreal-born AC founder Melissa Ferreira spent years as a vintage clothing buyer for local shops before starting the brand. She likes to add hand touches to the clothes whether it is embroidery, appliqué, silk screening or hand dying -- it's easy to see why the brand has become so popular.
Adhesif Clothing’s upcoming Spring 2008 offerings promise to be irresistible since it’s been influenced by the eclectic florals, plaids and geometric shapes as well as the cuts of the late '60s, early '70s. Look for pleated blouses, side-buttoned capes, cropped vests and jumper dresses.
Shirtseed
Using bamboo and organic cotton, Vancouver-based Shirtseed has created a timeless collection of plain and simple-design-flanked T-shirts for boys, girls, baby, and women. “Being transparent about the environmental and human impact of production is imperative. It is the responsibility of producers to inform consumers to the best of their knowledge. We forget that clothing is agriculture because of the long journey from seed to garment,” says Amy Rogerson, Director of Shirtseed.
Though their goods are manufactured overseas, they are done so in a fair trade certified factory that is visited several times a year by Vancouver agents. The company also used natural dyes for their vibrant colours and is able to conserve water and energy. As part of their dedication to protection of the habitat and safe use of bamboo fibers, Shirtseed openly supports Pandas International, a non-profit “formed to ensure the preservation and propagation of the Giant Panda.”
See all these designers at the Vancouver Green Living Show, February 29 to March 2.
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.
Green Living Network
