Ecollection Day 1: Sustainable Style Hits the Mainstream

by Haily Zaki

MAGIC’s sustainable lifestyle show ECOLLECTION debuted this week to an international crowd of fashion industry buyers. The expansive showcase featured a juried and progressive collection of eco-minded apparel and products, as well as seminars, fashion shows, a plush lux lounge, and a bookstore. The sheer volume of exhibitors illustrated how many new brands are turning an eye toward sustainable design. While the products varied in degree of true “green-ness,” the overall fashion prognosis is optimistic. By fall, it will be much easier to shop for a stylish and sustainable wardrobe. Check out the highlights from day one!

Besides Lounge 22’s bamboo seating, ECOLLECTION was decked out with artist Kathleen Plate’s recycled glass art and Be Sweet’s giant felt rocks and pebbles. One Plus One, a fellow sustainable fashion blog, provided a helpful Guide to Buying Green with priceless info on what to look for in sustainable fashion, from bamboo to tencel, dyes to ink.

The ‘Greenest’ brand of the day had to be Ecopurna, a new line of urban outer and atheletic wear made from recycled polyester fibers (plastic bottles). Launched by outdoorsy Canadians Mark Trotzuk and Steve Saldebus (manufacturer and designer, respectively), Ecopurna is completely sustainable. They use Blue Sign, a new type of rating system to ensure that the entire production system - from the zippers to the dyes to the very threads - are sustainable. Ecopurna’s designs are functional enough for outdoor use, but stylish enough for urban wear. Our favorites were the tiered Swing Coat and the urban Mandarin. You can look for them at REI in the coming year or order online directly. Pretty cool, eh?

Overall, organic cotton ruled the floor at ECOLLECTION. Santa Cruz’s Kate Organics showed their soft and feminine Spring + Summer 2009 collection. From the simple Essential Tunic, to the long and elegant Mustique with sassy ruffle accent, to the cross-backed Picnic dress, the new collection is comfortable and casual with just enough ornament and detail to make each piece special. Crafted from organic cotton, the palette is all solid for now. But coming later this summer, Kate plans on launching some of the pieces in organic printed toile from India made with low-impact dyes. Look for their lovely frocks and adorable tops at Fred Segal. (Note the lovely Mio Culture wall in the background!)

Our friends from Indigenous Designs, pioneers in the premier eco-sensitive and socially-conscious apparel segment, showcased more exquisite and luxurious fair trade pieces in bright hues.

Designer Peter Lang Nooch of Grey Goods showcased a new, entirely organic eco-line of work and casual wear at ECOLLECTION. “Green Goods” offers all the eco-rockers out there a selection of organic fleeces, casual wear, and industrial work wear (i.e. dickies). They offer an in-stock program so you can order directly from their website and get your very own green goods one day later. The new label is so fresh it doesn’t even have a website yet, but check back soon! With Lang Nooch’s street cred, we’re sure you’ll hear more from Green Goods very soon.

Atlanta-based Lindsay Pelliccia’s eponymous Pelli Cha offered up fabulous eco-chic evening wear constructed out of luscious layers of peace silk from ahimsa to muga. Some of the pieces, debuted earlier this year at Miami Fashion Week, appeared in the morning fashion show at ECOLLECTION, including the Rafaella and the Helena. The fall collection is moody, feminine, and rife with ruffles.

Another interesting stand out was Lady Muse. Started by Mathilde Rosset, a Los Angeles-based designer, writer, performer, mom, and self-proclaimed mystique on a journey of discovery, Lady Muse is totally theatrical. Look for Lady Muse’s baroque and romantic coats this fall on stars like Fergie, Amy Smart, and Annalynne McCord. Made from reclaimed upholstery fabrics, these handmade coats are like modern cloaks, and each one comes with its own little booklet describing its story.

Besides apparel, we were smitten by Be Sweet’s smart felt creations. From the succulent pillow to the realistic pebble and rock collection, all of their nature-inspired accessories are made by twelve different co-op groups of South African artisans. Besides the home accessories, they offer a range of felt and yarn creations.

Naturescast’s bright club chair also caught our eye. Composed of dried twigs, dead leaves, branches and forest cast-offs compressed with a water-based resin, it recently debuted in the VIP lounge at the Grammys. Among the celebrity tooshes to grace this bright red, food-safe acrylic seat were Cyndi Lauper’s and Andrea Bocelli’s! Naturescast was also showing their jewelry.

We also loved the Loop Collection of hand drawn patterns on eco-conscious materials. Loop offers wrapping paper, cards, and even a few special edition prints. Everything is hand drawn by trained architect and founder, Elissa Barbieri, and printed on recycled paper with soy ink. They boast a FSC Chain of Custody certification, ensuring that every step in their production is sustainable. Loop’s lovely creations are available at MOMA and Kate’s Paperie in New York.

+ ECOLLECTION at MAGIC

Source : http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/08/30/ecollection-at-magic-day-one/

Designer Discovery: NaturesCast

August 28, 2008 | marissam | Comments 0

New to jewelry design, NaturesCast has taken a turn from the furniture store. The company produces eco-fashions rich in innovation and abundant in motive. Taking to jewelry design with a distinctive flair and innate elegance, NaturesCast uses eco-friendly materials found on the floors of the forests to produce modern jewelry that never fails to awe its consumer. The collection includes necklaces, bracelets, belts, earrings and bags for a productive take on fashionable possibilities. The NaturesCast collection comes in a variety of bold yet simplistic colors that can make any outfit run to the top of the list.

Source : http://fashionindie.com/designer-discovery-naturescast/

Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc. Green teamwork

Opposites attract naturally, they say, yet more compelling is the idea of two people guided with same instincts and excelling together. While one pushes, the other does the shoving, and alternate. They may not be completely differing, still they are the Yin and Yang of each other.


Pete and Cathy Delantar are just as that. Jointly working their way, they have successfully found their niche in a commerce as tough and volatile as the industry of home furnishing and accessories. From its birth in 1996, Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc. has indeed made its mark in the market, not only locally but globally as well, through its innovative exquisite green concepts and designs combined with strategic marketing resolutions.

Founded on its design policy of incorporating natural aesthetic values of locally abundant materials in their products without disturbing the environmental balance, the Delantars brought forth creations that were both uniquely crafted and eco-friendly. As Cathy strives for product development, Pete goes his way for marketing and promotions.

By the brand itself, the company already suggests its pride of being green, perhaps could also be identified as part of its corporate social responsibility. Having first- stonecast, then marmorcast, and now naturecast as the environment friendly product, theirs are fashioned from barks, leaves, twigs, shells, among other natural materials.

In recognition, Nature’s Legacy bagged the Environment- Friendly Entrepreneur award conferred by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007. Add to this is the Excellence in Ecology and Economy (E-3) award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry also awarded in the same year.

“We, as a company, believe that designing an environment-friendly product starts with an understanding of your environment first. We have looked around the area where our facility is located, and recognize that the sustainable and renewable resources are around us, and the skills that need to be honed, and the infrastructure available,” shares Mr. Delantar.

Skillfully transforming natural resources into artistic and functional home furnishing products along with various outdoor accessories, the company parades with original fountains, planters, lamp base, candleholders, statues, birdbaths, garden bench, tables, wall decors, and many others. The company also went beyond for pre-audit certification for Life Cycle Analysis, Cradle to Cradle, SA 800, and Green Seal.

Not failing to impress, Nature’s Legacy was recipient of the Golden Shell Award for Excellence in Design and Manufacturing in 2004. Also a regular exhibitor of the biannual Manila F.A.M.E. International, the company won two Katha Awards in 2001.

At present, Nature’s Legacy has regular buyers all over the world being able to penetrate the US, European, Middle East, Canadian, China, South America and Australian markets. With their world-class quality products, the then small business situated in Compostela, Cebu has grown into a lean manufacturing company. Not only did the business placed Compostela in the world map as a source of quality home furnishing products, but it has also provided livelihood to the local community, specifically employing 120 people in 2006.

With intelligent persistence paired with commanding artistic flair, the Delantar husband-and-ife tandem has proved to be inexorable. Together, they gave another taste of Filipino pride.

Witness more of Philippine green designs along other features as various companies showcase their first-rate Filipino creations at the Manila F.A.M.E. International organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions happening on October 16-19 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information, see www.manilafame.com .

Source : http://www.citem.com.ph/ss_stories.asp?idpg=60

USA – Naturescast Introduces Bloss Collection

(18.08.08)

Natures Cast, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada announced that they added ‘The Bloss Collection’ to its line of chic and modern furniture, home décor furnishings and accessories for the home, office or commercial environment. Like the over 100 other products in the line, Natures Cast uses an innovative process to create functional and artistic furniture and décor from agro-forest waste such as dry leaves, dead twigs and barks from the forests around Compostela, Province of Cebu, Philippines.

Source: http://www.furnitureglobal.com/news/news.asp?newsid=2559

NaturesCast Eco Friendly Furnitures Made of Dry Leaves and Dead Twigs

Eco friendly furnitures by NaturesCast are manufactured with the use of dry leaves, dead twigs and barks from the wonderful forest of Compostela in Cebu City. With the intention of recycling the loads of garbage they have in their community, Catherine, a co owner of Nature Cast together with Pete, decided to think of some ways to make use of those garbage they have and then came with these contemporary, sleek, elegant and eco-friendly products. Their furniture line is perfect for modern homes, especially for those who have toddlers that tend to mess out anywhere. I find it safe enough since it is not made of fabric.

Source : NaturesCast via Contemporist

http://www.igreenspot.com/naturescast-eco-friendly-furnitures-made-of-dry-leaves-and-dead-twigs/

Eco-friendly furniture from NaturesCast

Posted by Dave on August 17th, 2008

NaturesCast products are manufactured using dry leaves, dead twigs and barks gathered from the forests around Compostela, Province of Cebu, The Philippines. Forest scraps are then shredded through a special machine, bonded together using an odorless water based binder and shaped into functional forms designed by local artists.

Visit the NaturesCast website - here.

NaturesCast Introduces Bloss Collection

Sunday, August 17, 2008

By: Furniture World Magazine

Print Page | Send This Article By E-mail |

NaturesCast®, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nevada announced that they added The Bloss Collection to its line of chic and modern furniture, home décor furnishings and accessories for the home, office or commercial environment.

Like the over 100 other products in the line, NaturesCast® uses an innovative process to create functional and artistic furniture and décor from agro-forest waste such as dry leaves, dead twigs and barks from the forests around Compostela, Province of Cebu, Philippines. The materials are shredded through a special machine and bonded together using odorless water based binder then shaped into the unique and functional forms.

The Bloss Collection includes a 63 inch long Curl Displayer that can be used as a table or bench or as a display for home décor items. Also included in the collection are the Lilli Planter, Calla Planter and Tulip Planter, which are ideal for use indoors or out.

A collection of six pieces of complementary wall art completes the collection. The wall art can be arranged in a group or individually depending on the décor. Wall art pieces available include the Lyre Stick Graphics, X-Thin

Thin Graphics, Circle Graphics, Slash Graphics, Arrow Graphics and Bowling Pin Graphics.

All products in the new Bloss Collection are unique but classy and come in a variety of colors including natural, black, RC tone, brown and two-tone. The neutrality of these products allows them to fit well with any home, office or commercial décor.

The Bloss Collection plus other furniture and accessories in the line are on display at the NaturesCast® permanent showroom at Las Vegas World Market Center, Building C, Suite 785.

Besides the Bloss Collection, NaturesCast® has created products and accessories including vases, tables, table accents, wall art, accent pieces, trays, bowls, wine chillers, frames, chairs, stools and many more. Along with local artisans in the Philippines, NaturesCast® owner Pete Delantar designs many of the pieces himself.

A Filipino-based eco-friendly master furniture and home accessories manufacturer, NaturesCast®, creates functional and artistic home décor and furniture products.

“Each piece is an interesting reflection of the Filipino’s ingenuity and artistry with its clean and elegant lines,” explains Pete Delantar, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of NaturesCast®. “The products carry the warm tones and texture of the natural ingredients where they came from. Each is individually designed by local artisans in The Philippines including myself.”

Other Products Also Introduced

Besides the Bloss Collection, other products NaturesCast recently introduced include a Rock Planter, Lounge Chair and Coffee Set, Diversity and Sound Ripples Wall Art and Drop Floor Lamps.

- The Rock Planter stands approximately 36 inches tall and can be used indoors or out to display plants of all kinds. The chic and modern design of this planter adds style to any room or garden décor.

- The Lounge Chair and Coffee Table Set is a neutral decorative furniture set that adds beauty and ambiance to any home décor. The coffee table is 36 inches in diameter and stands 6 ½ feet tall. A cushion is available for added comfort with the 30 inch wide Lounge Chair.

- The Diversity and Sound Ripples Wall Art pieces add emphasis to any wall or room with unique designs. The art comes in various shapes and formats for individual taste.

- The Drop Floor Lamps are ideal accent lighting pieces for any room, large or small. These creative pieces, inspired by water droplets, come in two sizes to suit the lighting needs of any area. The Big Drop Floor Lamp stands 60 inches high and the Small Drop Floor Lamp stands 36 inches high.

Other products available from NaturesCast® include vases, tables, table accents, trays, bowls, frames, chairs, stools and many more.
About NaturesCast: NaturesCast® is a division of Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc. and a member of the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC). The company is owned by Pete and Cathy Delantar, Chief Executive Officer and Vice President respectively.

All of the NaturesCast® products are manufactured in one of four plants, owned by Nature’s Legacy in Compostela, The Philippines, and exported to the US, Canada, other Asian countries and Europe. A subsidiary company, NaturesCast®, Inc., is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For more information about any of the NatureCast® furnishings or accessories contact NaturesCast®, Inc. at 3485 W. Wigwam Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89139, by phone at 702.616.3683, by fax at 702.897.4494,or by email at info@naturescast.com or norrie@naturescast.com. The web site is www.naturescast.com

Sources : http://www.furninfo.com/absolutenm/templates/News.asp?articleid=9232&zoneid=8
http://www.giftshopmag.com/press_release/2008/08/natures_cast_boss_collection

Salvaged from the Forest

August 15th, 2008 Laura

Check out the new Bloss Collection from NaturesCast! Like the over 100 other products in the line, these pieces use an innovative process to create functional and artistic furniture and décor from agro-forest waste such as dry leaves, dead twigs and barks from the forests around Compostela, Province of Cebu, Philippines. The materials are shredded through a special machine and bonded together using odorless water based binder then shaped into the unique and functional forms.

NaturesCast is a member of the Sustainable Furniture Council, and you can find out more at www.naturescast.com.

Source : http://www.athomearkansasblog.com/?p=278

Choose Eco-Friendly furniture for a greener house

What is eco-friendly? Environmentally friendly, eco-friendly, and nature friendly are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment. By using eco-friendly furniture, we are care about our tropical rainforest and against any illegal logging activities.

Eco-friendly furniture considered as any product that using other materials than wood or using legal product. Below are some of the furniture manufacturers that have the solutions and inspirations to save the planet for their products.

Make sure your home is forest friendly by visiting greenpeace Forest House।

Nature’s Legacy with NaturesCast® as one of their products name, are manufactured using dry leaves, dead twigs and barks gathered from the forests around Compostela, Province of Cebu, The Philippines. Compostela is about 30 miles from Cebu City. Via Nature’s Legacy

Source: http://www.shearyadi.com/myworld/choose-eco-friendly-furniture-for-a-greener-house/

Eco-Design Revolution takes center stage at Manila F.A.M.E. International

The green light is now turned on as Philippine designers and manufacturers stage another edition of Manila F.A.M.E International, (16-19 October 2008, SMX Convention Center Manila Philippines) Asia’s premier design destination. Manila FAME is the flagship project of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Bringing top of the line designs and quality home and fashion pieces for the past 25 years, the bi-annual trade event is once again set to showcase the country’s design flair only making it more exciting by using eco-friendly and sustainable materials such as abaca, rattan, capiz and many others. Since last year the industry is supporting the Go Green scheme giving back mother earth her worth.

The brazen design of the show embraces sustainability by tapping all the unique and indigenous raw materials found in the Philippine islands. Apart from the existing raw materials, recyclable materials like newspapers, glass and scrap metals were also turned into fine furniture, unique home accents and chic fashion and holiday décor making Manila F.A.M.E. International a hive of all things creative and innovative.

This edition’s designer consultants who are tasked to echo the green wave are Tes Pasola and Reimon Gutierrez together with Milo Naval as the over-all creative director. For fashion, Filipino designers Ivan Aseron and Joey Samson are this years’ merchandise consultants. Their lucrative styles have escalated Fame’s look attracting buyers from various countries like USA, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong Germany and Australia.

The Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange, more known as the Manila F.A.M.E International is yet again another quality shopping spree for big names in the industry with the likes of Detlef Klatt of German company O Living and Australian retailers Barbara and John Hermon of Hermon and Hermon who frequently come to source at the show. Over the years, brands such as Armani Casa, Pottery Barn, Tangs, Robinsons, Harrods and Papaya have made Manila Fame their best-kept secret sourcing fair.

Not just a platform for international exhibition, Fame also serve as the link between the Philippine companies and the local and foreign design luminaries since 1983. The show’s Merchandise Design Consultancy Program or MDCP is a collaborative effort of designers and manufacturers in creating new products for the discerning worldwide market.

Manila F.A.M.E International is an accredited event of the UFI, a Paris-based organization of leading trade show organizers and major international associations in the exhibitions industry. A number of exhibitors in the show were also recognized by Japan’s Good Design Award, Red Dot, the Unesco-AHPADA Seal of Excellence for Handicraft products in Southeast Asia and the International Design Yearbook.

Green Goes Global

The Green campaign is turning to be a global phenomenon. As the global awareness fever continues to stretch to other sectors like the global entertainment industry, a group of actors tagged as the Actors Guild organized a Malibu Beach Party on the 4th of July 2008 where Manila F.A.M.E. exhibitor Natures Legacy’s eco-friendly products were showcased. Natures Legacy from Cebu is renowned in making eco-art products, with some of their collections such as the green coffee table and stool made of Naturescast recycled resin and lacquer and a Naturescast chair made up of acrylic and plywood gracing Hollywood parties.

From the Go Green campaign launched in October 2007, Manila F.A.M.E International October 2008 edition is making the green greener. According to Mr. Pete Delantar of Natures Legacy, being green is not only the product or the process, it also includes a lot of other things like manufacturing process, carbon footprint measurement, energy saving program, facility and environment management, community development program, recycling, water conservation and many more.

After a year of highlighting the green perspective, the industry now calls for a stronger campaign in greening the export and trade industry. A fair trade with a green tag is not enough, buyers now ought to go for companies who follow the green standard. In order to tap the growing US$ 600 billion greenfluenced market globally, Mr. Delantar emphasized that trainings and workshops should be available to certify more green companies.

Visit Manila F.A.M.E International and discover how local manufacturers embrace the green wave for more exciting and eco inspired design-driven pieces

For information, visit www.manilafame.com

Source : http://www.citem.com.ph/DisplayIndividual_newsarchive.asp?ID=278