JOLIE, a German magazine knocks it out of the ballpark with their green issue and highlights my career focused on values-based modeling (Nov 08 issue), which the Germans really seem to appreciate- (perhaps I’ll need to travel out there come 2009-and visit family while I’m there). Seen here, a photo by Seth Karecha. I’m wearing Levi’s ECO and Ombre Claire jewelry. Click here to learn about the tales behind the jewelry pieces.

The C.L.A.S.S. event was pretty cool I suppose. Loved seeing the latest in sustainable textiles all in one place - FINALLY. Wished we had a bit more dyanmic of a talk–saw some people nodding off in the audience, but others found the dry industry-speak to be worthwhile. I won’t exhaust the issue any longer. If you missed the event and want to see an overview, The Green Girls have a good one over on their blog. And if you’re a sustainable designer and don’t know where to go to find good fabric, C.L.A.S.S. is your answer–or will at least put you on the right trajectory.

The  next day after the C.L.A.S.S. event, Tara St. James from Covet invited me over to N10 in Williamsburg to check out a cool showroom sample sale of sustainable design lines. We drooled over how cute the chef was who catered the C.L.A.S.S. event and then I oogled over her samples and met up with Eviana Hartman - one half of Bodkin Brooklyn (and previously the fashion features ed from Nylon Mag). All-in-all the sample sale/wine fest drew in the most stylish hipsters from Hipsterville and all the girls determined we’d have a get-together over one of our houses soon. There’s too many tragically cool chicks cut from the same cloth in the good ‘ol Burg to let that opportunity pass by. Who knows, pretty soon one of us may decide to have babies and move to a Brooklyn brownstone in Park Slope (eek, let’s hope not!)- so we better get on the party bandwagon. Let’s do it in January chicas!!!  My house!

Anyway, I came out of the sample sale only $65 poorer, but with some priceless bling, so it was a damn good tradeoff. I got some vintage jewelry and a great feathered hairpiece–that contagious must-have accessory that seems to be going around. I’d throw a picture of it up online, but you’ll see me wearing it tomorrow at the Charity: Water benefit. Sorry to keep you in such suspense! In the interim, I’ll tempt you with Bodkin and Covet below.

Covet by Tara St. James - organic cottons, soy blends, and other beautiful sustainable clothes for M and W.

The simple black-and-white appeal of Bodkin Brooklyn by Eviana Hartman and Samantha Pleet

The Tipping Point: What is the current state of sustainable fashion? How has the current economic downturn affected the industry? And how do we create pathways towards change?

All very good questions. Let’s see if we can answer them!! I’ll see you there.

6PM-7:30PM Roundtable; 6PM-9PM event. 233 Park Ave S, 2nd Fl

A couple weeks ago Payless and I opened up the showroom doors to over 100 magazine editors (and a few lucky bloggers) to grab a sneak peak at the sustainable footwear  and accessories line we’ve been developing under the label, Zoe & Zac. Around 2PM we had a bit of a lull in traffic, so I snuck back into the design area with Nancy to work out some accessory ideas. It’s safe to say that the editors liked what they saw, which is always a good lithmus test.

chatting it up with editors at the Payless showroom. Clothing shout-outs: Dress - Beau Soleil; Sweater - Lara Miller; Ring - Dandi Maestre; Necklaces  - Ombre Claire, and the shoes “coming soon” compliments of Payless.

We’ll be starting off with women’s casual footwear, jewelry and bags; release some children’s looks; build up to women’s dress shoes; and then launch a men’s collection. We’ve begun to incorporate organic cotton,  linens, hemps, water-based glues, reduced-metal dyes, PET, recycled rubber (minimum 20%), eco-foam beds (a super cool alternative to conventional PVC foams and similar in chemical composition to Kevlar). The name Zoe & Zac came to be after some quant/qual studies on names Payless customers loved and that one quickly rose to the top. We all loved it too because it’s so young, fun and fresh and sure as hell doesn’t scream “GREEN!”  It also indirectly states that any girl or guy can do the green thing when it comes down to it, (especially when it’s so damn affordable).

A sneak peak at one of our cute ballet flats due out in April 2009.

It’s been awesome working with the Payless team to develop the brand. We’ll be updating the looks a few times every year and we’ve got some on-trend, fresh looks that will totally be on point for the coming season.

Keep an eye out for the Zoe & Zac launch this April 2009 and your eyes here for some of the latest developments–both on the style and sustainability front. We’re already looking ahead to the summer line and other environmental efforts, so stay tuned. Things are moving forward quickly!

Much attention has been paid to Sarah Palin’s style these last couple weeks–thanks to the surprising news about her impressive wardrobe bill. And while our ears may be tuned to economic news these days, our eyes cannot help but be drawn to the perfectly frivolous but delightfully satisfying allure of Vice Presidential and First Lady style.

I think it’s safe to say that even Joe the Plumber knows that Sarah Palin is in no danger of preaching the good word of environmental responsibility…But since Sustainability is such a top-of-mind issue  and Style is something that Michelle, Cindy, and Sarah all have—I figured it was time to look at some of the sophisticated, sustainable White House-worthy power pieces they’re donning in the final days.

Lucky for us Recessionistas, these pieces are sharp, stylish and won’t force anyone to take out a second mortgage.

GET ALL MAVERICKY WITH A SLEEK SUIT. This well-tailored silver-gray, single-buttoned suit jacket with skinny leg trouser commands attention while playing up feminine sophistication. All fabrics are Oeko-Tech certified. Design by Noir and available at Fashion-Conscience for $860 USD.

MILITARY CHIC. We may not all be able to tote a gun around, but we can be buttoned up in this shrunken military style suit jacket and pencil skirt with asymmetrical seams. 100% bamboo rayon suiting lined with organic cotton in gunmetal black. Design by Deux-Fm and available at Nimli. Suit $296 USD; Skirt $144 USD.

GOT SHOES? YOU BETCHA! No animals were harmed in the making of these shoes. These very contemporary, vegan heels give any suit an elegant but modern edge. Shoes by Neuaura and available at Nimli. Esperanaza boots $89 USD and Lolita shoes $74.

IT’S COLD IN ALASKA. Wrap up in bi-color jackets made from 80% recycled wool and 20% nylon. Designs by Grace & Cello and available at Nimli for $260 USD and $365 USD respectively.

POLLS ARE IN. A cosmopolitan mac hand-embroidered by women in Pakistan. Available at Ethika Boutique for $230 USD.

WINNING CANDIDATE. An organic cotton fleece swing coat with bow that adds a beauitful feminine detail for the colder months. Design by Emily Katz and available at Nimli for $174 USD.

FROM PTA MOM TO VP-CLIMBING THE LADDER. An origami pleat ladder blouse is a decidedly feminine take on a traditional tunic. Hand-woven in Pakistan. Available at Ethika Boutique for $105 USD.

FOREIGN POLICY. An elegantly-cut sari-inspired dress with gold brocade and embroidery detailing. Classicly elegant form by Indian-American designer Swati Argade; made to order.

CASUAL CAMPAIGN. For a more casual look, try a pleated organic cotton blouse and organic cotton twill sailor pants. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $166 USD and $230 USD respectively.

SWING STATES. Swinging, slouchy style with this basic black dress. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $345 USD.

SMOOTH TALKER. A 100% silky smooth floral print blouse is perfectly patterned. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $307 USD.

CLASSIC BLACK. A 100% organic cotton, hand-embroidered pleated dress with high-neckline has some First Lady appeal. Designs by FIN Oslo and available at Ekovaruhuset for $307 USD.

JACKIE O to OBAMA MAMA. A Michelle Obama must-have. This slim shift dress shapes the body while the sixties-inspired vintage floral collar gives a touch of femininity. $220 USD and available at Enamore.

HONE IN ON YOUR INNER JACKIE O. A beautiful A-line dress with high neck made out of Hemp/Tencel and silk yoke detail and ribbon sash . $244 USD and available at Enamore.

PARTY IT UP PREZ STYLE. Don’t hide your feminine form-accentuate it in classy style with the Gracie dress made from a jet black organic silk dupion, lined in organic cotton voile and trimmed with vintage fabric detailing. $414 USD and available at Enamore.

PRESIDENTIAL COVER UP. This silk dupion bolero with vintage bow is perfect for throwing over a simple dress or pant. $140 USD and available at Enamore.

Oeko-Test Germany discusses my “Eco-Modeling” platform; photo: Seth Karecha