Here’s how you can find sustainably sourced bling to polish your signature style with a conscience.
By MIA BARNES
Read MoreFashion Compassion Paving the Way for Ethical E-Commerce: "Nobody Buys Fashion Because They Pity It."
With most of our shopping done online these days and ever more brands available at our virtual fingertips, it becomes more of a challenge as consumers to shop online with sustainability and fair trade in mind. Entrepreneur Ayesha Mustafa aims to change this with a unique online platform called Fashion Compassion.
By Mariam Sheikh
Read More
Rasma Puspure: The Ethical Jewellery Designer To Watch Now
This young Latvian jewellery designer welds together an eco-conscious approach and light, effortless design, creating pieces so full of character they will spice up any wardrobe.
By Johanna Raudsepp
Read More#SavantGiveaway: Ice from Ash Ethical Jewellery
Interview with Anneliese Hauptstein, Designer and Director of Ice from Ash
What led to your interest in crafting zero waste jewellery?
My degree in Industrial Design exposed me to the reality of our consumer culture, the devastating condition of our environment and the unfortunate division of designing from crafting. Where once a designer was a maker and an expert in their material, the methods and forms, now the focus has shifted to the market, the machine and the bottom line. I chose instead to follow my passion for the materials themselves. I did a PhD in Materials Science and started my own studio exploring and experimenting with the most interesting materials and processes I could find. I keep it small, slow and local, working with natural materials and striving to make the best design choices I can, such as using recycled packaging and branding my own boxes.
What materials are you using?
My latest love is ceramics. I have a little kiln and I have been experimenting with melting silver wire works into ceramic pieces.
I am constantly looking into new processes and materials and weighing their pro-s and cons, whether that be the sustainability of the resource, the ethics of manufacture, or the energy in transport. I use a lot of silver, because it’s strong, durable, lovely to work with and recyclable. I use some leather, usually Kangaroo, as it is local, compostable and abundant. I have also started making pieces using mushroom and kombucha leather as a vegan alternative.
"Where once a designer was a maker and an expert in their material, the methods and forms, now the focus has shifted to the market, the machine and
the bottom line."
What does the whole process look like from the idea to actual pieces taking shape? What's the most difficult aspect of the making part?
I have a collection of little notebooks with research on subjects as varied as the Kikuchi patterns of crystals to evidence of aliens in ancient decoration. I add notes and sketches as I come across information that follows the tread. There is always a focus on the materials I could use and the techniques for making, so at some point this starts to take shape in the form of designs. I never really know how a piece will turn out when I sit down, but I do a lot of planning.
I find the most difficult part is staying true to the concept and not getting distracted by other ideas as I’m making. I work with other artisans to work out techniques and I try to make a lot of the decisions about materials, chains, clasps, shapes and construction before I sit down.
Who or what inspires you the most? Do you use any symbolism?
I am inspired by the various ways people from all over the world tell stories. The written languages themselves, of course, but also pictorial illustration, such as cave paintings, carvings, patterns and especially tattoos. I have had a fascination with tattooing for long time and love finding the hidden meanings in the assembly of images. The intersection of mythology and science also fascinates me. My newest pieces refer to the flow of matter and energy from one state to another, starting with a sound and transitioning through the 5 elements of earth, wind, fire, water and ether. To me this is the oldest story.
Why is the synergy of nature and more material human world important to you?
Something fundamental changed when humans started creating their own materials and I feel it is very important for us to take full responsibility for the consequences of those choices and educate others to do the same. We can choose to surround ourselves with objects that are functional, durable, sustainable and desirable. In that way we will look after and respect the things we purchase.
"My newest pieces refer to the flow of matter and energy from one state to another, starting with a sound and transitioning through the 5 elements of earth, wind, fire, water and ether."
What defines good quality in jewellery design?
Quality to me is about a few things. How it makes me feel, how well it works on the body and how well it is made for its purpose. To me it is about artistic expression, cultural connection and personal style.
What's the meaning of the name, 'Ice from Ash'?
It refers to a process of transformation and alchemy, transitioning from one element to another in a way that goes against what we take to be possible, as if by magic.
What are your personal tips to a more meaningful lifestyle and how to get into a habit of consuming less?
Consuming to fulfill needs is just a mindset we have been taught. To change this habit we need to find fulfillment from within instead, in our actions, relationships, environment and ideas. Consuming in itself is not evil, objects are essential, we just need to learn to be mindful when we take something and kind when we give it back.
Ice from Ash 'Wave Pendant' Necklace GIVEAWAY:
To WIN this gorgeous hand-made jewellery piece, follow @savant_magazine AND @icefromash on Instagram and comment #SavantGiveaway under the photo above.
Ice from Ash 'Wave Pendant'
Toneware with a Sea Urchin imprint, glazed with a handmade pumice and iron oxide blend and finished with a little sterling silver spot.
Sterling silver fittings and chain.
Packaged in a recycled card box.
Valued at $250AUD.
Chic Made Consciously: How to be a Sustainable Shopper and Create a Lasting Wardrobe
Sustainable fashion is on the rise and there is a shift in brands offering more eco-friendly and ethical goods. But what exactly does it mean to be a sustainable or conscious shopper?
Oftentimes, people assume that clothing or accessories deemed sustainable are not chic or trendy. In fact, it is extremely easy to stay fashionable and sustainable, too. I believe that being a sustainable shopper is about bringing more awareness to the present moment before making decisions surrounding what we buy. Stop and question how the company is operating in terms of social and environmental responsibility, and take the time to analyse your purchasing decision from a place of consciousness instead of impulse.
Author: Cassandra Ciarallo
Coral Necklace by Cassandra Ciarallo, Chic Made Consciously 2016.
Here are some simple guidelines to help reduce your fashion footprint:
Read your labels. By reading the label you can find out what country your clothes are made in and what material it is made out of. Did you know the average worker abroad makes .03 cents for every $10 t-shirt we buy? Unfortunately, there is a huge amount of human exploitation to make the items we wear, so ensure you are supporting companies that are FairTrade!
The material used also has a big impact on our environment. Choose fibers that are natural over synthetic: cotton, linen, silk, hemp, modal (beech tree pulp), tencel (tree pulp), rayon (if specified from bamboo or tree pulp) or wool. Any product made from recycled materials is also a great choice!
Buy less: Ask yourself: Do I really need this new thing? Instead of buying new, get creative with your closet by reusing old pieces in a new way, accessorising or repurpose an old piece into something totally new! One of my favourite quotes by Vivienne Westwood is: “Buy less, choose well, make it last”.
Shop second-hand: A fun way to spice up your closet is to visit your local thrift store for vintage clothing or swap clothes with your friends. It’s a great way to find some unique pieces and feel good about having a low environmental footprint.
Do your research: Google “brand name + sustainability/responsibility” or use http://projectjust.com/ to find out how the company is operating in terms of social and environmental responsibility. Once you know, then you can decide if you want to shop there!
Ask questions and demand transparency! I truly believe it is up to each and every one of us as consumers to make a difference. Ask as many questions as you can to help you decide if you are ready to support that brand. Ensure that the company is being transparent with how they run and what their impact is to the planet and the people. I like to think of it like we are casting a vote with each dollar we spend, so make sure you are doing so wisely!
Use these easy tips to reduce your fashion footprint and be a more conscious shopper! For more updates on how to live a more mindful life and be part of this global fashion movement join my Facebook group here.
Cassandra Ciarallo is the founder & designer of Chic Made Consciously, a social enterprise dedicated to social and environmental responsibility through fashion. Her line of handmade accessories are fair trade & upcycled from tire inner tubes. Visit her collection here at: http://chicmadeconsciously.com/