Eco Luxe: combining good living with right living

Step into Natalie Portman's shoes...

2008-02-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

... well almost. The animal-loving actress has just launched a line of Vegan shoes, available at www.tecasan.com Pictured is the Pippa Mary Jane pump, $325.

Vintage lace cocktail dresses

2008-02-04T01:47:00.000-08:00

Rock chick turned fashion designer Pearl Lowe's latest eco offerings are practically walking off the peg at Liberty in Regent Street and have already sold out at The Cross in London. Made from gorgeous vintage lace these party pieces will look the business when teamed with a pair of your favourite vintage heels. Hurry to online fashion boutique Ecobtq before they all sell out.

Designers go green at New York Fashion Week

2008-01-09T02:04:00.000-08:00

To kick start New York Fashion Week (which starts on 31 January), department store Barneys have enlisted the help of some of the world's most celebrated names in fashion to create one-of-a-kind recyclable, sustainable designs for Earth Pledge’s Future Fashion runway show. Marc Jacobs, Versace, Jil Sander, and Narciso Rodriguez will join eco-fab designer Stella McCartney to promote renewable materials and production methods for Earth Pledge.

Mothers know best

2008-01-09T01:30:00.000-08:00

New Swiss organic skin care line Edelbio is entirely dedicated to women and their girls. Founded by a mother and entrepreneur whose aim was to give her daughters a line of safe, organic skin care, and in turn pass down beauty knowledge and values for future generations, Edelbio combines Swiss technology with phytoscience and laboratory science principles with all natural organic ingredients. And take it from Eco Luxe, the clever scientists and their mummy founder really do know best.

Pictured is Vitamin-Rich Face Serum, 56 euros. To buy, and for other products in the range, go to www.edelbioskincare.com

Not eco-luxe luxury brands

2007-11-30T07:32:00.000-08:00

According to the first major audit of sustainability in the world's top 10 luxury brands companies, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co and Tod's fail miserably in the ethical and environmental stakes. None of the top 10 labels in the report, carried out by charity WWF, score more than a C+ and two – Bulgari and Tod's – have been given an embarrassingly poor F grade. L'Oreal comes out as top of the lot with a C+, while Chloe and Gucci are given D's. With such humongous budgets, and in an industry worth a whopping £77bn worldwide, one might expect a tad more ethical and environmental effort, but it seems using up natural resources, exploiting labour and keeping supply chains well and truly secret is the name of the game for these ethical offenders.

'Tis the season of goodwill...

2007-11-30T03:16:00.000-08:00

and goodwill should be spread. So how about making an entire Sri Lankan village’s eco-luxe wish come true with the gift of a water well? Random I know?! but completely do-able now that World Vision have launched their Alternative Gift catalogue. Every gift makes a life changing impact, from buying a bog (the mind boggles!), to buying a fishtank for five families, or a motorbike for a healthworker. With 67 gifts to choose from (all have been requested by the communities they will affect in 16 developing countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and South America), the catalogue has something to suit and appeal to everyone.

The gift of a water well costs £1,356 (or how about the gift of building a classroom for children in Sierra Leone, £3,389?). See www.greatgifts.org or call 0845 600 6445 for a free brochure.

Brit brand big in LA LA land

2007-11-22T01:41:00.000-08:00

Eco Luxe is on a bit of a beauty roll... and let's face it, when a Brit brand is causing a stir in Hollywood we wanna shout about it. Green chemists from SOPHYTO Organic Skincare are, this January, launching their much-awaited anti-ageing skincare line. It's the first professional use line to have been given a UK Soil Association (SA) certification (which is pretty damn good, trust us!) and, with an average of 95% organic, food grade preservatives as well as a delivery system that transports all the non-toxic multi-vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes your body needs for anti-ageing: this is a range that's not only keeping it real but also keeping it eco-luxe real.

In the seven years between conception and final development, the brand has been trialled by two of Hollywood's most influential trend gurus; Hollywood stylist Will Carrillo and make up artist, Kathleen Beaton. With a huge celebrity following (Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney and Eva Longoria to name a few), along with experts, dermatologists and plastic surgeons, their input has ensured the product's A-list
credibility.

Pictured is the SOPHYTO Polyphenol Skin Drops, £45. To buy this and other products from the line, go to www.beautyexpert.co.uk, or www.sophytoorganics.co.uk, or call 0800 680 0671.

Pure as Puresha

2007-11-16T01:33:00.000-08:00

Puresha is this winter's most-talked-about new beauty and lifestyle beautique. Selling a cutting-edge and very high end selection of natural and organic brands, the online store is beloved by beauty editors and aficionados alike.

With designer brands ranges from UK lines such as REN, This Works, Jo Wood Organics, Pai and Mama Mio, as well as a selection of exciting cult brands from around the globe – Duchess Marden, Chocolate Sun, Patyka, Perfect Organics, Baby Bear Shop, The Original Little Sprout, Sage Perfumes, L’Artisan Parfumeur’s organic Jatamansi range, Hamadi, Ginger & Smart and Buddha Nose – Puresha has already garnered rave reviews and is set to become huge.

We at Eco Luxe love Chocolate Sun Cocoa Absolute Sunless for the body and Patyka Repair Cream/Creme Miracle

www.puresha.com

The ultimate eco- and baby-friendly retreat

2007-11-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

So you're thinking of next year's vacation. You know you want somewhere family-friendly AND eco-friendly... but it really does have to be the height of luxury as well. Where to go?

Well look no further than the stylish 'Mesmear', two beautifully restored 18th century barns located in trendy Rock in Cornwall. With their own borehole, enough solar and geothermal power to prevent 12 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, and facilities to sleep 4 in one barn, and up to 10 in the other, it's the perfect eco-luxe holiday destination. You'll even have a driver, housekeeper and cook at your beck and call. What could be better?

For more information (and to book), see www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk (a website travel company that specialises in family-friendly boutique-style retreats).

Eco cribs

2007-09-30T04:48:00.001-07:00

Rumour has it that Virgin tycoon and billionaire entrepreneur with a conscience Sir Richard Branson is looking to launch a greener than green TV show hosted by pop princess Natalie Imbruglia. Addressing celebrity mansion excesses, the show will apparently be an eco version of MTV's cribs. So the environmentalism (or lack of it) of the uber rich and famous could soon be under the scrutiny of an Ex-Neighbours cast member... That'll definitely scare wannabe crib-types into not wasting quite so much electricity, gas, oil and heat, won't it?

Make me up Ozzy style

2007-09-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

Fancy something made of Australia in your makeup bag? Inika is a new Australian mineral cosmetics brand that's about to hit the UK market. Its products are created entirely from quality minerals that are sourced deep down under (in Australian rock to be precise). 100% certified cruelty free and avoiding harsh chemicals, fillers, GM ingredients, preservatives or fragrances, Inika is one of the few 100% certified Vegan makeup brands on the market. Currently available via their website, the brand will be launching in the UK in November (watch this space for more info).

www.inikacosmetics.co.uk

Loving this...

2007-08-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

...sexy day-to-night dress from Beau Soleil, $265. (Of course, it's made from sustainable fabric involving fair trade and labour.)

www.shopbeausoleil.com

Copenhagen tipped for (ethical) international fashion success

2007-08-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

One might not think of Copenhagen as an international fashion force to be reckoned with, but, as this month's Copenhagen fashion week proved, Viking fashionista are style setters to watch out for on the catwalk. Led by eco-savvy label Noir, the Danes are hoping to launch themselves as a city with international fashion credibility, and going down the eco-route is a pretty saucy move. The label's fifth ready-to-wear collection is ethically sound, using organic materials and fair-trade practices where possible. But more to the point it's definitely something new. Combining glamour with toughness, think leather, bold colours, sharp tailoring, blazers, crisp shirts, silk cigarette pants, and sexy cotton cocktail dresses, and... great dane you've got it.

A thousand and one nights at the Egyptian Ecolodge

2007-08-21T02:55:00.001-07:00

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall spent the night here not so long ago while on tour in Egypt, so, if it’s good enough for royalty, it must be worth its weight in sand. Built entirely of mud and rock salt on the edge of the Sahara, at the foot of a majestic mountain and next to a mirage-like lake (that’s as salty as the dead sea and great for the skin), the Adrere Amellal Ecolodge in Siwa offers a return-to-nature experience in a totally unique ecological and cultural setting. Abandoned Siwan houses were restored and extended to build its walls and the use of local master craftsmen, whose trades were becoming extinct, has led to a revival of traditional building techniques in the oasis. In keeping with desert living, there’s no telephone or air conditioning. Ancient basics meet high-end sophistication.

Adrere Amellal Ecolodge, Siwa, Egypt. www.adrereamellal.net

iWood... would you?

2007-08-21T02:17:00.000-07:00

Sunglasses by iWood ecodesign, from $315.00.

www.iwoodecodesign.com

Why so green baby?

2007-08-21T01:29:00.000-07:00

Eco-entrepreneur Jill Barker spent 13 years working as a trader in the city before setting up her now ever-so-successful eco-business. Seven years, four shops across London and a website later and Green Baby (which sells organic clothing and eco-accessories for wannabee green nippers and their mothers) is now worth a tidy £3 million and boasts Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Stella McCartney among its patrons. It's nappytastic.

www.greenbabyco.com

It might be slimy and smelly, but it's this summer’s must-have beauty ingredient

2007-08-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

Containing therapeutic, skin-preserving and medicinal qualities that are said to help stimulate the lymphatic system, as well as revitalize and firm the skin, seaweed grabs all the richness from the ocean (where there are no fertilisers or pesticides!) and contains an intense and unadulterated concentration of amino acids, mineral salts, vitamins A, C, B1, B12, E, K, D and trace elements. Put simply, it’s ten times richer in such elements as plants on land are. What’s more, it’s easily absorbed into the skin, and its benefits add texture and shine to your hair and help improve skin tone. Seaweed has made its way into a plethora of beauty products, but one of the best in terms of purity of ingredients is Space NK’s Spa Thalassotherapy line.

Prices start from just £16 and products range from body wash and body cream to bath crystals and bath soak, which means you can soak in it, wash in it, scrub with it, moisturise with it and plonk crystals of it in your bath. www.spacenk.co.uk

Glamping (aka glamorous camping)

2007-08-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

If you think you're in with the can camp, won't camp brigade Canvas Chic might just make you think again. We're talking the height of eco-luxury under canvas here... 12 stylishly furnished yurts situated overlooking a river gorge in a beautiful part of the Ardèche, in southern France. Proper beds, luxury bed linen, private hammocks and even an on-site table d'hôte-style restaurant for when you're sick of camp fire cuisine and barbies. Wild outdoor living but oh so glamorous.

From £255 for two people for three nights, including Continental breakfast. www.canvaschic.com

Eco-chic fashion

2007-07-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

Fair trade and organic online clothing boutique Adili is well worth a butchers. Adili is the Swahili word for 'ethical and just'... and, apparently, that's exactly what their clothes are. So that's good. I'm loving this cute dress and top from the company's boutique range.

Feast your eyes on this

2007-07-17T00:29:00.000-07:00

America’s favourite natural superstore Whole Foods Market is a retail phenomenon that's beloved by A-listers and eco-nuts the world over. The UK flagship (which opened last month) is a three-floored green-lovers paradise. With over 1,000 wines, cheese sold direct from the wheel in a special all-singing all-dancing cheese-ageing room, beauty products and treatment rooms, more than 300 different types of fruit and veg, an Indian takeaway section and even (because going whole-istic is thirsty work) an in-store pub, The Bramley. If you're up for getting your hands dirty you can make your own muesli, grind your own peanut butter or simply choose a sausage or two from the store's 44 varieties. 40 purpose-built stores are scheduled to be opened across the UK so if you're not near London don't fear; Whole Foods is sure to be coming your way soon.

Whole Foods Market, The Barkers Building, 63-97 Kensington High Street, W8. 020 7368 4500 www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk

Green green grass - don't you just love it???

2007-07-13T07:50:00.001-07:00

How green is material girl Madonna?

2007-07-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Madonna's green cred has been put through the ringer of late. Her charitable foundation – The Ray of Light Foundation - has invested heavily in the corporate world including in numerous large companies that log forests, mine for metals and drill for oil. All things that are rather harmful to the planet, dear reader. But since her involvement with the recent Live Earth event the Hung Up star is re-evaluating her stance on mother-earth's problems. Her spokesperson revealed, "Madonna’s agreement to sing at the Live Earth event is merely one of the first steps in her commitment to being environmentally responsible. She is educating herself and her family and has begun to make changes around her that reflect her awareness and concern for the future of the planet." Well that's fabby do then isn't it?!

Buy Organics

2007-07-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

Online store Buy Organics is the brainchild of a British woman who, while pregnant with her second child began reading new research on the presence of chemicals in breast milk, and set about sourcing chemical free products. Realising that everything labelled organic wasn’t always organic, she decided to start up a business selling the purest products she could find and nothing she wouldn’t use on her own family. The resulting online company is a one-stop-shop for the finest and purest organic products money can buy. From natural skin care, toiletries, and cosmetics, to all you need for mother and baby (including real and ecofriendly nappies!), food, wine and beer, gift ideas and clothing.

www.buyorganics.co.uk

I'm lovin' it

2007-07-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Craving a McDonald's? Opt for a Fillet-o-Fish – the fish comes from Marine Stewardship Council certified stocks (an independent non-profit organisation that promotes responsible fishing practices). Junk food never tasted better.

Brad Pitt

2007-07-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt apparently only now drives hybrid cars and, when he's not adopting babies from various corners of the globe with the lovely Angelina Jolie, he's planting forests in Bhutan. There's no stopping some eco-warriors!

Fair-trade for U2

2007-07-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

U2 rock-star Bono and his wife have been running fair-trade clothing company Edun with New York clothing designer Rogan Gregory since 2005. All items are made in factories in the developing world and must-haves include their art nouveau dresses and skinny urban jeans.

Shop online at www.edunonline.com or buy at Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Equa, London.

Abel and Cole

2007-07-05T00:57:00.001-07:00

Abel and Cole is the UK's largest and fastest growing organic home delivery business, and the winner of many awards. The company will deliver delicious, sustainably produced produce to your door (the same driver will bring it each week, and will happily leave it hidden in the garage if you are out). Choose from seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh juices and cordials, biodynamically produced champagne, meat (the fillet steak comes highly recommended), and cheese from small British producers. Abel and Cole converts are emerging up and down the country and once A and Cd you'll never look back.

www.abel-cole.co.uk

Katharine Hamnett: glam to be green

2007-06-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

The fashion world has finally caught up with globally-anxious clothes designer Katharine Hamnett. 20 years after Hamnett first stormed into Number 10 to meet Mrs Thatcher wearing a T-shirt blazoned with the words '58% don't want Pershing' (missiles), Hamnett is suddenly hot hot hot-to-trot and fashionista simply can't get enough of her.
Her new clothing range - available in Tesco supermarkets across the UK and online at www.katharinehamnett.com - is made of organic cotton and is guaranteed not to harm the planet (or, in fact, the purse). Green before greed, sweetie darlings!

A Slice of Organic Life

2007-06-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

Recently dubbed the poster girl for the green revolution, Sheherazade Goldsmith (wife of environmental activist and editor of The Ecologist Zac) is surely Britain's most glamorous green goddess. But, because being glamorous and green isn't enough to save the planet alone, the Chelsea society girl has written a book about it (being green that is). Full of simple tips to make becoming an eco-warrior as easy as... well, something very easy, A Slice of Organic Life is a veritable manual for 'right' living. Published by Dorling Kindersley, price £16.99.

The Organic Pharmacy

2007-06-25T03:18:00.000-07:00

If it's good enough for pop princess Kylie Minogue it must be good. “One of my favourite ranges is The Organic Pharmacy" she says, explaining: "I’m using one of their cleansers at the moment.” Certified by the Soil Association – who make sure all products are organic – and founded by a qualified pharmacist who really knows her toxins, The Organic Pharmacy is the real deal. It's also the first and only pharmacy in the world dedicated to health and beauty using organic products and treatments. Yummy mummies take note: Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker love the Pharmacy's Baby and Mother & Baby ranges. And, if baby soft skin floats your boat, be sure to buy Cleopatra’s Milk Bath, a heavenly mix of organic milk and rose, jasmine and Ylang-Ylang oils that'll have you feeling like an Empress in no time.