How cool are these! They are made by a company called WeWood, a young Italian company from Florence, whose line of wooden watches are getting noticed by famous wrists around the globe and it is clear to see why. The intricate detailing on the faces and straps teamed with the classic styles (loving the retro feel) makes the watches extremely desirable. The collection is not only Eco friendly but also hypo-allergenic, free from toxic chemicals and has a traditional Miyota movement (Citizen), AND, for every WeWood watch purchased, a tree is planted. The organic matter is also recyclable, biodegradable and takes less CO2 to produce, than materials traditionally used in watch production, such as stainless-steel, platinum and gold – And the best part is that they start from £79! you can’t get much better than that!
They are currently available in two classic designs: Date and Chrono, and in four different types of sustainable wood: maple, black ebony, guaiaco (a tree native to South America), and red wood celtis (derived from flooring waste). I guess my main concern would be the comfort but but Wewood promote them as feather-light and silky-smooth, I’m very tempted…
WeWood watches are available at new green concept store e-side, www.e-side.co.uk
Category: Eco watch
Wooden watches – would you wear one?
On August 10th, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.
Hotel Review: UXUA Casa Hotel, Brazil
On August 5th, 2011 by Carrie Graham-Clarke.
Nestled in the colourful fishing village of Trancoso on Brazil’s idyllic Bahian coast is the one of a kind, UXUA Casa Hotel {pronounced ooo-SHOO-ahh}. The creator of UXUA – Dutch fashion designer Wilbert Das, first arrived in Trancoso whilst traveling in 2004, instantly falling in love with it’s beauty and pristine natural spirit, sense of preservation and tradition roots of the community. Wilbert felt at home and after 10 days left with the typical Brazilian ‘saudade’ – a Portuguese word meaning a nostalgic longing for something. Within a year of leaving, he returned and started searching for a property to buy and build a home which would later become UXUA Casa Hotel.
“The colours and energy of this town really offer something magical and as much
as I have traveled, I think Trancoso is one of the most visually stimulating and relaxing
places one can imagine; a true harmony of human habitation and nature, and a place with
a wonderful warm native population with deep and extremely diverse cultural and ethnic ties’
- Wilbert Das
On Trancoso’s historic ‘Quadrado’; a grassy cliff top square, Wilbert purchased the first UXUA casa named ‘gulab mahal’ which was built and restored to an Indian-style pousada. From there Wilbert set out to create a property of houses {ten in total}, each completely different but combining the rustic elements native to the village. The casas range from authentically restored one to three bedroom fisherman houses; self catering or fully serviced, to sleekly opulent, but ecologically-conscious treehouses hidden amongst the lush tropical gardens. Trancoso’s rich 500 years of history adds to the design of UXUA, taking inspiration from it’s Portuguese founders in the 1500′s, Jesuit missionaries, Indian tribes, African slaves, and Brazilian hippies of the 1970s. Resulting in an amalgamation of architecture, showcasing southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism that nods towards Wilbert’s work in contemporary fashion and furniture design. Wilbert collaborated with local artisans, using traditional building methods, reclaimed and organic materials and Brazilian antiques and art. The fusion between interior and exterior runs throughout the property seamlessly and this can be seen in the choice of colours. The rich, earthy tones and floral brights reflecting the nature that surrounds UXUA.
The eco vibe runs throughout the properties, even the kitchen utensils are recycled coconut shells carved by Bahian cowboys. Shower-heads are carved from the trunks of eucalyptus trees, & sofas are upholstered using canvas taken from the backs of old transport trucks. Further up-cycling can be seen in the beach lounge that is built entirely from old local fishing boats. Wilberts creative use of up-cycling and re-cyling is not only intelligent but inspiring. His keen eye for detail shows up in my favourite feature at UXUA… the lake-like pool. The stunning pool is created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz, a native Bahian stone considered by many to have powerful healing qualities as a therapeutic mineral. The traditional technique used to build the quartz pool walls is called ‘pau a pique’ – creating a stunning finish, especially when lit at night.
Prices start from R$1710 (around £455) per night. For further information on booking the UXUA Casa Hotel please click here.
Eco Chic fashion update
On June 26th, 2011 by Sophia Bell.
Following on from eco fabrics, here’s a run down of fashion brands, flying the flag for ethical clothing. Green is in, and looking good!
Goodone
One of green fashion’s highstreet pioneers, Goodone was one of the first eco-labels to be stocked by Topshop. They have recently collaborated with Tesco to create a range made entirely from recycled roll ends and factory waste.
People Tree
People Tree began in 1991 as the pioneer of Fair Trade Fashion internationally. Their products are made to the highest Fair Trade and environmental standards from start to finish, consistently proving that it is possible to wear stylish, exciting and affordable fashion, at the same time as respecting people and planet.
Katherine Hamnett
A true ethical clothing innovator, and a tireless campaigner for the use of organic cotton, London based designer Katherine Hamnett has been doling out wearable catchphrases like “Choose Life,” and “No War,” and since 1983. After a visit to Mali, the designer saw first hand the devastating effects of the conventional cotton industry, and vowed to help drive the demand for the organic alternative. Katherine Hamnett
Stella Maccatney
One of fashion’s most ethical crusaders, Stella McCartney proves that fashion can be fair, without sacrificing style. She has long been a champion for ethical fashion, refusing to use animal products including fur and leather, and in 2009 launched her first Eco collection made from organic materials.
Kuyichi
Combining cutting edge fashion with faultless ethical policies, Dutch brand Kuyichi use 100% organic cotton from Peruvian farmers who they encourage to become shareholders so that they may share responsibilities and profits.
Edun
Edun, Founded in 2005 by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, EDUN specialises in organic clothing, graphic tees, and eco clothing with a mission to drive sustainable employment in developing economies.
Images
Sheet 1
Goodone
Peope Tree
Katherine Hamnett
Sheet 2
Stella Mccartney
Kuyichi
Edun
Stella Mccartney
Mary Portas Living & Giving store in Primrose Hill
On June 15th, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.
I was speaking with a dear friend of mine about her voluntary work at the exclusive Mary Portas Living & Giving shop in Primrose Hill. She was raving not only about how great the concept is but also how stunning the interiors were.
“Living & Giving is the charity concept that Mary developed for Save the Children following her 2009 series Mary Queen of Charity Shops. With the local community at its heart, Living & Giving is not just a shop, but a place to inspire, share, create, meet and discover.
Living and Giving is a philosophy, a fantastic way to contribute to the community, help some of the world’s most vulnerable children and bag a designer bargain at the same time!”
The look and feel of the shop is just like being in an eccentric persons living room. The walls are painted with rich heritage colours, and decorated with various paraphernalia such as stuffed animal heads, vintage qilt frames a selection of colorful books and some theatrical eye masks. In amongst the clothes, there are old vintage leather chairs dotted around the place and recycled wooden storage units packed full of goodies. I think my favourite part has to be the use of clever lighting scattered around the shop to create small and personal spaces that entice you in to browse. I could see myself loosing hours riffling through all of the hidden treasures…
Eco Fabrics
On May 26th, 2011 by Sophia Bell.
‘A growing number of textile designers are cottoning on to the rise of the conscientious consumer, and producing fabrics made from sustainably sourced, Eco textiles. Made from natural materials, Eco textiles are produced using none of the chemicals, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, which make the textile industry the world’s number one water polluter.
In putting together a collective of some of my favourite Eco fabrics, I’ve convinced myself that I need more fabric in my life!One of the great things about buying textiles for the home is their versatility. Adding instant colour and comfort, cushions and covers can be used to create a look of laid back luxury, and moved from room to room, depending on your mood. Alternatively, upholstering is a clever way to update worn out, or mismatched furniture, and give a room a new visual dynamic.
Aside from their green credentials, (and the fact that they would make my home look infinitely better), for me, this eclectic collection of fabrics share a real feel of design authenticity and quality, often found lacking in more conventionally made textiles. ‘
