Green Day
Not long ago, if someone called you a bike-riding, water-conserving, recycling-crazed tree hugger, they probably didn’t mean it as a compliment. But oh, how things have changed. Upon hearing that today, your reply would likely be, “Yes I am, and thanks!”
Whether it’s by eating sustainable foods, driving a hybrid car, or shunning plastic bags and bottled water, it seems everyone is taking steps—big and small—to go green. And while the argument can be made that the eco-friendly bandwagon shouldn’t have had to be come trendy before people jumped on it, if that’s what it takes to start bettering the planet, then so be it.
With the industry’s biggest players on board, the world of fashion and beauty has become quite a green scene as well. Anya Hindmarch’s “I’m not a plastic bag” canvas tote set fashion followers on a frantic search to snap one up before they sold out, and organic cottons, natural beauty products, and fair-trade fabrics have made their way into even the most stylish of stores. Style-setting Barneys New York recently introduced a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces made from discarded jeans by designers including Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, and the queen of green, Stella McCartney. (The styles will be auctioned off on eBay and proceeds will go to the Oceana organization.)
Jewelers, as well, are chanting the “Go green” mantra, working with recycled metals and responsibly sourced gems, and creating stunning designs that are sure to strike a note with the eco-conscious folk. What trendy tree hugger wouldn’t fall for Betsy Barron’s sterling-silver, heart-shaped branch pendant accented with a bezel-set ruby? (And it’s affordable, too!) Those with some tax-refund money to spare might spring for any one of Susan Foster’s glorious “tree of life” designs, each made from 18-karat yellow gold and featuring leaves dotted with tiny faceted emeralds. And water worshippers will no doubt adore Ian Saude’s gold sea fan pendant featuring twinkling caffe-colored diamonds.
So, as we celebrate Earth Day, hop on board the green bandwagon—however you choose to do so—and, for the sake of the planet, keep your fingers crossed this is one trend that never goes out of style.
Tags: 18-karat yellow gold, Betsy Barron, bezel set ruby, branch pendant, caffe-colored diamonds, faceted emeralds, fashion and beauty, fashion followers, gold sea fan pendant, heart-shaped, Ian Saude, jewelers, recycled metals, responsibly sourced gems, Sterling silver, Susan Foster, tree of life