Designers
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Fashionable Bags – City Kitty Design
Looking for that chic new bag, but want something a bit, well, greener? City Kitty has you covered, in style. From handbags, totes and messenger bags, all six styles are made from reclaimed materials, making each one unique with a clean modern design. Express your individual personality and go green with a Recycled Belt Bag
I happened upon one of these bags from an acquaintance who was very excited about the find, and had received multiple compliments on it. They are very well constructed, and i would have believed it to have come from a high end designer, imagine my surprise to find out it was made from repurposed vintage blankets, curtains, coats and belts! I had to find out more, so I went directly to the source, Sabrena Wright, the designer and creator of City Kitty Design.
How did it all begin?
About 8 years ago I started designing and making handbags for fun. About three years ago I started using old wool blankets and tooled leather belts to make handbags, a shop owner asked if I would be interested in making bags for her shop – this was the start of City Kitty.
Eco-friendly was paramount when I decided to start the company. I wanted to prove that reclaimed and recycled materials do not have to be made from plastic and do not have to look ‘trashy’.
The great thing about using reclaimed materials is that they have been used – there is history woven in the fibers. Every handbag looks new and modern yet each has its own bit of history.
What do you see for City Kitty’s future?
The main future goals for the business besides increasing distribution, is to continue improving the handbag designs so that the bags are 100% eco-friendly – eliminating the use of metal fasteners and grommets and looking for new eco-friendly/sustainable materials. Next year I will be transitioning the brand from ‘City Kitty’ to ‘Sabrena Wright’ to best reflect the evolving quality and design. I have a few new designs that are not on the website yet, I just finished them this week. These are new designs for 2009 – a lot more hand sewn leather details and the designs are more refined.
Where do you get your design ideas and inspirations?
I find inspiration everywhere and usually when I least expect it – from walking the dogs to looking at Indian artifacts in a museum – I don’t leave the house without my sketchbook. I am influenced by Le Corbusier – very much a form follows function kind of girl. In the world of handbags, I admire the third read – the design details – of Hermes and Henry Cuir.
What makes your bags eco-friendly?
The wool, cotton, linen and leather used to make my handbags are a mix of pre and post consumer waste and sustainable fibers (wool, linen, hemp). Larger scraps of leather are given to another artist to use for leather jewelry. I use refurbished vintage sewing machines to sew all of the fabric portions of the handbags, most of the leather is hand sewn using waxed linen thread. All of the paper marketing materials and product tags are printed on 100% recycled paper.
To find out where to buy these wonderful green totes and bags, check out her website at City Kitty Design.
Pivot Boutique – Eco Smart Fashion in Chicago
A striking example of eco smart fashion, Pivot Boutique is a perfect balance of selection and great design- you will always find at least one ‘gotta have it’ item. Featuring dresses, sweaters, coats, mens clothing, and accessories (including Simply Wooden Rings), you can shop for and entire outfit, or just that pivotal piece.
Pivot Boutique was opened in the West Loop of Chicago in September of 2007 and is devoted solely to eco-fashion. Jessa Brinkmeyer (the founder and owner of Pivot) tells me that she opened Pivot “…so that people could see all that eco-fashion has to offer and to realize they don’t need to sacrifice anything in terms of style, fashion, personal taste or comfort to have a more conscious wardrobe.” Given the beautiful, stylish garments by over 50 designers with some eco friendly fabrics and materials you have heard of like bamboo, organic cotton, hemp; and some you may have not, such as lenpur, baby alpaca, and lyocel; every garment is special and unique. Sustainable by the clothes they sell, and by the business decisions they make. The boutique reuses fixtures, employs energy efficient lighting, uses minimal packing materials and supports local businesses and the green community.
The Boutique is located in Chicago, but the great news is they have an excellent shopping experience awaiting you online, so you can browse from home. I know i have my eye on the organic cotton and sustainable silk hoody by Turk+Taylor. For events, a list of designers and a blog, check out their website at pivotboutique.com
Eco-Chic Shopping Event in San Francisco – Oct 23rd 2008
If you are lucky enough to live in San Francisco, and don’t have plans on the evening of October 23, 2008- you do now. The Eco-Chic Shopping event is organized by Appel and Frank and is being held at the Recency Center in the city. Present are over 65 green designers with products ranging from children’s clothes and accessories to organic cosmetics and beauty products. A complete list of environmentally conscious designers, products and sponsors can be viewed on the event website.
Tickets are only $15 for a pair online, or $10 at the door and include complimentary beauty services, a glass of wine, and a reusable goodie bag. Not only are you supporting local eco-conscious and sustainable designers, a proceed of door costs are donated to Friends of the Urban Forest. Check out Appel and Frank for more details. Shop til you drop, with eco-chic style!
