A TALE OF TWO (GREEN) LOVELIES - PART I

Is it easy being green? Not for some, perhaps, but for the average fashion lover it isn't hard, especially not now. In fact all it takes is a little thinking. And, to illustrate, I'd like to introduce you to these two distinct, but equally thought-provoking, lovely green ladies.

An environmental science major, supermodel of the eco-fashion world, sustainability consulant, activist and all around hottie, Summer Rayne Oakes tells us how to get it right when we shop and why it matters. Interestingly, it is internet boutiques that are taking the lead in spreading the eco-fashion word.

Footnote: she points out Panda Snack and Doie, and also pulls out Moral Fervor's delicious grey tunic - all exclusive to DeviDoll in the UK! Nice.

Check it out.

PLAIN IMMORAL

Japan, not satisfied with its on going slaughter of whales, has now gone out after Humpback whales. What motivates such gross disrespect and abuse of nature? If it is because the perpatrators are hungry/poor/uneducated/trying to pull themselves out of grinding poverty then, fair enough, that's a good reason. But wiping a species off the face of the earth to satisfy something as flippant as a culinary preference (of the few)...that's just plain immoral.

And to suggest, as Japan does, that they hunt for purposes of scientific research, that whale meat is part of their 'national food culture', that they rely on protein from whale meat - who are they kidding? Its now well known that tonnes of frozen whale meat is stockpiled in Japan, that the nation does not have much taste for the stuff so school's are being encouraged to include it on menu's to promote it.

Basically the Japanese have other fears about not allowing a precedent to be set regarding their freedom to fish as they please and about 'interference' in their matters.

But the point is that it's not their choice alone to fish as they please and irresponsibly finishing off species isn't their business alone. We need to make more noise, raise more awareness and boycott what we must. Ultimately, they will care about strong opinions and basic demand/supply economics more than they will about their so-called (whale-related) food culture.

MINI DEVIDOLL FASHION SHOW

Deborah Lindquist's fabulous AW07 cashmere is featured in the US design make-over show 'Character Fantasy' which means you can see several of DeviDoll's pieces on the runway!

You can see the whole clip, including Deborah explaining her inspiration and fabric choices, here.

Our best-selling Empire Mini (above right) is featured as are the very cute Puff Sleeve Mini (below left) and the super edgy Fleur Bustier.

Sweet.

WON'T YOU TAKE ME TO CHUNKY TOWN

How cold has it suddenly got? No way to start the week, I can tell you. Coupled with the darkening afternoons it is SO wrong. Okay, (deep breath)....maybe I should save the angst for January.

Right, glass half full perspective: its perfect weather for snuggly, chunky knits. And to further raise the level in the glass, thick, big yarn knits are all the rage at the moment: Vogue.com tells us to "Wrap up in giant stitches, waffle patterns and outsized scarves and ski jumpers: these extravagant knits are winter's way forward...".

At DeviDoll we are SO on the ball. If you want classic wool then look at Aymara's cashlama cable knit swing sweater , front tie cardi or huge, cozy knit scarves. Want a be a bit more adventurous, then check out Lara Miller's bamboo handloomed knits.

All fabulously chunky and very hip. An uplifting combo indeed.

OH WHAT A STUD

Spent a great 4 days in Paris last week. Easy trip and soon even faster when the Eurostar goes from St.Pancras. So much better than flying anywhere.

So went to Colette (for the first time!!!) and it was cool but I left feeling it was somewhat over-hyped. The non-clothes stuff did nothing for me…I don’t need to go to Colette to get a fuschia iPod mini…PC World does those. The clothes were interesting, and exquisitely displayed, but not the one-of-a-kind finds I was expecting. Perhaps I’m not getting it.

A very interesting observation from Colette, though: Comme De Garcons (Watanabe) trousers in black with burnished gold stud detailing down the sides – a clear nod to this autumn’s love of metallics. Well, at DeviDoll we've just received Kelly B’s studded bamboo leggings in 3 colours (including black) with detailing along the sides. An almost exact replica of the Comme de Garcons cigarette pants. Want to keep with the trend, then check out her studded merino vest with the flirty ruffle detail.

Reading the Sunday Times International edition on the way home. Someone wrote to ask about the best cashmere around and it made me sick to see Primark recommended for its 10 pound stuff. Directly after this recommendation the article goes on to say “If you are looking for something that will last, though, (my emphasis), head to Marks and Spencer....(etc, etc)”. What could be a more direct admission of the knowledge that Primark isn’t meant to last but that it is cheap, throwaway stuff? Stuff that may be cheap at the tills but in actual fact, is costing us the earth.

When are fashion journalists going to get it?