Saturday Swishing at Spitalfields

Winter's not quite behind us but the spring/summer 2011 collection 'round-ups' are upon us and upon us. Time to close your eyes and visualise yourself in sheer dresses, leather shorts, capri pants, cat woman sunglasses, clogs and more. More to the point, time to open your eyes and peer in your closet. Does it have what it takes?

If you are not in the mood to spend as you would have in years past don't fret....just stay with me; however, if you are, then perhaps you should first and foremost, aquaint yourself with why austerity is the name of the game for the next little while and then return to me.

Okay cautious spenders, next step: take from your closet clothes you won't be wearing/are happy to see the back of/have never worn; mentally note your favourite new season looks and then, on February 5 (Saturday) head to the historic Old Spitalfields Market for the first major swishing event of the year.

Swishing is just over 10 years old and is, basically a way to keep your wardrobe fresh by recycling what you no longer want for what you definitely want. Its upscaling of sorts, ie, the by -product has more value than what first went in...which for you it will. Most of you are well aware of the glorious, ethically brilliant idea that swishing is but if you want to know more read this.

Meanwhile, the rules for this Saturday are pitch up at Spitalfields between 11am and midday to drop off your contribution (you have to bring at least 1 good-for-wear thing). Chillax in the cool environs till 2pm when you can browse but not (yet) swish. At 2.45 get swishing. Tickets and full details now available online.

And remember to be civil to your fellow swishers. It is after all an ethical event.

Exclusive - DeviDoll launches premium artisan jewellery range AK Vintage

Proving that jewellery doesn’t have to be heavy to make an impact, AK Vintage, the limited edition jewellery line by Portland-based Anna Korte, combines delicate light chains with vintage leather or brass pieces.

With the exception of the ear wires and some of the clasps, every single piece in Anna’s collection is 100% vintage, which lends them an aura of classical elegance. Anna hunts through antique stores and estate sales for special pieces, although the majority of her discoveries are from old costume jewellery warehouses.

The leather used in the designs is also recycled from vintage ladies’ gloves, which has a luxuriously tactile touch. These vintage components are then transformed by Anna into jewellery that is very current and wearable, especially against smooth lines and luxe fabrics.

Blending into the creative process, each design is also named after tiny beautiful fragments of works by poets that have inspired Anna. Her first collection used the poems of E. E. Cummings, and this has since been followed by writers including the 18th Century Lebanese poet and author Kahlil Gibran, celebrated influential American poet Walt Whitman, and Indian legends.

Although from diverse backgrounds, these poetical contributions share a beautifully lyrical take on the power and gentility of nature, as shown in pieces such as the Gibran-inspired ‘Subtlest Beauties’ earrings, or Indian legend-inspired ‘Cluster of Showers’ necklace.

Devidoll is launching AK Vintage in the UK with a capsule collection of eight pieces from the covetable women’s and men’s ranges, which epitomise the best of Anna’s fusion of whimsicality and elegance.

One of the most dynamic and beautiful pieces, this Arrows in a Quiver necklace, named after a section of Indian legend poetry, is a striking addition to any jewellery box. The long brass chain looks its best when set against plain elegant fabrics, to channel its classical appeal. £44.00





Using Anna’s penchant for leather, this Cluster of Showers necklace is made from antique leather kid gloves and is softly feminine, as well as gorgeously supple to touch. £48.00






These Dream Song earrings, made of gold-filled ear wire and vintage brass charms is one of my favourite pieces - its combination of interlocking rings and delicate feathers are a perfect example of Anna’s ability to mesh the different styles of vintage and modern. £33.00





Similar to the Dream Songs piece, these Feather in my Hand earrings use lightweight vintage brass, making it feel like you are wearing air on your ears.






This Many are the Fleets necklace, from the men’s/unisex collection holds a more masculine appeal with vintage brass lanyard hook, spike and toggle charms. £37.50






Gorgeously named, these Subtlest Beauties earrings live up to their promise with vintage leather tassels adding a subtle flash to any outfit. £51.00







Using vintage brass chevron tags, this Comrades Mine necklace, from the Men’s/Unisex collection, given its unusual shape can be worn as easily by men as by women. £37.50






The trio of beads sat on the Glories Strung like Beads necklace is one of the more subtle pieces in the collection, but its intricate use of a brass love knot keeps it striking. £37.50

By Florence Buswell

Deborah Lindquist -- Queen of Green

Who in ethical fashion hasn't heard of Deborah Lindquist....her of the rock roll style vintage cashmere couture? Her origins were in that 'look' and she still does it better than anyone else but she has now moved into wider pastures - hemp, peace silk, organic cotton and more.

I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah at LFW this year - we were lucky to have her. DeviDoll continues to be a big fan and supporter.

DEBORAH LINDQUIST ON SOPHIE ULIANO ON OPRAH

Deborah Lindquist, LA's celebrated 'Green Queen' dresses many celebrities and her emails are full of 'firsts'. Recently she sent me a really special one -- Sophie Uliano, founder of the lifestyle site 'Gorgeously Green' and author of 'Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life' will be wearing one of Deborah's signature sweaters on Oprah which airs in the US on April 22 (browse the book here). We've had a recent spate of 'how to be more green' books in the UK fashion world by Matilda Lee, Tamsin Blanchard, Sandy Black and Kate Fletcher but none have the breadth of this book nor the unique (American) quality of breaking things into 'easy' steps that cover 'everything'.

But I digress; at DeviDoll we are thrilled for Deborah and, to be honest, a bit for ourselves too. I once saw Jane Fonda on Letterman talking about her eco fashion look but having one of the original DeviDoll favourite labels on Oprah is a real treat.

It gets better - Sophie will be joined by her friend and perhaps most enthusiastic supporter of her book (at least so far) - Julia Roberts. Al Gore will be there too. Just missing Leonardo and Cameron (Diaz) I guess. Anyway, here is an excerpt from what Julia, who wrote the forward for the book, has to say about it:

"I am absolutely altered. This Gorgeously Green book has provided my household with a bible of hope and help (not to mention a good cleansing mask and source for eco-cashmere).
So where to start?
Congratulations - you are already there".

Pretty glowing. The book is widely on sale now. And, as for Deborah Lindquist....well you already know where to get your hands on some of that.

A TALE OF TWO (GREEN) LOVELIES - FINALE

From Jill Danyelle, author of the fiftyRX3 project, (a 365-day photo documentary about her sustainable fashion endeavours, now widely considered essential reading for anyone interested in the subject) we have more on how to be a green fashionista. Her philosophical musings are made imminently practical by her sharp eye for distinctive design, trends and style. Her very readable blog, the laboratory, picks out the hippest designers, stores and clothing in sustainable land.

As she tours some of NYC's best eco fashion spots (footnote: she rightly visits Anne Hettinger at Gomi but I wish she had also been to Kaight) she says the same thing as Summer Rayne Oakes: ethical fashion does not mean sacrifice or absence of style; it simply means being aware and making different choices.

At DeviDoll we'd say its all about how you curate your consumption.

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.