The UK’s largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer, ASOS.com has officially launched the Green Room. The Green Room is a dedicated destination on the ASOS.com site to support social and environmental awareness for conscientious shoppers. Featuring ASOS Africa, ASOS.com own fair trade label, a collection of clothing and accessories designed, sourced and produced in collaboration with several small communities in Africa. The site will be populated with a virtual Who’s Who list of top eco brands ranging the spectrum of shoes, clothing, accessories and beauty products. By accessing The Green Room, shoppers can follow the journey of their eco friendly products and read stories from the real people behind the brands.
In the Women’s Eco Shoe category, Beyond Skin, Terra Plana, Vivienne Westwood for Melissa, and Swedish Hasbeens (pictured) are brands slated to be offered. ASOS.com is ethical shopping at its best!
More Shoes,
~Ar
Staying true his cutting edge sexy style, Jean Paul Gaultier has returned to Melissa shoes to collaborate and again create a masterpiece in plastic. Melissa Plastic Dreams is known for sustainable technology in recycling and producing comfortably fashionable eco shoes. Jean Paul’s elaborately contrived creation shows his genius transcends all mediums. This sexy, strappy nearly four inch stiletto offers translucent points of interest along the mid-sole and ankle. Jean Paul Gaultier X Melissa shoe will be available in June 2010 in the basics: black and beige, and delicious caramel, lime and tangerine! The shoes will retail at about $250 USD (£160) and I’m sure destined to be one of the most coveted eco shoes of Summer.
Jean Paul Gaultier X Melissa
Once again, more proof that eco shoes can be sexy and sustainable.
Jean Paul Gaultier X Melissa in Tangerine
More Shoes,
~Ar
I’ve heard that Valentine’s Day is for romance and celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. How fitting for me to share my insatiable love for Eco Friendly Shoes–my most faithful escorts!
Melissa Shoes Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon
Melissa Shoes collaborates with some of the most inventive minds in the arts, design and fashion. Melissa Shoes partnership with Vivienne Westwood resulted in several alluring designs like these slingbacks. You can do more than ignite a flame with the fashionable Lady Dragon shoes. Let your fiery pedi peep out through the toes of these shoes in mystical fashion. Lady Dragon sets the tone perfectly for romance.
I love that Melissa Plastic Dreams utilizes sustainable practices as its core existence. Melissa developed Melflex and this material has proven to be a phenomenally flexible medium used to produce beautiful shoes. Not only does Melissa Shoes use recycled materials, they recycle, recycled materials, thus further reducing waste. The end results of all this technology, creativity and partnerships are durable, comfortable and enviable shoes that last without harming the environment.
Watch as Corrine Bailey Rae flashes a lovely pair of Melissa Shoes Vivienne Westwood shoes prior to her live performance recently on the NBC Today show. 
More Eco Shoe Love,
~Ar
Thongs by some accounts can be considered the oldest form of footwear. Egyptian Hieroglyphics dating 15000 BCE depict images of footwear that closely resemble the modern day flip flop. The laborious construction of ancient footwear were of organic harvested materials like, wood, leaves, plants, grass, tree bark and coconut skin. Egyptians appear to be the first to employ vegetable tanning techniques and spun flax for thread to hold the shoes together. The Egyptians, also famous for their fondness of jewelry, would adorn their thongs with beads, metals, gold and precious stones. For those of you like me wondering, the name “flip flop” derived from the sound the shoe makes when walking. Flip Flops are universal footwear and concepts of the original design appear in ancient Rome, India, Asia South Africa and other countries. Other names for flip flops include Thongs, Jandals, and Chappal.
Ancient Egyptian Sandals
Flip flops are the simplest of all shoe designs; featuring just two components, a simple sole and strap (thong) that holds the front of the foot to the shoe. What I found most interesting about these ancient shoes is that they were typically worn by men of means. Thankfully for us fashionistas, Flip flops have come a long way in that regard.
Terra Planna Dopie - White
Flip flops evoke a carefree, relax mode. For me, other than a great pair of 4 inch heels, I live in flip flops. Thongs serve a great purpose for me; I can still look cute sporting a FABU pedi, when running to the market or just taking a stroll. Flip Flops are great alternative to sneakers.
Flip flops have crossed the threshold from just beachwear to everyday footwear. As workplaces are adopting more relaxed dress codes, it is not uncommon to see flip flops in the office. Many probably remember when some in the public went aghast as Northwestern’s Women’s Champion Lacrosse team showed up at the White House for a photo opt donning Flip Flops. Now it is not so uncommon to see thongs wearers, at casual and red carpet events. Mainstream shoe designers have channeled the Egyptians and are adorning thongs with sequins, metallic, swarovski crystals, gemstones, diamonds, and offering them in varying heel heights. Eco footwear designers seem to be inspired by the ancient origins of thongs by their use of the similar organic materials. Once again, because of its simple design, styling options for flips flops are unlimited.
These delicious Mink Shoes Thongs and are vegan. Mink never disappoints with their play on animal names for their shoes. These are called Lemur. I love the delicate petal applique that frames the sides of the foot. Perfect for that flowing sundress and matched with a flower in your hair.
Mink Lemur
Hip hop-eco flip-flops with a little BLING! Melissa Shoes, brings it with their patented Melflex plastic technology. There’s no sin in these thongs that are made of recycled plastic and has a delightful fruity smell added during manufacturing. The Sin+J Maskrey shoe is dazzling with the crystals on the T. This flashy eco flat is ideal for petite gals looking to elongate their legs and pairs nicely with a short jumpsuit.
Melissa Shoes Sin +J Maskrey
Go for a bold look with Olsen Haus eco friendly thongs aptly named Goliath. These gladiator thongs are strong and solid with an adjustable buckle. Olsen Haus doesn’t overdo it; they’ve kept this black and tan sandal simple. This thong has a great profile from the side and the top. For a knockout look, this shoe can be coordinated with classic linen.
olsen Haus - Goliath Thong
I’ve also come across some very impressive eco shoe companies. Pikolinos is certainly ranks among the most impressive. They are located in Spain. Their 2009 Summer Orinoco collection was awarded the EU Eco-label. The EU Eco Label certifies that strict environmental standards are adhered to during manufacturing. It doesn’t stop there. Pikolinos, committed to reducing it’s carbon footprint has a “zero paper” policy and waste generated within the company is recycled. And on a social responsibility front Pikolinos collaborates with several social, cultural, sport and development projects. Endeavors include UNICEF; our Mundy Organization in Ancash, Peru; the Aderbissinat Community project in Tadibene, Nigeria; AMAMEC (Woman Breast Cancer Affected Association) in Elche, Spain; and, investigation projects in Elche Hospital in Spain. You can’t help but feel good with a purchase of Pikolinos.
Pikolinos Lima - Semi-Vegan
Hopefully, I’ve provided a good start for you to consider as shop for your Summer footwear. Why not add a couple eco pair? So whether you’re off to the beach, market, dinner or special event walk like a modern Egyptian eco style.
~Ar
