FAIR TRADE/ORGANIC ATTIRE THAT SHOWS WHY THE BASICS AREN’T JUST THAT BASIC
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Outdoor Retailer, Salt Lake City, UTAH
We’ve covered Indigenous for several seasons…and though the “greening” of the fashion industry is ongoing, this label was already THERE--- built on sound, sane principles of ‘do no harm’ (true organic materials, vegetable dyes, hand loomed and hand made fabrics/clothes made by global artist co-ops paid fair wages etc).
What sets Indigenous apart is that the attire---has always been so on trend and stylish…it doesn’t surprise us that big name Hollywood celebs have started to wear their clothes for style and because “mindful purchases” are part of the mindset these days.
We don’t think much thought needs to happen to buy Indigenous clothes---they are well made (long lasting), sophisticated and modern---- and they hit “the sweet spot” of affordability…with most attire falling into the $68 to $150 range.
A presence at Outdoor Retailer tradeshow usually means functional/wearable, travel friendly clothes... transcending selling categories.
WHAT’S NEW:
Indigenous divides its collections by names that summarize the essence of it all:
---like Jersey Girl---made up of layer-able pieces in versatile silhouettes made from 100% organic cotton jersey.
Pretty samples we loved…a “simple” ¾ length crew top…with ruching details,
a terrific zipped, fitted top, a “Savvy Zip Cardigan”
and a “Retreat Zip” with feminine high neck ruching…
a terrific zipped, fitted top, a “Savvy Zip Cardigan”
and a “Retreat Zip” with feminine high neck ruching…
that all “take the sporty silhouette and make it wearable,” according to Matt Reynolds, President. And special.
ADDED PLUS: We love the deep jewel tones (Burgundy, teal, Mink) and neutral Black/White colors throughout! And the textures of the high-end materials…make this label a value play IMHO…or “frosting on the cake for the outdoor industry.”
Flower Scarves And Flair
In the Urban Legends section, European sophistication and a modern aesthetic get translated into a romantic cowl neck "Melange Geo Tunic," and a sexy "Urban V" deep v neck ---both hand made from tencel/organic cotton.
We also felt the two tone, Inca patterned "Geo" shrug with kimono sleeves are one of those versatile pieces that goes with our jeans…or can top off evening wear.
Postcards-billed as a collection of “core essentials” has a Fall ready striped serape in a knit organic cotton—is made super wearable with an inside button option. A hand loomed “Essential V” --- is just that…hitting the hips just right…available in a dreamy Caribbean blue.
There’s also a wear it two ways shrug in the Boucle (100% Organic Cotton) collection that can be flipped over and worn unbuttoned.
A scrunchy cowl neck “Urban Zip” has draping bat wings that’s a nice balance of shapes when paired with fitted jeans.
The tencel/organic cotton Voyage separates are, no surprise…all great travel pieces. The “Tube Scarf” –more like a snood…are popular as they can be worn down as a scarf…or slide up for hat worthy warmth.
A ruched collar, ribbed waist “Voyage Zip,”
“Voyage Wrap Hoodie,”and “Melange Cardigan”…got a lot of retailer interests. The later piece, side tied--- can work as a dress too.
“Voyage Wrap Hoodie,”and “Melange Cardigan”…got a lot of retailer interests. The later piece, side tied--- can work as a dress too.
Free Space got out the ggrrrrllll looks in a rough edged "Motorcycle Zip" (Black/White).
OTHER KEY PIECES:
An oversized fringed, textured “Soho Wrap” that can be twist for various looks …
A thick, but soft to the touch, hand made wool organic cotton frise “Kimono”
A “Long Shawl Cardigan” of Alpaca/Merino/Tencel made from organic cotton/silk (Uniquely Chic)
Organic cotton/silk “Caplet” (LOVE)
And…
The incredibly soft 100% free range Aplaca separates that are feature Inca design graphics.
The highest prices (around $200-$250) belong to this collection…
...but Aplaca is warmer and wool and arguably rivals the finest cashmere.
The highest prices (around $200-$250) belong to this collection…
...but Aplaca is warmer and wool and arguably rivals the finest cashmere.
Most styles ship early Summer 2010.
And though mostly form fitting (knits, after all ARE)...all body types will look good in Indigenous designs. And of course, every piece we saw would also look amazing with denim.
INFO: INDIGENOUS DESIGNS
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