LYRA MAG.

“ ECO, PURE SIMPLE” LIFESTYLE APPAREL" Outdoor Retailer, SLC     Words/Images Judith Ecochard Earth Creations ' comfy, high quality and eye-catching short and long sleeve tees and tanks--- have interested us for awhile---and finally, we previewed the everyday wear for gals this time out. From the Fall Collection-available now...Twilight Jacket The first thing we noticed ---a major plus---are the soft, rich colors of the separates and well done graphics …courtesy of environmentally friendly clay dyes that are exclusive. Really beautiful tones…azurite, black, celadon, citrine, moonstone, slate, topaz and white.  And all inspired by the Alabama red clay dirt's tenacity ---and the state where this family run business is based. The first thing we felt --- the fabrics themselves…so amazingly soft and lightweight , really exceptional. Given the company’s MO--- organic cotton jersey , and sustainable hemp are used throughout the collect...

OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC Words/show images Judith Ecochard We started the tradeshow at the Salt Lake Palace with Schoeller Textil AG ---a Swiss company that has three main gigs…highly functional fabrics, a licensing biz for cutting edge fabric technologies/treatments…and a division aimed at the special needs of work gear (i.e. police, military). Our gee whiz moment came when we learned about the breakthrough energear™ ---a NASA worthy technology----that can be applied to many different fabrics. What it measurably does is use biomimicry---- harnessing/capturing the infrared rays (FIRs) that we as humans give off---as do crushed up rocks---and reflect it back into the body for positive benefits.. Cool, right? A therapeutic concept used to aid circulation in East Asia for years inspired Schoeller®’s energear™--- a special energy recovery treatment that could have many uses… particularly we thought, in compression wear and athletic wear. Everyday garments too--- that promote circu...

“ THE GOAL WAS NOT TO ONLY GO FARTHER THAN ANYONE HAD EVER GONE BEFORE, BUT AS FAR AS IT WAS POSSIBLE ” Words, Images Judith Ecochard   John Bartlett looks on...khaki cotton/linen, cotton tee, cotton rib knit pants Decades before Pan Am made the going great--- there was the 1937 Pan American Clipper Martin-M-130  that brought the adventurous to far flung locales. This intoxicating combo of a death-defying journey fused with a luxurious flourish (air con, heated, linens, real silverware and professional service, dressing rooms---PLUSH) was the jump off point for Gilded Age ’s creative guru Stefan Miljanic who showed look after look of sun worthy separates,  destined for travels abroad. We thought tout de suite...oh guys will wear this. The ultimate luxury, simple clean- high end fabrics, hand wrought details. Casual fitting and soft textured woven shirts, wit...

Chelsea Piers, NYC Words/Images Judith Ecochard MILITARY GONE NATIVE Well we knew we were at the right spot as a parade of black clad fashionistas teetering on 4 inch heels were gabbin’ and smoking cigs before/aft the presentation by Mara Hoffman. But what a contrast in the saturated tropical palette that greeted onlookers to the 2 nd floor presentation space that was tricked out like a lush beachside island somewhere…relaxed. Complete with palm trees, sand and drinks to sip. And a live band too that set the breezy, casual mood. We loved the detailed prints, a well-done mash-up of ethnic and geometric Missoni-like designs--- dazzled in fab colors. We got up close and saw the intricate patterns---very impressive. We know that Hoffman has shown hand dyed silks…that have become her hallmark since graduating form Parsons/NYC and Central Saint Martins/London. We also loved this white crotchet dress…a summer...

"AEOLUS" Chelsea, NYC Words, Images Judith Ecochard Well we were surprised. First off--- that the designer Johannes Faktotum is a woman who though from outside Boston, studied menswear in London. AND Since we cover plenty of performance and outdoor gear---we marveled that Nike and Teva , a major footwear brand now way beyond the water shoe / sandal--- (plus throws a most go-to party at Outdoor Retailer)…were sponsors. Cause Faktotum approached them... we actually asked after we congrats her. AND We know our way around technically performing fabrics…and saw right away that these garments were more than just stylish. This sport sailing inspired collection boasts urban fashion silhouettes as in “f ashion that performs not the other way around” --- But nicely made with utilitarian textiles ---in some o...

TESTED BY SHERPAS, WORN BY EVERYONE Outdoor Retailer, SLC Utah Words/Images Judith Ecochard Easily one of the more elaborate exhibit spaces at the tradeshow Outdoor Retailer, Sherpa Adventure Gear showed a massive collection of adventure wear/ gear, and lifestyle apparel for those on the go needing technically performing attire.  It s a family owned business with strong ties to the Sherpa’s communities and athletes who are naturally high-altitude climbers, runners and guides. Hence the slogan. We previewed some of the women’s versatile lifestyle apparel that'll do just fine for gypsy travelers---l ightweight, packable, easy care, wrinkle resistant and durable separates. Key Looks: The Basanti Shirt -a breezy, adjustable empire waist top that works tucked in or out…in a light floral print. We love the detailed tiny pleats that run from the collarbone, down…that gives this item an urban appeal…in 100% cotton. The Devi Dress …here in Tea ...