Ethically Rebellious and Elegant: Amisha
What was the inspiration for your designs? I think inspiration just comes from life. A moment, a feeling, an experience. Most of my collections have been just that. Some have been influenced by stone combinations »
RedBall Project at London 2012: Interview with Kurt Perschke
In making a public work I am very conscious of the history of sculpture in public places, its origins in monuments, and how that leads - for better or worse - into a »
The Cultural Olympics: Interview with Caterina Loriggio
While sports play a central role in any Olympics, the cultural side is just as important. For the last four years, LOCOG and its partners have been organising the »
Interview with Jenny Jones, London's Green Mayoral Candidate
Given the impending London Mayoral elections and the fact that us at Urban Times have already interviewed Boris and Ken about what they'd do for London, we turn to »
Interview with Liesse Jones, Lingerie Designer
Pope Joans Lingerie; Eco Fashion Leslie: I noticed that you took inspiration from a lot of natural elements in your designs. What made you want to focus on the environment and nature? Liesse: My whole line is »
Interviews
Urban Times conducts exclusive interviews with thought leaders in a range of fields. The topics vary, but all are centered on driving solutions through optimistic forward-thinking.
Handbags Made From Bottletops: Ethical and Stylish
While visiting Uganda in 2002, Cameron Saul discovered a wire frame handbag made by local craftspeople using recycled bottle tops. Struck by the idea that this could appeal to the haute couture market, he developed the »
Veja: Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
Using organic cotton from agro-ecology initiatives in North Brazil, wild Amazonian rubber, and acacia tanned leather, Veja produces trainers and accessories which respect both the environment and workers’ rights, »
Gucci: Sustainable Luxury at its Finest
Gucci, one of the world’s most iconic Italian brands, is changing the face of fashion by showing us that luxury does not have to come at the expense of people and planet. Today I catch up with Rossella Ravagli, »
Say YAY for Youth Assisting Youth!
Youth Assisting Youth (YAY) is non-profit organization that provides support for youth aged 6-15 in the Greater Toronto Area. They have served over 32,000 young people since 1976. In the following interview, John van »
Reconstructing Junk Into Style: Annika Sanders and Kerry Seager
Junky Styling is an ‘innovative, design-led label’. All garments are made from the highest quality second hand clothing, which is deconstructed, re-cut and »
Ethical and Empowering Lingerie: Charini
Sri Lankan native Charini Suriyage is the mastermind behind sustainable lingerie line Charini. She is an inspiring member of the fashion world who understands a woman can be sophisticated, provocative and ultra »
Observer Ethical Awards 2012: Fashion
Last week, the Guardian’s Observer unveiled the shortlist for their annual ethical awards. Given Urban Times’ keen interest in Eco Fashion we connected with the founders of the nominated fashion brands to »
One-Off Wonder: Lu Flux
Amidst tidily folded stacks of printed fabrics, cozy knits and an impressive collection of vintage bottons, Lu Flux speaks to me about what it means to be a sustainable fashion designer, ‘Englishness’, and why she’s a big hit in Japan. Elizabeth: Your »
Feminists in Corsets: Cecile Van Dijk
With her fresh perspective of historical vs. contemporary femininity, the ideal female form, and ethical manufacturing in Europe, Cecile Van Dijk enlightens us on why the corset is more relevant than ever. Elizabeth: »
An Ethical Breakdown with Jocelyn Whipple
In this latest interview with Urban Times, eco fashion sourcing agent, consultant and stylist, Jocelyn Whipple, dissects the often opaque terminology of the ethical fashion movement, lets us in on the best places to »