Earth day: April 22

With Earth day only two days away, ethical clothing has had some focus in the national media over the weekend, most notably the FT's look at ethical cashmere. Earth Day was designed to inspire awareness and understanding of the Earth's environment, celebrated around the world since its introduction by Senator Gaylord Nelson back in 1970.

As well as an increasing amount of focus on the quality of garments produced (afterall, the longer they last and perform, the more environmentally friendly they are), there is a growing focus on sustaining artisan cooperatives, skills and trade. A brand we stock, and I felt it was appropriate to bring a little focus to once again is Veja, the ecological footwear brand. Their intention to use fairtrade cottons, leather and latex as well as maintaining the dignity and respect of craftsmen and women they have created a global chain that emphasises solidarity and the environment.

Full grain ecological leather upper and low profile latex sourced from Amazonia

"Fair-trade" has become an ever profitable selling point over the past few years, but this is the real deal. Veja understand the importance of getting deep into the architecture of our worldwide infrastructure to change our methods of transportation, organization, production, conditioning and consumption. Transported to France by boat, the shoes are then shipped on barges along the canals of the Parisian suburbs in packaging made from fully recycled and recyclable cardboard (which was even altered in 2002 to consume less cardboard.)


Organic cotton upper and low profile latex sourced from Amazonia

If this wasn't enough, to ensure a fair price is paid by the consumer, Veja DO NOT ADVERTISE! The money saved on advertising means they can pay their workers overtime at a fair price, as well as offering what is a beautiful product from concept to fabrication to people around the world. I'm sure there are further improvements to be made by this brand over the next few years, but they're setting the standard for ecological clothing at the moment.

The thing we have always recognised Nom de Guerre for is their ability to weave harsh military references into an everyday wardrobe that looks clean and effortless. In the past, its been all about high density knitwear, great denim and bold outerwear, and this season its no difference, but the stand out elements for me are their shirting. They have delivered everything we expected, strong references to the military delivered in soft delicate materials and bold patterns.

The feeling of Spring is in the air, and these shirts utilising materials from linen to ramie (a tough vegetable fibre), are made to the perfect weight and from the softest materials making them perfect for the coming months:



A sea blue button-down shirt made from 100% cotton with three quarter sleeves and mother of peal buttons. For such a delicate material, the shirt is ready for a good bit of wear and tear.
£135



For me, the ultimate lightweight cotton shirt and the 3/4 button adjustable sleeve details make it perfect for pretty much all occassions. Twin button down chest pockets, mother of pearl buttons and a curved hem top of a beautifully detailed piece. Made from 85% cotton, 8% linen, 7% ramie.
£140



This is a summer edition of the Nom de Guerre classic shirt. Its made in super soft cotton and linen for a heavy duty shirt thats as easy on the fingertips as it is on the eyes. Once again, detailed with mother of peal buttons, curved hem and button down collar. Made from 98% cotton and 2% linen.
£160



A military inspired soft ribbed cotton shirt with twin breast pockets, epaulette details and curved hem in Khaki with mother of pearl buttons.
£160

Filippa K SS10

[For information on suiting call 01142723482]

The latest collection from Filippa K sees a great offering of classic tailoring, cotton tees and the pallette of Venice beach circa 1985. It offers you the opportunity to pick and choose pieces to form an individual look. Classic workwear details are combined with modern suit patterns to produce garments with a softer but elegant cut in vibrant, Summery colourways. The collection brings together your the basics for every man's wardrobe: clean shirting, cotton tees, sports jacket, classic cut two-piece, the great fitting chino and the timeless driving jacket.



[For information on suiting call 01142723482]

Soft tailored suits mixed with more casual t-shirts and a pair of desert boots offer an elegance, glamour and lightness whilst maintaining a relaxed masculinity that looks so easy. Its the ultimate look for Spring or Summer whether they're worn together or seperately.

Alternatively, the lightweight pre washed materials and casual cut mean its the perfect summer suit for the office or a few drinks on the weekend.







Check out the pieces from the Filippa K range at Ideology webstore.