Yesterday at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Nike along with partners launched GreenXchange, “a digital platform and system that promotes the creation, sharing and adoption of technologies that have the potential to solve important global or industry-wide sustainability challenges.”

Don Tapscott, who covered the launch, notes in his post that, “new approaches to collaboration enable new business models that empower companies to create better value for consumers.”

Everywhere I look I feel like I’m seeing new and innovative collaboration efforts that are producing really amazing products or events, and like Tapscott says–better value.

It’s great to see a leader in design such as Nike taking this step and I think the GreenXchange will play an important role in furthering sustainability iniatives within the fashion industry.

Looking Forward category: These entries explore student works, promising developments in sustainable design and other inspiring news.

Tuesday, January 12; 12 p.m. — The Hull-House Kitchen Hosts re-Thinking Soup

I have heard so many great things about this series, but unfortunately have not been able to attend a Tuesday yet. “Every Tuesday from 12:00-1:00pm, the Hull-House Museum hosts a modern day soup kitchen that is a public and communal event where we gather together and eat delicious, healthy, soup and have fresh, organic conversation about many of the urgent social, cultural, economic and environmental food issues that we should be addressing.”

I don’t see January 12th’s topic or speaker posted yet, but I’m sure it will be an informative and engaging way to spend a lunch hour.

Wednesday, January 13th; 5:45 – 8:30 p.m. – Chicago Green Drinks: Annual State of Sustainable Chicago

If you haven’t been to a Chicago Green Drinks before, this would be a good one to start with. Note: pre-registration is required for this event, so act quickly if you’re interested. (Normally you can just show up to Green Drinks, but this is a particularly popular night.) “How will the events of 2009 impact us in 2010? Come gain a broad perspective from local leaders on topics ranging from green restaurants to environmental policy. Leave inspired with ideas about how you can get involved in issues that will influence Chicago in the coming year.”

Foresight Design’s Chicago Green Drinks has been around for quite a while now and it attracts a loyal, business and networking-minded crowd. It’s a great opportunity to hear some of the city’s top leaders in sustainability and interesting thinkers. You can go with the mindset of meeting new people and networking, or you can make your night more laid back if you prefer and just take in the panel discussion. I’ve got my ticket, so I’ll see you there.

Eco Scenes category: These entries share upcoming events with a focus on learning about creating more sustainable communities and lifestyles. The point is to do more than “be seen on the scene.” Engage with others, take valuable information away, and use it to make positive changes in your life and others.

(Image via Medill Reports)

After reading through the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar and reviewing their top trends for 2010, I think my favorite might be pastels and flesh tones. I don’t really wear many light colors (I guess I rarely wear color at all, to be honest.) But, I’m thinking 2010 might be a good time to lighten up.

Some eco-fashion options out there right now (plenty more to come closer to spring I’m sure):

Tank dress: Dream & Awake, Rain Dress

Wrap dress: SDN, Angel Flutter Dress

Jersey dress: Lara Miller, Chelly Dress

Blouse dress: Fin Oslo, Jersey Blouse Dress

Silk cami top: Edun, Zig Zag Cami

(Images via Harpersbazaar.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

I’ve featured a few guests’ For Keeps items lately, but now for another one of my own.

Jessa’s item: Magno desktop mini stapler

The story: “The summer before I opened Pivot in 2007 I came across an Indonesian designer named Singgih Kartono and his line Magno. He designed beautiful hand-crafted wooden accessories such as radios and desk sets. I began outreach to Singgih to determine if I could sell his products at Pivot, and when Pivot opened I was the only shop in the U.S. to feature Magno. Now Singgih’s designs are sold all over the U.S. and Europe in stores such as MoMA.”

Why it’s a For Keeps item: “Not only is this stapler extremely functional (I used it every day at Pivot to staple customer receipts), but it will also always remind me of an exciting discovery I had and my communications with Singgih in Indonesia.”

For Keeps Sake category: These entries explore the items in our lives that are not disposable for reasons of good design, sentimental value, utility and more. From everyday objects to special treasures, let’s think about buying and owning more thoughtfully.

If you’re not finished with holiday shopping yet, there’s a great event in Chicago this Thursday featuring eco-fashion brands Frei Designs, Mohop and Mountains of the Moon. And if dresses, jackets, jewelry or shoes aren’t on your shopping list, maybe you’ll be interested in checking out eco-friendly paint or consulting services from Colori–where the event will be held. I’ll definitely be stopping in! Details are in the flyer above, or click here for more information.

A few other Chicago independent retailers I like for gifts:

Post 27, 1819 West Grand Avenue: Mid century modern furniture and home goods with a mix of new eco items and locally made artists works. I can spend hours in here, but it won’t take you long to see there are a ton of great gift options.

Green Grocer, 1402 West Grand Avenue: Buying foodstuffs or a nice bottle of wine is a great gift option when the person is hard to buy for, you’re looking for lower price points or maybe you just want something fun to add to a larger gift. Stop at Green Grocer for organic and local treats that anyone will appreciate.

Permanent Records, 1914 West Chicago Avenue: I really like the idea of supporting local music shops and Permanent is a great one. Sure, iTunes gift cards might be nice and easy and used by everyone. But there’s something great about going to a shop and listening to music, seeing the staff picks, petting the cute cat and then buying a physical cd.

Eco Scenes category: These entries share upcoming events with a focus on learning about creating more sustainable communities and lifestyles. The point is to do more than “be seen on the scene.” Engage with others, take valuable information away, and use it to make positive changes in your life and others.

In Sustainable Inspiration I plan to find a street style shot, magazine spread or other inspiring photo and then supply you with places to find similar sustainable design options. Pretty simple. The main point being that it’s not as difficult, as some still think, to find stylish and current eco-fashion outfits. Yes, there are not as many options to choose from and there are some significant product gaps. But it’s certainly worth the effort to look for eco-fashion choices first.

I was browsing through Elle.com the other evening and came across this shot from their November 18th, New York Street Chic entry. I like the look because it’s simple and classic, and very similar to outfits I wear daily.

Here are the eco options I found for creating this look (Note – some items chosen may be very limited in stock, therefore not available at the time you are viewing this post.):

Black pea/dress coat: Vaute Couture, Vaute Coat

Simple solid color dress: Spun, Cowl Neck Dress

Black belt with gold accent: Vintage Belt on Etsy

Black tights: Maggie’s, Organic Cotton Tights

Black flat/motorcycle boots: Greenbees, Emma Boot

(Image via elle.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

Last spring and again this fall, I was asked to participate in a sustainable design exercise for professor Arti Sandhu’s fashion design class at Columbia College Chicago. Each semester the students came to visit Pivot’s storefront to investigate the various designers’ works and learn more about eco-fashion. After their visit Arti presented the classes with an assignment to create their own garment following principles of sustainability.

This fall the assignment was based on the concept of creating a no waste garment. Students were charged with the task of creating a functional garment by developing a method of pattern making/draping/fabric treatment that did not create fabric waste, or by recycling waste or discarded materials to create a new garment. The process must also be a repeatable one so that multiples could be made in a limited run or mass production. Students were instructed to work with clear thematic or aesthetic direction as well.

During this unit, Arti introduces the students to several concepts of sustainable fashion design including various pattern-making and draping methods. One of her main goals is to encourage the class to look beyond eco-friendly fabrics and deeper into production and design practices. Hopefully the young designers can employ these learned practices in the future repeatedly.

I was invited to visit the class earlier this month to see their final garment presentations. Each of the 13 designs impressed me on various levels. Many of the students explored pattern-making methods that were new and challenging to them. I enjoyed hearing how each began with their own inspirations–from quilting to medieval period patterns.

Arti tells me (referencing Timo Rissanen) around 15% waste is typically created when making a garment. And she points out that does not consider the 100% waste that is generated when a clothing piece is discarded. Eco-fashion is most outwardly focused on organic fabrics, low-impact or natural dyes and ethical labor. All important aspects. But this assignment was a fantastic reminder in the role no waste production needs to play in sustainable fashion–perhaps it is the most important facet of the process?

Below are descriptions and comments on the four student works featured above:

Top left, Geo Red/Blue Dress by Lizz Basinger: Lizz was inspired by quilting to begin her process. She cut her pattern from two squares and had virtually zero waste. This piece looks beautiful in person and could easily be worn right off the mannequin.

Top right, Triangles Drawstring Top by Megan Honigmann: Megan constructed this top from 54 triangles. Their are drawstring ties inside the garment that allow you to pull it in or let it out to form a particular size or shape. Very exciting piece to examine.

Bottom left, Sentimental Shirt by Heather Albert: Heather decided to take a piece that epitomizes disposable fashion (a ubiquitous Forever 21  dress) and another piece that held sentimental value to her (a boyfriend’s shirt) and combine them. The idea was to create a piece that you would feel attached to and want to keep forever. While there was more waste in this piece than was desired, I felt that the concept was strong in terms of the re-fashioning trend.

Bottom right, Recycled Leggings Tunic by Shareefa Flowers: Shareefa took two pairs of out-dated thrift store leggings and created a versatile, modern tunic. The zipper is functional, however that was an added material. You could easily imagine this piece walking down the street on a million girls right now.

Looking Forward category: This is the first entry in the blog’s new “Looking Forward” category. I plan to explore other student works, promising developments in sustainable design and more in these posts.

The exhibit featured 27 Chicago designers of sustainable fashion, accessories and furniture. An animated film running on loop discussed components of sustainable design, and the materials directory website Ecolect created a “petting zoo” of various materials for visitors to explore.

On Saturday, October 4 MoSS held a panel discussion moderated by Jonathan Shaun with panelists Sara Snow, Barry Bursak, Lara Miller and Iris Wang. The discussion centered on the meaning of sustainable design and ways to lead more sustainable lifestyles.

MoSS events will continue in the future. If you are interested in MoSS developments, join Pivot’s email list for now or email connect@mosschicago.org.

Photo Captions (Left to Right)

Row 1

1. The MoSS space. LED lighting provided by RGB Lights.

2. Dress by Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, ottoman by Michele Fitzpatrick, side tables by 2 point perspective.

3. Asterisk stools by Roscoe Jackson, table by el: Environmental Language, Alice Berry designs.

(Photos: Kristina Carter)

Row 2

1. Chairs by Brickermade, dress by Kaelyn Garcia.

2. MoSS, identity design by Alex Fuller.

3. Table by Aaron Pahmier, chair by s2design, dress by Sunia, capelet by Mayu, pants by Mountains of the Moon.

(Photos: Kristina Carter)

Row 3

1. Lara Miller designs.

2. Panel discussion.

3. Panel moderator Jonathan Shaun, panelists Sara Snow, Barry Bursak, Iris Wang, Lara Miller and MoSS curator Jessa Brinkmeyer.

(Photos: Sarah Crump)

Row 4

1. Ecolect materials petting zoo area.

2. Handbags by Noon Solar, stools by Celia Greiner, dress by Elise Bergman.

3. Table by Terry Karpowicz, 999 Fingers and jacket by Frei Designs, dress by organiK Revolution.

(Photos: Kristina Carter)