Luxury is elusive. We seek it, but it is never quite realized. It is a practice.

What better way to practice luxury than to drape yourself in ultra luxe fabrics like the trademark cashmere and long-fiber hemp blend of Viridis Luxe. The entire line is a tapestry of supple, revolutionary blends. Bamboo, hemp and silk weave through the collection like a slice of moonlight through the window, subtly luminescent in a gentle, sleepy way.

Luxury is confident yet understated, in contrast to glamour, which is hungry and loud. Viridis Luxe treads lightly in the world of eco-fashion, but carries a big (bamboo) stick.

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Camilla Norrback believes that skin should be exposed.

Exposed - that is - only to nontoxic textiles. The Norwegian designer aims to fuse responsibility and freedom in her designs. Think sophisticated cuts with a childlike charm.

Norrback's designs also fuse decades, drawing patterns from the transition between the '80s and the '90s and emphasizing the best of both worlds. Off-the-shoulder designs meet fitted waists and wide, flowing sleeves and pant-legs. Detailed eco-luxury features like Corzo nut buttons in lieu of plastic are featured throughout the collections.
 
  

With this post, Camilla Norback can consider herself exposed (to us, at least).

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During the surge in mod furniture in the 60s and 70s, Lucite was all the rage. Lucite, an acrylic product similar to plastic, was used as an alternative to glass. It showed up everywhere - from tables and chairs to bathroom tiles - and was popular for its vibrant luster.

The large amount of lucite products in circulation meant a lot of waste. But lucite is beautiful, and deserves a second life. Fortunately, designers agree. Jewelry designer Rachel Essex has a vintage lucite and plastic pendant collection (shown above). Be sure to check out her pink lucite. (Desiring something more clear? BUZZ has just the thing.)

But its not just lucite that's making a splash. Plastics are showing up in conscious jewelry at an alarming rate - alarming because it's hard to admit to having a preference for plastic jewelry. Batucada Paris has a line of jewelry made from low-impact plastics that is absolutely stunning. Yes - stunning plastic jewelry.

Things really are changing.

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Peruvian designer Giuliana Testino's stunningly structured, hand-crocheted designs are inspired by her university studies in  architecture. Testino's Summer 2008 line features an entirely handcrafted inventory of magnificent yet light pieces, originally inspired by the traditional clothing of the Peruvian Highlanders.

The designer is passionate about preserving the artisan sensibility - each garment takes 2-3 weeks to complete. Techniques used by the artisans include crochet, hand knitting, macramé, and embroidery.

The results are intricate and fresh, and Testino has a strong sense of social responsibility within the communities of artisans she employs. She takes a proactive stances towards improving their quality of life and deeply valuing their masterful craftsmanship.

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Glass artist Kathleen Plate has elevated glass bottles to high fashion. Inspired as a young girl by the sun-catching textures of stained glass, Kathleen has emerged as a pioneer in eco-design with her recycled glass jewelry design group.

The coca-cola line features glass circles and hoops made from rescued glass bottles, like this three-ring lariat necklace - a piece of unmistakable casual elegance.

The recycled glass line features one-of-a-kind pieces hand made from recycled bottles in a stunning range of colors inspired by traditional stained glass hues. Bottle sources include soda and beer bottles, as well as other sources. Kathleen's works are handcrafted using sterling silver fixings and chains. Vibrant and simple, they add a cheerful punch to your accessory inventory.

There's even a handsome pendant perfect for the guy in your life...just so you don't feel guilty when you snap up all the pieces in the women's section! (Earrings, shown, $58.)

Image/purchase: Smart Glass Design

Grechen's Closet is not your everyday online store. I admit I normally avoid online shopping, unless I go directly to a designer's web site where the flash-slide-shows are too enticing to pass up snagging a piece or two - but Grechen lured me in for her special Eco Month.

Each day in June, Grechen models an eco-chic outfit, head-to-toe. What I love most is that Grechen's measurements are not those of most fashion models - she's one of us, ladies - and her photos give a sense of how these beautiful clothes look on the more average-proportioned woman.

 She's conveniently cataloged a bevy of earth friendly and ethical clothing and designer sites. Her reviews are handy and quirky, featuring many of EcoSalon's own favorites. But the best part of Grechen's closet is something I wish my closet was full of too. . .  coupons! This month, Grechen offers coupon codes for 20% off of a long list of top eco-designers.

This closet is worth a walk-in.

Image: tanakawho

The antiques of the future might be a bit difficult for dealers to classify. For instance, in the year 2060, when an antiques dealer is inspecting some Verdier Jewelry, she might have some trouble in determining if the piece came from 2008 or 1933. This is because Verdier uses authentic vintage materials from the world's "old school" jewelry factories.

The company uses lucite, glass and metals originally manufactured in the 30s, 40s and 50s, and merges them with modern production techniques, like this 1940s glass pendant on a vintage enamel chain, or the vintage jet plastic flowers pictured above.


The results are vintage beauties with a modern twist, to keep historians of the future on their toes.

Prices, ordering, information: Verdier

Pima cotton is an ultra-luxe fabric accounting for just 3% of cotton grown in the world. Increasingly, designers are opting for organic pima cotton for its softness and superior strength. Because of its durability, designers can create clothes that are truly green: long lasting, washable and wearable. A few looks I love (left to right):

This preppy traditional cap-sleeve Stewart + Brown tee has a dainty collar, but will stay the course due to its 100% organic pima cotton construction ($78). The slightly ballooning sleeves on the fabulous organic John Patrick shirt ($238) provide delicate volume, but again - its 100% pima! Pima cotton is great for wardrobe staples like this casual collared london shirt by balla with classic piping ($84).

My favorite "alternative fabric" is poised to make its own soft but strong mark in cotton clothing.

For too many years, I have thought of moccasins as something my dad wore, usually only for driving or puttering around the house.

Manimal is here to change that with their ethical moccasins. With these sustainably hand-made shoes (excess materials are made into earrings and bags), moccasins make their way back onto the catwalk. Or, at least out from the driveway and proudly into public! I think they're casually chic. And I love the color (others are available).

Manimal is a small-scale, sweat-shop free company that carefully re-uses materials. Their popular moccasin ankle-booties have been called an eco-solution to the UGG(ly) craze of the last several years. $140.

This custom dress by Annatarian features hand-painted vintage kimono fabric masterfully paired with ombre surplus fabric. A vintage brooch accents the band and bow with its hand-painted metallic embroidery.

Annatarian offers custom consultations for your special occasion. Just in time for summer, with its bounty of outdoor festivities, weddings and longer days for merriment. All pieces are designed from remnant textiles or reconstructed vintage items. Annatarian hand dyes and embellishes with reclaimed beads and vintage jewelry. The work of art created for you by Annatarian will be 100% unique, one-of-a-kind couture - a wonderful choice for the eco-conscious bride or bridesmaid.