Eko-Lab Girls & Ekovaruhuset (House of Organic)

February 22, 2009

Amy Mohlenhoff (left & center), Xing-Zhen Chung-Hilyard (right)

I've been following the evolution of the Eko-Lab designers for a few years now. Not only am I drawn to their clothing, but their process and sense of community. Looking through images on their Flickr photostream you get a glimpse into their creative world -  the sets include clothing and accessory lines, fashion shows and the Eko-Lab girls life. The latter is my favorite set because you really get an intimate look into a creative collective of like-minded women artists/designers who are obviously having an amazing time! Their energy is contagious, you can't help but want to join in and start making something!

Eco-champion Johanna Hofring brings these talented designers together in her eco-boutique, Ekovarhuset. She opened the first store in Stockholm, Sweden six years ago. The one in NY opened in 2006 and has been offering unique, fashion-forward eco-fashion ever since.

These artists really optimize the slow-fashion movement; with a focus on original, handmade designs that value quality, fine craftsmanship and sustainable practices. The clothing is made with natural and organic fabrics like angora, hemp, linen and wool. The beautiful array of colors are created by using toxin-free vegetable dyes.

Mika Machida (left), Xing-Zhen Chung-Hilyard (center), Kaori Yamazaki (right)

The boutique features clothing and accessories by the Eko-lab ladies as well as other designers from Sweden, Taiwan, Japan, Peru and the United States. Including Johanna Hofring, Amy Mohlenhoff, Anja Hynynen, Jodi Busby, Kaori Yamazaki, Meiling Chen, Mika Machida, Melissa Kirgan, Susan Cianciolo, THREEAsFOUR, Tor Soderin and Xing-Zhen Chung-Hilyard.

"For us at Ekovaruhuset, fashion cannot be luxurious, stylish, or sexy if it is not sustainable, environmentally sensitive and socially responsible."

"Fair Made" is a term we use, like "Fair Trade" - meaning we have the pleasure to support producers that practice fair working conditions and ethics for their employees. But we also encourage and support smaller scale local production units, as this gives us a better chance for good communication and cooperation."
- Johanna Hofring

view their Flickr Photostream
Eko-Lab site www.eko-lab.com

Visit the stores:
Ekovaruhuset
123 Ludlow St.
New York, NY 10002
212.673.1753

Ekovaruhuset
Österlånggatan 28
111 31 Stockholm
Sweden
08 22 98 45