The real way to look good in green

Consumers can get overwhelmed with the idea of eco-fashion because they are trying to figure out the different materials found in eco-clothing. 

Instead of trying to decide whether to buy organic cotton or bamboo, consumers should start to abide by asking how and where clothes and accessories are made. According to a Montreal Gazette article, people need to think about what really happens to their clothing because once consumers start becoming mindful about the ways in which clothing are made and disposed of, they can put pressure on business to change.

 

Nicole Ritchie-Oseen owner of Body Politic boutique believes in eco-chic women's fashion.

Photo: Body Politic website

 The easiest way to start making that change is by finding out more information on local eco-fashion stores. Nicole Ritchie-Oseen is the owner of Body Politic, an independent Canadian business as well as an eco-friendly clothing boutique. I was able to catch up with Nicole to ask a couple of questions about her boutique and her inspirations with eco-fashion.

Photo: vanguardpr

Photo: CRAVE

Q:  Tell me a bit about yourself, what is Body Politic?

A: I opened Body Politic in 2008 after completing my post-secondary education. My goal was to have a boutique that showcased a well-curated selection of North American made ethical clothing lines and accessory brands. It began as a bricks and mortar storefront in Vancouver and we added an online web shop about a year and a half later.

Q: What labels does your store carry?

A: Some of our best selling lines are Yoga Jeans by Second Denim, Stewart and Brown, Feral Childe, Dagg & Stacey, Pendleton- The Portland Collection, Dara Ettinger, LABEL clothing, Modaspia and The Podolls.

Q: What kind of clothing do you guys carry?

A: We carry contemporary lines, each with their own sustainability story that are on-trend without sacrificing quality or timelessness. All of our designers have a commitment to sustainability and hold values that are in-line with our mandate as a business. My goal was to show people that "eco" clothing did not mean that you had to sacrifice style.

Q: How do you choose what clothing you are going to sell?

A:  Each line is chosen by me personally. Ultimately I have to like the styles on their own merit and we also focus on brands that keep their production and manufacturing in North America. As there is no standardization in the fashion industry I spend a lot of time talking with designers to make sure that our values are aligned.

Q: Why is it important for people to wear sustainable fashion?

A: The clothing industry is a multi-billion contributor to the world's economy. We vote with our dollars every day with how and where we choose to spend it. By choosing to not spend your money on cheap, throwaway fashion you are making a difference even if it appears minuscule.

Q: What made you go into the eco-fashion industry?

A: I was first inspired by a gentle "challenge" from my mom. When I told her I wanted to open a clothing store she encouraged me to seek out ethical designers. Once I started to do my research I was inspired and knew it was the direction I wanted to pursue. It's not without its challenges but I wouldn't want to operate my business any other way.

Q: Why did your store relocate?

A: One of the benefits of being a small business is that you can be really dynamic and flexible. Our online store began as an add-on but we began selling across North America and realized how many more customers we could reach. We found that we developed great relationships with our online customers which was a welcome surprise.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My sources of inspiration are endless. Anyone who is willing to be brave and make a difference for the better (in whatever area) makes me feel that there are so many like-minded entrepreneurs out there.

Photo taken by: Peter Jensen

 Both photos found at: famedmagazine

Photo taken by: Peter Jensen

Make sure to check out Body Politic's website to shop and read more information on eco-fashion.
Also, don't forget to follow Nicole on Twitter as well as Like her Facebook page.
There are plenty of other news articles on Body Politic found here and here.
Check out the Montreal Gazette article on eco-fashion found in Vancouver Sun's news site.

Live, Laugh, Love and Shop ;)
ShadyCat