Upstate Shibori at Kaight Shop

I loved seeing these shibori wraps by Upstate while visiting Kaight with my friends from EcoSalon and Green Beauty Team this past weekend. Indigo and natural plant dyes are definitely the rage at the moment, with recent art installations and textile studios getting in on the action and rewards of this hands-on process. You can read more about shibori in my recent post on the Textile Arts Center's Teem exhibition and Japan fundraiser.

You can find Upstate's 100% raw silk and natural indigo

 dye wraps via Kaight's online shop.

EAIRTH Fall/Winter 2011: Elemental Style

EAIRTH 'Manoba Twirl' in Onyx

EAIRTH 'Ibanat Flirt' in Static Twilight

*above images via FLAT20A

Something about EAIRTH's collections always makes me soar sky high while also providing a grounding sensation. Their Spring 2011 collection will be available at BARNEYS New York and Kaight Shop, but I could not resist a peak at these AW 2011 textures and prints. Kaight has some amazing pieces by EAIRTH currently on sale, including the rather unique 'Tiboli Cape' that I tried on and adored l when I visited last fall.

 

EAIRTH Tiboli Cape

"Extremely heavy-duty and totally appropriate even on the coldest days. It has a large zip down hoodie, concealed zipper and button closures. Two front, breast pockets and two front arm openings. Quilted lining for extra warmth. This piece is made from organic cotton and is 100% chemical-free. Pigments used to achieve the coal color are derived from natural ingredients including ginger, mahogany, and Indian almond. This means that each piece is unique and has an artisanal touch."

Let's just say that it is so much more than a Barbour, and in sync with the current cape trend.

Kaight Launches "Vintage Shop Within A Shop"

Kate McGregor in her vintage wool felt hat from the 80's

 "Vintage Shop Within A Shop" opens on January 15

Kate McGregor, owner and curator of Kaight NYC & Brooklyn says, "It's such a no-brainer, I don't know why it took me so long to implement a vintage section at Kaight. The purest form of eco, vintage clothing offers not only a glimpse into fashion's past, but wonderfully well-made garments, many of which coincide with the trends-du-jour, including longer hemlines, bohemian prints and highrise denim. Find it all at Kaight starting Jan. 15."

See Kaight in Livia Firth's round up, I Love Green NY, as well.

Kaight Celebrates 4th Birthday With New Locale in Brooklyn

Congratulations to Kaight NYC for the recent celebration of their fourth fabulous birthday and the announcement that they will soon open shop in Brooklyn. Proprietor Kate McGregor continues to set the standard for state-of-the-art sustainable fashion retailing, and her latest venture is proof that New Yorkers and global Kaight followers are more on board than ever when it comes to defining personal style with a real conscience.

Visiting Kaight at 83 Orchard Street on NYC's Lower East Side is a bit like being invited into a hipster girl's closet, as sustainable fashion collections, mix-and-match chic, and affordable accessorizing options are smartly displayed for the oggling. Shopping at Kaight is also totally stress free with the sweet laid back vibe and non-hassling attitude. I am the sort of person who takes quite awhile to settle on a purchase, and I love that I can ask a lot of questions, take my time with my decisions, and even come back or order online once I have made a final pick. This is how I found my beloved TOM's navy-striped wedges and PI organic cotton lingerie earlier this summer. I honestly lived in these two items at home with the fan and cool music playing.

Given that NYFW is just around the corner, I asked Kate what she was most excited about on the upcoming fashion week calendar, and in addition to The GreenShows, the NOW Showcase is always one of her favorite events. She views it as a must-do-look-see for anyone truly serious about sustainable fashion retailing and editorial coverage. Of course, there is a queue of Fashion's Night Out events on Kate's radar, including her own in-store event with Krel Wear on September 9th and 10th, as well as Ecouterre's Slow Fashion panel discussion at the new Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn.

H.Fredriksson A/W 2010 collection

Stunning finds during my recent visit to Kaight: Whit's retro-style short skirts, Eairth's A/W 2011 organic canvas capes featuring some seriously stylish volume, Study NY's fall pinstripe jumpers, Samantha Pleet's latest and greatest it-girl creations, Melissa's Juggler wedge heels, and H. Fredriksson (woodgrain) print tunics.

Matt & Nate black vegan leather 'Beat' wallet with chain wristlet

For those of you lucky enough to venture into Kaight during the next few weeks, do take a peak at the Matt and Nate 'shop-within-a-shop' on view through November 30, 2010. You can also follow Kaight's blog for updates on the new shop in Brooklyn. The scoop on its design? A very different look from Kaight LES. Something consistent with the original architecture and retro-fitted with one-of-a-kind interior designs by Kate's bevy of talented friends.


*above images are of Kaight 83 Orchard Street

Creating New 'Dialogs' with Ethical Textile Accessories

Summer accents with the potential to work their magic all year long are a welcome option when it comes to sustainably savvy style. I recently came across Dialog clutches and bags at the EcoSalon Shops! event at Green Spaces NY in early June and really was impressed with their design simplicity and textile chic. Now KAIGHT shop is offering these gorgeous clutches by Dialog's sister company, World Butik.


"World Butik bags incorporate hand weaving from the Saori WEaving Co-operative in Thailand. Saori weaving is a source of income as well as therapy for those who lost jobs and family members in the tsunami disaster of 2004."

Locally-crafted, traditional textiles are really the most fashionable luxury statement you can make these days. I love that a clutch like this is truly global in outlook and most importantly, connects us to what matters most - working together to solve environmental challenges while also looking our best.


*Dialog/World Butik's 'Blue clutch' retails for $98 at KAIGHT

Samy Chalon Vintage Chic at Kaight

Paris in springtime? There is really nothing sweeter. These vintage silk scarf tops created by Samy Chalon in Paris are the talk of the Haut-Marais. How fabulous that they are now available at Kaight shop. So pretty and fresh.




*Kaight