Brown hoodie by Clary Sage Organics, 61 percent organic cotton, 36 percent bamboo rayon, and 4 percent recycled polyester. $238. Shorts by Rogan for Target, 100 percent organic cotton, manufactured in Bangladesh. $24.99
natural threads devin kelly photos by isaac aronjilla styling by annalise ashdown and hoangthy ngo models annalise ashdown and alexis tashima
Staying au naturale in apparel often translates to the label “certified organic” – that is, produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Recycling or re-purposing materials like bike tires for a more vintage look also falls into the mix. In the past decade, mounting environmental concerns have driven media and consumer attention toward fibers such as organic cotton and bamboo – but with high prices and slow production methods, it remains to be seen whether organic clothing is fit for the mass market.
a yoga state of mind
16 XX || may May 2011 2011 || prime prime
With new-age appeal on their side, yogaware manufacturers have led the charge into sustainable fibers for a small clientele. That includes San Francisco-based Clary Sage Organics, where recent UCLA alumna Annalise Ashdown has interned over the past two years. The company produces its clothing in conjunction with local California farmers and “strive to offer the highest possible percentage of organic cotton” in apparel,
according to the website. Of course, ecological sensitivity comes with a hefty price tag. A pair of yoga pants runs at about $80. Despite that, the store survived the recession and even expanded. Ashdown produces a pair of black cotton leggings made by the company – 97 percent organic cotton, 3 percent spandex. Synthetic materials are softer, Ashdown admitted. But for her, being eco-conscious outweighs perfect physical comfort.