New Look La Luminata

Step on over to the new La Luminata Sustainable Design & Trends Magazine. Officially launched on 1st September 2009, with new and improved sections, hip new writers and an extension of the work of La Luminata, we hope that you will come and subscribe to our work of sustainable love!

Fine Fairtrade Jewellery

Toranj is a London based jewellery designers that create limited edition fine jewellery.  The whole process of making the jewellery pieces happens in London, with the aim of supporting local industry and fair trade. Toranj uses only conflict-free diamonds and creates jewellery which nurtures both Eastern & Western values. My only wish is that they replace the suede gift boxes with something a little more eco-friendly.

Illuminated Porcini

Mushrooms inspired this set of ‘Porcini’ Lamps, bringing a series of organic shapes together to form this sustainable lighting. Created using naturally sustainable materials; Tasmanian Oak, a non-endangered timber species sourced from Australian sustainable forests finished with natural Australian beeswax, and 100% pure new wool upholstery, which is both biodegradable and renewable. The hand-crafted feel of these items reflects the elements of its nature.

Recycled Lego Necklace

Loving this recycled necklace sent in by eco designer Camilla Hounsell. This quirky piece would work well teamed with a simple fitted black/white dress, or a pencil skirt teamed with a soft organic t-shirt.

My Latest Obsession

Is the glorious Kitty Cooper who reworks recycled pieces to make the most beautiful and intricate handmade shoes. Her designs are inspired by the shapes, styles and craftsmanship of past eras, as well as the vintage ‘make-do-and-mend’ sensibility which is the antithesis of modern throw-away fashion.

Eco Bamboo Bikes

Zambikes, the brainchild company setup by two Californians and two Zambians, creates beautifully made bamboo bikes, which are strong enough to handle many different types of environments.

Perseverance and an innovative approach to product design and working practices have helped Zambikes put down strong roots enabling a Zambian community to work and prosper and the eco properties of bamboo to be explored further.

Take. Off. Your. Clothes

Oooh I am loving this new website which showcases the genius work of Benjamin Reingold; a kind of deconstruct and re-create designer, with a sense of humour and a mean eye for the potential within a garment. This guy is a great fashion label in the making.

Olenhaus Vegan Stilletto’s

Check out these gorgeous, fashion-forward and vegan! shoes for A/W 2009 available from Olenhaus. This gorgeous number have already appeared on Vogue online. Grab a pair while you still can!

Have Wings Must Fly

The Butterfly Book is designed in memory of charity fundraiser Claire Wadley and includes sketches, paintings and poems from celebrities including Stephen Fry, Jeffrey Archer, Manolo Blahnik, Simon Schama andMatthew Williamson.

Claire Wadley was 25 when she lost her fight against leukaemia, having battled the disease for seven years, and dedicating much of her time to raising money for Leukaemia Research. Claire loved butterflies and at her funeral, when a butterfly was seen flying in the rafters of the church, it gave her friends and family great hope.

The Butterfly Book by Laura-Jane Foley, includes butterfly images, poems and messages from famous names and is available for £25. A limited edition book costs £100 and includes one piece of original artwork submitted. All profits from book sales go to Leukaemia Research.

To find out more, or to buy the Butterfly Book please visit
www.leukaemiashop.com or email order@leukaemiashop.com.

Styleshake Turns Eco

Check out this little number that I whipped up on Styleshake, the website where you can play fashion designer and have your new dress delivered to your door in only 10 days.  They have just introduced an ‘eco jersey’ which you can knock up into a style of your choice. Gets my vote!