Style and Fashion

Ethical fashion looks no different from conventionally produced clothing; it can be exciting and it is possible to construct high fashion garments with sustainable and ecological practices. more »

Although the Manchu rulers of Qing dynasty China (1644-1911) loved beautiful things, they were not blind to practicality. In summer, they traded their heavy satin robes for lighter garments made of semi-sheer silk gauze. The open weave of these robes provided not only ventilation, but also the perfect foundation for embroidery carried out in colored silk as well as gold and silver threads. more »

With older women and men doing water aerobics and swimming laps, wouldn’t you think the bathing suit manufacturers would twig to there’s a huge market out here? We buy suits more often than teenagers because we’re harder on them. No lying still on a beach blanket for hours, or languidly standing around the lifeguard’s chair. more »

Many materials are thought to have protective and healing qualities as well as symbolic meaning. Silver is linked with honesty and purity, and when combined with certain stones it can heal select ailments. Red Mediterranean coral, associated with life-sustaining blood, is prized for its healing properties. It is worn to promote fertility and to prevent harm to children. Yellow amber attracts sunlight and deflects darkness. more »