Interview with Neon Collective founder, Clare Childs

There is a hot new vegan boutique online that all style savvy women must check out. Green Lashes interviewed Neon Collective founder, Clare Childs, former editor of BBC2 fashion show, ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ to learn more about her amazing product range and why vegan accessories are proving so popular amongst stars such as Leona Lewis and Natalie Portman.

How did your background lead you to create one of the UK’s first online vegan accessories boutiques (that is actually super stylish)?
I’ve been vegetarian all my life, and have always found it hard to source quality shoes and bags that aren’t made of leather. There was never a convenient one-stop shop, I always had to contact individual designers and get my high-heels from one place, my handbags from another, and my pumps from somewhere else. It was driving me crazy! Then I realised other women must be feeling just as frustrated – so armed with savings from my former life as a television editor, I created a vegan boutique that brings together cutting-edge designers from around the world for the first time. My aim is to make it easier for fashionistas to make the short-step to a leather-free wardrobe. And I haven’t looked back since!

Neon Collective stock beautiful shoes by the likes of Olsenhaus and Charmone, which rival any Louboutins or Jimmy Choos. However, what would you say to any non-vegetarians to convince them to cross over to the green side?
Our shoes and bags really do stand up to scrutiny from the fashion pack, not just in good looks, but in quality construction too. People are falling over themselves to shop more ethically – and leading the way are celebrity starlets Natalie Portman and Leona Lewis, who are both committed followers of vegan fashion (and big fans of Charmoné shoes which we stock). In the UK up to 35% of people now consider themselves as ‘meat – reducers’ so I would encourage anyone cutting down on animal products to choose a non-leather shoe.

Simply put, we’d all like to buy more ethically if we could. No-one sets out to buy a pair of heels with the explicit intent of also making animals suffer in the process. But that is exactly what happens by purchasing leather! The trouble is, the industry has been very clever in disassociating leather products from the pain and deplorable practices used in their manufacture, and before there hasn’t been much of an alternative. Brilliantly, new technology means high-quality microfibers can be constructed exactly like leather, making them breathable, lightweight, water-resistant and colorfast. With such a fantastic choice of ethical footwear now available at Neon Collective – you can stay en vogue after turning green!

There is growing public awareness surrounding the manufacturing processes behind many high street stores. Neon Collective only stock designers with ethical manufacturing practices, don’t you?
Yes, that’s right! Ethically sourcing our products is really important to us. To supply Neon Collective, designers must
fully meet our philosophy of responsible luxury: no animal-derived materials, no sweat-shop production and only the very highest in quality and design. Many brands have gone one step further by utilising techniques such as recycling and carbon offsetting. If you chose not to wear leather then you need to ask what materials are used to make the shoes? The fashion industry has long been structured for us to consume, throw-away, consume again - and not even consider what fabrics are used or who made them. However, people are starting to grasp the idea that our purchases have consequences, which gives me hope.

So that’s the hard hitting journalism out of the way, now let’s talk shoes and bags! I’m loving the Crusier bag from English Retreads. Can you tell us what else will be big this Spring?
I love the vintage rubber Crusier bag too - English Retreads have turned recycling into a bold fashion statement, making old lorry tires into gorgeous handbags! Top of my splurge list this season is the Sotero bag from vegan label Matt & Nat. With colour a big fashion story this summer, this hot magenta arm candy is totally on-trend and will see you through a day at the office to a night on the tiles. If you’ve got a special day looming this year, then get in the queue for the Saphire from the new Sui Generis collection (pictured). These super sexy skyscraper heels are rammed with eco features to make you weak at the knees. Made from organic hemp with patent trim and stunning jeweled detail, this luxurious court shoe is skillfully crafted by hand in the UK. They are utterly gorgeous and perfect for weddings.

For any woman starting to build her ethical wardrobe, what are the key items she should invest in?
I’d start off with the basics first – you can’t go wrong with a simple pair of black court shoes teamed with a glossy clutch. Check out the Mariposa in black patent faux leather with the Kala clutch from Matt & Nat. Simple, stylish and trans-seasonal.

Before we let you go, could you share a few of your vegetarian and eco discoveries with us?
I love bright nails and I’ve just discovered Nubar eco nail polish. It’s free from chemical nasties, is animal friendly, and will look stunning with the Matt & Nat hot summer collection of vegan handbags.

I’m a big fan of inhabitat.com and always look forward to their weekly newsletter full of sustainable technology and design - I’m saving up for the fiber optic wallpaper!

Favourite ethical fashion label or designer?
For me Stella McCartney is the queen of ethical fashion. She’s a real trailblazer and inspiration, designing stunning eco-collections year on year. I love her tailored trenches, ultra floaty florals and her passion for animal welfare. But her designs are expensive - a more affordable alternative is Edun or People Tree.

Favourite vegetarian or vegan restaurant?
Luckily for me I live in Brighton where I’m spoilt for fine veggie eateries: I love the veggie breakfast at Sanctuary Café on Brunswick Street, and for a special occasion Terre à Terre on East Street is the place to go. However, the best vegetarian restaurant in the world is Food for Friends in the Brighton Lanes. Simply delicious.

Best green tip for Green Lashes and Fashion readers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The industry will never change unless we collectively make a stand. Resist the temptation to buy something simply because it’s cheap, as there’s a high chance someone in a developing nation will have been paid a pittance for their hard work. Ask the shop if they can guarantee their products are sweatshop free? If they don’t know – they don’t deserve your custom. If enough people make a stand they’ll be forced to change. And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to keep totally up-to-date with what’s hot at Neon Collective.

Green Lashes and Fashion readers will receive a 10% discount when using the code, GLF10 at the Neon Collective checkout (valid from 22nd January).

The Paris Years

One good thing to come out of my recent short lived romance with an artist was a trip to The Whitney Museum of American Art to see Alexander Calder: The Paris Years 1926-1933. I think most people are familiar with Calder through his mobiles but this exhibition brings a whole other side of Calder to light through his wonderfully creative wire caricature portraits, wire menagerie of animals, and his famous Circus. Around every corner is a new visual treat. I think this was of my favorite shows of all time and I hope everyone will try to see it before it closes on February 15th.

Alexander Calder, 'Dog', 1926-31. Wood, clothespin, and wire, Dog, 1926-31. Wood, clothespin, and wire.

Alexander Calder, Jimmy Durante, 1928. Iron wire and sculpture.

Alexander Calder, Goldfish Bowl, 1929. Wire.

Alexander Calder, Helen Wills, 1927. Wire and wood.

Alexander Calder, Untitled, 1932. Pen with ink on paper.

Alexander Calder, Equestrian Act from Calder’s Circus, 1926-31. Wire, wire, cloth, metal, wood, cardboard, rhinestones, thread, paint, rubber, cork, string.

Alexander Calder, Five suitcases in which Calder transported his Circus, 1926-31.

Review - Carrot Butter Cleanser by The Organic Pharmacy

How to use: Scoop out pea size amount of balm with spatula provided, apply to face, remove with warm muslin cloth.

Feel on skin: Rich and nourishing

Scent: Natural fragance with menthol undertones

Skin types: All skin types

Results: Skin appears to have more of a glow

Value for money: Yes, because you need such a small amount and it lasts months

Who would like it? Women that like luxurious products with pure ingredients

How to clean muslin cloth: I thought it would be a pain cleaning the cloth after every use but a few drops of Dr Bronner’s soap cleans it well (then you can machine wash it weekly).

Would I buy it again? The price did seem a lot at first but now that I see how long it lasts and how good it is for my skin, I would definitely buy it again.
Score: 10/10

More about the Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser
One application of the Organic Pharmacy’s Carrot Butter Cleanser and I immediately understood why it was a bestseller, award winner and celebrity favourite.

The nourishing ingredients of antioxidant packed carrots, moisturising shea butter and skin soothing lavender and chamomile combine to cleanse skin thoroughly yet gently. You only need a pea sized amount as it melts wonderfully onto dry skin before being washed off with a warm organic muslin cloth. When you see how much make up and city grime wipes off onto the cloth, you’ll either think, ‘darn, I wear a lot of makeup’ or ‘wow, this cleanser really does the job’.

This is a great first product to try from the Organic Pharmacy if you haven’t already sampled their luxurious products that are handmade in London and free from petrochemicals and artificial ingredients. I picked up this cleanser from their new Hampstead store where the staff are really helpful and friendly. I love having a new one stop shop for homeopathy, organic skincare, makeup and spa treatments.

Carrot Butter Cleanser – £29.95
Organic Cotton Muslin Cloth – £3.43

If you want to read about another supreme organic cleanser, read my review on Pai’s Rose and Camellia Cleanser.

Green Lashes Budget Cleanser Tip

To save some money you can wash your face with honey. Honey has anti-bacterial properties and works well as a cleanser. I thought it would be way too sticky but it wasn't and I was surprised at how easily it rubbed into the skin. Give it a try!

First Fashion

If you watched the coverage of the Inauguration today, you will have noticed the First Lady's beautiful yellow ensemble that was designed by fashion designer Isabel Toledo. Those of us who follow fashion and live in New York are well aware of Ms. Toledo and her artist husband Ruben, both of whom are of Cuban decent. They are a lovely couple and their artist talents seem to very much complement each other. There was a fascinating look inside their loft which serves as both a work space and home in New York magazine in 2006 by Wendy Goodman with photos by David Allee some of which are seen here.

Ruben works in his studio surrounded by hand-me-down easels and mannequins under a skylight that affords them views of the Empire State Building.

The space is of course decorated with artwork from Ruben and includes a mannequin he designed for Ralph Pucci and later painted. The iron railing is original.

The dining table, chairs and console were a gift from the late illustrator Antonio Lopez. The slipcovers were designed by Isabel.

The window was added to the bedroom and the screens were "originally designed by Ruben for the Toledos’ friend Anneliese Estrada, and retrieved when she moved." While the streets interestingly enough came from the Watergate Hotel in Washington a funny coincidence.

It's clear the Isabel Toledo will be just the first of many wonderful designers that will be called into service in the coming years and I look forward to seeing what they create and maybe getting a peek into their homes as well!

Project Runway's Green Episode

Actress and vegan, Natalie Portman will be guest judging Wednesday’s green themed episode of Project Runway on Sky1. Contestants must design a cocktail dress made from eco friendly fabrics chosen by their models.

Season 5 just started last week with a new bunch of designers oozing creativity and attitude. Start watching now to see which one can 'make it work' for mentor, Tim Gunn or which one can't make it work and unfortunately hears the words, 'auf Wiedersehen' from host / judge, Heidi Klum. Let’s see which designer wins the challenge and proves eco fashion is the way forward! Check it out tomorrow night, Wednesday – 21 January at 8pm on Sky1. (Image: Bravo TV)

Dream more, learn more, do more...

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Spiezia Organics Sale

Hurry over to Spiezia Organics website to grab a bargain at their ‘Big Purple Sale’. All the old Spiezia purple jars are being replaced with new style packaging, so their divine organic skincare line is being pottled into the last remaining jars at great discounted prices.

Now is the time to stock up on organic treats to nourish your skin this winter. The citrus scented Organic Body Oil was £21.55 and is now £13 and the rich Organic Hand Cream is now £10 reduced from £23.40. Organic baby products such as Baby Massage Oil and Nappy Salve are also majorly discounted.

This is your chance to familiarize yourself with Spiezia’s sublime product range which is handmade in Cornwall and certified organic by the Soil Association. Or if you already know and love them, what are you waiting for? Get your favourite Spiezia Organics’ products today while stocks last!