Thursday, July 30, 2009

Eco - Luxury Style... for dreamy ideas


A perfect night's sleep begins with...




fresh, sumptuous and soothing layers of finely woven fabrics to envelope you, as you drift into alpha...



Started in 1833, in Turbenthal Switzerland near Zurich, the mill Boller Winkler has become one of the most recognized and highly respected mills in Europe. It produces millions of yards of fabric per year for many different markets, including apparel and bed linens. The bed linens are marketed under the name Bonjour of Switzerland around the world, and now in the United States. It was the first mill to take advantage of the equipment and machinery coming out of England during the Industrial Revolution, using the spinning machines to replace hand labor.

Bourbon of Switzerland is a mill with not only state-of-the-art technology and superb craftsmanship, but also a mill with a design philosophy and environmental awareness matched by few mills in the world.




Their linens are luxurious, with an amazing palette of fresh colors in urban, classic and contemporary styles.









Leeds
A collection of luxurious fabrics combining oxford cloth and sateen stripes

duvet covers, fitted, flat, cases, shams, bedskirts, fabric by the yard




Millennium Towel Collection



A natural product made of 100% beech wood cellulose.

Softer than terry toweling with a natural luster that doesn’t wash out.

50% more absorbent than cotton and dries more quickly.




Haiku

duvet covers, fitted, flat, cases, shams, bedskirts, fabrics by the yard

Collection is reversible Light or Dark background available






Sensitive Towels

The world's first and only towel line to be certified "Cradle to Cradle". Each towel is made from biodegradable ingredients, right down to the label, yarn and thread. True sustainability, not just organic! "Cradle to Cradle" certification assures that the materials utilized in fabricating the towel will biodegrade naturally. Also, the manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly.


Coshmere ®

• 100% Supima extra long staple cotton.

• 20% combed yarn.
• 100% natural and ecologically correct manufacturing.
Oeko-Tex certified.

• Patented Hi-Tech spinning method provides yarn as soft
as cashmere.
• Optimum absorbency. Dimensional stability. Color fast.



Ritz muscade bag




They have a beautiful selection of robes and dressing gowns that coordinate with the collections. Speaking of collections... check out the Spring and Fall 2009 Collection photos. Not only could I easily work with the various color selections and prints for my clients' bedroom projects, but I just may have to get a set for myself...




Highlights

The pureness of white with fine details




Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Eco - Luxury Style ... that Surpasses the Test of Time..


With quite an interesting beginning, Cisco Brothers has set the bar for business principles and integrity.


The entrepreneurial drive has also defined a path for others to follow... especially when it comes to eco-luxury, style, and sustainability...




"In 2006, Cisco developed the Inside Green™ method of construction and became the first designer to create 100% FSC Pure sustainable upholstered furniture. The company moved exclusively to FSC Pure certified woods on upholstered furniture, using reclaimed hardwoods for a collection of stunning case goods and the use of water based glues and environmentally friendly detergents to wash all fabrics. "

Their collabortation with designer John Derian has broadened their collections:

“Over the last 14 years of having my shop I have seen a real need for comfortable, good-looking upholstered furniture,” states John Derian. “I have had many great antique and vintage pieces come and go and I thought it was time to pull together some of my favorite pieces from the 18th and 19th century and share them with a wider audience. I am so excited to work with Cisco Brothers because they share my appreciation for creating stylish, comfortable, handmade furniture that truly complements my design aesthetic. Furthermore, Cisco Brothers takes the design process one step further by being the industry leader when it comes to eco-conscious and sustainable practices with an end result that is always remarkable."

Pieces from their collection are available through select stores and Professional Interior Designers

Monday, July 6, 2009

Eco - Luxury Style ... the Furless Variety

So... Show Me the Green!!!

OK, the truth is... I have lusted after the Jaguar XKE Convertible (in cream with off-white leather interior to be exact) since I was old enough to drive. When I saw this 2010 Jaguar XK convertible it brought back stomach churning memories.

So where is the "green" you ask... well it does have "new rear lights fitted with LED technology". Besides, what could be more ecological than to live vicariously through a photograph ... Cost - zero..., Carbon Footprint - zero..., memories - priceless.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

ECO-LUXURY … for the love of green and …





Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. ~ Coco Chanel


Eco-Luxury is not an oxymoron. In fact, the expansion of this niche market puts a whole different perspective on green design. True to the spirit of the creative mind, the free market, and capitalism, the green market offers something for everyone… regardless of the level of taste or bank account.


I have a pragmatic view of green design and its future… and that is to keep government out of its way. Market driven demands and entrepreneurial creativity are the foundation to the development of new solutions and products, and a healthy economy. Without a healthy economy, consumers do not have the buying power that is needed to sustain the development and supply for the market. You can’t have it both ways.





Three reasons why Eco-Luxury Fur products are eco-friendly:

  1. It is minimally processed, renewable, durable, reusable, biodegradable, pesticide free, insecticide free, fertilizer free, is not petroleum based, uses no land and uses minimal water.
  2. The products are 100% sourced and manufactured in New Zealand where first world living wages are paid.
  3. Use of the Paihamu ameliorates an ecological nightmare caused by an invasive species. It truly is the best way to reduce, reuse and recycle.