coco eco magazine, issue 25, december 2012

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF ANNA GRIFFIN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DAN BROOKS

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NICOLE LANDERS

DIRECTOR OF TRANSMEDIA KAREN SYNDER

EDITOR-AT-LARGE STARRE VARTAN

MANAGING EDITOR HEATHER CARTER

FASHION DIRECTOR SARAH GRIFFIN BERNS

FASHION EDITOR JOHANNA BJÖRK

BEAUTY DIRECTOR LEILAH MUNDT

MEN WE LOVE EDITOR NIKKI LIN

ASST MWL EDITOR ERICA J. EDDINGS

WOMEN WE ADMIRE EDITOR NICOLE LANDERS

TAKE ACTION EDITOR HEATHER CARTER

FEATURES EDITOR BETH DOANE

CULTURAL EDITOR KELLY GALLAGHER

NEW YORK EDITOR SASS BROWN

LONDON EDITOR GARY KINGSNORTH

AUSTRALIAN EDITOR NICHOLA ZED ERICA J. EDDINGS

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ZEM JOAQUIN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS NATASHA PAGHUNIE

DOMENICA PETERSON

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CORINA MARIE HOWELL

JOE DEANGELIS

RUSSELL BAER

ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS ANGEL ROMERO

KEVIN KOZICKI

CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS ADEEL KHAN

PATRICIA TRINIDAD

CONTRIBUTING HAIR STYLIST JUDD MINTER

CONTRIBUTING HAIR STYLIST SIMON RIHANA

TRAVISEAN HAYNES

CRYSTAL LIZ

KEY MAKE UP ARTIST JULIANNE KAYE

CONTRIBUTING MAKE UP ARTIST SIMON RIHANA

MEGAN PORSCHEN

JAALA PICKERING

CONTRIBUTING LASH ARTIST DIONNE PHILLIPS

COCO ECO MAGAZINE® is published by Coco Eco Magazine. ©Copyright 2008-2012 Coco Eco Magazine. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including

photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher.

COCO ECO

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF ANNA GRIFFIN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DAN BROOKS

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT NICOLE LANDERS

DIRECTOR OF TRANSMEDIA KAREN SYNDER

EDITOR-AT-LARGE STARRE VARTAN

MANAGING EDITOR HEATHER CARTER

FASHION DIRECTOR SARAH GRIFFIN BERNS

FASHION EDITOR JOHANNA BJÖRK

BEAUTY DIRECTOR LEILAH MUNDT

MEN WE LOVE EDITOR NIKKI LIN

ASST MWL EDITOR ERICA J. EDDINGS

WOMEN WE ADMIRE EDITOR NICOLE LANDERS

TAKE ACTION EDITOR HEATHER CARTER

FEATURES EDITOR BETH DOANE

CULTURAL EDITOR KELLY GALLAGHER

NEW YORK EDITOR SASS BROWN

LONDON EDITOR GARY KINGSNORTH

AUSTRALIAN EDITOR NICHOLA ZED ERICA J. EDDINGS

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ZEM JOAQUIN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS NATASHA PAGHUNIE

DOMENICA PETERSON

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS CORINA MARIE HOWELL

JOE DEANGELIS

RUSSELL BAER

ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS ANGEL ROMERO

KEVIN KOZICKI

CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS ADEEL KHAN

PATRICIA TRINIDAD

CONTRIBUTING HAIR STYLIST JUDD MINTER

CONTRIBUTING HAIR STYLIST SIMON RIHANA

TRAVISEAN HAYNES

CRYSTAL LIZ

KEY MAKE UP ARTIST JULIANNE KAYE

CONTRIBUTING MAKE UP ARTIST SIMON RIHANA

MEGAN PORSCHEN

JAALA PICKERING

CONTRIBUTING LASH ARTIST DIONNE PHILLIPS

EDITORLETTER TO YOU BY ANNA GRIFFIN 8CONTRIBUTORS 10COCO ECO EDITOR LOVES 14

FASHIONT’IS THE SEASON 18FASHION EDITOR LOVES 32NY EDITOR LOVES 34SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION - BRANDS WHO SET STANDARDS BY SETTING GOALS

36

BEAUTYHOLIDAY ROCKS 48BEAUTY DIRECTOR LOVES 56SPOTLIGHT ON BEAUTY - PREVISE 58

COVER STORYNIA PEEPLES, RAY OF LIGHT 62

HOLIDAY ISSUEDECEMBER 2012 / ISSUE 25

LIFEFEATURES EDITOR LOVES 72ECO CHIC GIFTS FOR HIM & HER 74

EVENTSIXTH ANNUAL CLINTON GLOBAL CITI-ZEN AWARDS

80NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MU-SEUM LA COUNCIL EVENT

82MENDING KIDS INTERNATIONAL’S FIRST ANNUAL GALA

84THE RUN FOR HER 5K AND FRIENDSHIP WALK

86EMA AWARDS 88CELEBRATING CRADLE TO CRADLE 90

SHOPPING CONCIERGEGET IT ALL HERE! 92

COCO ECO

8 | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012 www.cocoecomag.com

As I close this issue, I am reflecting on the last 12 months. It’s been a turbulent year for most culminating in the senseless tragedy of Sandy Hook last week, which has left us as a nation shocked and in mourning. We keep the victims in our hearts, thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

I am also reviewing my own personal journey in 2012. Mistakes made, lessons learned, and how I can best step into 2013 a more evolved woman. I am also celebrating the joyful moments of this year, for it has been brilliant on many levels. Love and health have been abundant, family strong, friendship unconditional, growth optimal and faith unshakeable, and for all of those blessings, I am truly grateful. However, when it comes to gratitude I have non-more so than for the stellar group of Editors, writers, artists, contributors and back-end team that make Coco Eco possible. Through their passion and commitment to a better world, they have rallied this year to make a beautiful publication, which leads me to our latest edition . . .

You will notice we are a little late with our Holiday Issue, and for this we profusely apologize. We have been hard at work expanding the Coco Eco brand in the last two months, and will be releasing very exciting news in early ’13 about our impending growth. In the meantime, we are giving you a shorter-run edition, as gorgeous as always, but late and a little lighter. When you see what we’re up to in the New Year, it’ll

Anna GriffinPublisher & Editor in ChiefCoco Eco Magazine

all make sense, but in the meantime, thanks for bearing with us. We as always, appreciate your patience and support.

Considering all of the above, there was no greater cover girl than Nia Peeples. An esteemed actress with a highly pedigreed television career, Nia is more than just a celebrity. A woman embracing life’s ever-changing journey, she is on a quest for her own personal evolution whilst committed to contributing to helping all wherever she goes. This is a woman not only for the planet, but also for other women, and so for us a dear friend and valued role model.

In this final issue of 2012 we celebrate all that’s special for the holidays. Sophisticated cocktail attire in our fashion story, T’Is the Season, and hot party looks in our beauty story, Holiday Rocks. In addition, our favorite gift-giving ideas courtesy of our Editor’s line-ups, featuring the best in sustainable fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

From all of us at Coco Eco, we thank you for another year of your support, wish you the happiest of holidays, and look forward to seeing you in 2013. If you are able, please do something for someone less fortunate this Christmas. The smallest gift from you can be the biggest to someone else.

TO YOULETTER

Coco Eco Editor Anna Griffin, Nia Pee-bles and Managing Editor Heather Carter

TO YOU

NICOLELANDERSWOMEN WE ADMIRE EDITORNicole co-founded eConnect Grp now, Nicole Landers Consulting to aid both commercial and residential clients in changing locally to affect globally by utilizing the LEED® green building certification program. Clients include; Starwood W Hollywood, Landry Design Group, Discovery, Lisa Ling, & SHFT.com. Her work won her recognition in the media from ABC News, E!, Access Hollywood, E! Online, Ellen, The Insider, US Weekly, EcoRazzi, Organic Authority, Reuters, amongst others outlets.

LEILAH MUNDTBEAUTY DIRECTOR

From her roots as a professional makeup artist in Hollywood, to a career in product sales and marketing, Leilah Mundt adores the business of beauty. Leilah is now passionate about unearthing the absolute best in eco-beauty. A self-professed “health-foodie”, she is inspired by raw food, slow food and superfood, and dreams of a day when people choose green juice over the drive through. Leilah currently works in the beauty industry in Southern California, where she lives at the beach with her husband and new baby girl.

HIGHLIGHTCONTRIBUTOR

PATRICIATRINIDADCONTRIBUTING STYLIST

Patricia Trinidad is a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist with a keen eye for edgy and innovative design. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising’s Merchandise Marketing program, she began to explore her talent for wardrobe styling as a creative alternative to the business side of the fashion industry and quickly gained traction in the profession. Patricia’s true passion lies in the creative and collaborative process of editorial fashion and her vision is evidenced in all aspects of her work.

CORINA MARIEHOWELLCONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERCorina is a commercial photographer specializing in portrait, beauty, and advertising working out of Los Angeles. She loves people (and working with them!) and enjoys making everyone look their most beautiful. Corina began her career as a magazine photo editor in the entertainment world, then years later she decided it was time to pursue the life of a freelancer and broke out on her own.

When Corina’s not working, you can find her dancing in her downtown loft with her cat, Crouton.

www.corinamarie.com

SASSBROWN

STARREVARTANEDITOR-AT-LARGE

Starre is the founder and editor-in-chief of Eco Chick and its sister site, Eco Chick Escapes, all about ethical travel and style. She authored The Eco-Chick Guide to Life (St. Martin’s Press), and is an oft-quoted environment expert featured in the New York Times, Elle and Glamour. Starre is the lifestyle columnist at MNN.com, contributes to The Huffington Post and Inhabitat, and is a contributor-at-large for Martha Stewart’s Whole Living.

www.eco-chick.com

JOEDEANGELISCONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERJoe DeAngelis - Born in Norwalk CT, spent many years living and working in New York City. But now you can find him in LA, sometimes. His work is simple, showing the beauty in the image, and keeping things interesting.

JOHANNA BJÖRK FASHION EDITOR

Johanna currently works in the intersection of design, fashion, sustainability and wellness and is a partner in the creative agency MOJO Projects. Born and raised in Sweden, she’s lived and worked in Miami, NYC and, currently, Southern California. Johanna loves thrift shops, kale and sunsets, wishes she had a greener thumb, and thinks everything is just a tad bit better with champagne (or green juice). On her site, Goodlifer, she shares stories, discoveries, thoughts, tips and reflections around her idea of the Good Life.www.goodlifer.com

NEW YORK EDITOR

A global nomad with a passion for avant-garde high fashion and ethical design practices, Sass Brown is a researcher, educator, writer, journalist and blogger on eco fashion. Originally from the UK, she has worked, consulted and taught in women’s cooperatives and educational institutions in Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Sri Lanka, Italy, France, US, Canada and the UK. Her passion is communicating and promoting the best eco fashion designers from around the world.

www.ecofashiontalk.com

www.JoeDeAngelisphotographer.com

COCO ECO | EDITOR LOVES

SPROUT WATCHESAn eye-catching collection of eco-timepieces made from sustainable materials including

conflict-free diamonds, organic cotton, corn resin and bamboo, which all run on a mercury-free battery. Keeping this Editor on

time and in style.$80, www.sproutwatches.com

CALLEEN CORDERO - BECKA TALL BUCKLE BOOTHandcrafted in the USA, using ecologically tanned leather and sustainable wood, the Becka is the ultimate in eco-luxury. Limited Edition with only a few pairs still available, run don’t walk!$819, www.calleencordero.com

ALEX AND ANI - JORDAN SMALLENDLESS HOOPS IN RUSSIAN GOLD

Made in America with Love, Alex and Ani create eco--friendly, positive energy infused products that adorn the

body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit.$58, www.AlexandAni.com

NUDIE JEANS TIGHT LONG JOHN ORGANIC BLACK BLACK

12 oz Turkish power stretch with super blue indigo over dyed with black. Organic gunmetal

trims and pocket lining, these 98% organic skinnies only get better when worn and washed.

$179, www.nau.com

JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS - WHIPPED ARGAN OIL ILLUMINIZING BODY BUTTERInfused with Josie’s signature ingredient, 100% Pure Argan Oil and featuring a sweet, all natural vanilla peach fragrance, this indulgent body butter imparts a subtle shimmer to skin, leaving it luminous and radiant.$35, QVC.com

COCO ECOEDITOR LOVES

CURATED BY: BY ANNA GRIFFIN, EDITOR IN CHIEF

BOBO HOUSE COCKTAIL CARDIGANMade with eco-conscious materials and manufactured

locally in Los Angeles, BoBo House pays homage to Parisian sophistication and charm, while encompassing

a sexy casualness and contemporary style that L.A. is notorious for.

$299, www.bobo-house.com

PATCH8 IPAD CASEHandmade by socially disadvantaged women in India using reclaimed ecologically tanned leather, Patch’s standing iPad case is a stylish reminder of a new definition of luxury.$110, www.goodforall.us

GUNAS - MELROSE TOTEThe Melrose Tote from GUNAS, a 100% cruelty-free bag collection offering progressive luxury for the stylish and conscious minded. Made from eco-materials including recycled faux suede and lead-nickel free custom hardware, the Melrose is ethically chic.$225, www.gunasthebrand.com

If I found any of these in my stocking, I would be a happy girl! Beautiful products that neither compromise my ethics or style,

and my favorite pieces for the season.

This holiday, embrace the season of color and light, whilst paying homage to your yearnings for the ultimate sophisticated wardrobe. Delight in embellishing in the joys of lace, vintage feathers and sequins, whilst draping yourself in chiffon, peace silk and tulle. And for your date, there’s nothing like a hot tuxedo made from upcycled cassette tape to make him the perfect accessory!

T’IS THESEASON...

STORY BY SARAH GRIFFIN BERNS, FASHION DIRECTORPHOTOGRAPHY BY CORINA MARIE HOWELL

ASSISTED BY KEVIN KOZICKI STORY BY SARAH GRIFFIN BERNS, FASHION DIRECTORSTYLED BY PATRICIA TRINIDADMAKE UP BY MEGAN PORSCHENHAIR BY CRYSTAL LIZMODELS: COCO HUNTER AT LA MODELS, MICAH DIX AT FORD LA, TYLER VAN RODEN AT CLICK LA

DRESS, DALIA MACPHEE, WWW.DALIAONLINE.COMHEADPIECE, IRINA SHABAYEVA, WWW.IRINASHABAYEVA.COM

RINGS, BLUE CANDY JEWELRY, WWW.STORES.BLUECANDYJEWELRY.COMMARIA FRANCESCA PEPE, WWW.MFPEPE.COM

DRESS, RACHAEL CASSAR, WWW.RACHAELCASSAR.COMSHOES, PENELOPE + COCO, WWW.PENELOPEANDCOCO.COMRING, CHARLES ALBERT, WWW.CHARLESALBERT.COM

ON COCO:TOP, RACHAEL CASSAR, WWW.RACHAELCASSAR.COM

SHORTS, MALIA MILLS, WWW.MALIAMILLS.COMON TYLER:

TUXEDO, COLLECTION PAS, WWW.COLLECTIONPAS.COMSHIRT, MR TURK, WWW.TRINATURK.COM/MENSWEAR

DRESS, JUNKO YOSHIOKA, MARK INGRAM ATELIER, WWW.MARKINGRAMATELIER.COM

ON COCO:DRESS, VALERJ POBEGA, WWW.VALERJPOBEGA.COM

SHOES, PENELOPE + COCO, WWW.PENELOPEANDCOCO.COMON MICAH:

TUXEDO, COLLECTION PAS, WWW.COLLECTIONPAS.COMSHIRT, MR TURK, WWW.TRINATURK.COM/MENSWEAR

DRESS, JUNKO YOSHIOKA, MARK INGRAM ATELIER, WWW.MARKINGRAMATELIER.COM

DRESS, NAMI, WWW.ONNAMI.COMBELT, IRINA SHABAYEVA, WWW.IRINASHABAYEVA.COMCOLLAR, RACHAEL CASSAR, WWW.RACHAELCASSAR.COMCUFF, MARIA FRANCESCA PEPE, WWW.MFPEPE.COMSHOES, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD FOR MELISSA

ON COCO:BOLERO, VALERJ POBEGA, WWW.VALERJPOBEGA.COM

DRESS, DEBORAH LINDQUIST, WWW.DEBORAHLINDQUIST.COMRINGS, VALERJ POBEGA, WWW.VALERJPOBEGA.COM

ON TYLER: JACKET: COLLECTION PAS, WWW.COLLECTIONPAS.COM

SHIRT AND PANTS, MR TURK, WWW.TRINATURK.COM/MENSWEAR

ON COCO:DRESS, CAPRETTA, WWW.CCAPRETTA.COMON MICAH:TUXEDO, COLLECTION PAS, WWW.COLLECTIONPAS.COMSHIRT, MR. TURK, WWW.TRINATURK.COM/MENSWEAR

NECKLACE, CHARLES ALBERT, WWW.CHARLESALBERT.COM

ON MICAH AND TYLER:TUXEDO JACKETS, COLLECTION PAS, WWW.COLLECTIONPAS.COMPANTS AND SHIRTS, MR. TURK, WWW.TRINATURK.COM/MENSWEAR


FALL FASHION FAVORITES

KCA BY FASHIONING CHANGEVERSIE DOLMAN SLEEVE TEE

Since the start, Fashioning Change has offered up ethical options to mainstream brands. It only seems

logical that the brand is now launching its own line of basics, all sustainable made, from certified organic cotton and hemp, in downtown Los Angeles. This

slouchy dolman tee can be worn many different ways, making it a great, versatile wardrobe staple.

($39.98, fashioningchange.com)

JENNY GRETTVE JULIE DRESSI love the contrast of the demure shape of this dress paired with the risque print (which features naked ladies). Swedish designer Jenny Grettve combines her love for art, music and architecture with a firm commitment to ethics. This attention-grabbing dress is made from 100% cupro. ($503, jennygrettve.com)

KIRSTEN MUENSTER BOX CHAIN BRACELETIn her San Francisco studio, Kirsten Muenster make these amazing chain bracelets entirely by

hand, starting with a raw spool of wire that is hand spun into a coil and cut into individual links that are then woven together, one by one. There’s nothing I love more than a substantial piece

of jewelry, especially one that makes you feel kind of like a warrior woman.($200, kirstenmuensterjewelry.com)

NUDIE JEANS COTIGHT LONG JOHN IN ICON ORANGE

Who needs blue when there’s orange? Made from organic Turkish denim overdyed in bright orange, this pair of jeans will surely light up a dark winter day. The Tight Long John is one of Nudie’s most popular fits for

women, it goes great with a pair of heels and makes your behind look pretty amazing too.

($225, nudiejeans.com)

BROOK&LYN + STOP IT RIGHT NOW WOOD PRINT SCARF To celebrate the brand’s recent relocation, Brook&Lyn (formerly based in, well, Brooklyn) just released a series of collaborations with LA artists and bloggers. This gorgeous silk scarf is made entirely in Los Angeles and the wood print design is a collaboration between Brook&Lyn designers Mimi Jung and Brian Hurewitz and Jayne Min of popular blog Stop It Right Now. All I can say is: I want one now.($235, brookandlyn.com)

EARTHY, EDGY, GOLDEN FASHIONEDITOR LOVES

FASHIONEDITOR LOVES

CURATED BY: JOHANNA BJÖRK, WWW.GOODLIFER.COM

AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, EARTHY GOLDEN HUES MAKE ME FEEL ALL

WARM AND FUZZY INSIDE.

LINHARDT NEW YORK CITY NAMEPLATE NECKLACE

I haven’t been a New Yorker for over a year now, but I still very much feel like one, deep inside. Show

your love for NYC — especially now that she is going through some rough times — with this tiny nameplate

hand-cut in recycled sterling silver on a thin chain. ($140, linhardtdesign.com)

TERRA NEW YORK RAIN PARKAIn Sweden, we have a saying: “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.” This 100% water proof rain parka by Terra New York is not only functional and clever, it’s also super stylish. This model is called Lower East Side and I love all the adjustable string details and the hood, which is intentionally large enough to accommodate a bike helmet. Genius.($320, terranewyork.com)

ANCHAL PROJECT HANDMADE QUILTEach one-of-a-kind Anchal quilt is made by hand by an artisan in Ajmer, from six layers of 100% recycled cotton sari. A portion of each purchase goes toward ensuring the economic future for the Indian artisans that make the quilts. This particular one is helping keep me warm this winter, but visit the website and browse the variety of unique designs.($98 - $200, anchalproject.org)


WRITTEN BY SASS BROWN

HOLIDAY GIVING GIFT - ALL THE CLASSICS WITH AN ECO TWIST

NY EDITOR LOVES

WICKED GRIN BY 2ETNHusband and wife team, 2ETN work to redefine the concept of precious jewelry through their use of original art and salvaged jewels. In the spirit of American mourning miniatures, delicate and detailed portraits are framed by one of a kind jewelry from reclaimed metals and ethically sourced stones. This piece, affectionately named Wicked Grin, comprises an acrylic painted skull, encased in 1930’s Eisenberg crystals and a reclaimed sterling silver frame. ($1600.00, 2etn.com, Available at Curtis Steiner, Seattle, curtissteiner.com)

ANDREA GUTIERREZ Andrea Gutierrez painstakingly curates and embroiders

antique cut metal, reclaimed seed beads and gemstones to produce her one of a kind jewelry. Beads are salvaged

through disassembling damaged antique and vintage handbags sourced from flea markets. This piece is

embroidered onto a heavy silk base, features a custom recycled sterling silver clasp, vintage steel, glass beads and

Swarovski crystals.($3,500, Custom produced in 8 weeks, andreagutierrezjewelry.com)

JOSH JAKUSCalifornia-based designer Josh Jakus works at the

intersection of product design and sculpture. His shape shifting UM handbags are entirely produced in the USA from natural and recycled industrial felt. The

UM Pack features an adjustable shoulder strap and side pockets. When unzipped, all Josh Jackus bags

lay completely flat for storage or travel. Made in the USA from100% wool felt with recycled fibers.

($150, actualsf.com)

BLISS BY MEO FUSCIUNIItalian apothacaric perfumers Meo Fusciuni, custom blend this unique fragrance entitled BLISS, for MAYER Peace Collection. The fragrance depicts Berlin based MAYER’s philosophy, and the devotional essence of the soul, through traces of incense, wood and citrus fruit. The exquisite shell pink natural linen packaging features a hand embroidered BLISS on the outside, and a retro styled glass domed bottle inside.(€98, mayer-berlin.com)

RIGHT AS RAINRight as Rain 100% natural unbleached Italian silk shirts are exposed to nature’s forces by planting them in the ground and allowing Mother Nature to determine each individual pattern through her unpredictable process. Shirts mature and ripen, before being harvested, to reveal nature’s work, each one unique. Each shirt has a metal ‘belly button’ bearing a unique serial number, allowing you to trace the shirts history, and learn when, where and under what conditions it was planted and harvested.(€160, right-as-rain.com)

OTRA On The Road Again’s jewels are made from recycled bicycle inner tubes, and produced by Julie Ferrero and Guillaume Darnajou, in Montreal, Canada. Otra’s unique products are entirely hand-made, and never come in contact with any paint, solvent or glue. They aim to re-evaluate the value of waste by giving it a second life, and treating it as a raw material. These delicate cut and formed earrings mimic the natural form of a seedpod.($20 CAD, otra-design.com)

AYTEN GASSON Launched in 2005, Ayten Gasson Linerie is famed for thier firm

comitment to supporting the few remaiing underwear factories in the UK. Renowned for her use of traditional skills and new English lace.

Ayten Gasson’s silk teddy is made from organic silk and Spandex. Featuring cotton vintage Nottingham lace, this piece is finished with

a tiny hand covered silk button closure, and subtle pleating under the bust. All designs are made completely in the UK..

(£78.00, aytengasson.com)

THE NORTH CIRCULARThe North Circular’s contemporary knitwear is produced

with wool from rescued Wensleydale sheep, with the expert hand knitting skills of the founders talented grandmothers and friends, known as ‘grannies girls’. The Hunter scarf

features chunky rib with artisan hand knitted cables, and is made from 100% British Wensleydale wool. The matching

set of Travelling Cable Gloves and Travelling Cable Beanie hat are available in five subtle color options.

(£185, thenorthcircular.com)


COCO ECO | SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION

NUDIE JEANS WAS STARTED IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN 12 YEARS AGO, AND THE CITY AND IT’S ENVIRONS STILL VERY MUCH INSPIRE THE DESIGN OF THE BRAND’S COLLECTIONS. PHOTO COURTESY OF NUDIE JEANS CO.

WRITTEN BY JOHANNA BJÖRK, WWW.GOODLIFER.COM

The first step is almost always the hardest. This is true in life as well as in business. Setting goals and intentions are the first step toward creating meaningful change. Being entirely open and transparent about those goals will most certainly help you stay on track. For this Spotlight on Fashion, we’ve looked at four fashion brands who are setting the industry standard by setting firm goals and intentions from the get-go. They also all happen to be European, which may or may not be a coincidence.

IN 2012, SWEDISH DENIM BRAND NUDIE REACHED THEIR GOAL OF MAKING THE ENTIRE DENIM LINE 100% ORGANIC. PHOTO COURTESY OF NUDIE JEANS CO.

Nudie Jeans Co.

Nudie Jeans Co. was started twelve years ago in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company has always had a strong focus on sustainability and responsibility, but in 2006 they made a public commitment to, in the near future, have the entire denim line be 100% organic. Impressively, the company was able to reach that goal this year, right on target. “It was quite a big step for us,” says Nudie’s CSR Manager Sandya Lang when I meet with her in the company’s brand-new headquarters in Gothenburg. “Even though we already had several garments that were made from organic material, it was a challenge to scale it up. The reason it took so long is mainly because of the minimum quantity requirements of materials and also because of quality. We cannot compromise on quality, and at first the fabric suppliers didn’t really offer nice options in organic materials. As we grew, we were able to put pressure on the suppliers to start making the materials that we needed.” In order to accomplish their goal, Nudie Jeans had to take a second look at their suppliers. “We chose to keep working with the ones that were willing to work in our direction,” says Lang, “and we had to realize that the others, who didn’t have the right mindset, were not right for us. It’s important to encourage and support the suppliers who are into organic, because it’s all about collaboration.” Nudie’s denim fabrics are made in Turkey, while the production takes place mostly in Italy. Overall, more than 90% of the entire collection is made in Europe, which is unusual compared to other brands. The brand also runs a popular repair and reuse program where customers can bring in their Nudie jeans to the brand’s stores to either have them fixed (for free) or trade an old pair in for a discount on a new pair. Pushing things further, the Nudie’s Post-Recycle Dry program was an experiment in fiber recycling. Old pairs were in essence melted down to a pulp and mixed with organic virgin cotton (which was needed to hold the fibers together) and made into a limited edition collection of 500 pairs of jeans.


ORGANIC DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN PLAIN - NUDIE’S NEWEST COLLECTION INCLUDES DENIM IN MANY BRIGHT, HAPPY COLORS. PHOTO COURTESY OF NUDIE JEANS CO.

SPOTLIGHT ON FASHION | Continued

The program is on hold until a more systematic way to take back old jeans has been developed. Currently, the selection is too random and much more would be needed in order to scale up and make it profitable. “But at least we know it’s possible,” says Lang. She does promise that we have more developments in the area of denim recycling to look forward to. Nudie also encourages customers to wash their jeans (primarily the dry line) as little as possible. This gives the jeans each their own personal style, shaped after your lifestyle. On the website, there is quite an interesting gallery of what a pair of Nudie jeans look like after being worn without washing for up to five years. Lang says she is starting to get more questions from customers regarding the process and thinks they have attracted new customers who really care about the organic message. She is also, however, quick to point out that Nudie does not want to be portrayed as an eco brand. “It’s important for us to be a jeans brand that does organic,”

she says. “Customers really don’t have a choice anymore, they buy our jeans because they like them but they also just get the organic, whether they care or not.” Whatever the reason “eco” has come to be a negative in the fashion business, brands like Nudie have the power to change that. By taking away the consumer’s power to choose, Nudie is making quite a statement. The choice no longer is between organic or conventional, but between Nudie or another brand. To ensure their loyal customers keep buying their jeans, the label decided that they won’t raise the price once a style transitions to organic. This makes it more approachable and accessible to people, and makes organic an “added benefit.” Nudie’s marketing is almost exclusively targeted toward men, although many of their customers are female. This, Lang says, is because men tend to be more loyal customers who don’t care about trends



or seasons as much, a sentiment that the brand shares. “We don’t want to make products that go out of style in three months,” she says. “We want to make things that last for a long time.” Nudie’s design inspiration comes very much from the near society: Gothenburg, the sea, the archipelago, Sweden’s West Coast, the industrial environment, blue collar mentality, old harbor, local environment, music scene, and so on. The brand recently held a design contest in collaboration with Amnesty International, on the theme

of Empowerment. Ten winners were chosen to have their designs printed on Nudie T-shirts, and ten Euros per shirt will go straight to Amnesty, supporting the organizations work for human rights around the world. “We have set a goal for everything to be organic, but currently do not have a deadline,” says Lang. “When looking at the collection as a whole, we are about 90% organic right now. That last 10% is still there, and it’s something we have to work on.” I, for one, have no doubt that they will get there.

nudiejeans.com

NUDIE JEANS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A COLLABORATION WITH AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL. TEN EUROS PER SHIRT WILL GO STRAIGHT TOWARD SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS. PHOTO COURTESY OF NUDIE JEANS CO.

NUDIE JEANS HOUSE IN LA IS PART SHOWROOM, PART CONCEPT STORE, AND FULLY WORTH A VISIT FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN ORGANIC DENIM.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NUDIE JEANS CO.

STELLA MCCARTNEY FALL 2012 READY-TO-WEAR. CREDIT: YANNIS VIAMOS, GORUNWAY.COM/STYLE.COM

GoodForAll

Dutch design brand GoodForAll was started with a simple idea: to create products for a better world. Founder Marja Baas says it was a very conscious choice to make her business sustainable in every sense of the word. “I do not like to live, act and earn at the cost of someone else,” she says. “I feel very strongly that the world is leading to a dead end if business does not benefit everyone. Why would I buy something, and get the benefits of this, while someone else suffers the consequences? For instance: how can you enjoy a leather bag when you know that the copper and heavy metals used for the tanning process pollute the groundwater and vegetables? That animals are being bred and killed just for their skin? And that leather workers and children are being exploited in hot, small and damp areas in bad working conditions, just so that you can carry a beautiful bag? Is this really beauty?”

GOODFORALL’S RECENTLY RELEASED SADDLE BAG WAS DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH DESIGNER NIKKI GILING. THE INSPIRATION COMES FROM A CLASSIC SADDLE BAG THAT SOMEONE WOULD WEAR AS THEY RIDE A HORSE. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODFORALL

THE HUMBLE PAPER BAG WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR MYPAPERBAG, DESIGNED BY RAMON MIDDELKOOP AND HANDMADE AT A FAIRTRADE WORKSHOP IN CALCUTTA.PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODFORALL

STELLA MCCARTNEY FALL 2012 READY-TO-WEAR. CREDIT: YANNIS VIAMOS,

GORUNWAY.COM/STYLE.COM


www.cocoecomag.com

The company collaborates with different designers for each project, giving them all a unique appeal. “We ask alumni of the Dutch Design Academy or Art Academy if they would be interested to work with us, and then we carefully select the best talents that show a care for class and quality. One of GoodForAll’s first products was the MyPaperBag, designed by Ramón Middelkoop, who was inspired by the simple beauty of a crumpled, weathered paper bag. The recently released Saddle Bag was a collaboration with designer Nikki Giling, and the inspiration comes from a classic saddle bag that someone would wear as they ride a horse.

GoodForAll’s products are ethically made by skilled artisans in India, who are paid a fair, living wage and work under good, sustainable conditions. The leather is sustainably sourced and vegetable tanned. Buying something so consciously made is good for you, good for them and, simply, good for all.

goodforall.eu

BoBo House

In French, the word “BoBo” is short for “Bourgeois-bohème,” a Parisian mindset that reflects a relaxed approach to life, stylistic independence and relaxed luxury. Conscious fashion label BoBo House combines this Parisian sophistication and charm with the sexy casualness and contemporary style that Los Angeles is famous for. The pieces are all made right in LA, from eco-conscious materials.

“The concept of the brand really came from merging my two worlds: LA being my home now, but still being a Parisian at heart,” says founder and designer Eloise Lapidus. “I could not find a clothing line that really combined French sensitivity with the casualness and comfort of West Coast California style.”

Lapidus, who is the daughter of world-renowned French designer, Ted Lapidus, was exposed to the fashion world early in life and developed a keen fashion sense inspired partly by her father’s designs - which were worn and coveted by icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, Francoise Hardy and John Lennon - but also by the 60s and 70s “Bobos” of Paris and St. Tropez.

ELOISE LAPIDUS’ DESIGNS FOR BOBO HOUSE EXUDE LAID-BACK CHARM AND EFFORTLESS PARISIAN ELEGANCE. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOBO HOUSE

“Growing up in Paris I was mesmerized by the sophistication and beauty of French women and the streets of the city they called home,” Lapidus recalls. Her collections feature classic pieces that are at the same time casual, subtly elegant and effortlessly sexy, in a very Parisian way.

From the start, Lapidus decided that she wanted to incorporate sustainable principles into her company: “As an apparel brand and as a company in general I believe that it is impossible to ignore the responsibilities we have to our planet and environment,” she says. “The fashion industry is over-saturated with goods; reducing waste, utilizing sustainable materials and encouraging recycling are objectives BoBo House and I are committed to. More and more consumers, including myself, are thinking twice before buying items and are looking closely at labels to see what a product is made of - fibers, ingredients, etc. - and where it’s manufactured. We’re huge advocates of producing and purchasing local goods in Los Angeles. We make a conscious effort to choose products that are making a difference and selecting traditional fabrics that are made in a way that’s much more eco-friendly and sustainable.”

“Taking small steps and making changes - both personally and professionally - that take our Earth into consideration is imperative in this day and age. I have adopted a more conscious lifestyle, making efforts to be healthy and being more educated and aware of the products I purchase and use,” Lapidus says. Isn’t that how it always is? Change always starts from within. When you feel tres chic on the inside, the outside follows easily.

bobo-house.com


One Soul Bracelets

Danish make-up artist Simon Rihana created One Soul Bracelets to honor the memory of his son Lucca, who was born prematurely and tragically lost the battle with reduced pulmonary function, one of the great physical challenges that often comes with being born into this world too soon.

In the U.S., 1,500 babies are born prematurely every day. Every year, that is more than half a million children who experience a tough start in life; their bodies are not ready and complications often many.

One Soul bracelets are made from the nut of the Bodhi tree - a sacred fig tree growing in the Mahabodhi temple in Tibet - and designed by Black Dakini Jewels. As part of the design, heart shaped leaves, paired with a beautiful little wooden pearl, represents hope for a tiny new life. The bracelets are handcrafted by women in Nepal and gives them a chance to support their own children.

One Soul is a 100% non profit organization. When buying these multicolored bracelets, $11 of the sale price of $15 is donated to an organization that provide help and support for premature born babies and their families - something much-needed in such a time of crisis.

blackdakinishop.com

ONE SOUL BRACELETS ARE MADE FROM TIBETAN PRAYER BEADS AND ALMOST THE ENTIRE SALE PRICE GOES TOWARD HELPING PREMATURE BABIES AND THEIR FAMILIES. PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE SOUL BRACELETS


COCO ECO | BEAUTY

Make Up by Jaala PickeringHair by Simon RihanaLashes by Dionne Phillips of D’LashesModel, Kate Myers at Wilhelmina LAJewelry by Nola Singer


HOLIDAY LOOKS TO ROCK AT ALL YOUR WINTER FESTIVITIES

Jewel adorned eyes and lips make this season full of color and sparkle. Ruby red, vibrant amethyst, stunning sapphire and diamond dust are paired with luminous winter skin- a more modern take on holiday beauty. Wear these looks to spectacular celebrations with the works- cocktails, music and mistletoe! Don’t forget your dancing shoes and maybe just another drink more… “cause baby it’s cold outside.

STORY BY LEILAH MUNDT, BEAUTY DIRECTORPHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE DEANGELIS


COCO ECO | BEAUTY

ICE QUEEN

NVEY ECOEYESHADOW DUO IN ECO CHIC

Enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, this shadow duo will give you the holiday eyes you want while soothing skin. The platinum shades are

super versatile, so have fun!

$48.95

LIP FIXATION IN PASSION Still the best, this long lasting, non- bleeding red is a true must have in every girl’s arsenal. Layer it on, add a little

gloss and forget about it! It will last through the eggnog, cookies and maybe even…wink, wink…a little kissing.

$28, shop.janeiredale.com

SHE’S AS COLD AS ICE! COOL SILVERS AND PLATINUM GILD THE EYES AND FADE SEAMLESSLY INTO SUPER HIGHLIGHTED SKIN. AND WHAT SAYS HOLIDAY MORE

THAN RUBY RED LIPS? MAKE SURE THERE IS MISTLETOE HANGING NEARBY…

ZOYA - ELECTRA Festive silver with a full spectrum of accents is like a holiday party

in a bottle. This polish will twinkle and shine beautifully as you sip champagne or open presents.

$8, zoya.com

JANE IREDALE - TRIPLE PEARL POWDERWith real mother of pearl, this delicate powder will transform your skin into ethereal perfection. Dust on eyes and cheeks- but don’t stop there. Neck, shoulders, legs and even hair should get a layer of this for a magical night.$68, shop.janeiredale.com

COCO ECO | BEAUTY

SUGAR PLUMSHIMMERING AMETHYST EYES AND VERY BERRY LIPS ARE A FRESH, SEXY

PAIRING THAT ADD ALLURE TO ANY CELEBRATION. MORE IS MORE!

ZOYA - AURORA This bright, sparkling amethyst will dazzle. Tiny

holographic flecks reflect light and will look like you have tiny jewels on every finger.

$8, zoya.com

VAPOUR ORGANICS, TRICK STICK HIGHLIGHTER IN DAZZLEIn one of the most heavenly formulas around, this creamy highlighter stick can brighten even the dullest complexion. Add to the inner eye for a pop.$20, vapourbeauty.com

MARULA OIL: THE LEAKEY COLLECTION Winter skin can be very dry, especially during the holidays, when we trade in fresh, healthy food for pigs-in-blankets and hunks of cranberry encrusted brie. Get your glow back with a generous application of omega rich marula, perfect under makeup or as a night treatment.$78, beautysage.com

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS - LIP GLOSS IN TANGOSuper safe and in the sleekest, Chanel-esque packaging, this lip gloss is irresistible. Slick it on over liner for a boost, or alone for a stain. The succulent formula is like a drink of water for parched lips.$27, vmvhypoallergenics.com

COCO ECO | BEAUTY

RAINBOW PUNCHDECK THE HALLS WITH A FULL SPECTRUM OF SHIMMERING HUES. A

WINNING COMBINATION OF EMERALD, TOPAZ, SAPPHIRE, AND AMETHYST MAKE A STATEMENT THE WHOLE PARTY WILL NOTICE!

ZOYA - LOGANI love this classic Christmas tree

shade for the nails. Nail art is totally acceptable this season so layer this on

and brave that winter wonderland.$8, zoya.com

NVEY ECO - ADVANCED CARE LIP COLOR IN 365This longwearing, organic lipstick will complement colorful eyes. Castor and Shea oils make the formula a luxury for the lips.wnveyeco.com

JANE IREDALE- 24-KARAT GOLD DUST IN GREEN, ROSE GOLD, AND CHAMPAGNEQuite possibly the loveliest way to wear gold, any day

that you dust these shimmering powders on is going to be special. Layer contrasting shades on for a sherbet

effect or lightly dust on cheeks for a glittery glow.janeiredale.com


COCO ECO | BEAUTY

FOR THE GIRL (OR GUY) WHO HAS IT ALLGAZEL - ORGANIC SUFI TOWEL SETWhat to give the person who is fully stocked in all things beauty… and everything else for that matter? I love this unexpected and totally indulgent set of organic Turkish Cotton towels. Your dear friend will delight in the softness and comfort for years to come.

($169.95, www.gazel.com)

FOR THE NEW MAMA PURE LIGHT BOTANICS -CINNAMON,

ORANGE AND CLOVE CANDLEAfter weeks in pajamas with hardly a minute to eat or bathe, a

new mama will crave a small bit of luxury in her life. This candle, made with highest quality ingredients off the coast of South Devon

in England, will offer an escape, however brief it may be, and mama can relax knowing it is completely safe for baby.

($24, www.odacite.com)

FOR THE WORKAHOLICWOOD SPRITE - ORGANIC BODY, ORGANIC SPA SAMPLERWe all know someone who is run ragged from too much work, too much rush hour traffic, too much coffee, and too much wine. This little set includes a sea salt scrub, soap, massage oil and soy candle so that poor soul can take a much needed spa vacation at home.($20, www.woodspriteorganicbody.com)

FOR THE URBANITE INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS -

CERTIFIED ORGANIC SKIN CARE TO GOCity life is notorious for wreaking havoc on skin. Adding

incredible, natural actives to a skin care regimen can save face and turn the clock back. This set has everything needed to cleanse, hydrate and anti-age and is a winning

gift for the Carrie Bradshaw in your life.($110, www.intelligentnutrients.com)

FOR THE JETSETTER21 DROPS - TRAVEL WELL SET

With three special aromatherapy blends designed for common problems associated with travel, Immunity,

Digest, and Sleep, this kit is an amazingly different way to stay healthy. Jetsetters will appreciate adding these beautiful bottles to their current travel arsenal and will

swoon over the chic packaging. ($75, www.21drops.com)

BEAUTYDIRECTOR LOVES

CURATED BY: LEILAH MUNDT

FOR THE HOSTESSZENTS SOAPS One Love Organics Skin Savior Multi-Balm is a “can’t live without it” product for me. I use it everywhere, from my cuticles to under my eyes, to keep skin soft and smooth. Plus, the aromatherapy that this little balm packs is amazing! Keep a large size in your house and a mini size in your handbag…you will never want to be without it!($12 each, www.zents.com)

FOR THE HOPELESS ROMANTICELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY -

NEROLI AND ROSE DAMASK BODY DUONothing says romance like rose. For the friend who

has had Pride and Prejudice on her bedside for as long as you have known her, this neroli and rose set will

capture her spirit perfectly.($65, us.spacenk.com)

GIFTING BEAUTY PRODUCTS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE WHOLE WORLD. ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME KNOWS TO EXPECT SOME SORT OF LOTION, POTION OR GLOSS FOR NEARLY EVERY OCCASION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR- ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. LITTLE LUXURIES SHOW UP IN BEAUTIFUL PACKAGES AND SETS, MAKING THEMSELVES ABSOLUTELY IRRESISTIBLE. HERE IS WHAT I PLAN ON BUYING FOR THE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN MY LIFE.

FOR THE HIPSTERSPROUT SKINCARE

With the tagline “simplicity is the essence of awesome”, this line is a dream for that uber cool person with so much style you wouldn’t dare buy them anything to wear. Handmade

in Brooklyn, NY from ingredients more you are more used to eating than putting on your face, these products are surprisingly

rich and effective and are sure to please.($12-$32, swbasicsofbk.com)


COCO ECO | SPOTLIGHT ON BEAUTY

Take a minute and think about how you shop for skincare. Are you breaking out? Then you head for the acne aisle, with all of its benzoyl’s and salicylic’s that promise to dry you up in no time. Are you starting to see the signs of aging? Well, better get going to the “aging” section, where someone is happy to sell you their retinols, growth factors and the hottest fad ingredient of the month. And hopefully you don’t have any pigmentation issues- you just might unknowingly pick up a hydroquinone product, the main ingredient being as effective as it is poison.

What does all of this have in common? The skincare industry makes its money on you AFTER you have developed a problem that you are desperate to fix. And other than sunscreen, the industry simply doesn’t offer a solution for people who want to maintain healthy skin for their whole life.

I am talking prevention, people! We hear the word so much surrounding the health of our bodies and the fight against cancer and other diseases. With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in the United States, isn’t it incredible that we are still using the same old products on our skin- with a smear of sunscreen, of course, as our only means of protection.

Welcome, then, Previse skincare with open arms. With a true passion for prevention, this revolutionary product lineup is uncomplicated in formulation and simple to use.

WRITTEN BY LEILAH MUNDT

Each piece is meant to work with your body to nourish skin at the cellular level, as part of an overall preventative lifestyle, and help your skin to look and act its best because it is healthy and vibrant- not because you used a new bleaching product for 30 days.

Dr. Ellen Marmur, Previse Medical Advisor and celebrity NYC dermatologist, describes the concept beautifully, “Protection and prevention may be considered the least glamorous approach, but actively managed this is the most valuable investment you can make in your skin’s

health.” Dr. Marmur partnered with the Previse team to create a simple three-step system that purifies, nourishes and defends the skin. A quick online consultation matches you to one out of four systems, based on a variety of health factors. Then prepare to be wowed, as continued use of the refreshing formulas softens and balances skin, and adds another element of self-care to your already healthy lifestyle.

To read more about the Previse system and for a personal skincare consultation, go to previsecare.com

www.goodforall.us

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COCO ECO | COVER STORY

LACE TOP AND METALLIC SKIRT - CHRISTIAN COTA, PRICE UPON REQUEST, WWW.CHRISTIANCOTA.COM

I first met Nia when she attended our Emmy Give-Back Suite at the W Hollywood, in September. The first thing I noticed about her was her luminous complexion and dazzling smile. She exudes light and warmth wherever she goes, and one can’t help but be enveloped into it. With a pedigreed TV career that includes starring roles on shows such as “Fame,” “Walker Texas Ranger,” and “The Young and the Restless,” Nia now recurs on ABC’s hit, “Pretty Little Liars.” At 50 years of age, it’s a bold change in direction for her not to have taken a Series Regular role, which she has done her entire career. However in letting go and taking a smaller one, she is finding the space to embrace exciting new endeavors, empowering herself to choose what works for her as a woman now, and inspiring us all in the process. Ever the cool Malibu, surfer chick, she sat down to candidly tell us all about it.

COCO ECO MAGAZINE: Nia, you look amazing, particularly your skin. What’s your secret?

NIA PEEPLES: Thank you. Oh my goodness. That is a really big question, but I happen to believe there are three components to being healthy: What you’re born with – genetics; How you feed it – nutrition, supplements and emollients, and How you treat it- that’s your lifestyle; stress, smoke, all of that. For me, DNA Skincare is absolutely the best way for me to feed my skin, so I am so happy I can check that one off.

CEM: How did DNA come to fruition?

NP: I’d been approached before about representing an organic line. You know there are tens of thousands of toxins that have been allowed into our skincare, and our skin is our biggest organ

NIAPEEPLES

A RAY OF LIGHT

WRITTEN BY ANNA GRIFFINPHOTOGRAPHY BY RUSSELL BAER


so it just sucks that stuff up. Anyway, I’d been approached about this line but I didn’t click with the people. I thought if I’m going to get involved with something, I’m going to have to like it all around, and so I set it aside. That’s when I started using DNA.

CEM: I can’t imagine you not getting on with anyone?

NP: Well I think they were all about money, and that doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people making money,it’s a beautiful thing but it’s not the only reason to do something. I couldn’t get on board with that mentality and therefor behind the product. When I started using DNA I thought it was really beautiful. I read about it, and how amazing and unique this product actually is. So I wanted to talk to the Biochemist who created it, and find out what he’s all about. Turns out Dr. Aguilar is an amazing man. Not only is he one of the most respected biochemists, he’s also a humanitarian. Everything he does is done ethically and to the highest degree of quality and always with respect to giving back. He is so conscientious, he won’t even get an organic certification because that requires 30% alcohol. He refuses to do that. Plus he doesn’t need to stabilize the product with alcohol because he uses ionic chemistry. It’s the only skincare line in the world that uses this process. Ionic chemistry is nature’s way of telling us what works together and what doesn’t. There’s what’s called the “marriage” process where they drop all the beautiful ingredients into this sterile water. The ingredients choose each other and bond, because they are stronger together than individually. That’s the basis of this line.

CEM: Hence the name, DNA. Awesome. We love it. And you’re launching online soon?

NP: Yes. Right now DNA is only available through trained estheticians. Dr. Aguilar didn’t want to sell it online because he is so particular about his product and how it

You know there are tens of thousands of toxins that have

been allowed into our skincare, and our skin is our biggest organ so it just sucks that stuff up.

is presented.This is a Biochemist who was hired to create a lot of celebrity lines but didn’t love the process or the outcome because it was all about the price point, rather than the efficacy. DNA is his life’s work. This is his dream line So when I approached him to allow me to bring it

to the public online, he really had to consider it. He told me he had been holding a space, spiritually, for the right person and time to bring it online. So when he allowed me the privilege, I knew it was because he believed in the partnership. And he believed in me.I loved that. And in keeping with the ethic of giving

back, even before we technically have anything to give at all, we’ve chosen Mending Kids International as our give back component.

CEM: Tell us about Mending Kids International, and what you do with them?

NP: It’s one of my favorite organizations. I’ve worked with many different non profits .There are so many worthy causes. But mending Kids International really has their act together. They are able to take all the hard earned dollars and squeeze every penny out of it. Mending Kids brings surgical teams around the world to perform life-saving surgeries for children in need.But they also create ongoing change by teaching the doctors and nurses in those countries how to perform some of these complicated yet common surgeries themselves so it’s sustainable.


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Ecuador is now completely self-sustaining when it comes to children;s cardiac surgeries. And 92% of every dollar goes directly to the mission. They have only five employees. Everyone else is a volunteer. I’ll be traveling with them to Christmas Island in the spring .

Another reason I chose to support MKI is that in Malibu, where I live, there is a very dedicated guild. A lot of women I know from my daughter’s school pull together to create fundraisers and even host a child. (sometimes they fly the child here rather than an entire team there.) Malibu is such an amazing community. Very small town in numbers and community but very big thinkers. So rather than just feeling like a celebrity who’s being loaned out to a charity, I have an entire community of women at my side who are much more powerful than me by myself. Together we make things happen.

CEM: Well there’s strength in numbers, especially when us chicks get going!

NP: Yes, that’s right!

CEM: Going back to your trip to Christmas Island, this is something you do a lot of. Travel around the world, helping out and making a difference.

NP: I love travelling because I find that people are amazing everywhere you go. Even if you can’t communicate with

Even if you can’t communicate with someone

verbally, there is a sameness and

we’re all connected, everywhere you go.

someone verbally, there is a sameness. We’re all connected. Especially when you get rid of the language, you find this other, more powerful common ground. I love experiencing that. It reminds you of your place in the fabric of life, that we’re all a very important thread in the same tapestry. In 2004, I did some relief work after the big tsunami in S. E. Asia. My husband who was the Editor of Surfer Magazine at the time, had dispatched his photo journalist brother, Matt, to do an article on how the earthquake and tsunami had affected the surf. But he got there and it was such a mess, he couldn’t just write an article. He had to help. So he took off down the streets of Padang trying to offer up his services in any way. But he found that all of the big NGO’s were sitting there with these huge ships full of aid, and no way to get it to the people in need. The NGO’s were too top heavy. They had to get too many people to sign off, to do studies, to “give the OK.” So all the goods were

just sitting in the harbor. So Matt and my husband , Sam, called a handful of surfers. We pooled our money, went over there and rented our own little 75ft wooden panisi. loaded it to the gunnels with goods and set sale for the outer most islands off the west coast of Sumatra. It was so dangerous. When I look back on it now I wonder what the heck was I doing?! The boat was leaky, the escape hatches were nailed shut. If there’d been a fire we would have been toast. We were sleeping on bags of rice, and were only allowed 2 cups of water to bathe with per day. We delivered dugout canoes, live breeding stock, well digging kits, fishing kits,and

water. We also brought 3 female Indonesian doctors, dressed in full jilba, saying their prayers 5 times a day and not allowed to be touched by men.These women were amazing. They couldn’t swim, had never left their island and yet they jumped at the chance to embark on such a dangerous mission. I mean, we were out on the Indian ocean for 30 days at a time. It was such an interesting journey for me. I went because I felt I had really outgrown any value Hollywood could place on me. I’m so much more than what I do for a living I felt I had more to


What worked for me in my 30’s

and 40’s, didn’t work for me in my 50’s. Life changes . . .


give. So here I was in Indonesia. I didn’t know how to drive a boat or read charts, or speak the language, but I discovered a power in me beyond what I looked like, or what I was doing with my career.

CEM: Moving on, within your life here in Hollywood as a celebrity, you’ve recently launched your “Elements of Life” website. Tell us about that.

NP: “Elements of Life” is my passion. I was asked to write a book about health, beauty and fitness because I’d been featured in People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People, which was so incredibly random! Out of that, people jump on you to try to cash in. So I was approached to write this book to which they could attach a product. When I sat down to write it, I felt really disingenuous because the truth is what worked for me in my 30’s and 40’s, didn’t work for me in my 50’s. Life changes. What I need now, isn’t what I needed when I had a three-year-old running around. That honest contemplation of what health beauty and fitness really are turned into “Elements of Life, it’s a support system for women to discover their authentic beauty through what I call the 12 elements.

CEM: What are the 12 Elements?

NP: Individuality, Faith, courage, Passion, Adventure, Balance, Forgiveness – that’s a

huge one, Freedom, Inspiration,Transformation, Celebration, and the Practice. So that list of elements turned into 12 audio seminars, They’re a mix of quotes and experiences, exercises and anecdotes. It’s free. It’s a form of expression for me, I want it to be available to anyone who might find it helpful.

As women I think we need a way to embrace whom we are, to know we’re enough.and to have faith in our uniqueness. We are so magnificent and powerful but incredibly hard on ourselves. I really don’t know why we’re not running the world. It must be because we’re too busy taking care of everyone else!

CEM: So you have DNA Skincare, “Elements of Life,” Mending Kids International, and your role on “Pretty Little Liars.” I don’t know how you also fit in being a full-time wife and mother?

NP: I’ve been raising kids for 23 years now, and people have always asked how I can do a series and raise children. But I don’t know how I could do a series and not raise them. They

really ground you. When you go home at the end of the day, you know what is really important. My kids need to be fed and need time to be spent with them. Acting is just what I do. It’s not who I am. This is me. I’m NIa

After candidly chatting for an hour or so, it is clear. Nia, a celebrity who has respectfully earned the title through an accomplished body of work, has kept her feet on the ground throughout her success. As she now embarks in a new life direction with excitement and anticipation, one can only wonder where her journey will take her. Wherever that is, we know she’ll embrace it with an inquisitive mind, a giving heart, and an open soul, spreading her ray of light wherever she goes.

www.niaselementsoflife.comwww.dnaskin.com

69 | COCO ECO MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012 www.cocoecomag.comLACE TOP AND METALLIC SKIRT - CHRISTIAN COTA, PRICE UPON REQUEST, WWW.CHRISTIANCOTA.COM

COCO ECO | LIFE

SIMPLY ORGANIC 16 COUNT SPICE RACKA perfect gift to stock a new kitchen or refresh an old one, this spice rack from Simply Organic contains 16 organic spices in bottles that display the vibrant colors

and unique textures of the spices. ($66.99, simplyorganic.com)

GRUVE The Gruve activity monitor uses your body’s vibrations to measure how many calories you’re burning during everyday activities such as shopping, gardening, or cleaning. The Gruve uses color changing lights, vibration, and interactive web resources to encourage activity and engage the user.($179 (includes one year, online membership), gruvetechnologies.com)

KAYU ADELINE JUTE CLUTCHThe Adeline clutch is made of metallic jute and finished with a dazzling shell clasp. Includes drop-in chain and is roomy enough for your smart phone. Handmade by artisans.($175, www.kayudesign.com)

HERB KEEPERCuisipro Herb Keepers unique suspended tray system

makes it easy to store and access herbs. The Herb Keeper, available in 2 sizes is perfect for flavourful meals

with the addition of fresh herbs.($19, cuisipro.com)

ONE GALLON KOMBUCHA STARTER KITThis starter kit brews up to 1 gallon at a time, with illustrated instructions and online and phone support. Kit includes: One kombucha culture, black tea, sugar, strainer, cloth cover, and a 1-gallon jar to get started right away. Makes an endless supply!($49.99, royalkombucha.com)

FEATURESEDITOR

LOVESCURATED BY BETH DOANE

YOGA PAWS ELITE YogaPaws are the Yoga Mat You Wear. Ideal for travel,

prevents slipping, and adds cushion for wrist support.($39.95, yogapaws.com)

INA BATH CRYSTALS Equivalent to a 3-day detox diet, this formulation of botanical and marine actives with Himalayan White Gold Crystal Salt detoxifies and adds luminosity to the skin. The salts and essential oils are absorbed by the body’s cells to help emit internal toxins that have accumulated over time through pollutants and the digestion of alcohol and processed foods. ($85.00, spacenk.com)

JANE IREDALE QUAD BRONZER IN MOON GLOWQuad Bronzer in Moon Glow: This palate can be used on cheeks, eyes

and lips, or as an all-over blush and bronzer for face and body. With four luxurious shades to choose from per palette, you can mix and match.

($48, shop.janeiredale.com)

MY FAVORITE GIFT IDEAS FOR THE HOME-BODY, FASHIONISTA, GLAMAZON OR HOME

COCO ECO | LIFE

HEMP PET BEDS

Don’t forget your four-legged friends this holiday. Innovative and cool, West Paw Design introduces a NEW collection

of pet beds made from HEMP which is one of nature’s strongest fibers. West Paw has the pet beds in three

of their best-selling styles: Bumper Beds®, Tuckered Out® and Eco Drop®. These Hemp beds are naturally odor resistant, antimicrobial and resist mildew, bacteria and fungi. Luxuriously low maintenance: wash, dry and watch your dog snooze the night away.

FROM $70.00, WESTPAWDESIGN.COM

THE GET UP STAND UP HOME AUDIO SYSTEM FROM HOUSE OF MARLEY

The MARLEY Get Up Stand Up Home Audio System is uniquely crafted from one piece of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified bent birch wood and finished in a rich walnut color. Its distinctive design makes this home audio system and the music it delivers, the focal point of any room. The Get Up Stand Up continues with the sustainable initiatives of The House of

Marley by using recycled plastic components and earth-friendly, post-consumer packaging. The House of Marley donates five

percent of annual profits to 1Love.org, the global movement sparked by the Marley family that provides funding to charities and causes focused on youth,

planet and peace. Great to liven up any holiday celebration.

$349.99, THEHOUSEOFMARLEY.COM

PARDUCCI WINE CLUB, US FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL WINERY

The Parducci Winery (which celebrated its 80th birthday this year), located in Mendocino, California, is running an award-winning sustainable operation.

How? By utilizing solar electricity, recycling 100 percent of their water, using far less power than a typically-sized winery would, eschewing synthetic pesticides,

and welcoming natural biodiversity.

The selections from the Parducci Home Ranch Wine Club are a great gift that gives year-round. Incredible wine delivered right to your door (or

your giftee’s) each month; choose from either the “Mix it Up!” or “Red Wine All the Way!” Members receive four annual shipments of two, four

or six handpicked bottles plus a host of membership benefits to boot. As a member you will enjoy 20% off everyday savings and 30% birthday

discount, which applies to regularly priced Parducci wine and merchandise.

PARDUCCI.COM

PICKS BY LIFESTYLE EXPERT, NICOLE LANDERS - FOUNDER, ECO MARKETING AND DESIGN OF NL CONSULTING

ECO CHIC HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HIM OR HER

THE TWIG CASE

Not only are these iPhone cases beautifully designed, Twig Case is the only case company on the market to be

certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance’s mark of responsible forestry. The company’s

founders are true to their mission; wrap your phone, iPad or other device in a seriously eco friendly manner and still look cool! There are many styles to choose from

including for the iPhone 4, 4S and 5.

FROM $39.00 A CASE ,TWIGCASE.COM

IZIP BIKE FOR HIM AND HER

We dream of getting bikes as presents when we were little kids. Now all grown up the electric bike is a hot

item for him or her. This retro designed slick looking bike made by Currie Industries is the

iZIP E3 Zuma Cruiser. Comes in his or hers, a rainbow of colors and gets 20 to 30 mile range. The bike has an amazing battery system by Sanyo. As Currie says it best, “500 watts of Power On Demand” with a proprietary PAS/TAG system and exclusive Currie Electro-Drive®. Move over little red tricycle here comes the ebike.

$2199.00, IZIPUSA.COM

LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE

Living Christmas Trees are delievered to your door alive, in a pot with their roots, and growing. This means that they can deliver the tree to you, and then pick it up after the holidays. The tree then goes back to their nursery, where it continues growing until next year. Not every tree is suitable for rental year after year. Those that do not make the cut (no pun intended) are donated to a tree planting organization or become part of an Urban Reforestation Project. After about 7 years, the trees grow too large to rent and are taken out to pasture (we mean planted) to become big, beautiful trees. They even have some cool eco ornaments to go with your tree. So now you can start a new family tradition that will grow on you! Just in Los Angeles for now, coming to a city near you.

RENTALS START AT $45, LIVINGCHRISTMAS.COM

HEIRLOOM ARTISAN CANDLES

Hand blown beautiful one of a kind vessels with all natural soy based wax, Laguna Candles brings us - Heirloom Artisan Candles that will be remembered for Holidays to come. When you combine the founder Sharie Hendricks’ eco friendly blend of all natural waxes with popular scents with Master Glass Blower John Baber’s vessels you have a unique heirloom quality gift.

THE VESSELS COME IN 8 CAREFULLY CRAFTED COLOR PALETTES AND ARE PRICED AT $65.00 FOR A 20OZ. VESSEL AND $90.00 FOR A 40OZ. VESSEL. LAGUNACANDLES.COM

BOTTLES UP® GLASS BOTTLE

BottlesUp® Glass bottles founder Laurel Herter has established an international presence in architectural

art glass design for the past thirty years. As an Architectural glass artist and principal of BottlesUp®

Glass she has developed a collection of stylish, reusable glass beverage bottles made from recycled glass. BottlesUp® Glass bottles is non-toxic and has

the lowest carbon footprint in the industry. The entire product and packaging is 100% sourced in North

America. The glass is made from a minimum of 75% post-consumer recycled glass in Mexico City, Mexico. The colorful food-grade silicone grippers and cap are made in Maine. Laurel and her team

assemble and package in Bluffton, SC at BottlesUp® Headquarters by special needs adults through the PEP program on Hilton Head Island, (http://www.

pephhi.org). They use minimal packaging and you’ll find zero plastic in the product or packaging.

TWO SIZES AVAILABLE 16 OUNCE FOR $24.95 OR A $29.95 FOR THE 22 OUNCE. BOTTLESUPGLASS.COM


COCO ECO | FASHION

COCO ECO | EVENTS

On the evening of September 24th in NYC, President Bill Clinton honored recipients at the sixth annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards. The Clinton Global Citizen Awards recognizes individuals from various sectors who demonstrate visionary leadership in addressing global challenges. The following were honored; Carlos Slim Helú, founder of Fundación Carlos Slim; Luis A. Moreno, president of Inter-American Development Bank; Denis O’Brien, chairman and founder of Digicel Group; Pepe Julian Onziema, programme director and advocacy officer of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG); The Right Reverend Christopher Senyonjo, executive director of St. Paul’s Reconciliation and Equality Centre; and Katie Stagliano, founder and chief executive gardener of Katie’s Krops. “The work being done by this year’s honorees is nothing short of extraordinary,” said President Clinton. “Tonight I’m proud to honor two Ugandans who risk their lives

to secure basic human dignities many of us take for granted, three leaders whose contributions have positively impacted communities across the Caribbean and Latin America, and a social entrepreneur on pace to take my job before she turns 16. These are some truly amazing folks. They embody the spirit of CGI and inspire us all to be more responsible citizens of the world.” President Clinton hosted the ceremony which featured a performance from Grammy Award-winning singer Seal along with the following key notables who aided to honor the recipients; Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, Lt. Governor of California Gavin Newsom, Matt Damon, Rosario Dawson, Donna Karan & Eva Longoria.

To learn more about the Clinton Global Citizen Awards or Clinton Global Initiative log on to www.clintonglobalinitiative.org

SHANNON ELIZABETH

THE SIXTH ANNUAL CLINTON GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARDS

WRITTEN BY NICOLE LANDERSPHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR DAVIDSON / CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE

SHERATON HOTEL NYC, NEW YORK

WWW.CLINTONGLOBALINIATIVE.ORGPRESIDENT CLINTON

GOODFORALL ECOSWIM BY AQUA GREENMATT DAMON & AWARD RECIPIENT KATIE STAGLIANO

SEAL

DONNA KARAN

EVA LONGORIA

ROSARIO DAWSON

The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) and its Los Angeles regional council along with council chair Elana Pianko hosted a private celebration at Creative Artists Agency in LA on October 25th, 2012. The event was to commemorate the achievements of women, generate awareness on behalf of the museum, and to honor Jennifer Seibel Newsom, a documentary filmmaker (and wife of lieutenant governor Gavin Newsom), for her inspirational leadership and advocacy on behalf of women, girls and their families, and Dolores Huerta, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, cofounder of the United Farm Workers and civil rights advocate. Sharon Lawrence hosted the night and presented NWHM president Joan Wages who urged everyone to help advance the cause of preserving women’s history through supporting the museum. Director Catherine Hardwick’s PSA, “Don’t Tell Me I Can’t “ was also presented, followed by a moving musical performance by Shelea. Other key notables who attended and supported were Kate Walsh, Amy Brenneman, Francis Fisher, Anne Archer, and Rachelle Carson Begley. To learn more about the National Women’s History Museum and the preservation of women’s’ history log on to: www.nwhm.org

NATIONAL WOMEN’SHISTORY MUSEUM

LOS ANGELES COUNCIL EVENT

COCO ECO | EVENTS

CREATIVE ARTISTS AGENCY, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

WRITTEN BY NICOLE LANDERSPHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD OREN/WIRE IMAGE

JENNIFER SEIBEL NEWSOM, KATE WALSH, DOLORES HUERTA

LA COUNCIL CHAIR ELANA PIANKO& EXEC DIR JOAN WAGES

MUSICAL ARTIST SHELEA

RACHELLE CARSON BEGLEY

FRANCES FISHER & SHARON LAWRENCE

SHARON LAWRENCE

Mending Kids International (MKI) held its First Annual Wings Around The World Gala at Vibiana in Los Angeles on the evening of November 12th to raise funds for children in need of life-saving surgical intervention around the globe. Los Angeles television personality, and MKI Board Member, Dorothy Lucey, hosted the event, along with some celebrity support from Nia Peeples, Simon Baker, Madeleine Stowe, Kim Coles and Mark Dacascos who aided in the evenings presentation. Actor/singer, Dominic Scott Kay who is all of sixteen brought down the house with a special song he wrote for MKI. Executive Director, Marchelle Sellers shared, “As we celebrated the incredible evening with our loyal supporters and brand-new friends, we are humbled by the outpouring of generosity that was shown for sick children who are waiting desperately for the life-mending surgeries they need and deserve. This inaugural gala was a wonderful opportunity to share the work of MKI with so many, and prepare ourselves for another year of providing high-quality surgical care to children in developing countries, and building sustainable surgical programs in those same areas.” Honored at the event were the MKI Malibu Guild, MKI Founding Board Member

MENDING KIDS INTERNATIONAL’S

FIRST ANNUAL WINGS AROUND THE WORLD GALA

COCO ECO | EVENTS VIBIANA, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2012

WRITTEN BY NICOLE LANDERS

and volunteer Julia Hans, Carmen “Menchu” Aquino Sarmiento of the Philippine Airlines Foundation, Dra. Zorayda Figueroa of the Fundacion El Cielo Para Los Ninos and Marla Hodes of the Ethiopian Family Fund. To learn more about Mending Kids International please visit www.mendingkids.org.

WWW.MENDINGKIDS.ORG

MADELINE STOWE

MADELINE STOWESIMON BAKER

MENDING KIDS’ KIM COLES

EXEC DIRECTOR MARCELLE SELLERS & MALIBU GUILD MEMBER CINDY KAY

KIM COLES & DOROTHY LUCEY

COCO ECO | EVENTS

TV actors Anne Heche, Kevin McKidd, and Eden Sher joined Kelli Sargent who’s mom Nanci had a 10-year bout with cancer for the the eighth annual RUN FOR HER® 5K Run & Friendship Walk on November 11th in Los Angeles. Kelli teamed with the Women’s Cancer Program (WCP) at Cedars-Sinai’s Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute to raise much needed funds for Ovarian Cancer Research and Awareness. All came out to run or walk with one thing in mind, ovarian cancer. Most don’t know that ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in every 55 women, and can occur at any age. Detected early and treated properly, more than 95% of women survive longer than 5 years. The Women’s Cancer Program (WCP) at Cedars-Sinai’s Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, is directed by Dr. Beth Karlan and is a multidisciplinary program aimed at accelerating bench-to-bedside cancer research through comprehensive, compassionate, cutting-edge cancer care. For more information or to sign up for next year, log on to http://runforher.kintera.org

SHANNON ELIZABETH

THE RUN FOR HER® 5K RUN AND FRIENDSHIP WALK

WRITTEN BY NICOLE LANDERSPHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON CLARK WITH ABIMAGES

CEDAR SINAI, LOS ANGELES, CA, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2012

WWW.RUNFORHER.KINTERA.ORGKEVIN MCKIDD & ANNE HECHE

ANNE HECHE, RUN FOR HER

EDEN SHER, KEVIN MCKIDD, BETH KARLAN M.D. & ANNE HECHE

KELLI SARGENT & ANNE HECHE EDEN SHER

COCO ECO | EVENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA AWARDS

2012WRITTEN BY BETH DOANE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON CLARK WITH ABIMAGES

There are a few highly coveted events in Hollywood each year and one of them is particularly environmental. On Saturday September, 29, The Environmental Media Awards Presented by Toyota and Lexus and hosted by actress Malin Akerman rolled out the green carpet for a slew of celebs and luminaries at Warner Bros. Studios, in Burbank, CA.

The Association celebrated their 22nd Annual Awards under the stars on a spectacular outdoor stage with honorees such as Jessica Alba and Ian Somerhalder.

The evening’s winners also included HBO’s “Veep”, Dr. Seuss, The Lorax, TNT’s “Dallas” and many more. Other presenters and guests included Julie Bowen, Danny DeVito, Carla Gugino, Tobey Maguire, Jesse Metcalfe, Emily VanCamp and Paula Abdul. The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is a highly regarded Non-Profit founded in 1989 by Cindy and Alan Horn and Lyn and Norman Lear. It is dedicated to harnessing the power of celebrity and the media to promote sustainable lifestyles. The organization is supported by a diverse group of industry professionals and serves as a valuable link between the entertainment world and the environmental community.

IAN SOMERHALDER RECEIVING THE EMA FUTURES AWARD

JESSICA ALBA (HONOREE), MALIN AKERMAN, JULIE BOWEN, CARLA GUGINO

AMY SMART AND EMA PRESIDENT DEBBIE LEVIN

The evening highlighted the work of the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Products Innovation Institute, a non-profit organization created to bring about a large scale transformation in the way we make things. They certify products against a continuous improvement, multi-attribute standard using Cradle to Cradle’s five design principles which include material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness. The outcome of their work is a world with safe, healthy, innovative, beautiful products designed never to go to landfill.

The gala honored William McDonough, co-founder of the Institute, celebrated the launch of a new Cradle to Cradle standard, and launched a Product Innovation Challenge with $250,000 to be awarded to three winners. Susan Sarandon emceed and Meryl Streep delivered a heart warming and thoughtful talk about her longtime friendship with McDonough and her passion for his visionary work. A glamorous ambience was created at the historic and LEED certified Bentley Reserve where guests dined on organic food and were serenaded by the Chuck McDermott Band and Mia Maestro.

We sat down with Lewis Perkins of the C2C team, who is spearheading C2C Certification in the apparel industry, to talk about his work and the gala.

FOR A BETTER WORLDCELEBRATING CRADLE TO CRADLE

COCO ECO | EVENTS

A STAR-STUDDED SAN FRANCISCO GALA HONORS THE CRADLE TO CRADLE PRODUCTS INNOVATION INSTITUTE AND WILLIAM MCDONOUGH

WRITTEN BY DOMENICA PETERSONPHOTOGRAPHY BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

This November, 450 star-studded and eco-minded guests turned out to support the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute in San Francisco, California.

ZEM JOAQUIN (CENTER) OF ECOFABULOUS WITH JENNIFER SCHAEFER-FICK AND MARGARET MITCHELL

ACTRESS MIA MAESTRO WITH ERIN SCHRODE OF TEENS TURNING GREEN

LEWIS PERKINS AND CAROLINE HEIDENREICH

Beautiful Design

What was the highlight of the gala?The room was full of many environmentalists, change agents, innovators and visionaries in all industries. There has been a tremendous amount of work by the Institute over the past two years to bring this public standard of the C2C product certification to light. It was exciting for our team to have the opportunity to highlight that work for this audience. And hearing Meryl Streep speak about her friend and our co-founder William McDonough was not too bad either!

Coco Eco is a magazine focused largely on fashion, what does C2C certification mean in terms of impact on the industry? Beauty is certainly built into the design principles of C2C. It’s not enough to create responsible products if no one wants them. One of the ways in which we are working to grow the amount of certified textiles in the world, and thereby provide more C2C materials for designers to chose from, is by spurring creativity. We have partnered again this year with Suzy Amis Cameron’s design contest, Red Carpet Green Dress, to put a sustainable gown on an actress walking the red carpet at the 85th Annual Academy Awards. This time, the fabrics selected for the finished dress will be C2C Certified. Our desire in this process is to encourage more textile mills and designers to learn

about C2C principles and to seek their use in production. We look forward to building a catalogue of materials and designers who are working in this way.What are you most excited about with C2C certification? How will this change the world and the way we think?Today we have issued over 400 product certifications. Next year that number will more than double. To me, the excitement will be the day when we have reached a

million certified products on the planet. The joy all of us will feel knowing that we have been a part of transforming the health of our children and our children’s children for all time will be powerful. And we will get up the next morning and set our sights higher. This is a collective journey with many players. The next generations will live in a world where they only know Cradle to Cradle design philosophy. Now that is exciting.

What was the most important message people left the gala with?I believe the people attending the event last week saw a firsthand picture of the world we are creating. The message is that we can live in a world of abundance and beauty as long as we create products with cradle to cradle principles as the underlying design philosophy. It is a powerful mission and one that encourages everyone to join.

“The next generations will live in a world

where they only know Cradle to Cradle

design philosophy. Now that is exciting.”

Lewis Perkins

C2C FOUNDER WILLIAM MCDONOUGH WITH SUSAN SARANDON, PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTE BRIDGETT LUTHER, AND MERYL STREEP

WENDY SCHMIDT WITH NADINE WEIL


SHOPPINGCONCIERGE

COCO ECO | SHOPPING

Dress, Dalia MacPhee, www.daliaonline.comHeadpiece, Irina Shabayeva, www.irinashabayeva.comRings, Blue Candy Jewelry, www.stores.bluecandyjewelry.comMaria Francesca Pepe, www.mfpepe.com

Dress, Rachael Cassar, www.rachaelcassar.comShoes, Penelope + Coco, www.penelopeandcoco.comRing, Charles Albert, www.charlesalbert.com

On Coco: Top, Rachael Cassar, www.rachaelcassar.comShorts, Malia Mills, www.maliamills.comOn Tyler: Tuxedo, Collection PAS, www.collectionpas.comShirt, Mr Turk, www.Trinaturk.com/Menswear

On Coco: Dress, Valerj Pobega, www.valerjpobega.comShoes, Penelope + Coco, www.penelopeandcoco.comOn Micah: Tuxedo, Collection PAS, www.collectionpas.comShirt, Mr Turk, www.Trinaturk.com/Menswear

Dress, Junko Yoshioka, Mark Ingram Atelier, www.markingramatelier.com

Dress, NAMI, www.onnami.comBelt, Irina Shabayeva, www.irinashabayeva.comCollar, Rachael Cassar, www.rachaelcassar.comCuff, Maria Francesca Pepe, www.mfpepe.comShoes, Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

On Coco: Bolero, Valerj Pobega, www.valerjpobega.comDress, Deborah Lindquist, www.deborahlindquist.comRings, Valerj Pobega, www.valerjpobega.comOn Tyler: Jacket: Collection PAS, www.collectionpas.comShirt and pants, Mr Turk, www.trinaturk.com/menswear

On Coco: Dress, Capretta, www.ccapretta.comOn Micah: Tuxedo, Collection PAS, www.collectionpas.comShirt, Mr. Turk, www.trinaturk.com/menswear

Necklace, Charles Albert, www.charlesalbert.com

On Micah and Tyler:Tuxedo jackets, Collection PAS, www.collectionpas.comPants and shirts, Mr. Turk, www.trinaturk.com/menswear, www.kzeniya.com, earrings, www.andreagutierrezjewelry.com

Bronze dress - Christian Cota, price upon request, www.christiancota.comEarrings - Glynneth B, price upon request, www.glynnethb.com

White sequined gown - Gomez-Gracia, price upon request, www.gomez-gracia.comEarrings - Glynneth B, price upon request, www.glynnethb.com

Lace top and metallic skirt - Christian Cota, price upon request, www.christiancota.com

coco eco magazine, issue 25, december 2012

Documents

fashion editor loves

lifefeatures editor

ny editor loves

coco ecopublisher editor

coco eco editor loves

beauty director loves

eco chic gifts

celebrating cradle