Himane Sustainable Designs

Re-Invision, Re-Cycle, Re-Store - Ethical Fashion Academy

2012-11-29T09:01:00.001-05:00

I will be one of the Panelist at the Ethical Fashion Academy event today Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6:30-8:30 at GGrippo art+design 174 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York. Please stop by to meet the panelists, view our work and ask questions.
There will be an after party from 9-11 at Le Comptoir 251 Grand Street, Brooklyn.

Visit the Ethical Fashion Academy site here for more info: http://www.ethicalfashionacademy.com/1/post/2012/11/re-invision-re-cycle-re-store-thursday-nov-29.html

Sound exciting? Come by we would like to have you among us and it is not too late, just send an email to info@ethicalfashionacademy.com

While you are here, mark your calendar:
Saturday, December 1st 2012 I will be at the Winter Festival Craft Fair, 375 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, NY One block from Borough Hall, close to the Marriott Plaza Hotel. Well will be there from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday, December 15 & Sunday December 16, 2012 Williamsburg Holiday Pop-up shop
343 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY. From 11:00 am to 7:00 pm both days.

See you all this Saturday at the Winter Festival Craft.

Just a little view on what I will have with me. Oh, and lot of items will be on SALE as well.

Sandy!

2012-11-19T13:11:00.001-05:00

I have been quiet for a little while now and I know some of you were asking where I was or what I have been up to!!!
I have been a little busy, working on doing some great improvements all the way.

Now that said, I do hope all of you were safe during Sandy and my heart went towards the people on Red Hook, Rockaway, Breezy Point, New Jersey, Staten Island and Long Beach. I know some places are still without power to this day and it is heartbreaking.
I was without power, internet and phone for close to 12 days, what about you?
Another question during those long days when you could not go to the internet, what did you do to keep yourself busy?
Since I am now living very close to nature ( my element, so inspiring), lot of trees and branches were everywhere so my inspiration went a little wild.
I decided to use those branches and turn them into buttons so I can incorporate them in my new bags collection.

Some of the tree branches I used to make for my buttons.

Quick pic of the Sandy buttons collection.

This week is Thanksgiving for those of you who will be celebrating, please do remember those who are alone and have nothing and if you are traveling, be safe and be careful. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Overdressed- The book.

2012-09-29T21:40:00.000-04:00

Lately I have been so busy, getting back on track with my work by playing catch up that I barely have any free time on my hands. More details later.

My dear friend Tamara from reciclaGem, have been telling me about this great book "Overdressed", she said it is beyond awesome.

The Book cover

So I did some research and so far this is what I found online about the author and wanted to share it with you guys.

Elizabeth’s closet, with the 354 items of cheap clothing she accumulated before writing Overdressed. (Photo: Keri Wiginton)

Elizabeth L. Cline is a New York-based writer, editor, and author of Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion (Penguin Portfolio/2012). Cline holds a degree in Political Philosophy from Syracuse University and has written for the Daily Beast, New York magazine, The New Republic, Village Voice, GOOD, Etsy Blog, seedmagazine.com, Nerve.com, and many others. She is currently an editor for AMCtv.com’s Blogs. Overdressed is her first book.

How did you get the idea to write Overdressed?

I infamously bought seven pairs of $7 shoes at a KMart in Manhattan. That moment got me to thinking about how buying loads of cheap fashion had quickly become an entrenched habit for me and for many other Americans. Gorging on cheap clothes is the new norm. Americans are now buying about 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person per year as a country. In the span of one generation, clothing has gone from something very personal, locally-made and kept for years to a disposable good made in low-wage foreign factories. I wondered if what was happening to our economy was tied in any way to our consumer habits. Why wasn’t anyone writing about this? I really wanted to find out how clothing was turned into a throwaway commodity and, aside from the obvious environmental and human rights consequences of buying so much cheap clothes, I wanted to know what we’d lost in terms of our relationship with and knowledge of clothes. In other words, how have quality, design, and self-expression been compromised in the age of cheap fashion.

How did you research Overdressed?
I had never written about fashion or the clothing retail industry, and so I wrote the book as a consumer/journalist learning about this commodity I’d somehow become completely detached from. I interviewed garment factory workers and owners, clothing designers at big companies like Gap and Forever 21, production and sourcing experts, and quality control analysts. But I knew I wouldn’t get the complete picture unless I went overseas to factories where cheap clothing gets made. So, I made up a fake fashion sourcing company and traveled to manufacturers in southern China and in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The experience was eye-opening to say the least.

Where do you shop now? What do you wear?
Overdressed is a book about over consumption, so the first thing that had to change was the pace at which I was shopping. I shop at a snail’s pace compared to how I used to, and I no longer shop on impulse. Researching Overdressed made me want to own better clothes, clothes that I loved, that a great story behind them, and that had a level of design and craftsmanship that was missing from my cheap fashion.
When I shop now, I use these principals:
- I support brands that use ethical production, this includes clothing that is made in the U.S. or uses Fair Trade and living wage pay structures. Check out the Shopping Directory for affordable alternative and ethical brands.
- I try to buy only clothes that I really need/want and am going to wear. I also think ahead to how I’m going to clean and repair a garment/shoes and how I’m going to dispose of them.
- The first label I look at on clothing is the fabrication label. The designer/brand label is far less important to me. I try to buy clothing made out of good materials (wood, silk, linen, Tencel, and Modal are my favorite fabrics), which extends to the buttons and zippers. And that are sewn together well.
Some of my favorite places to shop are:
- Kaight, an independent boutique in NYC that I wrote about in Overdressed. All of the designers Kaight carries are either locally made and/or made from sustainable materials. There’s also an online store.
- I’m a thrift store and eBay junkie. I use the secondhand market to afford well-made vintage and designer pieces and luxurious fabrics that I couldn’t otherwise afford. Thrift stores are also a great source for vintage wool coats, silk shirts, and leather products from vests to belts to handbags.
- For special occasion and event pieces, I often scour higher-end department stores like Barney’s Co Op, Saks, Bloomingdales, looking for high-quality pieces that are a good value. Value to me means the price tag is justified by the detail, craftsmanship, and uniqueness of the piece. I also support fairly priced high-end designers who use at least some local production, including Nanette Lepore, Helmut Lang, Theory, and Rag & Bone. Again, the label is less important to me. It’s all about the materials, the way something is made, and where it’s made!

Where do you shop when you’re on a budget?
I shop my closet! And head to the Goodwill as a backup. Most Americans own more clothing than they can wear and much of their wardrobe is underutilized. If I’m really cash-strapped, I wear what I’ve already got. Every season, it’s a good idea to go through your closet and try everything on that’s going unworn. Make piles for donations, alterations, and repairs. I like to creatively re-imagine clothes by shortening hems, taking off sleeves, dyeing fabric and shoes a new color, adding or removing embellishments, changing buttons, etc.

Source: http://www.overdressedthebook.com/aboutelizabeth/

How many of you now are going to buy this book? And how many of you used to be like that?
Post your comments, let me hear from you.

Hemp, The environmental friendly plant and the history behind.

2012-08-30T19:03:00.000-04:00

Hemp is one of the earliest domesticated plants known.

Hemp is a term reserved mainly for low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) strains of the plant Cannabis sativa. Of the approximately 2000 cannabis plants varieties known, about 90% contain only low-grade THC and are most useful for their fiber, seeds and medicinal or psychoactive oils.
Hemp is one of the faster growing biomasses known, producing up to 25 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year. Hemp is very environmentally friendly as it requires few pesticides and no herbicides. It has been called a carbon-negative raw material.


Hemcrete brick. Hemcrete carbon neutral; it’s actually carbon negative. CO2 from the atmosphere is trapped in the hemp plants as they grow, and remains there after the plants are harvested.

Hemp is an ancient plant that has been cultivated for millennia. The Columbia History of the World (1996) states that that weaving of hemp fiber began over 10,000 years ago! Carbon tests have suggested that the use of wild hemp dates as far back as 8000 B.C.

Hemp drying

In Great Britain, hemp cultivation dates back to 800AD. In the 16th Century, Henry VIII encouraged farmers to plant the crop extensively to provide materials for the British Naval fleet. A steady supply of hemp was needed for the construction of battleships and their components. Riggings, pendants, pennants, sails, and oakum were all made from hemp fiber and oil. Hemp paper was used for maps, logs, and even for the Bibles that sailors may have brought on board.

Hemp is used for a wide variety of purposes including the manufacture of cordage of varying tensile strength, durable clothing and nutritional products. The bast fibers can be used in 100% hemp products, but are commonly blended with other organic fibers such as flax, cotton or silk, for apparel and furnishings, most commonly at a 55%/45% hemp/cotton blend.

Hemp has an incredible nutritional profile that can help people fill some holes in their diet,” says Ashley Koff, a registered dietician who’s partial to the healthy benefits of hemp:
–Hemp is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—which our bodies can’t make and we must get in food, including the elusive GLA (gamma-linolenic acid).
-It contains important nutrients like iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.
-Hemp is a complete protein, meaning it can provide your body with all of the essential amino acids, a definite plus for vegetarians and vegans. “Having more whole-food, complete-protein options means you don’t have to rely as much on a protein bar,” says Koff.

Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk (akin to soy milk), prepared as tea, and used in baking. The fresh leaves can also be consumed in salads. Products include cereals, frozen waffles, hemp tofu, and nut butters. A few companies produce value added hemp seed items that include the seed oils, whole hemp grain (which is sterilized by law in the United States, where they import it from China and Canada). Hemp is also used in some organic cereals, for non-dairy milk somewhat similar to soy and nut milks, and for non-dairy hemp "ice cream."

Within the UK, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has treated hemp as purely a non-food crop. Seed appears on the UK market as a legal food product, and cultivation licenses are available for this purpose. In North America, hemp seed food products are sold, typically in health food stores or through mail order.

In the17th Century America, farmers in Virginia, Massachusetts and Connecticut were ordered by law to grow Indian hemp. By the early 18th century, a person could be sentenced to jail if they weren’t growing hemp on their land! Hemp was considered to be legal tender. For over 200 years in colonial America, hemp was currency that one could use to pay their taxes with!
The 1850 U.S. census documented approximately 8,400 hemp plantations of at least 2000 acres.
Viewing hemp as a threat, a smear campaign against hemp was started by competing industries, associating hemp with marijuana.
Propaganda films like “Reefer Madness” assured hemp’s demise.

When Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937, the decline of hemp effectively began. The tax and licensing regulations of the act made hemp cultivation nearly impossible for American farmers. Anslinger, the chief promoter of the Tax Act, argued for anti-marijuana legislation around the world.
An interesting situation arose during World War II as American Farmers were prohibited from producing hemp because of the 1937 law. However, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor halted the importation of Manila hemp from the Philippines, prompting the USDA to rethink their agenda and creating a call to action with the release of the film Hemp for Victory, motivating American Farmers to grow hemp for the war effort. The government formed a private company called War Hemp Industries to subsidize hemp cultivation. One million acres of hemp were grown across the Midwest as part of this program. As soon as the war ended, all of the hemp processing plants were shut down and the industry again disappeared. However, wild hemp may be found scattered across the country.

The world leading producer of hemp is China with smaller production in Europe, Chile and North Korea. While more hemp is exported to the United States than to any other country, the United States Government does not consistently distinguish between marijuana and the non-psychoactive Cannabis used for industrial and commercial purposes.

Some referral sites:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html
http://davidkretzmann.com/2012/06/the-tragic-history-of-hemp-and-why-it-must-be-decriminalized/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp
http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/08/03/hemp-seeds-why-healthy-celebs-and-mds-want-you-to-love-them/#
http://www.hemp.com/history-of-hemp/
http://www.votehemp.com/what_can_i_do.html

Reach

2012-08-29T22:27:00.000-04:00

Hello there, hope everyone had a wonderful Summer.

Time goes so fast and never realized that I have not keep up the blog updated until now.
I have so much to share with you guys, but you are going to have to wait just a little more.

In the meantime please do check my other blog about The International Sustainable Women's Coalition: http://internationalsustainablewomen.blogspot.com/2012/08/fashion-fades-only-style-remains-same.html

“Lingerie” From 15th Century Castle Stuns Fashion Historians

2012-07-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Unlike female undergarments, male underpants have been frequently depicted in medieval imagery.

Archaeologists have unearthed 500-year-old bras that some experts say could rewrite fashion history. While they’ll hardly send pulses racing by today’s standards, the lace-and-linen underpinnings predate the invention of the modern brassiere by hundreds of years. Found hidden under the floorboards of Lengberg Castle in Austria’s East Tyrol, along with some 2,700 textile fragments and one completely preserved pair of (presumably male) linen underpants, the four intact bras and two fragmented specimens are thought to date to the 15th century, a hypothesis scientists later confirmed through carbon-dating.

History has shown little indication that bras with clearly visible cups existed before the 19th century.

While medieval-written sources sometimes mentioned “bags of the breasts,” “shirts with bags,” or “breast bands,” history has shown little indication that bras with clearly visible cups existed before the 19th century, according to Beatrix Nutz, an archaeologist with the University of Innsbruck, who made the find. “My first thought was what probably anybody would have thought, ‘That´s impossible, there aren´t such things as bras in the 15th century,’” Nutz tells Ecouterre.
Nutz and her team couldn’t find any evidence that the bras were dumped in the castle at a later time. “Besides, all the applied techniques used to fashion the garments were more or less common—or at least known—in the 15th century,” she adds. “Only when we got the results of the radiocarbon-dating from the ETH in Zurich did we believe that they were indeed from the late Middle Ages.”
Hilary Davidson, fashion curator at the Museum of London, told the Daily Mail that the discovery “totally rewrites” fashion history, adding that “nothing like this has ever come up before.” “These finds are a very exciting insight into the way people dressed in the Middle Ages,” she added. “It’s rare that everyday garments of any kind survive from this period, let alone underwear.”

The more things change…

http://www.ecouterre.com/medieval-lingerie-from-15th-century-castle-stuns-fashion-historians/

Recycle Nos Soutiens-gorge pour supporter les recherches sur le Cancer du Sein.

2012-07-18T15:43:00.000-04:00

Le cancer du sein, une maladie qui ravage et notre plus grand ennemi!
Que pouvons-nous faire pour aider et comment? Il ya différentes façons dont nous pouvons aider et voila la une idee des plus facile et plus simple de le faire.
RECYCLE NOS SOUTIENS-GORGE POUR SOUTENIR ET SUPPORTER LES RECHERCHES SUR LE CANCER DU SEIN.

Nous en avons tous: des soutiens-gorge mal ajustées, mal à l'aise, ou tout simplement soutiens-gorge peu flatteuses qui siègent dans le dos de notre charpie tiroir de récupération. Au lieu de garder ces détenteurs de blocs qui sont dues a etre mis au rancart, ou pire, comme vouent à la poubelle, pensez à "recycler" pour amasser des fonds pour la recherche du cancer du sein. En conjonction avec le Mois de sensibilisation au cancer du sein, sans but lucratif à travers le monde plusieurs personnes font la collecte de vos articles non désirées, qui en retour les vendre ou à donner aux femmes qui en ont besoin. Des millions de femmes à travers le monde vont commando non par choix mais parce qu'ils ne peuvent pas se permettre des vêtements de soutien appropriées, de sorte considérer cela comme une raison et une grande occasion pour aider une sœur. En faisant cela bien vous aideriez ces dames se sentent de son mieux et aussi vous preniez part a la recherche pour une cause bien nécessaire.
Aux États-Unis, vous pouvez faire don de vos soutiens-gorge non désirées à The Recyclers Bra, une division de recyclage Bosom Buddy, basee en Arizona. L'organisme de bienfaisance recueille et trie les soutiens-gorge, puis les expédie hors des lieux partenaires pour l'appui des survivantes du cancer des seins et des femmes dans des abris provisoires. Depuis Octobre 2008, Les Soutiens-Gorge Recycleurs ont récolté des dizaines de milliers de soutiens-gorge, qui ont sauvegarde 23 organisations à travers le pays. Et lorsque vous faites don de vos articles, vous serez automatiquement inscrit pour gagner de superbes prix, y compris les cartes-cadeaux d'American Express et d'autres sociétés.

Pour les donateurs potentiels de soutien-gorge au Royaume-Uni et en Australie, un certain nombre de détaillants et organisations ont établi un partenariat avec les textiles BCR mondiales, une compagnie qui recycle et réutilise les textiles. BreastTalk, Bras papillon, des courbes de l'Irlande, et Down Under sont tous la pour collecter vos soutiens-gorge non désirées et les canaliser à travers un programme Textiles BCR.
Pour chaque kilo de sous-vêtements collectés, BCR donne de l'argent aux organismes de bienfaisance du cancer du sein, comme leur campagne de recherche. Les soutiens-gorge sont ensuite vendus à de petits détaillants indépendants dans les pays du tiers-monde pour soutenir l'économie tout en assurant l'usure de la fondation à coût moyen.
Si vous organisiez des parties des vêtements-swap, demandez à vos copines d'apporter, en bon état; soutiens-gorge de sorte que vous pouviez faire un don en commun. Les Soutiens-gorge Recycleurs sont à la recherche pour toutes sortes de tailles de soutien-gorge et formes, y compris la maternité, les soins infirmiers, post-opératoire, le sport, et des tailles plus.

Pour plus d'information visiter http://www.brarecycling.com/ (leur site en Anglais)

Recycle Your Bra to Support Breast Cancer Awareness!

2012-07-17T13:40:00.000-04:00

Breast cancer, a ravaged disease among us and our biggest enemy.
What can we do to help and how? There are different ways we can help and here, this one is the easiest and simplest one to do so.

RECYCLE OUR BRAS TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.

We all have them: ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or just plain unflattering bras that sit in the back of our drawer collecting lint. Instead of keeping those over-the-shoulder boulder holders mothballed, or worse, consigning them to the dumpster, consider “recycling” them to raise money for breast cancer research. In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several nonprofits around the world are collecting your unwanted underwires to sell or donate to women in need. Millions of women across the globe are going commando not by choice but because they can’t afford proper support garments, so consider this a two-for-one opportunity—you help a well-endowed sister feel her best and you give the search for a cure a much-needed boost.
In the U.S., you can donate your unwanted bras to The Bra Recyclers, a division of Bosom Buddy Recycling, based out of Arizona. The charity collects and sorts the bras, then ships them off to partner locations nationwide in support of breast cancer survivors and women in transitional shelters. Since October 2008, The Bra Recyclers has collected tens of thousands of bras, backing 23 organizations across the country. And when you donate your unmentionables this month, you’ll be automatically entered to win great prizes, including gift cards from American Express and intimate-apparel companies.

Millions of women across the globe go commando not by choice but because they can’t afford proper support garments.

For would-be bra donors in the U.K. and Australia, a number of retailers and organizations have partnered with BCR Global Textiles, a family-run outfit that recycles and reuses textiles. BreastTalk, Butterfly Bras, Curves of Ireland, and Down Under-based Berlei are all collecting your unwanted bras and funneling them through a BCR Textiles program.
For every kilo of skivvies collected, BCR donates money to breast cancer charities like the Breast Cancer Campaign. The bras are then sold to small independent retailers in third-world countries to shore up the economy while providing low-cost foundation wear.
If you’re planing on organizing a clothing-swap party this month, ask your girlfriends to bring their clean, good-condition bras so you can make a joint donation. Bra recyclers are looking for all manner of bra sizes and shapes, including maternity, nursing, post-surgery, sports, and plus sizes.

Please contact the bra recycling by visiting their site: http://www.brarecycling.com/
http://www.ecouterre.com/recycle-your-bra-this-october-to-support-breast-cancer-awareness/

Anémie: Comment la nutrition peut aider à soulager cet effet secondaire du cancer.

2012-06-26T23:53:00.001-04:00

Mon poste d'aujourd'hui est différent qu'auparavant, car il ne sera pas sur la mode, ou le recyclage ou même mon travail en Haïti, mais sur la santé, l'anémie / le Cancer.L'article joint, que Mme Jillian McKee, l'une de nos lectrices a récemment terminé, est sur les avantages de manger sainement pendant et après un diagnostic de tout type de cancer. Chaque type différent de cancer a ses limites, mais si on peut garder un corps sain et manger naturellement, ils peuvent avoir une meilleure chance de surmonter cette terrible maladie.Pourquoi ai-je décidé de faire mon poste différemment? Très simple, nous sommes tous préoccupés par notre santé et notre bien-être. Alors s'il vous plaît prennez le temps de lire l'article au sujet de l'anemie/cancer de Mme McKee.

Ma participation est seulement les images et la traduction Francaise.

Anémie: Comment la nutrition peut aider à soulager cet effet secondaire du cancer

L'anémie est souvent une complication chez les patients cancéreux et les traitements contre le cancer qu'ils reçoivent. La condition est caractérisée par une baisse supérieure à la normale du nombre de globules rouges. L'anémie est fréquente chez les patients cancéreux et ceux recevant un traitement. Production de globules rouges est abaissé, et les patients peuvent ressentir de la fatigue, des étourdissements, des maux de tête et des douleurs. Traitement de l'anémie peut inclure des suppléments alimentaires comme la vitamine B12, acide folique et le fer.L'anémie et les causes:L'anémie peut être causée par un certain nombre de problèmes, y compris: le cancer, le manque de nourriture riche en fer dans l'alimentation, la perte de sang, d'organes principaux, le manque de globules rouges, la drépanocytose, la radiothérapie ou la chimiothérapie.Nutrition, les suppléments et le cancer

Les nutritionnistes experts recommandent aux patients de recevoir leur fer, acide folique et la vitamine B12 à partir de sources alimentaires naturelles. Sources alimentaires naturelles comprennent: le boeuf qui se nourris à l'herbe et au naturel, le foie, les épinards, le chou frisé, feuilles de navet, chou, haricot de Lima, pois verts, haricots rouges,haricots noirs, haricots blancs, chou-fleur, sauce tomate, abricots secs, raisins, pruneaux, figues séchées , pains de grains entiers, riz, céréales, riz, tournesol, noix de cajou, noix, amandes et noisettes. Les palourdes et les huîtres sont également de bonnes sources de fer.En général, certains suppléments vitaminiques synthétiques ont été jugés inefficaces et peuvent accélérer le cancer. Les études ne sont pas concluants, mais les patients atteints de cancer devraient être conscients de l'événement, ils remarquent un changement dans le corps. Une vitamine organique fabriqué à partir de sources naturelles de nourriture est préférable des vitamines synthétiques. Vitamines synthétiques peuvent être un problème pour les personnes ayant des problèmes de l'absorption. Toujours consulter un médecin avant de commencer un regime en fer, acide folique ou en vitamine B12 régime. Si l'état s'aggrave, les médecins peuvent prescrire des injections d'érythropoïétine ou une transfusion sanguine.

Choses à savoir sur l'anémie et la nutritionAugmenter l'apport en acide folique peut provoquer des constriction des vaisseaux sanguinsCertaines études chez les patients de maladies cardiaques ont montré ce phénomène. Les études ne sont pas concluants, mais les résultats sont mentionnés pour les personnes qui peuvent rencontrer ce problème. Si la respiration devient inquietante avec un supplément d'acide folique, se concentrer davantage sur l'apport en fer que l'acide folique. Les deux sont efficaces.

Cuire dans les casseroles

Le fer sera absorber dans la nourriture quand vous cuisez dans les casseroles. Beaucoup de patients cuire la sauce tomate dans des casseroles pour cette raison.

La vitamine C favorise l'absorption du fer

Le jus d'orange et d'autres aliments riches en vitamine C aide votre corps à absorber plus de fer provenant des aliments.

Le calcium inhibe la capacité d'absorptionion.
Ne pas prendre un supplément de fer avec les aliments riches en calcium. Le corps ne peut pas absorber le fer en présence de calcium.

Café, thé et Soda inhibe la capacité d'absorption

Les suppléments de fer ne doit pas être pris avec le café, le thé ou le soda. Tous les trois rendre le corps difficile à absorber le fer.

Céréales riches en fibres rendre le corps plus difficile à absorber le fer. Ne prenez pas un supplément de fer avec des céréales riches en fibres.

La libération lente de fer aide à réduire les effets secondaires.

Les suppléments de fer ont été connus pour causer de la constipation ou les maux d'estomac.

Traitement de l'anémie avec la nutrition
Traiter l'anémie de la nutrition afin d'éliminer les effets secondaires associés au cancer. Même certains effets secondaires peuvent s'atténuer au mésothéliome. Consulter un médecin afin de déterminer le meilleur plan d'action.

Merci pour votre support et j'espere que votre lecture a ete fructueuse.

Vous pouvez envoyer un courriel a Mme Jillian McKee ici si vous aviez des questions, ou vous pouvez toujours laisser vos commentaires sur notre page. Merci.

Anemia: How Nutrition Can Help Alleviate This Cancer Side Effect

2012-06-26T23:53:00.000-04:00

My posting today is different than before, because it wont be about fashion, or recycling or even my work in Haiti but about health, Anemia/Cancer.
The article attached, which Ms. Jillian McKee one of our reader and supporter recently completed, is about the benefits of eating healthy during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. Each different cancer has its limitations, but if one can keep a healthy body, they can have a better chance to overcome this awful disease.

Why did I decide to do my post differently? Very simple, we all are concern about our health and well being. So please take time to read about Ms. McKee research.

My input was only the pictures.

Anemia: How Nutrition Can Help Alleviate This Cancer Side Effect
Iron deficiency anemia is often a complication in cancer patients and those receiving cancer treatments. The condition is characterized by lower-than-normal red blood cell count. Anemia is common in cancer patients and those receiving treatment. Red blood cell production is lowered, and patients may experience fatigue, dizziness, headaches and pain. Treatment for anemia may include nutritional supplements such as vitamin B12, folic acid and iron.

Add caption

Anemia Causes

Anemia can be caused by a number of problems including: Cancer, lack of iron-rich foods in the diet, blood loss, major organ problems, lack of red blood cells, sickle cell disease, radiation or chemotherapy.

Nutrition, Supplements and Cancer

Expert nutritionists recommend patients receive their iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 from natural food sources. Natural food sources include: Grass-fed beef, liver, spinach, kale, turnip greens, collards, lima bean, green peas, kidney beans, black beans, white beans, cauliflower, tomato sauce, dried apricots, raisins, prunes, dried figs, whole-grain breads, rice, cereals, rice, sunflowers, cashews, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts. Clams and oysters are also good sources of iron.

In general, some synthetic vitamin supplements have been found to be ineffective and may accelerate cancer. The studies are inconclusive, but cancer patients should be aware in the event they notice a change in the body. An organic vitamin made from natural food sources is preferable to synthetic vitamins. Synthetic vitamins may be a problem for people with absorption issues. Always consult a physician prior to beginning an iron, folic acid or vitamin B12 regimen. If the condition worsens, physicians may prescribe erythropoietin injections or a blood transfusion.

Things to Know About Anemia and Nutrition

Increasing Folic Acid Intake May Cause the Blood Vessels to Constrict

Some studies in heart disease patients have shown this phenomenon. The studies are inconclusive, but the results are mentioned for people who may experience this problem. If breathing becomes belabored with a folic acid supplement, focus more on the iron intake than folic acid. Both are effective.

Cook with Cast-Iron Pots and Pans

Iron from the pots and pans will absorb into the food. Many patients cook tomato sauce in cast-iron pots and pans for this reason.

Vitamin C Helps with Iron Absorption

Orange juice and other foods high in vitamin C help your body absorb more iron from food.

Calcium Inhibits Absorption Ability

Do not to take an iron supplement with calcium-rich foods. The body cannot absorb iron in the presence of calcium.

Coffee, Tea and Soda Inhibits Absorption Ability

Iron supplements should not be taken with coffee, tea or soda. All three make it harder for the body to absorb iron.

High Fiber Cereals Inhibits Absorption Ability

High fiber cereals make it more difficult for the body to absorb iron. Do not take an iron supplement with high fiber cereals.

Try Slow-Release Iron to Reduce Side Effects

Iron supplements have been known to cause constipation or upset stomach. A slow-release iron table will alleviate these symptoms.

Treat Anemia with Nutrition

Treat anemia with nutrition to eliminate the side effects associated with cancer. Even some mesothelioma side effects may subside. Consult a physician to determine the best course of action.

You can contact Ms. Jillian McKee for more info or to learn more visit her blog here http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/ or you can leave comments on our page.
Thank you.

Journée Mondiale de l'environnement.(French version)

2012-06-05T20:30:00.000-04:00

Pourquoi celebrer l'environnement seulement le 5 Juin de chaque année? Pourquoi pas tous les jours?

La Journée mondiale de l'environnement, nous concerne tous directement. Elle a été lancée par l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies en 1972.

Commet célébrer la Journée mondiale de l'environnement?
La Journée mondiale de l'environnement peut-être célébrée de multiples façons, y compris des marches, des défilés à vélo, des concerts, des concours de rédaction et de dessin dans les écoles, des plantations d'arbres, des campagnes de recyclage et de nettoyage et bien d'autres activitées encore.
Dans de nombreux pays, cet événement est une occasion pour promouvoir l'intérêt et l'action au niveau politique. Ce jour là, des chefs d'Etats, des premiers ministres et des ministres de l'environnement prononcent des discours dans lesquels ils s'engagent à agir pour la sauvegarde de notre Terre. Des engagements visant l'établissement de structures gouvernementales permanentes destinées à la gestion et à la planification économique de l'environnement sont pris officiellement. Cette célébration représente, également, une occasion pour la signature ou la ratification de convention internationales en faveur de l'environnement.
Profitons de cette Journée mondiale de l'environnement pour examiner l'état de notre environnement. Prenons le temps de réfléchir aux actions que chacun d'entre nous doit mettre en oeuvre, et mettons nous, des maintenant, au travail afin de préserver, ensemble, toute vie sur terre.

L'agriculture Urbaine et Périurbaine
Avec la croissance rapide des villes, l'agriculture urbaine et périurbaine joue un rôle de plus en plus important dans l'alimentation des citadins, souligne l'organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture, à l'occasion de la Journée mondiale de l'environnement, célébrée le 5 juin.
L'agriculture urbaine et périurbaine fournit déjà de la nourriture à environ 700 millions de citadins, soit le quart de la population urbaine mondiale.
L'agriculture en milieu urbain implique l'utilisation de petits terrains comme les parcelles vacantes, des jardins et des toits des maisons pour cultiver ou pour élever des animaux de basse-cou.
L'agriculture périurbaine, consiste en des fermes à proximité des villes où l'on trouve des potagers maraîchers, des poulaillers ou du bétail.

Le taux de pauvreté dans la plupart des villes est en augmentation, et un nombre croissant de citadins éprouve des difficultés pour accéder à la nourriture dont ils ont besoin. Dans de nombreux pays en développement, les pauvres des villes dépensent 60 % ou plus de leurs revenus pour l'alimentation.

Les problèmes proviennent du manque d'infrastructures pour transporter la nourriture jusqu'aux centres urbains. Les longues distances, les routes en mauvais état et les encombrements urbains provoquent des pertes de 10 à 30 % de produits alimentaires pendant le transport.

Selon la FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), les pays en développement doivent relever un double défi. D'un côté, la faim qui s'étend et de l'autre, la croissance rapide du nombre de personnes atteintes d'obésité, de diabète, de maladies cardio-vasculaires et d'autres maladies liées au régime alimentaire.

L'agriculture urbaine et périurbaine peut contribuer à améliorer la sécurité alimentaire de plusieurs façons. En cultivant des produits alimentaires à la maison ou à travers des coopératives, les ménages pauvres peuvent réduire la charge du coût d'achat de la nourriture, disposer d'une plus grande quantité d'aliments et réduire les intervalles saisonniers dans la production de primeurs.

En augmentant la diversité et la qualité des aliments consommés, l'agriculture urbaine et périurbaine peut améliorer significativement les régimes alimentaires urbains.
En outre, la vente des surplus de produits agricoles peut générer un revenu utilisable pour acheter davantage de nourriture. Même des "micro-jardins" peuvent procurer jusqu'à 3 dollars de revenu par jour aux familles pauvres, selon la FAO.

On estime que 1,2 milliard de personnes vivent avec moins de 1 dollar par jour et près de 3 milliards avec moins de 2 dollars par jour.
Malgré son importance croissante, l'agriculture en milieu urbain et périurbain et toujours sujette à de nombreuses contraintes, notamment le manque de terres adaptées, l'incertitude sur les droits de propriété, l'accès insuffisant à une eau d'irrigation de qualité, l'insuffisance du savoir-faire et la faiblesse des investissements, indique la FAO

Les petits gestes de chaque jour pour l’environnement.

Plantez au moins une arbre par mois.
Utilisez de préférence une lessive en poudre plutôt qu’une lessive liquide qui libère dans l’eau trois fois plus de tensioactifs, ces agents qui modifient les propriétés de l’eau afin d’enlever les salissures.
Chassez les mauvaises odeurs de votre logement de manière naturelle. Evitez en effet les désodorisants composés pour certains de substances allergènes voire cancérigènes et optez plutôt pour des solutions naturelles : un bouquet de fleurs, de la lavande, des huiles essentielles ou des écorces de citron ou d’orange bouillies avec de la cannelle.
Achetez uniquement la quantité dont vous avez besoin afin d’éviter le gaspillage et/ou de jeter des produits périmés achetés en trop grande quantité, ceci augmentant le volume des déchets.
Arrosez de préférence au pied des plantes, une technique qui apporte le plus grand bien aux racines. De plus, si vous arrosez les feuilles, les gouttes d’eau peuvent avoir un effet loupe qui peut les brûler et une évaporation importante peut se produire en cas de fortes chaleurs.
Pensez à mettre un filtre à particules sur votre moteur Diesel afin d’éviter que celles-ci ne demeurent en suspension dans l’air et pénètrent dans les poumons, engendrant alors un danger pour la santé.
Triez vos déchets ! Carton, papier, plastique, verre et métal, entre autres, font partie des matériaux recyclables et serviront à la production de nouveaux objets.

Aimez votre environnement.

Environmental Day June 5th (English Version)

2012-06-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated every year on 5th June to raise global awareness of the need to take positive environmental action. The first World Environment Day was on 1973 and it was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972. It should not be a one day celebration just like Earth Day, but an everyday thing that we all should be aware and live by it.

The agenda for World Environment Day is to:

Give a human face to environmental issues.
Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development.
Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues.
Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

Each year, the UNEP chooses a new theme for World Environment Day. The organization also designates a host country and a North American host city for World Environment Day. How to Celebrate World Environment Day
On World Environment Day, all sorts of activities take place in countries and communities around the world—from parades, street rallies and concerts to tree planting, recycling and community clean-up campaigns—all designed to bring attention to a wide range of environmental issues and to help people learn how they can get involved and make a difference.
If your hometown doesn’t have any activities planned to officially celebrate World Environment Day, make time to do something on your own. Plant a tree, clean up a section of road near your home, pledge to recycle more this year, learn more about the theme issue for World Environment Day this year

SixWays to Help Save the Planet in 30 Minutes or Less

You may not be able to reduce global warming, end pollution and save endangered species single-handed, but by choosing to live an earth-friendly lifestyle you can do a lot every day to help achieve those goals.
And by making wise choices about how you live, and the amount of energy and natural resources you consume, you send a clear message to businesses, politicians and government agencies that value you as a customer, constituent and citizen.
Here are six simple things you can do in 30 minutes or less to help protect the environment and save Planet Earth.
Drive Less, Drive Smart-Every time you leave your car at home you reduce air pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve your health and save money. Walk or ride a bicycle for short trips, or take public transportation for longer ones. In 30 minutes, most people can easily walk a mile or more, and you can cover even more ground on a bicycle, bus, subway or commuter train. When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently.
Eat Your Vegetables-Eating less meat and more fruits, grains and vegetables can help the environment more than you may realize. Eating meat, eggs and dairy products contributes heavily to global warming, because raising animals for food produces many more greenhouse gas emissions than growing plants.
Raising animals for food also uses enormous amounts of land, water, grain and fuel. Every year in the United States alone, 80 percent of all agricultural land, half of all water resources, 70 percent of all grain, and one-third of all fossil fuels are used to raise animals for food.
Making a salad doesn’t take any more time than cooking a hamburger and it’s better for you—and for the environment.
Switch to Reusable Shopping Bags- Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Producing plastic bags uses a lot of natural resources, and most end up as litter that fouls landscapes, clogs waterways, and kills thousands of marine mammals that mistake the ubiquitous bags for food. Worldwide, up to a trillion plastic bags are used and discarded every year—more than a million per minute.
Reusable shopping bags, made of materials that don’t harm the environment during production and don’t need to be discarded after each use, reduce pollution and save resources that could be put to better uses than making plastic and paper bags. Reusable bags are convenient and come in a variety of sizes and styles. You can view and order some at www.himane.com

Use the "Off" Switch- Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're not using them.
Plant a Tree-If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
Encourage Others to Conserve-Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.

Spread the word.
The best way to stay involved in the green scene at work or at home is to get others involved. Share your practices and wisdom with your friends, family, boss and coworkers. You can do this by:

Creating a Green Team. The EPA suggests creating a Green Team that includes everyone and to set a goal to make your home and/or building the most energy efficient one in your country!
Encouraging everyone to join or start a recycling program.
Buying eco-friendly products.
Setting up a carpool calendar.
Getting everyone to pack their lunch.

Haiti-Leogane, 150 women for the sewing training!.

2012-04-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hello again from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

As you maybe aware, it has been raining non stop for two (2) days and more rain is on the way. I am very sad because a few people have lost their lives and also I am thinking about those living under the tents with no option whatsoever.
I have not been able to focus because I only have them in mind. I feel so powerless! I just wish things were different and I can just have a big place for all of them when the raining season is around. What to do? What to do? Please help me to help them!

While in NY I was put in contact with an organization here in Haiti but they are based in Leogane, a town located on Rte. National #2 going towards the South of the country. Early on Saturday morning I hit the road with my younger brother and the driver so I can get there at 10:00 am which was the time of my appointment with the ladies.
The president/founder of the organization is a Haitian woman who was living in the states for over 30 years, now back to her home town way before the earthquake to help those in need. She formed a Non profit organization called NEGES Foundation (http://www.negesfoundation.org/Mon_Ptit_Village.htm l) and a community Mon Petit Village (My little Town) where you can find almost practically everything. Please visit the site to learn more.
For the past few years the founder, Mrs Yolaine Gateau Esposito was able to build schools, herbs garden, restaurant, providing work for the families so they can help and support themselves, she is still doing so much and I am so proud to have been in contact with her.

The reason of my meeting with her: she have a group of 150 women interested in learning on how to sew and be able to make school uniforms and start on recycling to create items. Those women have no basic skills whatsoever, so I will need to start for the ground up and I am so ready. This is a great project and I am so looking forward to it.

Sharing a few pictures with you.

In the road to Leogane

Arriving at Mon Petit Village, Leogane

View of the Guest house and part of the area.

The building of the Restaurant

The schools

Part of the land, awaiting for some work.

The building of the Holistic house and treatment center.

The cultural house with the Haitian VEVE in the wall

Inside of the cultural house, a VEVE wall

From left to right: Deena Kolbert from Manhattan, Lisel Burns from Brooklyn and the lady herself Mrs. Yolaine Gateau Esposito

With the ladies.

Umbrella vs. NewsPaper Totes

2012-04-25T22:46:00.000-04:00

Looking at the amount of old magazines and newspaper I have on top of all the junk mail I received weekly in my mail box, I wanted to try something new.
With my Junk mail I have been making buttons for my jackets and for my bags since October 2011. The process is very easy and a little bit challenging. To test the stability of the buttons I had to let them sit in water for 2 days just to see if something will happen. Nothing, Yes, so it was a go. I was thinking that I just need another way to make them look all fine and better.

These past few weeks I started making my Totes with all those News Paper, combine with the umbrellas and I can tell you that the results are stunning. I was so pleased. I took the bag with me a couple of times and the amount of interest I have is super remarkable. Of course I will let you judge by yourself and feel free to leave any comments. Thank you.

A combination of Recycled newspaper, cover with resin and discarded umbrellas.

Fully lined with organic cotton with inside pockets.

Haiti-Tent City visit, Workshop

2012-04-25T22:38:00.000-04:00

Since my arrival to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, I have been pretty busy not as much when I am in the States at my studio, but still busy. I guess I am just going to have to learn to relax, and get use to the slow process of things in the Island, my home town. It is not some form of complain, not at all, as a matter of fact I really do like the slow pace for a change.

I have not get back into sewing as yet but getting things ready, because I have been recycling quite a lot. What? Everything, anything I can get my hands on. There is so much here, you wont believe it, just wait and see when I post the pictures of my news items.

Well, let's not talk about my designs now, let's talk about my visits/meetings and what the next few months are going to be like for me.
First meeting with the director of coordination from JPHRO (http://jphro.org). This tent city as I have been told had an estimate of 50,000 people after the Earthquake and today still shelter close to 20,000 and those are the ones waiting to be relocated. They have a school, a clinic, lot of small businesses held by the people living there, a workshop and more. My meeting was to meet with the director, visit the workshop, meet a few of the women working there, going over of what exactly this group of men and women have been doing and what kind of training and new ideas I can implement with the main focus, recycling.

A view of the school

Life in Tent city

The clinic

Life in Tent city

Life in tent city

Right now the only thing they are doing and did receive a couple weeks of training for was to make paper beads jewelry. The group consist of 40 women and 7 men and they all are making the recycling paper beads jewelry. I can tell you they are pretty good but of course they want to learn to do other things and with the right equipment and materials on hand, yes it possible. With all the women and men still living in the tents we can and going to do much more than just paper beads.
Next month the workshop will be moving from tent city to a new location in Petion-Ville and the ladies told me they just cannot wait and neither do I.

The workshop studio

The necklaces made from recycled paper

The bracelets and earrings made from recycled paper

Nathaniel, the young man supervising the work of the group and my next assistant.

That's it for now, more later.

Next my trip to Leogane (South)

Bye now from Port-au-Prince, Haiti sending you a lot of love!

My trip back home to Haiti Day 1 and 2

2012-04-16T15:24:00.000-04:00

After a lot of stress of moving and shipping things for the past two weeks I made it to my beautiful Caribbean Island home, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

After 3 hours flight from JFK to PAP, crazy tired I made a stop by one of the tents city on my way home to chat and took a couple of pictures. Most of the people have been relocated to a temporary/permanent home but we still have a few left and of course a ton of garbage, plastics and all left behind. The reason of my trip down there, to conduct training on how to recycle and creating jobs for the women and the support to open a school for the disadvantaged children in Kafou Chada!

As you will notice the pile of plastics, tarp tents left behind and we know that plastics are not biodegradable, they can be sitting here for ages, causing more problem than before.

Those 2 pictures above are the area call Petion-Ville. Driving by to go home.

The road to Kenscoff, La Boule, Thomassin and more.

Could not resist, look at them, those baby goats, so beautiful as you can see the mother is not too far away. Love nature!

Almost home, only 2 mns away.

Sunday afternoon 4:30 pm, we went for a little drive and made a stop at Pizza Garden since I have not been there for the past 18 years. Here with my niece wearing my glasses and driving me crazy. Oh so good to be home.

Woke up this morning and decided to take a picture from my bedroom window.

Relaxing a bit as I have a load of work ahead for the next few days.

That's all for now, more later.

If you need to support and help the women and the kids in Haiti please visit my campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/himane-hope-tents and make a donation. Need your help dearly and we running out of time. The raining season has started as you may know and it already caused a lot of damages. Together let's try to help and support those in need. We still need your help and support. Thank you.

SALE! SALE!

2012-02-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

Spring is right around the corner get those great Totes before they are gone. Visit our Online Store to browse some more.

Made from recycled canvas and water based print organic cotton materials.

Made from recycled Umbrella and PET materials.

Made from recycled Poly scarf and Denim materials.

Made from recycled Umbrella and Cotton canvas

Made of recycled Umbrella and heavy cotton canvas materials.

Made of recycled Umbrella and light canvas woven cotton.

Stand out in the Crowd!

2012-02-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

Front view

Like to stand out from the crowd when you travel? Corai (Koray) is Made from Recycle Umbrellas, fully lined with Organic materials. Perfect for a weekend getaway and to carry on the airplane! This piece is really for the Resort, Spring-Summer seasons.
Light weight and easy to carry; large enough to be your carry-on flight piece, or for that weekend away at the beach.
This bag has 1 over size front pocket, 2 side zipper pockets and 5 inside pockets.
" These are custom made and typically take between 2-3 weeks to be completed."
Other color available, call us @ 347-469-1721 for more details.

Side zipper pockets.

Has 5 inside pockets for your easy reach.

Life-Size Plane for Spring 2012 Paris Couture Week Show!

2012-01-25T08:00:00.003-05:00

As if fashion wasn’t already synonymous with environmental excess. (Tell us something we don't know, Really!)

Karl Lagerfeld commisioned a life-size aircraft to house Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2012 couture show inside the Grand Palais in Paris on Tuesday. Subtlety has never been the designer’s strongest suit—this is the man who flew a 265-ton glacier to the City of Lights on a whim, after all—but the display of such extravagance in a depressed economy feels gauche even by the most liberal standards. Set designers didn’t just spend five days constructing the plane (or at least, the innards of one) from anodized aluminum. They also outfitted it with an extra-wide 164-foot aisle, 180-degree swivel seats for 250 high-profile guests, double-C monogrammed carpet, a holographic cockpit, and a slatted roof that revealed a vista of clouds. Mon dieu!
I will add to that: COMPLETEMENT RIDICULE, VRAIMENT!

You can view more pictures here: http://www.ecouterre.com/chanel-builds-life-size-plane-for-spring-2012-paris-couture-week-show/

What Happens to Our Cast Off Clothing?

2012-01-24T23:52:00.000-05:00

A friend sent me this great article and I wanted to share it with you. Please do take time to read it.

Ever wonder what happens to your clothes when you just have to let them go? Maybe you were kind enough to spare them from ending up in a landfill by donating them to a thrift store for a tax credit; maybe you were even clever enough to “new-life” them into cut offs, a mini-skirt or something else relatively simple to make.
There are many ways to keep our clothes from contributing to landfills and pollution, and according to Dr. Jana Hawley, whose focus is on finding solutions to textile waste in fashion, “Our clothing are 100% recyclable.” So why then, according to SMART, a textile recycling organization that partners with Goodwill and The Salvation Army, do roughly 75% of our discarded clothes get put in the trash and end up in landfills?
Clothing has an enormous, toxic, environmental footprint, one that gets bigger when it is unnecessarily wasted and not given the opportunity to live up to its fullest capacity through multiple lives, multiple owners or textile recycling.
While we may never consider our clothes after we’ve discarded them, our cast-offs go on exciting adventures around the globe. Thrift stores are simply the first of many depositing and sorting grounds. Which part of the world they land in really depends on what shape and quality they are in when they leave your hands.
When your clothes arrive at the thrift store they get sorted, and provided they’re not terribly damaged, they are put on the racks. The premium grade used clothing has several possible fates in the drop-off store, one of which is purchase for resale at international vintage shops.
Vintage store owners around the world have been mining American thrift stores for cheap vintage, only to resell our cast offs back to us at premium vintage prices. Americans in particular get rid of some of the nicest digs in the world. In Paris you’d never find designer vintage on sale anywhere outside a pricey vintage shop. But here in the States, mint condition, vintage Gucci dresses on Salvation Army racks sell for $19.99. It’s no wonder that the world comes here for it’s vintage. At $5-$10 a pair, beat up old Levi’s might collect over $500 by a vintage dealer in Japan. And the hat your grandmother painstakingly hand knit you could easily end up in a Swedish or Dutch vintage boutique.
“We get all of our vintage from the States. The store owners take a 4-6 week long summer vacation in the U.S. visiting the same favorite routes to thrift stores year after year. Within a few weeks, they’ve more or less made the annual store inventory,” says an employee from Zipper, a vintage shop in Amsterdam.
Of course, all of this can be found on thrift store floor racks, where meticulous and discerning shoppers have the opportunity to snatch up the premium second hand at thrift store prices before they reach the vintage dealers provided they are willing to dig through racks.
Sometimes, this pursuit can seem more like archaeology than shopping, sifting through cross sections of society’s discarded duds to find the rare diamonds in the rough.

Please continue to read: http://ecosalon.com/ecosalon-investigates-what-happens-to-our-cast-off-clothing/

Your Waste Materials!

2012-01-12T01:58:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. Did you take time to make a wish or set a goal ~~again~~ this year? Not me, I decided not to do so and just let things flow and take it one day at a time.

Throughout the years, clients I used to work with had left so much stuff (fabrics, clothing) behind and most of them items that I cannot and wont be able to use in my line of work, so I decided to donate them as I hate throwing things away. Such a waste!
After I was done with my cleaning with a total of 6 bags I started to make a few calls to some companies that so far said they will collect materials.
Big surprise and some disappointment on the way.
The first one told me that the total of the materials need to be worth at least $1500.00 and as for fabrics each roll need to have 3 to 5 yards.Really? Are you kidding me or what?
The second one told me that I need to take pictures of everything I am ready to donate, wrote the quantity of yards per material and email to them, then they will review and see if it is worth to be collected. Really?
After the third one I said no more. I sincerely could not believe that madness and was so disappointed, frustrated and all.
So why is it so hard for a company to collect 6 bags of materials? As donation!!!!

While calling those places and after listening to them, I had to share a little bit of what I do for living and about my work. I go and collect most of my materials, whether it is via Freecycle, other designers studio, people who are donating unwanted materials, I do not ask them to send me pictures of their items first, or asked them the worth of their total donation (it is a donation for God sake!) I just go and collect them. Most fabrics from the factories, whether they are getting rid of them or not unless it is scrap I do have to pay for them. Nonetheless I am very proud and happy to re-purpose. I love to recycle because it is a great way to help putting our landfills in a tough diet.
I use to wonder why people around Park Slope leave boxes sometimes full of clothes, shoes outside or why they just hang them around their gates, why not call the Salvation Army or those Waste collectors to have them picked-up? Maybe they give them the same turn around they gave me. Sorry folks, I wont criticize any longer, I do understand better now.

I am and still will continue using discarded umbrellas, recycled materials in my work because for me it is the right thing to do. I wish I had enough money, a bigger studio and people working with me so I can collect and recycle more materials. We are living in a society where everything is disposable, we will have waste for a while, but if we can try to recycle as much as we can it will make a big difference.

All that to tell you that I am so grateful to Build It Green NYC (visit their website. http://www.bignyc.org/) located in the Gowanus. They will collect the bags at my studio and bring them to Materials of the Art. Yeah. So wonderful. Those babies will be able to find another home and possible a caring hand to take care of them as I have been shelter them for more than 2/3 years.

Please think about Recycling as much as you can. Help yourself, Help your environment!

HIMANE 2011 in Review! Happy Greenly New Year.

2011-12-31T02:36:00.001-05:00

This year has been a great and wonderful year and all that is "Thanks" to you. You have showed how much you care, appreciate the hard work, and how dedicated you are when it comes to recycle and Upcycle.
I came to meet so many wonderful people, received so much support it has just been purely greenly wonderful. You keep me going in this hard and tough economy.
2011 have been a rocking year.

1- I was invited to do a presentation and be a Sustainable speaker at GFA- Green Farm Academy in Westport, CT. The students were awesome (age group range from 6 to 16 years old), the parents were amazing and some of them became clients. Thank you.

Art class 1, products presentation.

In the auditorium with the young ones. They had a lot of questions!

2- Big Brother, Big sister Sunday workshop at HIMANE studio.
It is a pleasure to gather other artists at the studio so we can teach kids about recycling and sewing.Thank you Guys!

Making your own pencil holder, using magazines cut out and cans.

Teaching about sewing.

How to thread a sewing machine. (Smart girl)


At the end I received a beautiful cut out card, a big "I love you Catherine" and a big Hug. Priceless!

3- The interview with Tristin and Tyler from Tales in the city. Umbrella Rags to Riches. Thank you guys! http://www.tristinandtyler.com/videos/

4- I was commissioned to work with the NYC Department of Aging to conduct workshops for women 55 and older on:
How to take care of your clothes naturally in a tough economy and How to Recycle your closet.

5- Special Recognition Award for my INNOVATIVE & EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVITY from the European Union Women Inventors & Innovators Network (EUWIIN) in Iceland.

Recognition Award

At the Award Reception Blue lagoon, Reykjavik Iceland

The President of Iceland, welcoming all women from all over. First Day Conference

Two great women I came to meet in Iceland.

The day of the eco Fashion presentation at the New Harpa in Iceland. My outfit was made from men khaki pants and an old blazer.

6- Film maker Rob Weiss have been working on making a documentary about my work and the HIMANE story which will be released in January 2012. It was a very emotional journey and really amazing. Thank you Rob.

7- Copywriter-songwriter-performer Mrs. Carla R. Fisher commissioned me to do some upcycle work for her and her family. The story here if you missed it a couple of weeks ago: http://saidandsung.com/operations/an-upcycled-unforgettable-thanksmas/
See also http://himanerad.blogspot.com/2011/12/upcycled-unforgettable-thanksmas-q.html

8- The interview on Oprah Magazine: http://www.oprah.com/blogs/Rainy-Day-Woman-The-Designer-Who-Gives-New-Life-to-Old-Umbrellas#comments

9- The interview with Global Cristian Post: http://global.christianpost.com/news/oprah-winfrey-to-become-haitis-goodwill-ambassador-64780/

10- For those of you who speak Italian: http://laborsadelriciclo.blogspot.com/2011/12/piove-apriamo-una-borsa.html#comment-form

11- The supporters.
During the Sustainable speaker series this past Summer to which I was a participant, I was fortunate to meet a great wonderful woman, and a lawyer, Ms. Aliza S. F. This wonderful woman for the past 2 months have been collected umbrellas in the streets of Manhattan while going to work or on her way home. She was so surprised when I told her that the total of umbrellas so far she had collected and sent to me was 226. Just amazing! Thank you so much one hundred times more for the great support.
Thank you to a young lady, student at John Jay University, Ms. Justyna M. who also collected over 15 umbrellas.
Thank you to two wonderful students from NYU for their package. They collected 25 umbrellas.
Just this week, Tuesday morning I received a phone call from another young woman from Manhattan. She told me how much she appreciate my work and what I am doing with those discarded umbrellas. She also has been collected umbrellas since she came across my work and will be sending a package next week.
Thank you to V. and M. physicians for their support.
Saying THANK YOU to all of you, I feel definitely that it is not enough, offering a bag as a small token to show my appreciation to your devotion also will never be enough. But nonetheless, I will say it again and again and again "THANK YOU, THANK YOU" from the bottom of my heart.

Funny, I remember like it was yesterday but really it is almost 7 years now when I first started using discarded umbrellas. I never knew we will be here today. I so love and appreciate the support from each and everyone of you.

Another Thank you to a wonderful woman, a very good client for over 3 years now, Mrs. Judith L. This beautiful lady have been supporting me since the day her husband surprised her in my studio with the Odray dress (the umbrella cocktail dress). Not only she loves every design of HIMANE, but she also took the time to introduce the products to her entourage, by hosting private sales event at her beautiful home. Thank you, without your help 2011 would have never be the year it was starting by your support to my trip in Iceland. Thank you.

TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU: CLIENTS, SUPPORTERS, FRIENDS AND OTHER, THANK YOU AND FIRST OF ALL THANKS TO MY BEAUTIFUL MOM, THE LOVELY HIMANE WHOM I MISSED SO MUCH. NOT A DAY GOES BY WITHOUT ME THINKING ABOUT HER! I SO WOULD HAVE LOVED FOR HER TO BE HERE NOW.

HAPPY HEALTHY GREENLY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL, MAY 2012 BE EVERYTHING 2011 WAS NOT AND THEN MORE. SEE YOU IN 2012

Happy Holidays & Happy Green wrapping!

2011-12-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!

Because of Clients like you we had a wonderful year at HIMANE. So we would like to say THANK YOU to you all for your dear support.

May 2012 brings us Joy, Health, Love & lot of Success.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.

A little bit of Green/Recycled wrapping tips!

This Holiday Seasons instead of using wrapping papers, use fabric remnants, old scarf, old table cloths that you no longer use by using the beautiful technique of Furoshiki for all gifts. Your family and friends will love you more and you will be doing them a huge favor as they wont need to drag that usual garbage full of papers and wilted bows to the dumpster.

The Furoshiki technique is a great way for the environment and less garbage in the landfill.
Here some great pictures and on how to use the Furoshiki techniques.

History of Furoshiki

Nara Period (Eighth Century): Starting in the eight century, a square piece of fabric called hokei-fuhaku was used to wrap special items of value, including clothing for Buddhist priests and elaborate minstrel costumes. The wrapping was called tsutsumi, and its main purpose was to protect and carry garments.
Edo Period (1603-1868): As bathhouses increased in popularity, the square wrap became known as furoshiki: furo meaning "bath" and shiki meaning "to spread." Furoshiki were used to carry toiletries and clothing to the bathhouses and were also placed on the floor to act as bathmats. During this period, wealthy families commissioned bridal furoshiki of different sizes, decroated with their family crests and symbols of good luck.
1800s: When cotton was introduced from overseas, furoshiki began to be produced on a larger scale. At the same time, people of Japan were traveling more for pleasure, often selling goods along the way. Furoshiki were used for not only transporting the travelers' belongings but also their goods for sale.
1900s: At the turn of the twentieth century, the advances in textile production — mainly automated looms from overseas — made furoshiki even more accessible to the public. Furoshiki became mass-produced, and the tradition of using cloth to wrap gifts was established. Gifts wrapped with furoshiki would often be presented in person; the person giving the gift would unwrap and reveal the gift, and then keep the cloth to take home. The bridal furoshiki also became commonplace, and the bride used the large cloths for wrapping her belongings and the small cloths for wrapping gifts.
Post-World War II: After World War II, the Japanese became more highly influenced by American culture, resulting in the decline of furoshiki. The invention of the paper bag, followed by the plastic bag and the emergence of supermarkets across Japan in the 1970s, contirbuted to the disappearance of furoshiki. Plastic boxes and bags replaced furoshiki as a means of storage and for carrying goods. By the 1980s, the custom of using furoshiki to wrap gifts had declined almost to obscurity.
1990s - Present: When Japan's economic boom ended in the early 1990s, people began to reflect upon the disadvantages and waste in a disposable society. In 2006, Japan's then Minister of the Environment, Ms. Yuriko Koike, launched a campaign to encourage the use of furoshiki, instead of paper and plastic, and bring back the cultural tradition of wrapping and carryin gitems in fabric. She designed a furoshiki called the "Mottainai Furoshiki," mottainai, translating to "waste not, want not." The result has been a renewed and widespread interest in the tradition of tsutsumi and a flowering of creativity associated with it. Furoshiki are beginning to be seen outside of Japan as people worldwide embrace greener lifestyles and adapt different cultural solutions to their own ways of living.

The 4-Tie Box Wrap is simple yet elegant. This wrap can hold almost any square box securely, and it works equally well for small or large and light or heavy packages. You can even carry the box from the top, holding it under the knots as a handle. The knots on top of the box give the illusion of a fancy bow.

HAVE A GREAT TIME FUROSHIKI WRAPPING!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

An Upcycled, Unforgettable Thanksmas Q&A

2011-12-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

The past few months I have been working on an "Upcycling, Unforgettable Thankmas" project with a very great and lovely client by the name of Carla Rose Fischer.
Instead of using my words, Carla which is a great writer wrote about her experience while working with me about HIMANE Upcycling and how we met.

December 2, 2011

I first met Catherine in January 2011 at a Style with Glee clothing swap in Brooklyn, and I was immediately taken with the idea of Himane and its upcycling approach to fashion — using discarded items like umbrellas to make useful and fashionable clothing and accessories. But when Catherine mentioned that the skirt she was wearing was made from her late mother's blouse, I knew our paths had crossed for a reason. I had just lost my father to cancer four months earlier, and my mother was having a hard time still seeing my father's clothes in the closet each day. So I told Catherine that I wanted to make gifts for my family out of my father's clothes for the following Christmas.

Carla Rose Fisher with her lovely father the well-dressed Anthony Arnone, stands with me at an ASCAP performance in NYC in 2001. (Picture, courtesy of Carla Rose Fisher.)

Months later, I brought three bags of my father's clothes by her workshop, and we put together combinations of slacks and blazers and ties in order to create handbags, wallets and eyeglass cases for 18 members of my family. Catherine worked with me to come up with items that took into consideration the styles and ages of my family members — and the results are stunning. She kept the integrity of the fabrics, using every portion of each source item for the upcycled pieces.

Since I won't be home for Christmas this year, my husband and I surprised my family on Thanksgiving with the gifts. My mother had forgotten that I had wanted the clothes to see whether they could be repurposed. My entire family was overwhelmed, and thrilled. They were so touched by the idea, and especially by Catherine's handiwork. They cherished the items, with my brothers and my father's best friend (who each received wallets) saying that now they can "carry my father in their back pocket every day." My uncle even went so far as to hold one of the items up to his face and kiss it for luck, and he won $300 later that afternoon! That's just a fun story, but having these pieces made us all feel so special. Catherine really made 2011 an unforgettable Thanksgiving for us all.

Pants and Tie Before.

Pants and tie after as a clutch.

Ties before.

Ties after, as eye glasses holder

Tweed Blazer

Blazer after as a messenger Tote.

Inside Messenger Tote

Messenger Tote

Part of Blazer into a small bag.

Envelope clutch, made of pants and tie.

Tote, made of pants and Tie

Tote made of Pants and Tie

Tote

The Ties

Wallets made of Ties.

Wallets made of Ties


Carla Rose Fisher with her lovely Mother. "My mom said these upcycled gifts (hers was a handbag and an eyeglass case) were the most incredible, thoughtful gifts she could imagine."

Carla Rose Fisher with her lovely family during Thanksgiving 2011.

What Upcycle with Himane does is already so admirable — taking something that once was of us and not only recycling it, but also making it better, for both the recipient and the environment. But more so, she has given me something irreplaceable. I'm comforted by these one-of-a-kind items made from the clothes he wore, and to have it be something functional that my family and I can use every day is a huge bonus. Now, a part of my father can travel with me wherever I go, and Catherine has made that possible. Through her hard work and ingenuity, she has given me the greatest holiday season I can imagine — enabling me to give lifelong gifts to those who remember their dad, husband, brother, grandpa, uncle and best friend. For that, along with Catherine's creativity and compassion, I am forever grateful.

—Carla Rose Fisher, New York

Carla Rose Fisher, once again THANK YOU, for your trust and free wheel to let me choose the designs and all the support and kind words. Honestly, I am writing those words with tears in my eyes. I don't think I will be able to express my feelings. While working in your items, I did not consider it as work, it was more like therapy for me. So I, myself will say again Thank you.

You can read Carla Rose Fisher blog here: http://saidandsung.com/operations/an-upcycled-unforgettable-thanksmas/ and to learn about her work as well.

Happy Holidays to you all.

Cool Items in our Online Store!

2011-12-12T23:57:00.000-05:00

We have some great items in our online store. Take time to browse, contact us if you have a question or would like to request a custom made item by visiting us @ http://himane.bigcartel.com/products

Some of the cool items we have now: a whole collection for your Mac Book, iPad, Laptop made of Recycled Umbrellas, Ties and Leather.

13" Laptop Sleeve $75.00

13"Laptop Sleeve $70.00

13" Laptop Sleeves

13" Mac Book Pro $55.00

13" Mac Book Pro

iPad Sleeve $35.00

iPad Sleeves

We also have some great bags, you just have to choose from the list. Made from Recycled umbrellas, tarp and organic canvas.

Marmelade was $150.00, now $120.00

Gelee C-14 was $65.00, now $60.00

Gelee C24 was $65.00, now $60.00

Erisna

Sotdo UD was $135.00, now $100.00

Free Umbrella Tote

Spend $80.00 and more and you will receive a free Umbrella Tote.
This great deal will end on December 22nd.