Do you want the truth, or something beautiful?

As mentioned in earlier entries, I do have certain ethical preferences when it comes to fashion. I usually do not preach my views, as I regard fashion as it is supposed to be, mostly fun and a welcomed distraction from all the other more serious things in the world. However, I just want to share my initial reaction when I saw this picture,

It is a beautiful girl (indeed she is a runner up in the Miss Norway 2010 competition), and what she is wearing is probably not her fault as it is most likely a picture from a model shoot she has done. However, this is the picture that is released to the press, and is to be found in the Norwegian media of this girl. And yes, it is fashionable, but I do not particularly like the fact that she is wearing this big fur. This big, gorgeus fur, that probably would look even better on the rightful owners, the poor little animals that every day sacrifice their lifes for the beauty and the fashion industry.

I think it is important to think about the messages you (perhaps as a publicist) send when you go out wearing certain items or releases these pictures, probably making even more little girls want to wear a fur like this, looking gorgeus in its softness.

I want to underline that I am not completely political about it, I must admit that I have sold fur when working within fashion, and it is very hard to get a good winter jacket without some fur around the collar . However, my personal choice is to not wear anything which I know has been made by killing (and even breeding) an animal only for the stake of its fur. I have nothing against leather (it is impossible considering my addiction to bags and shoes), where the whole animal is used for different purposes. And I am no vegetarian (however not particularly fond of red meat). And for this picture, who would wear fur during summer anyway?

Fur is beautiful. Especially when it is worn by the rightful owner.

So, do you want the truth, or something beautiful?

TOMS shoes

In Norway we have these special days during the year, when the televison channels do not broadcast any commercials, except the ones that are used to create awareness around good causes which need donations. Some days during Easter falls under this category, and I thought that I would do something similar on this blog this year. I know that this is not exactly Doctors without borders, but this is a fashion blog (so what can you really expect).

I have fallen head over heels in love with TOMS shoes. It is a fantastic concept where they will, when you buy a pair of shoes, give a pair of shoes to a child in need. And if that was not great enough, the shoes are really, really comfortable as well. I bought a pair two weeks ago, and I can not wait for spring to really kick in, so I can wear them all the time.

My brand new pair of TOMS shoes.

The TOMS collection got some notion last summer, and this year they have a wider range, including a bunch of models to choose from, so my prediction is that they will be even more popular in 2010 . Check out their website www.toms.com for models and retailers.

Is'nt it great when you can shop with a clear conscience?

H&M - The Garden Collection

Tunic/Dress - H&M, The Garden Collection

Environmentally sustainable fashion is something that is very close to my heart. As over consumption is one of the big diseases in the Western world, research has shown that if everyone on the planet lived like us, we would need four planet Earths to survive. So it is with great joy I see that some of the high street retailers takes the issue of environment seriously. The Garden Collection from H&M is not only filled with lovely pieces, but they are also made from organic and recycleable materials. In my opinion that is the way to move forward, and I hope many others will follow this great example. I am planning to get at least one of the pieces displayed here, but if you want too, you have to hurry. Rumour has it that the collection is almost sold out many places. So perhaps beeing environmental friendly turns out to be a cash machine for H&M.

Cute summer dress - H&M, The Garden Collection

A beautiful bouquet of colours, tunic - H&M, The Garden Collection

The little rough dungaree dress - H&M, The Garden Collection

As you can see, being environmentally correct, does not necessarily mean to dress dull.