Washingtonians Vote Green in the Marketplace

Bag Trends: Washingtonians Vote Green in the Marketplace

Make a Real Statement with your Handbag!


Blue Q Tote using recycled packaging		Gecko Traders clutch using recycled rice & feed bags		Vintage Satchel at Meeps

As New York, L.A. and Paris set fashion trends season after season, Washington DC has sat quietly in the background. Washingtonians have been busy running the federal government, large non-profit organizations and other less sexy industries, and, yes, sometimes we wear clogs to work. We pride ourselves on our practical and sensible nature, so fashion has traditionally taken a back seat to bigger issues.

So does Washington stand a chance of ever being known as a trend-setting city? We think so. The city has already paved the way in sustainable development through environmental policy, legislation and green building - why can’t fashion be next? Washingtonians are eager to show their political affiliations through buttons and bumper stickers, but we may not realize the messages sent by the clothing and accessories we choose to wear. Our every day purchases can make a significant difference in the way industries are run. As consumers, our demand for specific products can change the way companies produce them, and a great way to support responsible consumerism is through the way we choose to spend our money.

DC is in the forefront of the growing eco-friendly trend in apparel and accessories, and more specifically handbags, as evidenced at several local boutiques. Hoopla Boutique is located in the Adam’s Morgan area of Washington DC and offers an array of environmentally and socially conscious designs. The first designer we were drawn to was Blue Q. They have taken the re-use/recycle approach to eco-fashion by using recycled packaging to create funky, sturdy tote bags.

Three Stone Steps uses recycled trash bags, mosquito netting and different types of silks to create fair trade handbags. We were impressed that Three Stone Steps provides information on their hang tag, allowing the consumer to know exactly how the handbag is eco-friendly and/or socially responsible. In DC, this type of transparency is a relief!

Oovoo Design, based locally in Alexandria, VA, creates one- of-a-kind pieces that help women in Vietnam earn money to support their families and livlihood. Ecoist, a well-known eco-chic handbag line, uses recycled wrappers to create unique, sturdy handbags, while saving our landfills from more garbage. Gecko Traders makes cute clutches and totes from recycled rice and feed bags.

Another take on the eco-fashion movement is purchasing vintage. We headed down to Meeps, also on 18th Street in Adam’s Morgan, and were impressed by the selection and the reasonable prices. Upon entering, we were distracted briefly by a Chanel jumper, but we quickly got back on task and moved toward the handbag section. The shelves were dominated mostly by black mod-style satchels, perfect for the stylish yet sensible Washingtonian on her way to work. We also loved a velvet clutch with a gold handle. Vintage is also a great way to buy that trendy snakeskin or exotic animal skin bag with less guilt and less environmental impact. Buying vintage allows you to follow trends while also having something completely unique.

The Bailey staff has thought long and hard about how to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining our high-quality design aesthetic. Our initial approach to environmental consciousness is based on creating timeless design with versatile appeal so our customers will not have to replace our bags rapidly in response to trends or buy multiple bags for every occasion. We began the business with this mantra and have stuck with designs that have lasted through the decades: the clutch, hobo, satchel and tote.

Realizing that creating an eco-friendly product is an evolving process, our next step is to transition to eco-friendly materials. In Spring ’09 our new Myllah line will be available in eco-friendly, vegan, very durable faux leather. In keeping with our insistence upon quality and style, we chose this fabric for its vibrant colors and supple touchability. In order to move our ecologically responsible mission forward, we also chose this material for its biodegradable backing and responsible production process.

Whether approaching this issue by supporting the reuse/recycle approach, buying vintage or choosing a responsible designer, the handbag you wear can say a lot about how you vote in the marketplace.

As the DC Fashion industry struggles to find its identity, we suggest looking to the city’s roots in leadership and respect for intelligence. Washingtonians are simply too smart to not shop responsibly!

Author: Lisa Olson and Lauren Bailey (Want to become a Handbag Correspondent?)

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