I take public transportation when possible, I recycle, and I’ve switched out my bottled water on the treadmill for a reusable container.
But can I take the plunge to eco-fashion?
Can I wear it and still look fashionable?
Answer: absolutely yes, with Chicago-based Melissa Baswell’s collection Mountains of the Moon and her goal of a new generation of style.
Coco Dress in Purple photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier
Eco-Fashion means that thought was put into everything:
materials – organic, sustainable
method of fabrication – no sweatshops allowed
sustainability of the design - forget the fast-fashion.
Not new to the eco-fashion movement, Melissa Baswell started at an early age creating outfits for dolls from reused fabrics. Later at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Baswell would use vintage clothing to create updated looks for friends. These days Baswell tends to use organic cottons and soft hemp blends. The result is soft draping and easy wearability.
The actual construction of the clothes is also important. Mountains of the Moon clothes are made from sweatshop-free labor in the USA. And for those with an inner capitalist, since its made in the USA, the money stays here in the local economy.
Audrey Dress in Cream- photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier
As far as the fashion goes, Baswell designs enduring pieces with her own viewpoint. She avoids short-lived trends and leans toward classic looks with a modern update. Her design theory is that eco-fashion is really a positive change away from wear-and-toss-out clothing that isn’t good for the environment (or your wallet).
My favorite piece of Mountains of the Moon is the Coco Dress, a classic design that Baswell seasonally updates in colors (but always available in black). It’s a timeless piece fabulously made with a fitted top, lined with the same material and finished with an invisible back zipper.
Other faves:
The Edie Dress – can be worn as a tunic or mini dress.
The Ellie Skirt – super flattering a-line skirt with pleated tiers.
The Audrey Dress – perfect for all seasons hemp/cotton blend, looks like a wrap but has a more comfortable pull-over design.
Edie Dress - photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier
Ellie Skirt in Periwinkle - photo by Sylvia Karena Bouvier
So I’ve had an “Aha moment” on finding Mountains of the Moon. It is truly possible to be fashionable, sensible, and environmentally sensitive. Thanks Melissa!
Baswell is a regular speaker at green events where she engages audiences on the positive impacts of choosing to wear sustainable fashion. Her work has also been exhibited at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and in the Museum of Sustainable Style. The Mountains of the Moon collections are available at over 100 boutiques and select retail stores, from California to New York to Australia to Japan
www.mountainsofthemoon.com
