Earth Overshoot Day!

August 01, 2018 in EVENTS, SUSTAINABLE, ZERO WASTE

What is earth overshoot day?

All the natural resources that the earth can provide us for the year have already been used up this year today on the 1st August 5 months earlier this is disgraceful. All the resources we use from now on are taken from the earth.

Plastic Pollution

January 11, 2018 in ZERO WASTE

The ban on plastic micro beads has eventually happened in the UK. This is a massive step forward in the right direction, we are now hoping the same ban will be happening soon for single use plastics!

What are microbeads?

Micro beads are small beads of plastic usually found in products like face scrubs and toothpastes. They are not degradable, once these plastic beads are made they last forever, so you can imagine how many are already in circulation today.

What is wrong with microbeads, why are they harmful?

When using products with mircobeads in them, such as a face scrub, they are then washed away with water so these micro beads enter the water system. This then ends up in the sea, all sea life are eating these micro beads thinking it’s food, when in fact it is harmfull plastics which they cannot digest. Then humans who choose to eat fish are actually ingesting plastic contaminated fish.

The great thing is they are now banned to be used in products, but this doesn’t solve the problem of the thousands of microbeads already in the world, harming nature and the wildlife.

Read more about the microbeads ban here:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/09/plastic-microbeads-ban-enters-force-in-uk?CMP=share_btn_fb

Single-use Plastics

Image from https://inhabitat.com/tag/plastic-pollution/

The other main problem with plastics are single-use plastics.

What are single-use plastics ?

These are plastics that are made to only use once then thrown away. Items such as: bottles of water, coffee cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, shopping bags, takaway containers and packaging.

Why are single-use plastics bad to use?.

There is quiet a few reasons Single-use Plastics are bad for the environment. They are not biodegradable the life span of a plastic bottle is 450 years. All the plastics that were ever made are still around today. Most people don’t recycle them correctly and they end up as landfill. It is destroying all our ecosystems, leaching toxins into the environment. Animals are eating these plastics thinking there food which is bad for their health and lifespan.

Image from http://www.spotusa.org/recycle.html

The most heartbreaking thing is this can all be avoided!

What you can do to use less plastic?

- Invest in a reusable water bottle & coffee cup (some coffee shops give you discount if you bring your own cup)

- Be aware of packaging when purchasing food, you can get the same fruit and veg without the excess plastic.

- Take a reusable shopping bag with you everywhere, to save buying a plastic bag.

- Change your hand-wash, body wash and shampoo to solid bars of soap.

- Purchase a bamboo toothbrush.

- Refuse to use straws when you’re out, you can also buy reusable metal straws.

- If you still have some plastic at least recycle them correctly.

There is so much you can do you reduce your plastic usage and help the planet.

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Pom to the People Exhibition!

October 25, 2017 in EVENTS, EXHIBITION, SUSTAINABLE

The Pom to the People Exhibition was shown at the Gallery at 164 in Leeds.

It was called Pom to the people by Stitch up. Stitch up are a social enterprise, keeping the value of craft alive, they run local workshops for all things handmade, teaching people who are eager to lean new skills crafting.

The exhibit showed lots of colourful handmade pom poms transformed into typography artwork. The Pom poms were made from various workshops held by Stitch Up. They were very sustainable and used scrap yarn and material, recycling the yarn into amazing artwork.

Normally typography is harsh and sharp in 2D form, but with this artwork it had a soft edge to it as it. made up of colourful fluffy Pom Poms, showing texture and a 3D element.

I particularly liked the Love art, this was made up of four separate letters, its very versatile, you could move the pieces horizontal to have the artwork shown in a different way.

There was also a long piece of paper in the middle of the exhibition saying what makes you happy? There was all these colourful answers. manly people answered saying their pets made them happy. This was a great activity to get involved in.

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ZARAMIA AVA now available at The Veg Out Cafe

July 20, 2017 in CRUELTY FREE, SUSTAINABLE, EVENTS, ZERO WASTE

A vegetarian & vegan pop up cafe and art space displaying local artists, this is a great idea!

Situated at 33a Lands Lane Leeds ( where the Candy Heroes Shop used to be )

The pop up is running for 6 weeks from 3rd July to 13th August.

The food is by the Grub and Grog shop all Vegan and vegetarian, you can also purchase local produce vegetables, herbs and plants.

There are workshops, exhibitions and visuals throughout the 6 weeks. All available to view and book, on the Veg Out cafe event on Facebook.

Their Ethos is Constantly evolving promoting sustainability and zero waste which is in line with the ZARAMIA AVA Ethos.

Showcasing local artists with some amazing products. You can find all sorts from ceramics to hanging plants, beautifully illustrated designs to geometric jewellery & fashion.

ZARAMIA AVA IDENTITY unisex products such as:

+ Versatile oversized t-shirts locally screen printed, they can be worn in many ways, they come in white, black and grey. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded, biodegradable brown paper bags.

+ Laser cut geometric jewellery in a variety of sizes and lengths. Made with hemptique cord which is naturally dyed with no chemicals, all zero waste and locally produced. Available in gold, black, mirrored gold and walnut wood. Choose from small, medium or a large size logo in 2 different lengths. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded biodegradable cardboard boxes.

+Locally made metallic pocket mirrors with a variety of geometric designs to choose from. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded 100% ethical linen drawstring bags.

+ Locally Handmade Crocheted Pom Pom beanie hats with vegan acrylic yarn available in black and gold & black. Packaged in ZARAMIA AVA branded biodegradable brown paper bags.

All also available online at www.ZaraMiaAva.com/identity

Links

www.facebook.com/vegoutleeds

www.twitter.com/vegoutleeds

http://www.grubandgrog.co.uk/events/vegout

http://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/veg-out-cafe

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Disobedient Bodies | The Hepworth Gallery

July 13, 2017 in EXHIBITION

Disobedient bodies: JW Anderson curated the Hepworth galley

The human form represented in art and fashion gender played a big role in the pieces throughout the exhibition.

Fashion pieces from some great designers Rei Kawakubo, Commes Des Garçons and Issey Miyake to name a few.

This was a great exhibition

Themes included were:

Gender

Morphing bodies

Shape

Construction

The Balenciaga Exhibition: Shaping Fashion at the V&A

June 10, 2017 in EXHIBITION, FASHION

Balenciaga exhibition: Shaping Fashion was held at the V&A museum in London it was truly amazing.

The exhibition was separated into 2 parts. We started upstairs as it was quiet busy downstairs. The upstairs part of the exhibition showed how Balenciaga shaped the modern fashion industry, and how he influenced fashion designers throughout the years. The layout was very modern and minimalist in a large spacious area.

The exhibition was split up into categories such as cut, minimalism, perfection, volume and drape. Within these categories were large glass boxes which held the modern designers take on the words influenced by Balenciaga.

There was a great video on designers talking about how Balenciaga inspired them and their Collections.

The downstairs section of the exhibition showed the history of Balenciaga. From his loyal clients to his catwalk shows. This part of the exhibition was a contrast to upstairs, shown with more of a historical look.

There was an area where you could try on a cape which was a particular pattern made by balenciaga himself and see how you would wear the garment, as a skirt, dress, cape.

Walking around the exhibition they showed clothing made in toiles then the garment made in delicate fabrics and vivid colours. They also had an X-ray image of the dresses as a background, this was very interesting it gave a modern feel to the exhibition, mixed among the historical artefacts. The X-ray showed the inside of the garments, all the detailing and some even has pins that had been mistakenly left inside.

Mini videos were dotted around the exhibition showing the separate pattern pieces that made up the garment and how they were assembled to the finished garment, these videos where very intriguing, you got lost watching them. Even the simplest of patterns made the most exquisite dresses.

There was a section of the exhibition where you could make your very own one seam coat out of origami, it showed the appeal of zero waste and the simplicity of shape but most of all it showed how much thought went into the designing and pattern cutting process.

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Modern Japanese Design Exhibition & Material World Debate!

March 30, 2017 in TRAVEL, SUSTAINABLE, EVENTS

Modern Japanese Design Exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery!

This was one of the reasons we went to Manchester, I have been looking forward to this exhibition for a while, as I'm very inspired by Japanese culture and their values.

The exhibition was situated at the Manchester Art Gallery. The art gallery was showing room after room of paintings. One modern painting in particular caught my eye.

The painting showed Skulls growing out of a plant, this was painted on reclaimed wood which was a great contrast and an interesting material. The image itself played on the idea of the living & the dead.

Roses 2007

Jai Redman an inspiring artist, an environmental activist with thought provoking art.

We walked up to the Modern Japanese Design exhibition area on the third floor.

The exhibition was in a spacious room. On the right hand side there was this beautiful arrangement of clothing and interior design pieces. The colour scheme was monochrome with hints of bright red, the concept was very pleasing to look at. This exhibition was showing the work of great designers such as Issey Myiake, Rei Kawakubo.

The garments were a mixture of draping and 3D shapes.

I wasn't so keen on the way garments that were placed in the middle, of the room. There was no colour scheme involved, the garments looked like they needed ironed, they just didn't sit well together, which was a shame.

Among the exhibition there were Japanese definitions on the walls, which were great to read.

Among the exhibits there was a variation of clay items that were transformed into geometric shapes, which resembled pleating.

There was also plastic art, made out of recycled PET bottles, they were formed into geometric shapes that could be flat packed and opened out.

Wandered about Chinatown!

Basically a row of Chinese restaurants takaway and gift shops which where very cute, selling all sorts of gifts. The main reason we went was to look at the immense Chinese gate.

Afflecks Palace

A building that's full of creativity. You could spend hours in there getting lost. The best thing was whilst walking up the stairs they had thought provoking words advertising no derogatory labels.

https://www.afflecks.com/

Image credit: http://www.johnmeephotography.com/return-to-afflecks-palace/

Bundobust

We visited bundobust for a quick snack, the restaurant was a lot bigger than the Leeds venue. It was between 12-4pm so we were able to get 2 dishes for £7 they tasted delicious and were quite filling, my favourite dish was the okra fries. They have a great variety of vegan options which is great!

http://www.bundobust.com/manchester/

Material World Panel Debate at Selfridges

Whilst we were walking around the venue we spotted signs on the rails of designers for the Material World campaign. I was slightly disappointed there wasn't a whole concession/area specifically for material World. The talk was on the menswear floor next to the community clothing concession. We were welcomed to the event with a champagne reception also elderflower and raspberry drink for the non drinkers. It was one of the most intriguing and thought provoking events I have attended.

Talking about all things sustainable and what the panellist do to retain a sustainable business. They offered advice on what emerging designers could do to be sustainable.

Read more about Selfridges sustainability policy here:

http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/features/info/sustainability

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The Minimalist Documentary

October 05, 2016 in DOCUMENTARIES, ZERO WASTE

One of the most inspiring documentaries I have seen in a while. Definitely worth a watch.

For the authors to have been in well paid business jobs but yet not completely happy was unusual, as your first thoughts are if you have money you are happy.

This was not the case, leaving their high profile jobs and living a minimal lifestyle has made them happy and appreciate life. They are now touring around the world with their book, spreading the word of minimalism.

It is a revolutionary new movement that is becoming more and more apt for our busy lives. People are wanting to live a simpler life, a life more than material objects.

‘With shopping habits people have a gaping void they feel like they need to fill with stuff to make them feel better, which is where consumer purchases come in. But after all their shopping sprees they are still longing for more.’

If you think about it with all the stuff you have hoarded in your life how much do you actually use? The point the guys were saying is does it have a value to you? does it mean something to you? is it functional?

If not then you don't need it! Get rid of it sell it, recycle it, give it to a charity. Free yourself of clutter for a happier life.

Project 33.3

This is such a great concept, to prove you do not need fast fashion. Fast fashion does not pay true ecological costs, this and lack of paid labour is harming the planet and the people that make the fabrics and garments. Slow fashion is the way forward. Be sustainable. Being able to produce a capsule wardrobe wearing 33 interchangeable pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories to wear for 3 months. And repeat.

'Just don't buy anything! '

Not only is this an ethical way of dressing, this is great for creative, busy people. By having more time in the morning, not thinking about how to put together outfits and what accessories they can put them with. It's already thought out and you can easily grab a few items and know whatever you pick up they will automatically go together within your capsule wardrobe. Who wouldn't want more time!

Image from https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

Credits

https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/

Tiny Houses

People were living their life depending on how big their houses were, buying more and more stuff to fill their huge empty houses, there is no need to have more than what you actually need.

‘Affordability, simplicity, sustainability. Do more with less. Small spaces makes sense environmentally.’

Tammy Stroble founder of tiny houses which are social homes. ‘In the end it isn't about the size of your house or how you can move it around it's about mindful choices, it's about flexibility and freedom spending time with loved ones.’

Image from http://www.rowdykittens.com/2017/10/tinyjam/

Credits

http://www.rowdykittens.com/our-tiny-house/

Exile Lifestyle

Collin wright is a full time traveller he stated a blog to record his travels, which is now his job as a nomade traveller. He is giving homeless a different meaning. All he possesses is what he carries on him traveling from place to place. This is such an amazing concept. He owns no home but yet isn’t homeless, he is a minimalist nomade showing people how you don’t need to be stuck in one place with all your useless possessions, he is traveling the world with all he needs in his backpack.

Image from https://www.theminimalists.com/exile/

Credits

http://exilelifestyle.com

After watching this documentary it opened my eyes to mass consumerism. We don’t need to buy things to make us content. We can be more than happy, with a simple clutter free lifestyle. Have a think when you next go shopping, see whether any of the links listed can help you get more organised and pro active in a happy minimal lifestyle.

‘Live life with less!’

Credits

http://www.theminimalists.com

Watch the film here https://minimalismfilm.com/

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The True Cost Documentary

September 11, 2016 in ZERO WASTE, DOCUMENTARIES

Image from https://truecostmovie.com/‘This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the huma… — Image from https://truecostmovie.com/
‘This is a story about clothing. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the industry is having on our world. The price of clothing has been decreasing for decades, while the human and environmental costs have grown dramatically. The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story and asks us to consider, who really pays the price for our clothing?
Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is an unprecedented project that invites us on an eye opening journey around the world and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes’
Extract from https://truecostmovie.com/

Watching this film changed everything, from my personal life to my business. It was shocking to watch! It made me realise how much fashion plays a huge part in ruining the Earth, as well as the lives of people involved within the fashion industry. From people that live near factories, that leak out chemicals into the water supply, slave labour from children, to people working every hour of the day for little to no money, fashion has ruined people lives. Consumers should to be aware of this!

In the documentary it revisits the horror that was the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in 2013, bringing fashion factory workers health and safety to the forefront of the news around the world.

People buy into fast fashion so easily without considering the impact. Designers & brands used to only produce 2 collections a year, now it’s 52, a collection out each week of the year, it just shows how bad fast fashion has got.

Ask yourself a few questions when you next go shopping: How can this t-shirt only cost £5? How was the fabric grown and produced? Where was the the garment produced? Who made the garment? Are they getting paid fairly? What is the carbon footprint of this item? The most important question is Can I make a difference?

After watching the documentary it made me realise that I can make a difference, being a fashion designer. I can make changes for the better. Showing consumers that you can have luxury contemporary fashion that is also ethically made and sustainably produced. I am hoping other businesses realise that they can make a change for the better.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Is it difficult to become a fully sustainable business? Yes it is but it was the best thing we ever did. Everything is a learning curve, we are always trying new ideas and improving to make things better.

We were already using end of roll fabrics, these fabrics would otherwise end up as landfill waste, and we were producing garments in house, but we knew we could do more.

Zero waste is also a move we wanted to do for a while, by using fabric in the most economical way. Also rather then only recycling the fabric waste, we are now recycling everything from patten paper, card, and branding materials. If we are outsourcing a product we make sure the business has the same ethics as us, and rather them then discarding the waste, we ask them to send it to us for us to reuses or recycle, we do this so we are fully knowledgeable of where the waste ends up.

We are aiming to be be a transparent business. What we mean by that is if a customer asks where were their garments produced & where the fabric was made, we want to be able to answer that question confidently. Currently all our organic fabrics are all fully traceable. We at ZARAMIA AVA have also since gone vegan to have the least carbon footprint as we can. Going vegan as a business makes you question everything from the fabrics to the dyes, prints and packaging.

Read our Ethos here www.ZaraMiaAva.com/Ethos

Links:

A film by Andrew Morgan

https://truecostmovie.com/

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ARBONNE Makeup Beauty Review

September 03, 2016 in CRUELTY FREE, BEAUTY

ARBONNE

Pure. Safe. Beneficial

NO Parabens, NO Dyes, NO Waxes, NO Acetone, NO Formaldehyde, NO Phthalates, NO Mineral Oil, NO Chemical Fragrances, NO Toluene, NO Petroleum, NO PABA, NO Animal Products or By-Products, NO Harmful Levels Of Chemicals

With all these facts why wouldn't you use ARBONNE?

I have tested and reviewed some of the ARBONNE products, this image is the finished look using the beauty products.

This is the lovely package I received to review the products love the personal touch.

Makeup Primer

- This was one of the smoothest primers I have ever used.

- Easy to apply, a little goes a long way.

- You could apply the makeup straight after the primer as it dried very quickly.

- Makeup stayed on longer with the primer.

Perfecting Liquid Foundation

Colour Soft blush from the Cool section

- This is a great foundation one of the best I have used, it is light and very easy to apply.

- It has a mat powered finish which is good if you have a slight shine to your skin.

- Lasted all day.

- This is a great foundation with amazing coverage, I would definitely recommend it.

Perfecting Liquid Foundation

Colour Alabaster from the Cool section

- I used this under my eyes as a highlighter worked a treat.

It's A Long Story Mascara

- Loved the comb shape brush, it was easy to apply and could get right to the roots of the lashes.

- Versatile, you can just have a thin layer or build it up for thicker lashes.

- Unusually it smells like honey even though it's vegan, it's not an unpleasant smell but slightly confused me.

- This is a great mascara I would definitely recommend it.

It's All in the Eyes Eye Shadow

Colours used storm, Quartz & oak

- As these were samples I just applied and blended with cotton buds, you would get a better coverage with a makeup brush.

- Lasted all day which was great.

- My favourite colour was storm as it was a satin shade it gave it a better finish than the Matt ones.

Energy Fizz Sticks

- I like how the drink is vegan and packed full of vitamins.

- I wasn't too keen on the taste of the drink it reminded me of Berocca. It was drinkable but not enjoyable I think if it was chilled or with ice added it would be more enjoyable.

Invigorating Body Cleanser

- This was a great cleanser a little went a long way. It was a rich consistently and lathered well.

- It has a citrus smell notes of grapefruit, orange and lemon

Conditioning Body Moisturiser

- Smooth moisturiser goes on easily and has good coverage.

- It has a citrus smell notes manily orange then hints of grapefruit and lemon.

- Long lasting fragrance, skin still feels as smooth as when it was first applied.

A close up image of the makeup products I have tested.

After a full day of wearing makeup I took a picture to show how well it lasted.

Thanks to Marie Connolly from ARBONNE. This is a quality brand and their ethical ethos is to be commended. I would definitely recommend this brand and my favourite product is the Mascara.

Need an honest review on your ethical/sustainable product email info@zaramiaava.com

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Trip to London - Meet the Manufacturer

June 30, 2016 in TRAVEL

Last minute trip to London!

Meet the manufacture trade show on Brick Lane at the Old Truman Brewery!

It was great to meet all the suppliers and talk to people one to one. We came away with bags full of information, leaflets and business cards.

http://meetthemanufacturer.co.uk

There was some amazing artwork on Bricklane I just had to take some pictures.

Then down to Chelsea for The Good Place Summer Party, followed by trip to Brixton for Sugar & Style festival party, with a Japanese meal at Okan in the Brixton village market!

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Iris Apfel Documentary

October 19, 2015 in DOCUMENTARIES

The Iris Apfel documentary was inspiring to watch.

At the 'young' age of 93 Iris is the ultimate fashion icon, known recently for her ability to style accessories. Also for the notorious collections sourced from her travels around the world, whilst working as a interior designer, and her production of historical fabric & restoration design.

In the interview Iris speaks of individuality being lost these days, with people not expressing themselves, whatever age they are.

"Every time I do it I do it in a different way" she speaks about how she puts things together, saying how it’s a gut feeling.

Iris says it’s all about getting dressed and ready for the party not just being at the party.

In her past people used to always tell her she was not pretty, and she’ll never be pretty but she has style. She clung to the styling aspect, and that itself has made her who she is today.

A good simple black dress is the best garment to have as you can dress it up or dress it down, and how you can wear it so many ways just by styling it with accessories.

Iris still goes out and chooses her accessories herself in the documentary. As she is haggling in an African clothing shop she says the buyers get angry if you don't haggle as if they could have sold it at any price. She combines nice, ugly, cheap and chic accessories to make the perfect look. Whatever the price or wherever Iris sources her accessories or clothing, the way she puts them together makes them look expensive. Iris is able to style them in a way that transforms an outfit. She is renowned for the largest collection of costume jewellery that she lends to exhibitions.

Iris mentions that everything comes back in fashion from the past if you wait around long enough. So that’s a reminder: don't throw anything out just in case it’s the next big thing in fashion.

Iris is a very busy lady, always being involved with photoshoots for magazines, such as Dazed & Confused, interviews and exhibitions that host her jewellery.

Iris has brought out a jewellery collection Rara Avis by Iris Apfel Rara Avis in Latin means rare bird.

Not only has Iris got a Jewellery range she is launching a shoe range in February. The shoes are practical, comfortable and encompass everything Iris stands for in a shoe, bright, bold with a great attention to detail

Everything today is interrelated. You can tell with any garment from the past how it is affected by the period and what is happening at that time, such as with the 1940s when there were rations because the war women used to draw lines up their legs to pretend they had tights on.

I want to leave you with this statement by Iris:

What are you inspired by? What drives you? What feeds you? Be curious with a sense of humour!

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About The Blog

September 14, 2015 in CRUELTY FREE

Hello Readers!

I am ZARAMIA AVA Contemporary Womenswear & Menswear Sustainable Designer.

This is a blog for the fashion-conscious, told from the perspective of a fashion designer.

You were drawn to this blog's content for a reason. Through fashion related topics, together I want us to change the perceived 'normal' and do our part to make the world a better place.

This blog will be engaging and thought provoking. My aim is for you to leave feeling empowered & inspired, with an awareness of what fashion is really doing to the world to prove there is a better way. I will imprint my knowledge onto you, guiding you through step by step advice on making a capsule collection, styling tips, DIY videos. Showing you a glimpse into the behind the scenes of a sustainable fashion designer.

I will be sharing my thoughts, writing in depth reviews on news, events, film/documentary, fashion shows. Talking about all things Fashion, Art, Eco & Culture related.

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