Eco-Friendly Footwear from El Naturalista

Happy Earth Day! To get back on the theme of sustainable fashion, today I’m writing about an eco-friendly shoe brand I encountered while walking down Montana Avenue in LA. The company? El Naturalista — a manufacturer that “develops footwear to walk through life with respect and care,” according to its website. Setting aside the thought of the carbon emissions resulting from importing shoes from Spain, one can feel good about the comfort, beauty, and fabrication of El Naturalista’s products.  These sandals in particular caught my eye.

El Naturalista Cork Oak Sandal N403 from Amazon Germany

Ecologically friendly features include natural rubber outsoles, a recycled footbed, and the use of cork in the heel. Hand stitching also adds to their appeal. All together the look feels like a cross between gladiator sandals and clogs, like the ones used in the Chanel Spring 2010 ready-to-wear collection.

Chanel Spring Ready-to-Wear 2010 Outfit via Style.com

A Trip to LA’s Fashion District

While in Los Angeles this weekend, I went to the city’s fashion district. Painted signs  like the one below greet one and all, along with all the hustle and bustle that this colorful neighborhood, located in downtown Los Angeles, has to offer.

Fashion District Sign

The highlight of my visit was a trip to Michael Levine’s, an incredible fabric store with the largest selection of ecological materials I’ve ever seen.  From lyocell and knit bamboo to organic cotton and terry cloth, the fabrics on display provide endless possibilities for the creation of sustainable fashion.

Inside Michael Levine 1

Inside Michael Levine 2

Inside Michael Levine 3