Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to give up luxury items to live a green lifestyle. While the gas-guzzling SUV will have to go, two Chicago-area entrepreneurs have found ways to provide customers with eco-friendly and socially-conscious accessories without giving up the look and feel of luxury items.
Mayu's hand-knit alpaca products keep customers warm and cozy while looking fabulous, and Pivot Boutique offers a variety of accessories that no one would imagine from afar are friendly to the environment.
"The mission of Mayu is not only to produce a beautiful product, but also, employ and empower women in the Andes Mountains," says Robertson, who started working with her artisans while in the Peace Corps. After returning, Robertson developed a relationship with designer Laddhavan Sutana, who has designed a majority of Mayu's products. Robertson ensures that all of her artisans receive a fair wage and is in constant contact with all of her workers.
Products from Mayu are going to cost more than your average scarf--these are one-of-a-kind, hand-knit pieces that are made with the highest quality alpaca fiber. Mayu's hand-knit alpaca products are not available in a local store, but owner Kate Robertson is happy to send out alpaca swatches to curious customers before they invest in her luxury hats, scarves, throws and wraps in a variety of styles. Robertson also has products available in a number of stores and hosts private parties. All of the items are made by female artisans in Peru out of alpaca fiber that is pollution free, lanolin free and the alpacas are not harmed when shorn.
"Pivot is about finding quality pieces that are unique, functional, versatile and then also made responsibly," says Jessa Brinkmeyer, the owner of Pivot, located at 1101 West Fulton Market. Chicago's first boutique devoted to eco-fashion opened just a year ago in September 2007, and offers Ashley Watson handbags made from re-purposed leather jackets, jewelry made with vintage items, Noon Solar handbags made with vegetable-tanned, biodegradable leather complete with a solar panel to charge small mobile devices and popular handbags made from old skateboards.
Not only does Brinkmeyer live a green lifestyle by not owning a car and recycling, but she also makes sure her store is eco-friendly itself by painting the walls with zero-VOC paint purchased locally, using CFL bulbs and taking cardboard and packaging materials to the recycling center herself.
The prices at Pivot reflect that of any luxury boutique that carries "rather unique and often hand-crafted thoughtful items," says Brinkmeyer. Pivot is not just a place for eco-friendly shoppers. "People realize is that these items don't distinguish themselves as green," says Brinkmeyer. "They are unique and special and that is what is noticeable."
If you want to live a green lifestyle and still adorn yourself in luxury, there are many local Chicago designers and boutique that have you covered.
Do you know, or own, any eco-friendly boutiques or stores you want A Fresh Squeeze to profile? Email info@afreshsqueeze.com or leave a comment below.
