For years, the crème de la crème of American foodies have feasted on locally-raised dishes presented by “farm-to-table” restaurants around the country. These leaders in gastro-sustainability have cut out the middlemen and gone straight to the farmer for the best selection and pricing on organic local produce and meat. The Farm-To-Table movement has bolstered the number of American family farms while ensuring the highest quality product for culinary connoisseurs. In 2009, this trend is actually spreading from a culinary circles to catwalks.

At the upcoming Portland Fashion Week, eco fashion eminence Anna Cohen will be presenting an entirely new concept for both the worlds of fashion and sustainability: Ranch-To-Runway. Through her visionary partnership with the Imperial Stock Ranch in Shaniko, Oregon, Anna Cohen is bringing the highest quality sustainable wool to her fashion-forward clientele while enriching the lives of ecologically sound local ranchers.

Though fashionistas and farmers make a unique juxtaposition, both stand to benefit grandly if Anna’s concept catches fire. Perhaps we’re right around the corner from Cavalli cattle ranches and Comme des Garçons cotton farms. If not, we’re at least that much closer to being right around the corner from where our clothes come from, thanks to Anna Cohen.

The Imperial Collection by Anna Cohen will premiere Sunday, October 11th at 8pm at the Vigor Industrial Shipyard; arrive at 6 for the pre-party.

If you’re interested in experiencing your own version of Ranch-To-Runway, take a gorgeous 2-hour drive through the Oregon countryside for a stunning tour of the Imperial Stock Ranch before hitting Anna’s show on Sunday night.

Portland Fashion Week is here once again, and we at Greenloop are of course, quite excited about our hometown’s big green fashion event. Last year, we saw heavyhitters of eco fashion, like Anna Cohen, Stewart + Brown, Del Forte, and NatureVsFuture strut their stuff on the emerald catwalk. In 2008, Nike Considered returns as a sponsor and designer at the event. Another PDX native, Sameunderneath, is returning with their sustainable ready to wear line and egalitarian message, along with IDOM and Alula. Tons of fresh faces are hitting the 2008 runways along with the PFW veterans, like Collier, Salvationware, Revival Clothing, In Harmony, and Strung Out by Peniche. All will be showing their Spring/Summer collections for 2009, and all will be vying for the attention of buyers and press alike.

Portland Fashion Week is the only fashion week in the US completely devoted to sustainable designers; sustainable fashion means sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and/or shipping in ways that are the most considerate of the ecologies and communities they effect in the process. PFW focuses mostly on the talent of indie designers, and aims to give these emerging business owners a leg up in the fashion world by making the show very affordable to participate in. PFW also seeks to draw national attention to this gorgeous city itself, and it’s unique blend of art, commerce, and sustainability. Portland is indeed a lush, green metropolis devoted to artisanship and strong community, making PFW the ideal scene for Portland’s design mavens to show the world what they got. The event runs from October 8th-12th at the Portland Design Center in the 14 Square building of Portland’s posh Pearl District.

Just when we were getting used to “soy silk” being something we drink, now soy sellers have switched it up on us again. This versatile staple of Asian and American diets is now something we can wear. Yes, soy has joined hemp, bamboo, tencel, organic cotton and the like in the ever-growing list of eco-friendlier fabrics on the market.

Soy fabric, often called “soy silk” for its super smooth texture, is made by liquefying soy protein and shaping it into long, continuous fibers which are then spun into thread. Many compare the feel of the finished product to that of cashmere. Besides being biodegradable, soy fabric is a greener choice because its made from the recycled leftovers from soybean oil and tofu manufacturing. Eco designers like Anna Cohen, Linda Loudermilk, and Nina Valenti of Nature Vs. Future have been utilizing this fabric for years in sexy garments that make you look just about good enough to eat…Over rice with some veggies.

Yes…another “green expo”. As much as I am all about getting the word out and driving change, I worry sometimes that the sheer number of green events, and (lack of quality control at several) can do more damage than good to the new, green mode of living we are working toward.   With that said, I believe the Better Living Show will be an exception, raising the bar by setting a new standard for what people come to expect.  To start with, the event is FREE. Yes, FREE. No excuses. Just go. To boot, they are also holding this event “lights out”, with only task lighting for each exhibit…very cool (literally). It’s happening at the Portland Expo Center, so there is plenty of public transportation available to get there too.  There are two highlights at this event in my book. The first takes place on Saturday, March 29th, from 5-8pm, when Portland Fashion Week, in collaboration with the producers of the Better Living Show, are hosting an eco-fashion panel discussion and installation fashion show. For this event, members of the global eco-fashion community will gather to discuss sustainable apparel design and manufacturing processes and to illustrate how Portland is leading the international fashion community in its quest to go green.

Feeling a little post-holiday pinch on your fashion budget? No worries, we’re going to show you some of our current clearance favorites in simple, elegant white. These easy basics can be coordinated with nearly everything in your wardrobe…that should bring you some cheer during this next few months of winter!

For Her

Stewart+Brown Longmire Jacket $90 (Original Price: $172)
This gorgeous lightweight hemp long-sleeve is the perfect layering piece for winter. Back slit & vents at wrists show pinstripe lining, and front tuxedo styling with raw edge hems adds great detail. Wear with a simple tank and our Of the Earth organic cotton jeans for a look that is effortlessly cool!

Grace & Cello Autumn Grace Top $50 (Original Price $88)
This super cute long sleeve T has little gathers on the shoulders. Made from 100% organic cotton and super soft, so you can feel as good as you look. You can wear this stylish basic with just about anything! Machine Washable.

Edun ‘Spring Phoenix’ Graphic Tee $30 (Original Price $55)
New graphic T from Edun, this fitted, amazingly soft, organic cotton t-shirt with romantically wrought “Spring Phoenix” art goes anywhere, with anything, and makes whatever else you’re wearing look better.

Anna Cohen Bamboo Tank Top $70 (Original Price $130)
Sexy, sexy! This not-so-basic tank is sure to be your next favorite thing. Made from sultry bamboo, this hot tank has a low scoop neckline and straps that cross in the back. Layer it under a deep v-neck sweater for day and dare to bare it all for a night out dancing ! Hand wash and lay flat or “Green” Dry Clean.

For Him

Edun Mens ‘Works’ Polo $60 (Original Price $105)
Ideal for golfers, tennis players and any man who loves a fresh, clean look. Ladies, get your man ready for Spring with this perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Loomstate Point of View $30 (Original Price $55)
It’s like that old T you’ve washed a thousand times to the perfect softness, but it’s new, organic and designed by fashion superstar Rogan Gregory of Loomstate! Lightweight, super pre-washed, with a retro feel & fit. It’s a fact-men need T-shirts and this is the best sale going for a cool designer organic T.
Note: All Loomstate shirts are sewn with side seams intentionally off bias, i.e. crooked. It’s just their thing.