Dedicated to providing a sustainable future, clothing designers have begun producing lines that make use of organic materials such as bamboo, wood-pulp, and seaweed. Joining in on eco-friendly train is Linda Lundström, women’s wear designer.

Slightly over a quarter of Lunström’s Spring 2007 collection can be recognized as a ‘Green Note’ item, which is an item in her collection that makes use of either bamboo or eco-Yukon fleece. Lundström aspires to have at least 50% of her clothing line making use of organic materials by Spring 2008. This spring, the bamboo jersey will be introduced into Lundström’s line as well as natural un-dyed laundered linen.

In addition to using eco-friendly materials, Lundström is also keen on following an old addage, “Waste not, want not.” In other words, reduce the need to cut excess fabric, and reuse the leftovers to create new garments. Lundström’s design team has come up with two pieces, which make use of the excess fabric – the Shabby Chic Scarf and the Labarka.

Aside from designing, Lundström recently served as Honorary Event Chair at An Evening of Sustainable style, which not only raised awareness concerning the negative impact of people’s choice for fashion but also offered green choices. It is this involvement with the community that helps us understand Lundström’s dedication towards minimizing our ecological footprints.

I was browsing through the Winter 2008 issue of FASHION when I came across a really interesting article on current trends of the fashion landscape and the movement of designer labels and Contemporary Fashion. Johanna Lenader puts it best when she describes contemporary labels as “brands that exist in the realm between H&M and Prada” (style and price) where an H&M shirt is $30 and a Prada shirt is $400.

Contemporary would be “the industry term for fashionable yet affordable new designer labels”. Which got me thinking… that is SO TRUE. Think the “Midway” designers like Arthur Mendonca, TIBI, Pink Tartan, Club Monaco, all which are fashionably chic and not overly expensive (by overly expensive I mean $15 000 for a evening cocktail dress) … which got me really thinking… and JUZD!

Although I wouldn’t say the JUZD collections are high fashion or couture inspired, we are definitely a combination of that which is inspired by high and low labels. The JUZD tee’s and hoodies are basics but made with bamboo fabric (high quality & eco-friendly).

With the designs being organically aggressive, the fabric unbelievably comfortable, the style and fit practical, JUZD is fashion forward and appeals to everyone. Could this be? JUZD has found a place in between the black and white fashion landscape as green and contemporary fashion.

We are close to finishing the Fall 08 09 collection. We are excited! If you like the MARO on Wednesday March 19th, 2007 during the Toronto L’oreal Fashion Week. In addition to that, while we were in talks with Uniqlifestyle (which are the owners of Brant House, West, Maro, and Cheval) to sign the contract for the venue space in March, they had expressed tons of excitement and love for our shirts that we are now in talks with them to outfit their bartenders specifically in our JUZD tee’s.

We can’t wait for you guys to see our amazing collections for yourself! March may seem like a long time from now, but it’s really just around the corner. Get ready for an evening of fun and fabulous fashions.