(originally published at grechen’s closet June 26, 2008)
Interview with Ursula Stahl of Envi Eco-Boutique
First, I’d love it if you can share with our readers what you’re wearing today? What’s your favorite piece in your closet? How much of your closet is made up of eco-friendly pieces?
Today, I’m wearing organic denim jeans by Del Forte, a striking new top by Beau Soleil (100% bamboo jersey with recycled leather straps) and red “kashmir” pumps by Terra Plana (vegetable tanned leather and recycled rubber soles). My go-to outfit of choice that will bring me from a day at the store to after-work drinks with friends!
What inspired you to open an eco-boutique? Do you have a brick & mortar store and your website is an extension of that? or is your boutique only online?
We just celebrated the first anniversary of our brick and mortar boutique last month! Envi is located on Newbury Street, the heart of Boston’s shopping district. We love our location because it is accessible to our loyal local clientbase and we also have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with visitors from around the world who visit Newbury Street for its charm on a daily basis. Our website is an extension of the store that allows us to share our collection with the rest of the world. We are thrilled to unveil the totally redesigned and upgraded shopenvi.com to those who can’t make it to Boston to check out what’s new on a regular basis.
What are some of your best-sellers? What are some of your personal favorites from the boutique?
A personal favorite of mine this season is the Pleated Swing Dress by Bahar Shahpar. This dress is a piece that defines modern eco-fashion. It combines a striking silhouette with sustainable fabrics without even a hint of crunchiness! We’ve had several clients wear this dress to weddings and cocktail parties this season.
We also LOVE everything that comes from our best-selling line, Covet. Bostonians are taken by the detailing and styling of this fashion-forward brand. Many tops can be worn forward and back, skirts double as dresses… they really understand the concept of making something edgy yet functional and explore eco-fashion’s limits.
I believe in taking a “holistic” approach to greening my wardrobe; while I’m not opposed to buying organic cotton t-shirts from Banana Republic or Wal-Mart, I prefer to support smaller boutiques and designers who focus only on earth-friendly design & production; I love the idea of as few steps as possible between me and the products I buy. Do you agree? Why do you think it’s important for consumers to consider the company behind the product, as opposed to just the product?
As an owner of a small business I always gravitate towards supporting other boutiques and small businesses in my personal life. People are constantly asking us how we feel about the eco-to-the masses approach that has spread from H & M to Wal-Mart. While I cannot speak to any other retailer’s practices, labor and quality, I don’t feel any resentment toward them. We are in favor of growing awareness and educating consumers on the important role green fashion plays in the industry. In fact, it is amazing for us to see the growth over the last few years that we have been involved in creating a green business. Skeptical and somewhat dismissive stares have been replaced by a sense of understanding and excitement when we explain our concept. However, with the amount of media attention and the fact that eco is going mainstream we now feel it is important to let people know that green fashion is not a trend but a viable, growing segment of the fashion industry.
Do you have any eco-living tips for our readers? What are some small things we can do at home, and in our closets to make a difference?
One tip I like to remind Envi shoppers is to think about the whole process. It is not just about the carbon footprint associated with creating a garment but what happens after you buy it – washing, drying, ironing, etc. It’s all about making small changes in your daily life – so wash those garments in cold water, line dry and be conscious of the energy you consume!
(check our list of coupon codes for a current Envi coupon code)
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