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July 12, 2012
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Style And Being Ethically Conscious Aren't Mutually Exclusive At EDUN

Despite the presence of brands like Stella McCartney and Livia Firth flying the flag for style driven ethically conscious clothes, the term 'eco-friendly' continues to put people off. What McCartney, in particular, has manged to do well is show that being concerned about how your clothes are made and taking care of the people that make them doesn't mean that your sartorial choices need be compromised. And it's this presupposition that is currently serving EDUN so well too.

Just in case you're unfamiliar with it, EDUN is fashion brand founded in 2005 by Bono and wife Ali Hewson. Anyone that's followed the brand over the last seven years would have realised that 2009, when they appointed Sharon Wauchob as creative director, was a major turning point for the brand. Under her direction, the aesthetic has come on leaps and bounds, so much so that the collections have are as desirable on their own merit as they are for their story.

'We never want the customer to feel obliged to dress in EDUN. It must be fun, and accessible. If they learn the story later on that's absolutely fine,' Wauchob told me over email. 'When I design I think solely about the look, the image, and what is needed for the next season, then I assess the reality of how and where it can happen. They are two different mind sets but both are equally important. One cannot override the other.' And it's this delicate balancing act that separates the company from the many others that have sadly folded after having all of the positive intentions in the world but without the necessary expertise in design to make it commercially viable.

The premise of the brand is simple and was founded on the aim of using fashion as a driving force to initiate positive change in Africa by growing trade in the area. At present, they plant to produce 40% of their seasonal designs in the capital by next year. It's important to note, though, that this emphasis on supporting trade came long before Franca Sozzani's welcomed, but very recent, support of the continent especially with that recent L'Uomo Vogue 'Rebranding Africa' cover.

As you would expect, then, the collections do tend to have African influences but rather than falling into the all too common trap of being gimmicky, Wauchob introduces elements like Zebra prints into the collection in a subtle way that enhances the clothes without being overwhelming. 'I don't want EDUN to be 'ethnic', and it's great that is understood from the collection,' she explained. 'I like to touch Africa in a new way; give it  a modern urban identity that is wearable.

So what's next for EDUN? 'There is always more to do for both EDUN woman and man,' she said. 'It's an evolution. Gradually we get to know our consumer more and who they are and although we need to continue that conversation, it's good to surprise them as well.' For spring/summer 13, we cane expect 'lots of colour and texture, and a new look at print,' but if you want to get your hands on something to wear now, have a look in the gallery for images of their exclusive Ibiza collection for Net-A-Porter.

February 10, 2010
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Lady Gaga Auctions Skeleton Corset For Haiti

If you loved Lady Gaga’s nude glittered skeleton corset, then it's yours – well, if you have a spare few grand lying around, then it is. The outlandish singer is auctioning off the outfit to raise money for Haiti, which might earn her some brownie points after not taking part in ‘We Are the World’. Gaga has also donated all the proceeds from her Radio City gig in New York on January 24, as well as a day's sales of merchandise on her website, to Haiti relief. Her 'Gaga for Haiti' day totaled $500,000.

Bids on the signed not-so-pretty-off-the-body corset, which has an estimated value of $2,000, are up to a huge $5,000. If you're not put off by the fact it resembles the interior of a car, then you’ve got until February 23 to make a higher offer. Find it on charitybuzz.com, where it’s joined by Taylor Swift’s signed dress from her ‘Hope for Haiti Telethon’ performance and Bono’s red Armani sunglasses. You can even bid on a chat with Orlando Bloom on Valentine’s Day, which also has outdone its estimated value…surprise, surprise!

November 24, 2009
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In The Studio With: Todd Lynn


Photo Credit: Nik Hartley

We think spending years behind-the-scenes to build a client list including The Rolling Stones, U2's Bono and Courtney Love - plus working with hot newbies like Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine - is reason enough to brag. Todd Lynn, on the other hand, is too busy being a workaholic to care. The designer dubbed "rock and roll's best-kept secret", who launched his impeccably tailored menswear collection in 2006, has maintained his industry following while adding beautifully seedy styles for the rest of us.

Last year, the Canadian-born Londoner added dresses to his collections, but we're still stuck on the androgynous styles that make us wish we had a sold-out show to headline. Since that's not an option, we were happy to take a look into Lynn's work life, where conventional is for losers and there's (almost) always time to sneak out for a concert.

Read Todd Lynn's Q&A after the jump

August 13, 2009
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McCartney Sued Over 'Stella Nude'

Stella McCartney's new fragrance, Stella Nude, is due to be released any day now. But Nude Skincare, a luxury organic brand beloved by the likes of Helena Christensen, is taking legal action against McCartney.

Eco-entrepreneurs and owners of Nude Skincare Bryan Meehan and Ali Hewson - founder of fashion label Edun and wife of U2 front man Bono - are believed to be displeased about the use of "nude" in the title of her perfume. A writ, issued following the row, could see the two pro-green families fight it out in court.

April 23, 2009
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Event: Vanity Fair Celebrates The 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

(L-R) American editor-at-large for Vogue Andre Leon Talley and designer Diane von Furstenberg

On Tuesday, Vanity Fair magazine celebrated The 2009 Tribeca Film Festival by hosting a party in New York.

Read more after the jump

February 23, 2009
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Roving Reporter: Todd Lynn

Bono and Mick Jagger's fashion man scored another hit Sunday, as if it's any surprise than the man who knows leather trousers better than...almost anyone could make a Balenciaga-tinged, sci-fi structural collection come off effortlessly.

Writers

Editors

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