Adopting the Reclaim To Wear's method of producing clothes using the fashion industry's surplus stock and off-cuts, some Cental Saint Martin's students recently vied for a place at next year's Estethica, the British Fashion Council hub of London's ethical fashion industry during London Fashion Week in February 2012.

The showcase of upcycled clothes included a collection inspired by Virginia Woolf's Orlando as well as a film which translated another collection's esthetic into visual material.

You can see some of the designs below.

With the arrival of giant pandas Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine), eco fashion brand Rapanui has teamed up with Edinburgh Zoo to make eco-friendly, organic bamboo t-shirts for the two newcomers.

The zoo is conscious to raise awareness about conservation and have recruited Rapanui - winners of the RSPCA Good Business Awards - to make bamboo t-shirts that are going to be sold alongside the visitor's attraction to raise money and contribute to their upkeep.

Considering pandas are quite costly to keep, it is understandable that the Zoo wants to find other ways to raise money for the tubby two.

Bamboo is hailed as a fabric of the future with Mart Drake-Knight, co-founder of Rapanui and designer explaining: "Bamboo is an amazing fabric, it is as soft as silk but half the price, it grows fast without water, pesticides or fertilisers. Bamboo has a lot of potential as a sustainable textile, not to mention the softness and kind-to-skin properties that make them feel great."

Love the eco-cool panda shirts!

Available now from Rapanui for both women and men for £24.95.

Getting Christmas presents for girls can be easy, just head to the nearest beauty section and you'll be safe. But if you're looking to get something a bit more unique - and not to mention - eco-friendly, then you've come to the right place. I've waded through the froth to find some of the more desirable and sustainable presents for her out there. If organic knitwear, limited handmade pieces and fairtrade scarves are her things, look no further!

There are plenty of eco-friendly presents available for the men in your life. But if bamboo socks aren't just what you're after - although they're probably very comfy - check out our five top choices for ethical presents to put under the tree this Christmas.

I love the playfulness and British eccentricity of Lu Flux's designs. A myriad of colours and a couple of pineapples, the A Lu Ha Spring Summer 2012 collection has definitely been inspired by the island of Hawaii (the name gives it away really...)

Lu Flux debuted at London Fashion Week as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout's 'Ones to Watch' show in 2009, and has after exhibiting under the Estethica initiative at Somerset House for two seasons been awarded the Innovation Award which celebrates her inventive and exciting designs in the world of sustainable fashion.

Check out the Lu Flux website for stockists details.

I love discovering new places to get my eco fashion fix. And to help you discover them too, Hippyshopper has teamed up with online ethical fashion store Ms Wanda's Wardrobe to give you an exclusive discount of 25% off your first purchase.

Ms Wanda's Wardrobe is an ethical fashion brand that specialises in upcycled, vintage and pre-loved clothing. Since its launch in April this year, Ms Wanda (aka Esther Freeman) and her team of eco-fashionistas have already saved over 8kg of textile waste ending up in a landfill, as well as helped reduce pressure on natural resources and CO2 emissions created by producing 'new' clothes. The clothes embrace all eras, from the femme fatale of the 1940s to the Mad Men-esque 60s, making it a treasure chest for the eco-chic. No better time than now to channel your inner Joan Holloway!

To take advantage of this discount simply head on over to Ms Wanda's Wardrobe online store and enter the code HIPPYSHOPPER when you check-out. But hurry, the offer ends on Tuesday 8th November 2011.

British designer and environmentalist Stella McCartney - the daughter of Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney who recently got married - is a vegetarian and refuses to use leather or fur in her creations, so it comes as no surprise that she's expanding her growing fashion empire into eco sunglasses.

The range will not hit the shops until next year, but Stella has revealed that the new collection will be made of more than 50% natural and renewable materials.

Stella told WWD: "The greatest challenge was the amount of time that was spent on research and testing to get the best quality product possible with the highest performance in terms of resistance, while still maintaining the style and finish we always try to achieve."

We hear you Stella, deciding to live in a way that is eco-friendly does take time and effort but the knowledge that you are doing your bit to help the environment makes it worth it! I love sunglasses and I'm really excited to see what the sunglasses range will look like.

The say a girl can never have too many shoes... or reusable bags!

Founder and chief creative officer of Jimmy Choo Tamara Mellon OBE has designed an exclusive reusable bag to support The Body Shop and ECPAT's global Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People (SST) campaign.

The bag will be available in a limited edition from 6th October at The Body Shop nationwide.

The STOP bag is decorated with personalised handprints from Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman, Ab Fab actress, TV personality and animal rights campaigner Joanna Lumley (who is Absolutely lovely by the way!), formerly 'naked' chef Jamie Oliver, musician and producer extraordinaire Mark Ronson, Oscar winner and UN Goodwill Ambassador Mira Sorvino as well as CNN Piers Morgan who have all pledged their support for the campaign.

Tamara Mellon OBE says: "I am thrilled to have worked with The Body Shop to design The STOP bag and raise awareness of the SST campaign. I feel very strongly about prohibiting sex trafficking and knowing that the profits will help to end this modern day slavery and safeguard children makes the project even more worthwhile."

Retailing at £4.00, profits from the sale of The STOP bag will be used to combat and raise awareness of sex trafficking of children and young people.

The bag is made from raw 100% community fair trade cotton and feature a fuschia trim and shoulder strap which is certain to brighten up those shopping trips in the winter months!

I've recently become obsessed with lace; especially black lace. And with autumn bringing with her promises of cold evenings and glamorous events (one can but hope!), I am on the hunt for beautiful and durable, yet sustainable pieces that I can fill my wardrobe with.

The dark romantic feel of the Minna autumn/winter 2011 collection is perfect for the long wintery months ahead. Consisting of a series of pieces in hard wearing fabrics such as wool jersey mixed with reindeer leather and silk that have been hand dyed to create a vintage feel.

This is true Eco Luxe with each piece hand embellished and made from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced textiles.

My favourites are Marileen (£322), Pauline (£342) and Tilly (£311).

Browse the collection below or go to minna.co.uk.

Pay no heed to the deceptive weather state outside your window, we are slowly but surely making for Winter. And you know what that means don't you? Coats! I love coats. Sometimes I wish Winter was all-year round (and here in England, that's not too much to ask) just so I could traipse about everyday in coats and coloured tights.

The right ethical jacket or coat can see you through a good few winters. So if you agree it's worth dishing out for a fabulous, sustainable coat (or two), this season's not a bad time to start investing. The Edun Lambskin number seems to be calling my name but, well....oh who am I kidding! I'd like to keep my arm and leg, thanks.

It's Bono and activist wife Ali Hewson's brand, Edun, founded to raise awareness of trading opportunities in Africa. If you recall we showed you their AW/11 collection not long ago. Its small selection of coats this years include trenches and belted leather. This beauty here is made from 100% lambskin leather.
View product

Dubbed the 'Chelsea' after the location of the designers first studio (in Manhattan not London!), this snow-resistant cobalt jacket is insulated with Primaloft ECO. It's also available in 3 more colours. Designer Leanne justifies her high pricing by the pledge that she makes no compromises when it comes to ethics, quality and performance. Vaute Couture is US-based and ships internationally.
View product

Also available in a sublime mustard is this trench coat by Orla Kiely for People Tree. Made with 100% organic Fairtrade cotton, both the style and length says smart and sophisticated. People Tree aims to design clothes that primarily can be produced by the dexterous hand. Besides, Emma Watson designs for the brand, and who doesn't love Emma Watson?!
View product

Another cobalt number that I feel is a winner because it's easily likeable for its simplicity. This here is from sustainable brand Braintree Hemp and available from Natural Collection (who, by the way, ships free). BH uses natural fibre hemp and they've even expanded their use of fabrics recently to bamboo and soybean.
View product

Ah yes, Camilla Norrback - whose AW/11 collection was more than pleasing, I thought. The Swedish designer unites 'elegance and environmental sustainability' and again it's just about that state of sheer simplicity that aptly reflects what ethical integrity demands. She showcased her AW range at the Mercedes-Benz fashion show in Stockholm this year - timeless designs were sent down the catwalk. This houndstooth coat entitiled Bianca is one that stood out.
View product

With this year's Ethical Fashion Forum contest wrapped up, it's time for a heads-up of sustainable fashion designers to keep an eye out for - this time from the USA. The Innovation Awards touched down in the States for the first time ever and here's the winning trio...

Soham Dave of New York City has built up a sustainable brand inspired by 'the principles of meditation, spirituality and creative energy.' His eco logic is concerned with promoting the ethical craftsmanship of local artisans. The apparel is sourced from India primarily, and women are at the crux of the Soham Dave produce - SD brings out the best in these artisans and that's a pretty awesome outlook. Biodegradable and recycled materials make the bulk of the cut for this brand.

Afia - arguably one of the most in-vogue fashion brands given to sustainable development was also recognised for its innovativeness. It blends 'vibrant West African aesthetics with urban American trends', The result? Splendid prints and breathtaking designs! Each garment is sewn from the deft hand of a fairly-paid Ghanian seamstress.

Aside from having a fun name, LA-born Carrie Parry graduated from our very own Central Saint Martins in London and now plies her trade in New York. The launch of her eponymous fashion label this year saw a bracing devotion for timelessness using ethical practice at every stage. Carrie Parry sources material responsibly and prides itself on taking 'Social Responsibility' - proof that haute covetable fashion doesn't have to come at the price of evading green principles and eco-friendly ethics. Carrie Parry's Fall 2011 Collection Preview is well worth a butchers!

The winners will exhibit their S/S 2012 collections at New York's Nolcha Fashion Week on the coming Monday. Ethos, recognised as 'One to Watch' won the opportunity to develop its collections with EFF's promotional and support package.

Congrats to the winners!

September is finally upon us and with it comes double cause for elation. While the fashionista in us can make merriment with London Fashion Week (and all the goings-on and prep surrounding it), the determinedly green side of us can also embrace Organic September. What's more, the coming week marks Wool Week, dedicated to ensuring that sheep may safely graze (thanks J.S Bach).

To celebrate this wooly week, John Lewis are set to launch a Cornish Organic Wool range certified by the Soil Association, which proudly ticks every box of THE international standard for organic textiles.

COW was founded by Matt and Julia Hopson and is based in Penzance in Cornwall (which you probably gathered). Matt expresses delight in being able to see his quality spun yarn make the high street and over at John Lewis, Haberdashery buyer Sam Drysdale says: "Our customers are increasingly interested in provenance." It's with some intrigue then (I think, anyway!) that shoppers will learn the new range is sourced from Prince Charles's Duchy Home Farm.

Look out for the the Organic John Lewis range next week in London's Oxford Street branch!

OK summer might almost be over but as always we remain ever hopeful that we might get an indian summer this year. And of course we'd want to keep our eco creds and wellbeing levels up in preparation of the cold months ahead. If you're looking to give someone a gift you should check out the guide to wellbeing website The Baoli that lets you find great gifts for every occasion. Here are our top 10 eco and wellbeing gifts from The Baoli.

Product: Florence - Printed Canvas Weekenders
By: NV London-Calcutta
A perfect bag for all your weekend getaway necessities. Monday morning office outfit might fit in too! Perfect marriage between British design talent with age-old Indian craftsmanship.

Eco and wellbeing features: Handmade, ethically produced in Calcutta. Screened by hand, using traditional methods and environmentally friendly, AZO free dyes. Accredited by World Fair Trade Organisation.

Product: Iris Block Print Maxi Dress
By: People Tree
It's summer festival time, and this 100% cotton maxi dress with colourful dots from People Tree is a must-have. Adjustable halter neck is very helpful!

Eco and wellbeing features: People Tree promote natural and organic cotton farming. Its fashion meets the Fair Trade principles by World Fair Trade Organisation. Locally sourced and handmade in most instances, with natural and recycled products. Safe and natural dyes only.

Product: Garudasana Jumpsuit
By: Sweaty Betty
You will master your "Eagle" (Garudasana) yoga pose in this relaxed racer back jumpsuit. Gentle blouson shape through the body yet close fitting at bust.

Eco and wellbeing features: Fabric - 91% modal, which is made of regenerated beechwood pulp and has all the great properties of cotton. It also absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton.

Product: Grey Green Five Fingers Classic
By: Vibram
Go barefoot. Go KSO ("Keep Stuff Out" that is). Ideal for fitness training, cross fit, travel, relaxing after sports. Razor-siped for improved flexibility and slip resistance on a variety of terrain. Machine washable, air dry.

Eco and wellbeing features: Connect with the Earth and benefit from an increased sense of balance and greater agility, improved posture and less back pain.

Product: Holistic Silk Eye Mask with Lavender
By: Wellicious
No more sleepless nights on the plane. Pop in this silk & velvet eye mask which will totally block light & sweeten the air around you with sleep inducing lavender.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Sleep in total darkness, which increases the quality and efficiency of your sleep with the help of aroma therapeutic lavender.

Product: Glimmer of hope earrings
By: Satya Jewelry
Each sunny new day is full of thousands of possibilities. Be reminded of the promise of tomorrow with these airy lotus earrings. 24kt gold vermeil.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Blending spiritual symbols, healing gemstones and sacred meanings, Satya Jewelry is created with grace, style and a global consciousness.

Product: Lip Balm 4 saver pack
By: Fair Squared
An ideal essential treat for your lips, times four: Citrus with SPF15, Spearmint, Vanilla and Vegan Pomegranate. Tasty, and longlasting.

Eco and wellbeing features: Recyclable tube; made of certified USDA Organic Ingredients; free from gluten and other nasty things like petrolatum, parabens, sulphates, and GMO.

Product: Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender
By: John Masters
Dreaming of the beach holiday but can't get out of the city? Simply spray the desired amount on this magic liquid on your hair. Lavender oil also helps to protect the hair. Created by John Masters, part basement alchemist, part organic innovator.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Contains water, sea salt and certified organic lavender oil. Nothing else. Ingredients and products are never tested on animals.

Product: Apricot Nourishing Cuticle Oil
By: Cowshed
Dry cuticles will never bother you again. This product is made of apricot oil, known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Rich in vitamin A to nourish, protect and add shine. Delicately scented with refreshing bergamot and palmarosa essential oils - nice little touch.

Eco and wellbeing features: No preservatives; no chemical ingredients; no sulphates (nasty chemicals); no synthetically made colours; suitable for veggies.

Product: Matcha Super power green tea
By: Teapigs
Superhero amongst teas. Concentrated green tea powder packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Join the Buddhist monks and royalty who have been sipping on this beverage for over 900 years.

Eco- and wellbeing features: Energising and calming; metabolism boosting; antioxidant blast.

Sponsored post

With both high-street and high-fashion designers looking to the past for their style inspiration, and modern concerns of sustainability and individuality becoming a priority for many of today's consumers, vintage fashion is enjoying mainstream popularity like never before.

But where are the best cities to head for if you're a dedicated follower of retro fashion? London is a vintage mecca, with Camden Market and Portobello Road offering a vast selection of independent stalls and stores. The capital is also home to warehouse shops like Beyond Retro and the East End Thrift Store - great for those who love to rummage for their unique bargains.

Brighton, Bristol and Leeds are other UK cities now firmly established on the vintage shopping map. But the eclectic allure of pre-loved fashion transcends international boundaries, so which overseas cities offer the best hunting grounds for vintage lovers?

Los Angeles

As well as a vibrant variety of vintage clothing boutiques, Los Angeles is also home to a number of outdoor flea markets. On the second Sunday of every month, the Rose Bowl Flea Market takes over several fields the size of football pitches, with traders selling everything from vintage clothing and accessories to furniture and collectibles.

More permanent collections of vintage clothing can be found at popular stores such Wasteland, which sells remade and vintage designer pieces. American Rag is thought to be particularly good for menswear, while at American Vintage you can find embroidered Mexican dresses, silk kimonos, 1940s clothing and vintage T-shirts.

For those prepared to venture further out, Hidden Treasures in Topanga Canyon delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Looking as if it has been transplanted from Disneyland complete with totem poles, plastic dinosaurs and a treasure chest decorating the building, the shop sells affordable clothes, accessories and trinkets.

Amsterdam
Another city well known for its fondness for flea markets, Amsterdam is home to the permanent Waterlooplein market in the old Jewish quarter, and the Monday morning Noordermarkt in the Jordaan district. At both, second-hand and mid-century clothing can be found among retro homewares, books and antique curiosities.

As well as its popular weekly market, the bohemian Jordaan district also boasts dozens of independent vintage boutiques. Some of the best include Wini Vintage on Haarlemmerstraat, which offers hand-picked and affordable clothing and fabric, and Lady Day, which stocks original 1950s sun dresses, a good selection of children's vintage and a bargain basement.

Stockholm

Putting Scandinavia firmly on the vintage-lovers' map, the Bondegatan area of Stockholm is also renowned for its well-established retro stores, which trade in a wide range of mid-century fashions.

Lisa Larsson Second Hand is a favourite with bargain hunters, who search for one-off and designer pieces among the wide selection of clothes and shoes crammed into the small store. Band memorabilia, leather jackets and retro furniture can be found at Repris, while the city's three Beyond Retro stores pride themselves in serving up American vintage that hits current high street trends.

Tokyo
Japanese teenagers are known for their love of dressing up and quirky fashion. Those that parade in the Harajuku district have even earned an international reputation for it, so it's little surprise that Toyko rounds off our list of popular vintage-hunting haunts.

In Harajuku itself, vintage kimonos, Hawaiian shirts, sun dresses and retro T-shirts are all available at Kinji and Hanjiro, the latter being just one of a chain of large vintage stores in the city.

The area of Shimokitazawa is also popular with vintage lovers. Here another retro chain store, Chicago, sells classic Adidas jackets, while Haight & Ashbury specialises in more feminine pieces. Finally, in Koenji, the Ambitious store offers second-hand Levis, university sweaters and logo tops and S.O. Used Clothing leather jackets and band T-shirts.

Wherever your passion for vintage fashion takes you, when shopping for bargains it makes good sense to take adequate travel money with you - especially if you're planning on visiting street markets or smaller boutiques.

Having appropriate travel insurance will also help provide the peace of mind you need to really enjoy rummaging in some of the most unusual shops in the world. And if you regularly travel abroad to buy up stock for your own vintage shop, it may be worth taking out multi trip annual travel insurance.

Issued by Sainsbury's Finance

The Edun Autumn Winter 2011 Menswear Collection uses layers and dimension to create a well-travelled feel that is juxtaposed with modern silhouettes.

Styles are made unique with added pockets, stitching and darting details. Sweaters and knits span the spectrum, from lightweight layering, to a fresh twist on vintage Fair Isles.

Washed wools, pilled cotton jersey, and distressed French Terry provide a variety of textures for a worn-in tee. Tops are oversized, elongated and deconstructed, consisting of slouchy oversized chunky knit sweaters and soft tailored jackets. Bottom silhouettes range from clean slim straight tailored pants to tapered leg drop crotch pants. Denim is workwear influenced; most of the denim is made from recycled fabrics in Africa and finished with organic washes.

Colours are inspired by natural elements and include stone and ash accented with petrol and ice. Red brick and cranberry wine play off sediment black, and dark neutrals like storm and tar are accented with raisin, mulberry and peacock.

I'd very much like my man to dress like the Edun man - actually come to think of it just give me the clothes AND the man!