Eco. Green. Ethical. However the values of sustainability are defined, we all know of the connotations that have long accompanied this issue. Over the past decade, eco-living has become something quite chic thanks to its positive publicity, and in-turn has become a key consideration in contemporary living. From fashion to architecture, the results can be quite stunning as-well as imperative to the survival of our natural environment.
For Tout Nouveau’s latest photoshoot, we hoped to show ethical fashion in its most attractive light, portraying its classic and desirable qualities, and its worthiness to sit alongside other contemporary fashion collections.
Our search for the perfect eco-location led us straight to Justin Bere, Founder of bere:architects. Upon discovery of ‘The Muse’ [pictured above], with its green roof and eco qualities we were intrigued to find out more…
bere:architects was established in 1994 by Justin Bere. From the beginning, the practice ”has advocated the principles of sustainable development, and applies strict ecological, environmental and sociological criteria” to all of the projects that they undertake, including the project pictured above – Justin’s private residential home and office space, designed and built by the man himself.
‘The Muse’ as it has been titled, is run by solar energy and features a rooftop meadow full of wild flowers, which has also been the subject of global press and the winner of multiple awards. After talking with Justin and discovering our mutual love of British design and our ethos to support ‘Made in Britain’ we knew we had discovered the perfect location for our shoot.
The new designers collections that we shot at this fitting PassivHaus in North London included rock climbing inspired menswear by Emily Mann, who based the collection on a book entitled ‘Yosemite in the Sixties‘ (read Emily’s story in the Tout Nouveau store Designer Directory for more details). The first image pictured below features Emily’s grey shirt coat made from a re-worked vintage parachute to resemble a modern-day, smart climbing jacket.
And for womenswear, Natasha Wood‘s renewal collection made using materials of old vintage and recycled garments. The images below feature the ‘Coatigan’, as it has come to be known, re-worked from two vintage jumpers to create the perfect winter cardigan, along with Natasha’s recycled trench coat.
With thanks to Justin Bere and with credit to the following:
Location: bere:architects, The Muse
Make-up and Hair: Stacey Sanderson
Styling: Ashlie Dixon and Rachel Wotherspoon
Photographer: Nicolas Scaife
Photography Assistant: Harry Sleightholme
Models: Tess Geraghty and Elliot Asprey
