The creative force behind the Australian fashion trendsetter Rant Clothing is the husband and wife team of Sarah and Jason Hodoniczky. Rant Clothing is easy wear with an emphasis on natural fibers like bamboo, thistle and silk. Working with their textural elements and cut into flattering shapes, Rant’s breezy, modern designs have both function and comfort in mind.

(above) All Rant garments are produced ethically, 100% in Australia, and with sustainability in mind: The use of 100% greenpower for their office and website are in addition to the ongoing donations made to charities working to protect the unique Australian wildlife and rainforests.

(above) Fit for a king, or queen … We love the handmade, sustainable jewelry and wedding rings designed and created by Susan Crow and her East Fourth Street jewelry line. All of the gold in East Fourth Street’s jewelry is recycled, and all of the stones are either reused or lab-created.

(above) You’ll always need some eco-friendly and sexy underoos to wear ‘neath your latest green threads. These nifty organic cotton and bamboo undies can be found @ ontheindside’s Etsy shop.

The Williamsburg Fashion Weekend Sample Sale is this Sunday – snag some fresh, local fashion fare for spring/summer 2012.
When: Sunday, February 19, 2012

Where: Secret Project Robot
389 Melrose Street
Brooklyn (Bushwick), NY
1:00pm-7:00pm

(photo at right: IQTEST-nyc.com)

How: L train to Jefferson Street
Open to the public, free entry

(photo at right, courtesy of: designer melissa lockwood of iqtest-nyc.com)

Related: more eco-fashion on The Alternative Consumer

(above) These artsy, ceramic heart earrings are handmade from start to finish; each bead is shaped by hand, dried, fired in the kiln, glazed and then fired again. Decorated with a deep red glaze and fitted with silver plated clip-ons … a very lovable $23 and change @ the karoart Etsy shop

(above) For those who take things to heart more literally, designer Peggy Skemp makes anatomically correct heart lockets from recycled silver ($275) or half-hearted pendants (for $110) … find your match @ peggyskemp.com

For those of you with a bigger budget you might want to consider the Murano Yellow Sapphire Ring, (above) for your beloved. The ring features fairly traded yellow sapphires caste in 18k recycled white, yellow and rose gold. Naturally, those are G-VS conflict free diamonds … $1121 @ greenoro.com

(above) This charm is created  from an upcycled earring, with a cord made from recycled sari remnants. If that cord doesn’t make the cut, replace it with a gold chain you probably already have lying around … a very loving $6.75 @ the cutarug Etsy shop.

(above) Handmade earrings from vintage heart-shaped buttons – lightweight for the lighthearted … $16.90 @ the kapelusznik Etsy shop.

(above) Perfect for spring – Apple and Bee Love Hearts organic cotton tote with nice details and interior zippered pocket … $46 @ NYC-based, kaightshopnyc.com.

Related: more fabulous eco fashion finds discovered by The Alternative Consumer

Swedish designer Helena Fredriksson creates modern, elegant and classic garments (see photos above) that feature gorgeous draping. Her fusion of the romantic and the mysterious is seen juxtaposed in a soft color palette with both oversized and body tailored designs. Believing in sustainable consciousness, Helena produces her pieces locally, in Brooklyn, NY, and uses only the finest, eco-friendly fabrics to create her Bergman inspired collection.

See more of the H Fredriksson line @ junoandjove.com where many of the dresses are now on sale.

(above) Is your honey the literary type? If so, one of these lovely bracelets made from recycled letterpress type might make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.  $95 @ the nBreed Supermarket shop

Not every guy- or gal – can pull-off wearing a bow tie, but for those who can, these handcrafted adornments are made in limited numbers using recycled fabric remnants, vintage deadstock or special found fabrics. The bow ties must be hand tied – a small price to pay for this level of style. They’re adjustable in length and feature discrete hardware.  $68 @ poketo.com

Handcrafted in wooden-eyewear-specialist Shwood’s Portland, Oregon woodshop, these snazzy Canby sunglasses feature a timeless design. The wooden frames come in a choice of Cherry, East Indian Rosewood, or Zebrawood – all sustainably sourced from authorized and supervised plantations in different African countries. The shades feature Carl Zeiss or polarized lenses that offer 100% UVA/UVB protection and lots of style.

related: more eco-fashion on The Alternative Consumer

(above) Funky chic — designer Stephanie Teague’s Pretty Birdie’s Hemp Silk Layer Dress is made from gathered layers of gorgeous, sustainable hemp silk. The dress features hand sewn flowers made from organic cotton gauze or peace silk and trim that’s organic lace. The hemp muslin belt is hand dyed with eco friendly dyes. Quite a departure from the scruffy hemp-laden fare of yesteryear … find it @ stephanieteague Etsy shop

(above) Sign of the times … Eco-fashion visionary Gary Harvey creates his high-fashion works from the most unlikely, and often mundane, recycled materials — like the 30 folded copies of the “Financial Times” literally used to construct the gown above.

Right in step … Mohop Shoes makes their cherry wedge sandal from Pará wood that is harvested from sustainably managed plantations and has been dyed a cherry color with eco-friendly, water-based dyes. The sandal features durable black rubber soling with (more…)

This weeks ‘Finds’ is focused on accessories, those little accents and touches that can make an outfit come alive. Enjoy.

Going clubbing? This unisex Steampunk cuff (above) made from the upcycled remains of a vintage watch and compass might just might get you past the doorman at your local punk club or dive bar. The cuff’s band is faux leather and adjustable.

$169 @ the justuspunks Etsy shop

Need a snappy eco-friendly scarf to finish off that outfit? Check out this great 100% bamboo Bambi Abbie scarf (above) from Nepali by TDM Design.

$125 @ tdmdesigninc.com

For you warm weather types – these Genesis peep-toe booties (above) from Naya Shoes make a fabulous style statement…and they’re on sale!

• Some features: vegetable tanned linings, an outsole containing 10-15% cork or rice husk and a beautiful wedge heel made from sustainably grown bass wood.

On sale for $48 (70% off) @ naturalizer

Designer Dean Dyment made this eye-catching, one-of-a-kind ring by hand from polymer clay he created himself. (photo above)

Very cute and very affordable: just $12 @ Dean’s cargoh.com shop

For that new wave of stylish urban biker pedallers (thank you Portlandia) — we bring you this belt made from recycled bike remains. Steel Toe Studios hand-finishes the recycled bike cog buckle which is affixed to a belt made from a recycled bike tube. for guys or gals $75 @ steel toe studios

Related: more eco fashion friday finds on The Alternative Consumer

Handmade, vintage and one of a kind – what’s not to like? This lovely handmade necklace (pictured above) from Authentique Design features a collection of vintage brass and copper flowers, up to 100 years old. The metal flowers are combined with and beautifully and accented by, turquoise stones. To create this one of a kind piece, a turquoise ring of stones was handmade and added just off the center. The total length of this piece is 18 inches.

Lithuanian style – these “Ecological handmade felt slippers” (pictured above and below) are made of Skudden sheep wool and Lithuanian linen. The wool is said to massage one’s feet whilst stimulating blood circulation in a manner much like acupuncture, improving, both your skin, and neural system. The insulating wool fibers will warm your feet on a cold day and cool them on a hot one. The slippers are offered with either cork or natural latex soles and can be worn indoors and outdoors.

Green note from the shoemaker: This felting is a long and earth-friendly process, whereby wool is felt to a solid structure using just clean water, soap and a dose of  warm, good energy and intentions. All work is done by hand, using local resources. During carding process, the wool is washed and cleaned without chemical treatment; (not carbonized), it’s un-bleached, un-dyed natural fleece. Handmade by Inga Samusiene in Lithuania. $75 @ the ingOOte Etsy shop.

(photo above) Let’s talk alpaca: warm, luxurious, renewable alpaca. The stylish Kanvas Coat from Kuna is 60% alpaca and 40% wool. On sale for $336.99 @ alpacacollections.com

You may already be aware of fabulous eco-jewelry by Alex and Ani – if not – here’s an introduction. The designers’ Caravan Set of 6 bracelets come in various combinations in Russian gold and silver. As with all Alex and Ani pieces, the bracelets are made in the USA from recycled metals and scraps from local mills. Visit Alex and Ani.

Related: more eco fashion on The Alternative Consumer

As any seeker of a more sustainable lifestyle knows, you can create great new fashionable looks with found or pre-loved materials. Our latest survey of the landscape reveals a few new standouts to add a little edge to your new year:

(above) U.K. jewelry designer Poppie Jasper creates beautiful jewelry – in this case the lovely Eirwen charm necklace – from the recycled, discarded, broken loveliness she discovers in her travels. The Eirwen charm necklace is a collection of talismans that include a large spike of recycled red coral, a white baroque pearl, an antique silver crucifix charm, a fine silver Crusaders’ Cross and a tiny silver and resin Catholic relic that finishes the cluster. All of the charms float freely along a hand-linked Labrodorite chain.

featured @ the Poppie Jasper Cargoh shop.

(above) You can find upcycled bags, bags and more bags at Ridgewood, Long Island, New York-based, Vaya Bags – handbags, messenger bags, laptop bags, backpacks, cell phone / iPod pouches  and a few other accessories – all created from recycled bike tubes, sailboat awnings, old vinyl banners and other reclaimed materials. Founder Tianna Meilinger uses no new materials to hand manufacture these stylish bags. As a former bike messenger, she designs each stylish bag with the biker in mind: utilizing waterproof material inside and out; easy access pockets; comfy shoulder straps with adjustments and releases; extra padding; and available with custom sizing and colorways. Line is affordable, too. A great way to cart stuff around, and keep perfectly good materials out of our landfills and never-ending wastestream.

(above) Totally kooky, we know … really had to dig to uncover this homage to prehistoric times – a Green Upcycled Dino Hoodie, resplendant in spikes, tails and all … one of a kind, natch $55 @ KendallMade on Etsy.

(above) From the eco-fashion style setters at Nau, this cute down blazer will keep you both warm and fashion-forward. The stylish little jacket is ultra-light, super toasty (850-fill goose down), water-resistant and, last but not least – the shell is made of 100% recycled poly. now on sale for $150.50 @ nau.com

(above) Add a touch of international flair to your body adornment while supporting Fair Trade handmade jewelry by artisans all over the world – gaiam.com

Today’s curated collection of sustainable sartorial finds features some of the more ethically minded from across the pond…

(above) We’re crushing on the Girl on Fire limited ed Nancy purse by artist, Olivier Millagou. What’s it made of? Upcycled fire-hose was used as the exterior fabric, and the lining is reclaimed parachute silk. The purse unfolds to reveal smartly designed nooks for safely storing cash, coin and cards.  £120.00

(above L to R) We’ve got an eye on Danish-based Noir, poised to relaunch in 2012. Committed to fair trade and utilizing organic cotton, we’re hoping they keep their edge … pieces, above, from A/W 2011/12.

(above L & R) Recycling since 1997, fromsomewhere.co.uk shows us how to stay warm and chic; find @ yoox.com

(above L & R) Famous for turning trash into treasure, Junky Styling rescues pre-loved garments and keeps material out of landfills; this MOL Basque top can be worn 4 different ways, thanks to a versatile lapel. £150.00

(above L to R) Fashion forward Vivienne Westwood is always one of the first to get it.

A perfect example of her fun, witty approach to style: her limited edition, fair trade certified organic cotton t-shirt dress made by People Tree for Marie Claire.

Emblazoned with Trees Save Lives, and signed by Viv herself, it has eco fashion written all over it … (couldn’t help myself), £25.20 + receive 10% off right now.

extra points – a portion of proceeds donated to support Bangladesh Forest Tribes.

Now start getting ready for that New Year’s Eve bash…

Related: more eco-fashion from The Alternative Consumer

Easy on the earth, easy on the eyes … today’s eco-fashion finds for staying warm and green:

(above) guy’s slouchy and beanie handmade from upcycled materials @ the A Walk in The Woods Knits Etsy shop.

(above) Merino wool headtoppers for the adventuresome @ Pendleton.com

(above) Handmade from upcycled wool by indie designer, Mara Pavatich @ supermarkethq.com

(above) Keep that eco baby bundled up in the Wee Bomber made from vintage plaid @ supermarkethq

(above) Ladies’ one of a kind, Cashmere Slouchy Cable Beanie Hat handmade from an upcycled sweater @ VacationHouse on Etsy.com

Related: more Eco Fashion Friday Finds on The Alternative Consumer.