Eco-conscious carry-on style from Canopy Verde

by Annie Scott on

We already showed you the greatest manbag ever, the Cormorant by Ashley Watson, and the terrific vegan luggage and carry-ons from Jane Marvel. Well, we spotted one more line of earth-friendly travel bags at the BagTrends Green Arm Candy Party — Canopy Verde.

What make Canopy Verde special is their sense of environmental responsibility. Founder and designer Linda Wong sees that all Canopy Verde‘s materials are sourced locally in China, and the bags, from clutches to weekenders, are made from eco-friendly organic cotton and bamboo, chrome-free leather, OEKO-TEX 100 certified dyes, and chemical-free embroidery.

The Cassia Weekender bags, shown, are 17″ x 14″ x 8″ with a 7″ drop, $199, and feature organic cotton and bamboo blend fabric and lining, as well as lots of interior and exterior pockets, including a zippered back pocket for newspapers and magazines, wooden “feet” on the bottom panel, and a hidden magnetic closure to keep the front flap in place.

Check out more of the practical and earth-friendly bags from Canopy Verde below — these are perfect for the airplane or a long weekend!
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Affordable, eco-conscious luggage from Jane Marvel

by Annie Scott on

Jane Marvel started makes handbags and luggage that don’t hurt the planet, look cool, and won’t weigh you down. “It’s like flying first class at economy ticket prices.”

We spotted the handbags and luggage at the BagTrends Green Arm Candy Party on Monday, and were blown away by the fresh, lightweight designs. All the pieces are waterproof, easy to clean, well-lined, vegan, and affordable. Added bonus? There’s a free gift in every bag, including spa kits and other surprises!

Jane Marvel makes everything from simple tote bags to luxury handbags, but naturally, we want to show you the bright, pretty luggage and carry-ons, like the “Mile High Bag” pictured here. Did we mention lightweight? Check out our favorite styles below — and note that each style comes in a variety of fabrics:
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Recycled leather unisex carry-on by Ashley Watson

by Annie Scott on

Maybe fashion is the last thing you think about when you’re going to the airport — or maybe it’s the second to last thing, right before the environment.

Well, if you’re cool enough to read Gadling, then you’re cool enough to travel in style, and why not be eco-conscious about it while you’re at it?

Pictured at right is the Ashley Watson Cormorant — a unisex, totally gorgeous 11″ x 16.5″ recycled leather masterpiece. The bag features soft, luxurious recycled leather in a rich brown, a comfy adjustable strap and handle, and a full hemp and cotton twill lining.

Ashley Watson designs, which we spotted at the Bagtrends Green Arm Candy Party in NYC, are made mostly from recycled leather jackets, and she incorporates the jacket details into the designs — very cool.

You can get the Ashley Watson Cormorant for $418 here, and check out these stores for more options!

Churchill’s hotel inspires fashion line

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The Royal Horseguards is due to officially re-open in February 2009 following a £16m investment and refurbishment program. This landmark, famous for once housing Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s favorite bar-in its basement where secret passages link the building to Westminster and Whitehall-will be the central inspiration behind a haute couture fashion collection designed to bring some of London’s most iconic hotels to life.

Located on the river in Whitehall, The Royal Horseguards hotel is built in the style of a French Chateau and as a Grade 1 listed building has welcomed many Prime Ministers through its doors. It’s believed even the Secret Service used its eighth floor as a secret base during the Second World War and the building also boasts the largest free standing marble staircase in Europe.

As part of this grand unveiling, London-based fashion designer Aimee McWilliams, one of the UK’s leading young designers, will create the “capsule” bespoke clothing collection. McWilliams’ work is intended to convey the style, character and history of London’s most unique hotels: Charing Cross, The Cumberland (Marble Arch), The Tower (at Tower Bridge) and, of course, The Royal Horseguards. The effort will be unveiled in January and displayed at its namesake hotels before being auctioned for charity later in the year.
McWilliams set up her own label after winning the award for the best collection upon graduation and more recently won the Designer of the Year Award at the Scottish Style Awards 2007. She says that she has “been inspired by great interiors for most of my creative life,” and looks forward to “the opportunity to create high end luxury garments that reflected the diverse and stylish interiors of each of the hotels.”

Together, the four hotels will make Guoman Hotels, a new collection of deluxe London-based hotels each with an individual and unique history and character, brought together with a promise of exceptional service and customer experience.

Travelchic.com brings you some chic and some ridiculous accessories

by Annie Scott on

Travelchic.com makes unusual luggage tags, handle wraps, tassels, and key chains, all desgined to make your luggage stand out on the carousel and to show your unique style and flair.

My verdict? Hit or miss. Some of these items are totally hot, and some of them are absolutely ridiculous. If I were chatting you up on the airplane and then saw you claim a bag with a giant furry handle-wrap on it? I would judge you. I’m just that shallow.

The Orange Synthetic Leather Luggage Tag and Reversible Orange Faux Fur/Orange Synthetic Leather Handle Wrap with Travel Chic Airplane Keychain Set for $26.99 (at right) is reasonably priced insanity. ‘A’ for effort, ‘F’ for execution.

Affort Fexecution.

The kids’ collection is cute, though I wonder how long those puppy and monkey faces last with the wear and tear of travel, and of course, the sticky hands of the little ones.

I don’t mean to be mean. Below, witness the gallery of five totally awesome items from Travelchic.com. They really do make some nice stuff at great prices!
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