We have been featuring independent artists and designers that focus on sustainable clothing and directing you to their boutiques and stores.  Now you can find various designers and products in one central website, FashionandEarth.com.  “Eco-friendly and organic clothing fashions at FashionandEarth.com include organic women’s tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, lingerie, shoes and accessories.  With a goal to make high-quality organic clothing accessible to the average mainstream clothing shopper, prices for tops will vary from $30 and pants from $60,” as stated in their press release after their launch.  We recently asked Adrian Desbarats from FashionandEarth a few questions about his new company, and below are some of his answers.

What is the background and beginning for this company?

We incorporated in December 2007.  However, the concept of the company was brewing for about a year prior to that.  As a Marine Biologist, I have always had a natural affinity toward the environment and had perhaps a heightened concern for our planet’s well being.  [My wife and I] have always done what we could to “do our part” such as recycling, composting, using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, etc.  However, when my wife and I had our first child in 2005, my whole perception of the impact of our actions on the planet really got turned on its head.  I would look at my daughter and wonder – “what kind of world will she inherit?”  My deepened concern for the environment coupled with my entrepreneurial spirit led me to begin looking for something that I could do that would fulfill my desire to be self-employed but yet be part of the solution, NOT part of the problem.  That search led me to organic and eco-friendly clothing.  I felt that this was a business that complimented both my and my wife’s skills nicely and over time, it is my intent to build the business into a significant eRetail presence that will do its part to educate and provide better clothing choices to a wider audience.

How often are new designs available?

We have only just launched but we expect to add new designs about once every 3 months or so.  However, I think its important to note that our clothing is chosen on its fashion longevity, not just its material or manufacturing longevity.  In other words, we do not want nor do we promote people to throw out their wardrobe every season to make room for new styles as is often the marketing ploy of large, discount chain stores.  Our styles offer [a] broad range and enduring appeal which was our intent so that it remains in your closet for a long time to come.

Where does the company see itself in the next five years?

To steal a line from Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, we want to “chase the vision, not the money.” And that vision is to bring together the multitude of great clothing brands which meet our stringent environmental and social policies, meet or quality and fashion requirements and offer them under one roof, Fashion and Earth.  Through our dedication to our customers in ensuring our products are truly sustainable, ensuring an excellent online shopping experience and ensuring excellent customer service, we hope to build an ever-increasing and loyal customer base.  Hopefully, in time, we would get big enough that we could leverage that power to help continue the drive to get healthier and more sustainable clothing options out to the mainstream shopper.  However, as we grow, we would never lose site of our environmental foundation and our desire to be a corporation that makes a positive difference.

FashionandEarth.com also provides free shipping and returns and is currently giving The Conscious Snob readers an exclusive 20% off coupon code, SNOB20.  Just enter the code at checkout.  But hurry, this offer ends January 31, 2009.  Visit the store here.