Whenever I start thinking about ecofashion, I get caught up on the notion of trying to replace my entire wardrobe with organic cotton undies, fair trade shoes, and hemp hats. Being that I buy a piece of clothing about once every 2 years (and even then, tend toward the recycled and reused) this task seems quite daunting - I figure I'll wait until hemp starts showing up in the thrift stores. Still, it is becoming more and more clear that ecological values which were birthed in forestry and environmentalism, grew into food, and matured in architecture and design are reaching a mature apex in the world of clothing and fashion.

Worldchanging New York blogger Emily Gertz, reporting on the rise of "Vegan Couture," quotes Bruce Sterling's Y2K Veridian Manifesto:

What is culturally required at the dawn of the new millennium is a genuine avant-garde, in the sense of a cultural elite with an advanced sensibility not yet shared by most people, who are creating a new awareness requiring a new mode of life. The task of this avant-garde is to design a stable and sustainable physical economy in which the wealthy and powerful will prefer to live. Mao suits for the masses are not on the Viridian agenda. Couture is on the agenda. We need a form of Green high fashion so appallingly seductive and glamorous that it can literally save people's lives.

As is often the case, folks here in Portland are either way out in front or a couple centuries behind the curve - depending on how the sun is glinting off the Willamette at any given moment.

Ese Carnal's Boxing biker shoes are available as vegan and Donovan is developing an entire line of durable handmade Vegan shoes. While leather shoes are not vegan, Ese Carnal's handmade shoes - produced right here in Portland - present an avant-garde which is fully in line with a local sustainable economy. Ese Carnal asks for your shoe size and any other special information, and then makes shoes to order one at a time - usually delivered in 2 to 4 days. If you want them Vegan, just ask.

Ese Carnal's shoes are entirely hand made and a fulfill Sterling's requirements for a Viridian high fashion.  Rough, elegant, and unique, these works of art could be imagined on a pauper or a king. They are eerily timeless. Poking around Ese Carnal's store at etsy.com, one learns that these unique shoes can have heels constructed of recycled wooden wine boxes. Soles can be made of leather or memory foam. Uppers can be made of leather or teak. Imagine what you will - old tires, bamboo, a seatbelt - and I bet Ese Carnal will turn it into a shoe for you.

The task of this avant-garde is to design a stable and sustainable physical economy in which the wealthy and powerful will prefer to live.

 Hopefully they'll buy these shoes with PDXhours.