It was after nearly going into cardiac arrest at a spinning class that I ran into a former gym buddy who had been curiously absent from our gym classes. Rather than looking out of shape from her lack of attendance, she actually looked leaner, longer and more toned than before.

“Have you been to the Ashram (the famed boot camp of choice for celebrities) or joined a new gym”? I demanded, wanting in on her secret to this leaner, seemingly stretched out body. Her response confused me. She explained that she had found that when it came to her body, frenzied cardio classes were actually raising her cortisol (stress hormone) level, so she had switched much of her cardio sessions to yoga. Whilst her answer seemed unorthodox the results were there to see and she challenged me to try it out for myself.

Over the next month I attempted to find a form of yoga that worked well on the body, was enjoyable and importantly managed to hold my attention, more effectively than I was able to hold the difficult posses.

Slow hatha yoga, whilst relaxing nearly put me to sleep and didn’t feel like a workout. Bikram yoga was more of a workout, and I was too concerned about passing out in the heated room (38degrees) to allow my mind to wander, but the smell of dirty socks, blotchy skin and the constant state of near fainting was hardly appealing. Ashtanga yoga seemed like more of a balance, but I still wasn’t totally hooked.

Then I heard about Danai Kougiouli, a teacher of Jivamukti Yoga, one of nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha Yoga.

It’s always a good idea to find an instructor whose body shape is your ideal. Working out with a muscular body builder is one thing if you aspire to bulking up, but they are unlikely to steer you towards achieving a dancers body for instance. Curiously half of the instructors in the Bikram yoga studio did not seem toned themselves. If however Danai’s perfect, lean toned body was anything to go by, this was the form of yoga for me.

Danai, a former runner, explained that there are even more benefits to yoga than just a toned, flexible and strong body, and that “learning to control your breath impacts greatly on the state of your mind, leading to a sense of contentment and inner peace”.

Danai Kougiouli

Whilst initially yoga served her as a form of dynamic physical exercise, she, happily explains that it has also “increased my self confidence, strengthened my mind and heart as well as my body”.

Rather than a slow practice, the Jivamukti method is vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating, perfectly combining all possible elements. The classes (regularly changing sequences), consisted of chanting and thought provoking philosophy, flowing sequences (with hands-on adjustments in even the busiest of classes), breathing exercises, deep relaxation and meditation.

Unlike any other form of yoga, the challenging sequences are balanced byuplifting and inspirational soundtracks with everything from modern pop and soul songs, to Indian mantras, all carefully selected by Danai.

Surprisingly rather than leaving the class feeling exhausted (this particular class did start at 7am on a Monday morning) I actually left feel invigorated, rearing to go and ready for whatever the day had in store. All the whilst feeling taller and standing with improved posture.

In just a month I was converted to the Jivamukti yoga practice, feeling leaner, more flexible, focused and calmer than ever before. Moreover I was continuously making personal breakthroughs, holding positions I never imagined would be possible. Normally any exercise routine becomes boring, but months later I am still hooked, practicing on a regular basis. Not quite the daily practice that Danai recommends, but at least four times a week, feeling out of sorts when I have to miss a class. That was even before reading that Kate Moss is a devotee who has used the Jivamukti practice to get in perfected shape for her recent wedding!

There is something magical about Danai, although she modestly maintains that enjoying a class is simply seeing a “reflection of yourself in your teacher”.

Her modesty aside, her regular devotees and the smile on everyone’s faces when they blissfully float out of her classes speak volumes and are testament to what and amazing teacher she is, on so many levels.

As much as getting out of bed in time for a 7am class, rain, snow or shine is.

Contact Danai at www.beloveitself.com, Follow Danai on twitter @danai___

SOMETHING FOR THE SUMMER……

MEDITERRANEAN YOGA HOLIDAY – Sun 3rd – Fri 8th June 2012 with Narayani & Danai

Open your eyes to the first ray of light on the magical island of Mykonos, Greece and begin each day with guided meditations and visualizations, pranayama and a transcendent yoga experience. This June, join revered Jivamukti teachers Narayani and Danai for six days of world-class yoga, exotic beaches and luxury accommodations.

In the afternoons, feast on local cuisine, relax on the beach and discover the local flavor of this majestic island. Evenings will be filled with exquisite dinners by Mykonos sunset, dancing or a quiet night on your own. Your package will also include a guided tour of the isle of Delos —an historical jewel of ancient Greece— as well as two additional afternoon yoga classes and two special evening satsangs in secret locations.

This deluxe and exclusive retreat is a perfect early summer escape with plenty of free time to create the trip of your dreams. Space is limited; don’t miss this rare opportunity to dive deeper into your practice amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Mediterranean sea!

LIGHT IN MYKONOS – www.lightinmykonos.com

FIND OUT more about Jivamukti Yoga Click Here

Kylee Davis, one of Australasia’s leading designers, has been designing knitwear for over 16 years. D2 sat down to chat with the designer about her love of being able to turning a cone of yarn into an original and unique garment, launching at Brown’s London and  Lady Grey tea.

What inspired this new collection that will be launching in Browns London?

The fusion of tribal elements from around the world along with hand-crafted and time honoured construction methods were the key inspirations for A Tribe Called Dressed.

Favourite piece from the latest collection?

Djibouti macramé mini dress

Who would you love to see wearing your designs?

Anyone that has a natural confidence with style and appreciates quality.

Which fashion designers do you admire?

I have always been a fan of Vivienne Westwood.

Is sustainability and the environment important to you as a designer?

They are, especially living in such a beautiful country – New Zealanders can’t help be aware of their environment. My main focus has always been to design more timeless pieces with the intent that they last a life time. I am not a fan of fast disposable fashion.

As the environment is important to you, how is your company trying to be more sustainable and ethical in its production?

Everything is handcrafted in New Zealand using the finest yarns available including alpaca and merino wool which are sourced locally where possible. One other material we use is NZ possum, which I know may not seem like an ethical material but in many ways is. The NZ possum is a major pest and menace to our beautiful forest and wildlife so every fur caught and sold helps support the environment (ironic really). The Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand over 150 years ago and has become the single greatest threat to New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. The 70 million or so Possum’s that live in NZ devour 20,000 tonnes of vegetation every night! In addition to competing for food, Brushtail Possum’s also eat or destroy the eggs and chicks of endangered native birds. It is a huge problem so we feel that by using the furs is ensuring that there is little waste. It is also great that it is one of the most amazing fibres to wear being super warm, soft and light-weight.

Five words that describe you as a designer and your work…..

Remarkable exclusive New Zealand knitwear

What do you feel is your biggest achievement so far in your life and your career….?

Life – Giving birth drug free, twice.

Career – Being published in “Dress Circle”, a book on New Zealand fashion design since 1940.

Your favourite moto?

‘Live in the now, don’t worry about what may not happen.’

What can you not live without?

My family, Twinning’s Lady Grey tea, pen and paper

KYLEE DAVIS – www.kyleedavis.com

Available at BROWNS LONDON, Click Here to view

Independent fashion label Goodone reveal to Dare2 their upcycled style secrets. And how they have been quietly changing the face of fast fashion by unpicking it at the seams.

Goodone are old kids on the ethical style block. Founded in 2006 by Nin Castle and Phoebe Emerson, Goodone have brought upcycled apparel, clothes made from fabric remnants and discards, to Boutiques as well as the High Street. Forming partnerships with retailers such Top Shop, George at Tesco and ASOS, Goodone have become known for their signature bold colour-blocked designs.

Informed yet not constrained

By combining new British materials with reclaimed textiles, such as roll ends to cashmere samples, they are testament that recyclage-à-porter, does not result in the mother earth look. In 2009, after a host of collaborative work with charities such as Amnesty, Liberty, WWF, Greenpeace, Shelter and No Sweat, where Goodone upcycled old campaign t-shirts, Phoebe left and Goodone was joined by Clare Farrell. Together, Goodone have carved a transformative design path as well as educating students to the concepts of overconsumption and ways to balance sustainability, in an industry known for glamorous transience.

As Nin is keen to stress, “our design is informed by the use of recycled fabrics, but not restrained by it”. With a design led ethos, Nin reveals just how hard it is to juxtapose style with sustainability and the secret to their success. “We have learnt from a process of trial and error. The materials available to us have stayed the same, from discarded festival tents to beautiful reclaimed leathers and silks, our secret to good quality design is keeping quality control to a high level. We will sift through piles of George jumpers to unearth the merino and wool blends, cashmere is wonderful. We spend a lot of time sourcing discard silks, as once we have applied our processes of washing and cutting, the fabric we work with must remain as good quality as it was originally. Five years on and we are still mostly learning, the do’s and the don’ts, mostly the don’ts!”

Style led quality

The delight of Goodone is that you would never know that the clothes are mass produced from remnants. This is where Nin and Clare’s eagle eye and self taught knowledge on quality control comes in. As Nin explains, “We especially noticed during the recession how much more important is to be competitive. Consumers are looking for much more out of the price; they want quality design, affordability and ethics. This is where our quality control and price points come in. Using cheaper fabrics is a non starter, the processes are so time consuming, you can end up with an equal price points on fabrics of lesser quality. Style comes first, so we focus on fabrics of high value such as fine wool blends or silk”.

In so doing, Goodone have raised the up-cycling stakes away from the mixes and mash ups that have often typified recycled clothes, to a vogue of bespoke tailored classics. For Nin this is one of her main inspirations. “Up-cycling, on a practical level is one of several ways to address the social challenges the fashion industry faces. It reduces waste, reduces the need for virgin fabrics, and the environmental and social burden that can go with supplying them.” And for Goodone, the learning curve is still on an ascendance. “We know what works and what you can use. We used to do 100% recycled but we found it impossible, you can’t standardize. So now we mix new British made fabrics such as wool blends with reclaimed fabrics like silk. It gives our designs more flexibility, design is the overriding factor, it has to look good.”

High profile retail collaborations have brought Goodone’s constructed block designs into the mainstream, with many consumers not realising they are buying up-cycled garments due to the high level of quality control and the fact that all production takes place at Goodone’s studio in London.

Reclaimed fabrics

Goodone have also found that wordage play a big factor in desirability of the ethical style stakes. “We use the word reclaimed fabric as it sounds nicer. People can’t believe that the garments are made from recycled fabrics so we aim to improve the perception and the image, to make it an inspirational choice led by high end design.”

And Goodone have not been one to not court controversy, revealing how industry change is close to their hearts. Who can forget their rock’n roll take of the Anya Hindmarch “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” craze, with Goodone’s edgier “Do I look like a fucking plastic bag?” version. The bag shouted how materials need to be sustainable, locally made and durable, not just, not made from plastic.

Ones to watch in 2012

When questioned on their next big collaborations for 2012, Nin is bursting to tell what they will be doing next, but reigns herself back, not wanting to spoil the big surprise. “We have an incredibly exciting year ahead with some wonderful new collaborations in the pipeline. We know the fashion industry can’t go from Zero to Hero overnight. So it’s important to us we continue to be aspirational in our design and processes so that we inspire others to follow suit.”

Bespoke tailored classics

T o find stockists and see the collections see GOODONE STOCKISTS HERE. All direct orders from their website are also custom-made in the studio in London and tailored for each customer according to their measurements and preferences. “It’s just a nice little extra service to offer as if it’s better for you, it’s better for us”, says Nin. “We have a lot of repeat and loyal customers.”

It was the designer name everyone was talking about at Esthetica during London Fashion Week. Her SS 12 collection was causing quite a stir not only with the ethical fashionista’s. Stunning cocktail dresses in soft petal pink and sensual midnight blue, bold block colour shift dresses and luxurious gold pants where catching every one’s eye. But why and how was this unbelievable couture collection part of the Esthetica Exhibition?

All of the Eva Zingoni collections are handmade in France from recycled materials. But we are not talking recycled t-shirts and jeans, the fabric used are the off-cuts from the couture fashion houses in France. Due to this each collection produced is a limited edition but made from the highest quality materials imaginable. The unique fabrics are chosen one by one and Zingoni then creates her designs around these recycled luxury fabrics.

‘Argentinian, Italian, sometimes Madrileña , deeply Parisian and completely Latin’ is how Eva Zingoni describes herself and this is exactly how she is! Not only does it come through in her personality immediately when you meet her but in her work too.

A little more about Eva Zingoni.

She is a traveler, a personality with boundless curiosity, eclectic taste, and cultivated independence. After a brief stint in marketing and media, Eva completed a dressmaking apprenticeship in 2001 at the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) and worked at Studio Berçot as a designer. She translated trends for Li Edelkoort and Ralph Lauren, before working for six years at Balenciaga.

Initially responsible for re-editions, Eva was quickly promoted and put in charge of “special requests”, traveling the world acting as the liaison between Nicolas Ghesquiere’s designs and red-carpet clients such as Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek and Charlotte Gainsbourg. In 2008, Eva Zingoni created her own collection. Her aim is to use her extensive couture experience to promote a different fashion, an ethical fashion. Her style is non-perishable a bit of yesterday, that is completely and utterly today.

EVA ZINGONI – www.evazingoni.com

Lu Flux is all about giving old materials a new lease of life. And what a new lease of life it is! Offering eccentric and rare ‘one-off’ designs Lu Flux creates fascinating designs from recycled fabrics and vintage materials.

The label has shown at London Fashion Week for the last four seasons and each year its collections cause a stir with their creative and eye-catching ensembles.

Their Spring/Summer 2012 collection is all about bright candy coloured tiered skirts, tropical Hawaiian prints, English floral patterns, fringed hems and lazer cut edging and of course their signature patch work detailing.

“The inspiration for my collection comes from Jam pots, and hula dancing” says Lu, the designer behind the brand.

With the idea of British summer time in mind, Lu’s designs are based on the high expectations we Brits have of receiving a tropical summer complete with blue skies and endless days of sunshine, but in fact it is ruined with a downpour of rain and we are drawn back inside, making jam pots and going to car boot sales.

It’s all about having fun and enjoying life in the Lu Flux design studio and realising that it is possible to reuse clothes to create incredible, fashionable pieces and this is certainly apparent in the SS12 collection.

More About Lu Flux

The cornerstones of Lu Flux lie in fashion that delights in playfulness, British eccentricity and the intertwining of traditional techniques with modern design. The intensive labour adopted in her designs can be seen in the complex pleating, knitting and antiquated patchworking. These techniques are honoured and employed to produce luxurious garments that celebrate the romance of the rare ‘one-off.’ Modern shapes where fabrics and patterns associated with delicacy and gentle beauty are presented as witty, colourful and are at times illusory. The Lu Flux trademark continues to charm a growing customer base that has begun to extend further internationally.

Lu Flux debuted at London Fashion Week as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s anticipated ‘Ones to Watch’ show in February 2009. After exhibiting under the Estethica initiative at Somerset House for two seasons Lu was awarded the Innovation Award in conjunction with the Ethical Fashion Forum celebrating her inventive and exciting designs in the world of sustainable fashion. In September 2010 Lu presented her SS11 collection ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’ in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Tokyo. For her third season of exhibiting in Estethica, Lu received expert support from brand consultant Yasmin Sewell appointed to her through the British Fashion Council’s Eco Fashion Mentor Programme.

Born on the Isle of Wight, Lu studied Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art winning the Ocean Terminal Scottish Fashion Graduate Award with her final collection.  Subsequently she went on to work as a design assistant to Bernhard Willhelm in his Paris studio before returning to the UK to start her own label.

Lu currently lives and works in London where she locally sources all her materials.

LU FLUX – www.luflux.com

- Lauren Donnelly

Hattie’s stunning Kaleidoscopic collection explores fragmented recycled glass amalgamated with the materials intrinsic to the Made brand such as recycled brass and bone. Bulbous rings and delicate earrings, statement necklaces and chic bracelets, this beautiful collection is absolutely irresistible.

5 MINUTES WITH HATTIE RICKARDS…

What is your inspiration behind your Kaleidoscopic collection?

Vibrant colour. I wanted to design pieces which the main focus was the colour and shape with minimal metal. Simple shapes which accentuate the colours. Shapes which encourage one’s eye to flow round the piece to suggest movement which is a strong characteristic found throughout all my work.

Why is the ethical journey of your product so important to you?

It is important to myself and my brand that materials used are as ethically & environmentally sound as possible. I believe it is the responsibility of both the designer and the customer to demand greater ethical visibility and responsibility from our suppliers – only that way can we help to shift the industry.

Who are your style icons?

My mother – she was incredibly stylish and I always remember her in Lindka Chierach outfits who was a dear friend of hers. Linda has always said there is an art to looking just right and my mother had that natural eye. She was as glamorous as the best of them, elegant, poised, and above all feminine. Nina Campbell has also been a true rock to me, offering endless support and guidance throughout my life. Nina is someone who I admire hugely for showing me what it takes build a successful business, her incredible style which she can adapt to any given brief and her never-ending wit and warmth she gives to everyone that crosses her path.

This is your second collection with Made – what has been your highlight of working with Made?

There have been many but I think predominately, for me, it’s knowing that each time I design a piece for Made, I know that it will be provide so much for the wonderful team of makers. They are all incredible individuals who as soon as you meet them, you want to give to. I feel that by designing for Made, I am not only supporting ethical trade in Africa and providing essential jobs for the wonderful employees of Made in Kenya, I am also helping to nurture their creativity …all of which feed me with happiness.

What else are you up to at the moment?

2011 has been a really special year for me and I was incredibly honoured to be selected as ‘Bright Young Gem of 2011’ by International Jewellery London. In November I proudly launched my second collection ‘Geo’ under my own Hattie Rickards jewellery label which features precious stones and fair-trade gold and I have been blown away by the overwhelming response. I’m very excited about launching my second Made collection in the Spring and I have just been commissioned to go to Afghanistan to design a collection for Turquoise Mountain in February 2012.

Kaleidoscopic Collection / £30 – £225

Available online at www.made.uk.com

Neon by Inês Ferreira

from The Night Life Clutch Limited Collection for Front Row Society

The hypnotic, limited edition clutches by Front Row Society are a TOTAL MUST-HAVE this season!

Neon by Inês Ferreira was inspired by bright colored lines, dark skies and by the neon city lights.Made out of genuine leather and 100% cotton, the ‘Neon’ is a one-of-a-kind piece clutch, with a removable antique finished metal chain linked strap with interwoven canvas. Front Row Society gives €1 of every bag sold to the Ethical Fashion Forum.

About Front Row Society

Front Row Society is an exciting new fashion platform giving talented designers from all backgrounds the opportunity to showcase their work. FRS provides designers access to an international audience with the chance to see their designs go into production and earn directly from their sales.

Front Row Society operates under a new design house concept: Fashion democracy. This gives new designers an opportunity to create a public aesthetic in fashion with their consumers – and gives the fashionista a voice to decide what is on trend. From silhouette and textile design, everything is determined by our online fashion members (over 4000 worldwide).

As part of the sustainable fashion movement, FRS realizes that green fashion can be sexy. 1€ of every product sold goes to the organization Ethical Fashion Forum, with a goal to become 100% ethically sourced. We are changing the fashion world, one bag at a time.

So when sitting in the front row, you are given that extra dose of comfort: more leg room; a better view. You are in the decision-making seat. Our bags reflect the qualities of front row living. With high-quality material, original design and efficient delivery we are certain that our bags will be completely, and utterly, delightful.

If the fashion-world likes it, Front Row Society will produce it.

Check out more from FRONT ROW SOCIETY, Click Here.

FRONT ROW SOCIETY – www.frontrowsociety.com

CoQ10 or ubiquinone, is a natural substance found inside the mitochondria of our cells – the little buggers who create energy for our bodies. Inside the mitochondria, the CoQ10 is used to create ATP, the cells main source of energy. CoQ10 is also a super powerful antioxidant. Kind of important stuff….

Although you can find it in small amounts in foods like peanuts, meat and oily fish, to get the benefits below you need to take it dosages between 50 mg – 225 mgs a day. So grab a bottle from your local health food or vitamin store.

CoQ10: THE RUNDOWN

Lowering Blood Pressure: Research from the University of Texas found that doses of CoQ10 averaging 225 mg a day significantly lowered blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension. So much so in fact, that over HALF of the participants were taken off one or more of their blood pressure medications.

Energy Booster: A study of chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers at the American College of Nutrition found that after being on CoQ10 for 3 months at a daily dosage of 100 mg had more energy, tolerated exercise better and had a better mental state of wellbeing. In Japan and Europe CoQ10 is used regularly to treat chronic fatigue with great success.

Lessens Migraines: A Swiss study reported that taking CoQ10 can decrease the frequency of migraines by up to 40%! If you’ve ever had a migraine, then you KNOW how amazing that would be, though it can’t treat one once it has begun.

Enhance Exercise Performance: A Turkish study of male exercise beginners found that CoQ10 supplementation at 100 mg a day over 8 weeks enhanced their athletic performance.

Other good stuff CoQ10 can do: protect your heart, help fight cancer, protect your cells and even reduce wrinkles! Wooohooooo!