ga-ga for gaultier

We’ve been sharing a lot lately about our sustainable business practices and the value of choosing products that are kind to the earth and our communities. But that doesn’t mean that we aren’t constantly collecting inspiration over here at Modern-Twist.

And our latest jaw-dropping moment: Checking out an eye-popping exhibit, The Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier at the deYoung Museum.  What an incredible display from one of fashion’s most provocative bad boys. Rich. Innovative. Detailed. Lush. Bold. Naughty. Inspiring. We couldn’t get enough!

 

A talking siren at Gaultier.

The exhibit pulls you in with a series of talking mannequins wearing gowns reflecting nautical themes and religious iconography, including a stunning series of siren-inspired frocks. Yes, the mannequins talk! Some sing, some flirt and wink, and a Gaultier-mannequin even uses recorded narratives of the designer to share the origins and stories behind many designs. The effect is at once hypnotic and calming, drawing the observer into the room as if it is a magical realm, almost like an adult Disneyland.

Other rooms include an homage to Gaultier’s darker side, with bondage and dominance themes, and actual costumes worn by Madonna.

Gaultier "Wedding Dress"...with a Native American twist (and a small admirer!)

Gaultier’s couture pieces integrate multi-culturalism and ethnic influences from around the globe, often with a smattering of irony or even punk influence. The overall effect of seeing so many gorgeous creations in one space simply takes your breath away.

If you live in the Bay Area, please create space in your life to take in this monumental collection of work. Even if you don’t live in the Bay Area, it is worth a visit. Or keep an eye out to see if this touring exhibit visits a museum near your home. You will leave breathless, inspired, possibly overwhelmed, and ready to be creative.

Frieda meets punk: wall display at Gaultier.

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why go bpa free?

Everyone knows that we should look for products that are free of BPA. Right?

The information is flung at us at every turn. We read articles and blogs, hear chatter about it on the news, and get caught up in endless discussion of good BPA-products with our friends. We receive tons of information and marketing about BPA free baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, plates, utensils, and placemats.

But do you really know why we should avoid this chemical that is often found in plastic? What have you heard about the research behind the reasoning? What do you know about the science behind the marketing?

 

BPA stands for bisphenol A, and it is an industrial chemical that can be found in plastics and resins.  These plastics show up in our eating and drinking containers and sometimes in toys and other household items.

We all deserve to be informed consumers when it comes to the stuff we eat on and out of. So, just in case you forgot, or just in case you never learned, here is a quick refresher.

A few good reasons to choose products that are labeled BPA free:

  • BPA is a Hormone disrupter.  It leaches from containers and into food and beverages where it affects developing fetuses and newborn babies. It can lead to impaired thyroid function and neurological damage.
  • BPA has been linked with heart disease. Otherwise healthy men and women were found to have higher rates of heart disease when exposed to greater levels of the stuff.
  • BPA exposure has a relationship with obesity and diabetes. The same hormone disruption that causes problems in little babies disturbs weight regulation in adult bodies and creates a situation that is ripe for obesity and insulin resistance.

Modern-Twist Kidz Mat. Always BPA free. Always fun.

These dangers are frightening and real, and they require us to make smart decisions for our families when choosing the right products.

A great resource to help you get started is BPA Free Baby.

And don’t forget: M-t products are always BPA free!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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jammin’ at the natural products expo

Where can you find Ziggy Marley jamming alongside quality BPA-free Modern-Twist products? Where do like-minded entrepreneurs and business-owners gather to honor and respect the planet and the customer?

Modern-Twist recently found out as we journeyed to the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim to celebrate and showcase the latest in green and sustainable business.  One of our favorite events, the expo has the motto, “Where doing business just comes naturally,” which also embodies much of what we stand for at M-t.

We were proud to showcase our beautiful M-t products alongside many of the best, highest quality natural products to be found. What a thrill to be surrounded by like-minded businesses, such as Meyer cleaning products and Seventh Generation, all dedicated to caring for our earth and our communities. All supporting green and sustainable practices.

A few highlights of this amazing event:

 

A display featuring Modern-Twist bandz. These bracelets are fun, funky, and for the planet, with 1% of all proceeds donated to sustainable local farms, sustainable agriculture, and food education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A great shot of M-t products alongside Meyer and Seventh Generation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And what about this amazing Ziggy Marley show.  Ziggy’s products, such as his Coco’ Mon coconut oils remind all of us that we have the power to create our own revolutions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event left time for more live music and for mingling with like-minded forward-thinking entrepreneurs.  So much fun and so much pride in our fellow natural products! We could hardly call it work!

 

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zolowear: baby slings we love

Many parents know the benefits of keeping babies close and snuggly in a sling or baby carrier: Wearing a baby in a sling helps mommies (and daddies) to keep their little ones nearby but have hands free to work or care for big kids. Babywearing also helps the baby feel calm and secure, and babies who are held close tend to cry less.

One choice in baby carriers we love is ZoloWear, a charming family-owned company (something that always appeals to us at M-t) that makes smart, contemporary slings. Offering more than the traditional ducky and teddy bear covered fabric, ZoloWear caters to the parent who is into natural family living with style.

The slings are comfy, safe, and well-made. Best of all, the well-designed fabric choices suit grown-up tastes. We especially love these two:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even better, ZoloWear offers an organic cotton line:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can’t wait to grab a few of these for the new parents on our M-t list!

All images courtesy of ZoloWear.

 

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bamboozled: why buy bamboo clothing?

Does the thought of bamboo fabric conjure up images of koala bears? Think again! Bamboo-based fabrics are comfortable, chic, and eco-friendly.

image courtesy of jonano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons to check out bamboo clothing if you have yet to do so:

  • Bamboo fabrics use fewer pesticides and chemicals than even organic cotton.
  • Bamboo takes in more greenhouse gases and releases more oxygen into the atmosphere than cotton.
  • The cloth made from bamboo is UV protective and anti-fungal (great for kids!)
  • It is also a naturally gentle material for people with sensitive skin or skin allergies.
  • Bamboo grows rapidly without human interference and improves soil quality in eroded areas of land.

image courtesy of bamboo baby

Get started on your eco-chic bamboo fashion here:

For kids. Bamboo Baby

For women. Jonano

For everyone. Bambu Batu.

Bamboo clothing reminds us that fashion can be earth-conscious. No need to be a koala to enjoy bamboo!

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