Starfish gets an eco-makeover

Wellington fashion store Starfish throws open its doors to a new shop that's been pimped to be green, with an environmentally-friendly makeover.

Starfish founder Laurie Foon says the refitted central Wellington store, like the Starfish and LAURIE FOON labels, draws inspiration from New Zealand and blends raw natural materials with sophisticated design to create a distinctive look. “The design means that while materials such as wood, concrete and hemp are being used in near original state they still create a warm and inviting atmosphere for our customers,” says Laurie.

 Exclusively designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Starfish and LAURIE FOON labels have always endeavoured to be mindful of the environment, using as many locally produced natural fibres and trims as possible. “We aim to create well-loved, versatile clothes that people will enjoy wearing for a long time because they wear well and the style is enduring,” says Laurie.

 Other ranges of knitwear, footwear and clothing stocked by Starfish are also selected for their sustainable credentials. Likewise, behind the interior of the new store are environmental standards, for example:

 · Starfish is working with what they have, deciding to stay in their present location and retain key features, such as exposing an existing concrete wall.

· All non-recycled linings and bench tops are made from a special Medium Density Board (MDF) board produced from renewable NZ pine with very low use of bonding agents, and which was awarded the Environmental Choice New Zealand license.

 · Where steel has been used it has either been recycled or designed to minimise the amount required

 · With lighting, Starfish has taken advice from Meridian Energy and Right House on how to minimise energy consumption.

 Sustainable fashion ranges

In addition to the Starfish and LAURIE FOON ranges the new store stocks other local and international ranges including:

 · Veja - The World’s first fair-trade sneaker – made of organic cotton, natural wild latex and manufactured by a Brazilian co-operative.

 · Standard Issue – New Zealand designed and manufactured knitwear which is versatile for the changeable local climate

 · Kowtow – Wellington based T-shirt manufacturer using organic cotton and fair-trade quality threads.

 · Terra Plana – Possibly the most innovative and ecologically-friendly designer shoe brand in the world, combining the designs of former Prada designer Ajoy Sahu with artisan construction.

 · Gorman Organic – are a leading women’s wear label from Melbourne and a welcome addition to Starfish. Gorman Organic offers more than fresh, modern style, it also offers a choice in organic, carbon neutral fashion.