‘Frankie’ bamboo Jersey.Photo by Chopper Couture.
Warmer days are less than a month away, and designers have already started launching their new collections. Among them, eco-fashion designer Chopper Couture has just released two spring/summer collections - the California motorcycled culture inspired ‘Feel Good’ line and the yoga activewear ‘Rock Om’ line.
Both of the new season’s collections are keeping much of their traditional feel, though focusing more on giving wearers increased versatility options by featuring more pieces whose graphic designs are solely on the backs and sleeves, leaving the fronts bare for more conservative looks.
“The collections bring together inspirations from California lifestyle, tattoo culture, Eastern philosophy, and French symbolism,” said Viggo Zingenberg, partner with Irene Zingenberg, designer/company owner.
Known as the CC Rider line in past seasons, it has now been rechristened ‘Feel Good,’ taking its new name from a song of the same title due to be released by the Goldy Rox rock band in May. Mr. Zingenberg said the song was written in homage to the line.
The ‘Feel Good’ collection consists of tops, tees, pants, hoodies, and jackets. “The hottest items so far in the new collection are the Mandi three-quarter sleeve top and the Mandi hoodie,” he said, adding that, “For 2010, you will find that there are a lot more silhouettes, loose fitting items. There’s even handkerchief and batwing tops too.”
‘Mandi’ tunic henley with studded hearts in organic cotton. Photo by Chopper Couture.
Next year’s spring/summer collection may see the reintroduction of dresses which were present in 2009. “This year we are focusing solely on activewear. Its always been our biggest focus and we have a following,” said Mr. Zingenberg.
The collections - which in prior years have also dabbled in men’s fashions - are now being streamlined solely to women’s collections.
Chopper Couture went fully eco-friendly in 2007. Talking about the materials used in today’s collections, Mr. Zingenberg said, “Probably 90 percent of what we do is bamboo. It’s a fantastic material for leisurewear to activewear. It has better ultraviolet protection than anything else and it’s biodegradable. Another material that we use a lot, especially in our dresses, is Lyocell.”
The American Fiber Manufacturers Association describes Lyocell as a material made from raw cellulose, which when spun into fiber includes the following characteristics: soft; strong; absorbent; wrinkle resistant; very versatile fabric; dyable to vibrant colors, with a variety of effects and textures; hand washable; simulates silk, suede, or leather touch; good drapability; and biodegradable.
Mr. Zingenberg, added, “We do a lot of organic cotton and bamboo blend in French terry cotton. Women also love our velour sets.”
‘Venus’ bamboo halter top. Photo by Chopper Couture.
Chopper Couture is also very proud of its manufacturing practices. “Being a Fair Trade manufacturer means we are producing right here in Toronto and paying fair wages.
“We also practice lean manufacturing. We have everything produced to order for our retailers. We have a very fast turnaround time. By the time we get an order until it’s in stores is about four weeks,” said Mr. Zingenberg.
The Chopper Couture is currently found in about 200 stores across Canada and the U.S., which can be found through the company’s website at: choppercouture.com.
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