STYLE
Changing the Face of Fashion eco.spirit
Words by Patrica Foster Photos: Evan Cerretti Model: Samara Meade Hair by Grand Senses Spa
The eco.spirit emporium grew out of two intertwining philosophies: selling sustainable products, and supporting Canadian design. From flowing skirts to coral necklaces, comfortable sweaters with swooping necklines, alpaca ponchos, and bamboo panties, this lively boutique has something for everyone. “We’d like to offer an alternative to ‘fast fashion’ for both men and women,” says Kimberley Milette, co-owner of eco.spirit. “You may pay a little more, but not much, and the clothes will last you a lifetime.” eco.spirit’s high-quality fabrics are soft and inviting, from hemp to organic cotton, linen, merino wool, and the soon-to-be- available in-store leathers made from pineapple leaves. Their diverse designs mesh comfort with style. Leggings made from a polyblend of recycled plastic bottles, decorated with bold patterned artwork, are a crowd favourite. “We can’t keep them in-store!” Milette exclaims. Housed in the Confederation Court Mall in Charlottetown, eco.spirit also sells jewellery, accessories, footwear, and health and beauty aids, as well as Canadian art.
long, and seeing the overindulgence, the overuse of plastics,” says Milette. “Did you know that fashion is the second-largest polluter? Landfills are full of clothes, and our oceans are suffering. Things like that disturb me, so I wanted to do my part.” Milette’s journey into the sustainable living business started in 2014, when she launched the NaturallyCanada. com online marketplace: a hub of high- quality, eco-friendly merchandise. “I spent months scoping Canadian designers and products,” she says. “I pounded the pavement in Montreal and Toronto, and
discovered a whole new world I knew very little about. I was so charmed. I immediately knew it would be my focus.” Featured brands include Echo Verde, Effort’s Eco- Essentials, Brenda Laine Designs, TresArt Cache, and April Cornell. As her business found its niche and flourished, Milette opened the eco.spirit emporium on Canada Day weekend 2018, partnering with Angie MacDonald. Other key players in the store’s journey are Samara Meade—the face of eco.spirit, as well as its video marketer—and Frank Patch, a great friend and mentor.
“I’ve always been pro-Canadian, especially after living in the US for so
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www.pei-living.ca SPRING 2019
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