VogueVert
A new online resource, launched by a local lady, sells divine designs to eco-conscious fashionistas, while also funding scholarships for budding "green" designers.

Scarf, ring and handbag sold on VogueVert, a new site featuring eco-friendly designs, founded by Cincinnati-based Kathy Hamm

It all started with a search for the perfect bag. Three years ago, Kathy Hamm -- a Cincinnati-based financial planner, committed vegetarian and frequent online shopper -- found an amazing handbag on one of her favorite sites.

"This stunning creation of soft, supple leather, beckoned seductively. For a moment, I wavered… but I couldn’t bring myself to buy the bag that came from a harmless animal," she recalls. "So, I tried to find a 'green' bag that was equally fashion-forward. After months of searching, I finally had tracked down a selection of designers sharing my sense of ethics. With this list in hand, VogueVert was born."

Hamm founded VogueVert in late November, 2011 for her fellow fashionistas seeking what she calls "beauty on the conscious path." According to Hamm, the mission of VogueVert is to:

- Offer great fashion
- Offer kind and conscious fashion (recycled, sustainable, and/or vegan)
- Provide busy women with easy access to great conscious fashion by being a one-stop-shop for a wide range of designs
- Deliver excellent service, speedy delivery, and pretty "green" packaging
- Help eco-through to be successful through exposure on the website
- Give back through scholarships for "green" designers and by donating to non-profits that support the protection of the environment, animals, and women. This is accomplished by donating $1 for every purchase and 10% of profits.

"When a customer makes a purchase, we want the experience to be fun and fulfilling in all respects," Hamm says. "We want them to love their purchase and to feel that they are changing the world, one luxury at a time."

The designers featured on VogueVert are all high-quality and fashionable, says Hamm. Plus, she adds, "the materials are all recycled, reclaimed, vegan, and/or sustainable." Some examples: A british line of handbags made from recycled fire hoses, another line from Virginia that uses tractor inner tubes, and another from New York that weaves yarn with trash bags. "Our jewelry is mostly reclaimed metal," Hamm explains. "An italian line, owned by Ilaria Fendi, has a women's cooperative in Africa piecing all kinds of reclaimed materials into gorgeous handbags."

Hamm believes her blossoming site is the beginning of a new green and glamorous revolution. "We believe there are countless women who are on a conscious and spiritual path who also enjoy being stylish," she says. "We intend to connect with those women." One of the ways she will be connecting with women is by showcasing her wares at Cincy Chic's March 16 Eco Fabulous Fashion Show at Lexus RiverCenter.

In addition, Hamm says she wants to continue to find like-minded artisans all over the world and bring their designs to the VogueVert website. In turn, that will grow the foundation, which will grant scholarships to "green" design students and support organizations that protect and improve the earth's resources and the lives of women and animals. "We offer our customers beautiful fashion and the opportunity to change the world for the better," says Hamm. "We make it easy for women to make the choice to be conscious and chic."

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