As a long-time champion of environmental causes and green products, Tonne Goodman – legendary stylist, former Vogue fashion director, current Vogue Sustainability editor – has always been my north star on what to buy, where to buy it, when to buy it, and how to wear it. It doesn’t hurt that she is one of the chicest women I’ve ever met and I idolize her personal style as much as I do her work for both Vogue and our planet. With Tonne’s book Point of View coming out last year, we thought a joyful way to talk about the future of fashion would be to look back to some of Tonne’s greatest shoots for Vogue and breathe new life into the looks by shopping them out from sustainable brands. This is a celebration of timelessness – good style is forever as are great wardrobe basics – and we already know Tonne’s edit will stand the test of time.
THEN:
We’re heading into Memorial Day Weekend and Tonne and I are looking for a little summer inspiration this week as we sort through the archive for this story. “This is another one of those “pure fun” shoots. Evie [Tonne’s youngest child] was there with me, I have a great picture of her applying lipstick with Pat [McGrath],” Tonne says of this story, “Summer Escapes – The Maine Chance,” shot by Steve Meisel for Vogue’s June 2004 issue.“Summer Escapes went around the world for this issue,” Tonne says. “Maine, Ireland, Brazil–each set referenced a characteristic of the location. We decided to portray all these different “escapes” in a corner in the studio. It gave us free reign to imagine.” We both pause, thinking about how this summer will likely need to draw on such creativity as well. Escapism is less about travel now than about letting the mind wander. “Just looking at this picture, you can imagine bicycling down the lane on a summer’s day after collecting flowers in a field. We did another set up that was a beach and we brought sand in.” Even hearing Tonne speak about this shoot is helping bring sunny feelings. “This outfit looks as if there might be a damp bathing suit underneath it, it’s that carefree,” Tonne affirms. I want to close my eyes and let the feeling sink in.
NOW:
Inspired by all this cheery wanderlust – and, of course, green products – Tonne and I are both excited to update this summer look just in time for the season’s kick-off: Memorial Day weekend. While many of us will be staying indoors all the same, this look’s classic, carefree style is going to help us imagine times spent outside, lounging on vacations near or far.
“Leisurely bike riding is one of my favorite summer pastimes. As New York opens more bike lanes, I’ll be able to ride easily around the city,” Tonne says. A bike ride is also a great way to clear the mind and can be done in many places following local rules regarding social distancing. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to travel. “And, I love Gardenias,” Tonne says. “They are one of my favorite flowers. Regrettably they are not great for the health of cats so I don’t have any in the house because of Tiger [Tonne’s cat] but the fragrance transports.” With that said (cat owners beware) this UrbanStems potted Gardenia plant will do just that—transport. Sending this to a pal in need of some summery-smells or a general pick-me-up is both joy-inducing and a more eco-friendly choice than cut flowers.
This fabulous American classic polo comes straight from the brand you think of when you hear those words–Ralph Lauren. Designed for Earth Day, this top is made completely out of recycled plastic bottles. There is a mens, womens, and kids version of this shirt and Tonne recommends trying the children’s one for a more fitted look. The skirt, from California-based brand Christy Dawn, is made fully from upcycled fabric and hand-sewn in Los Angeles.
A headscarf or bandana is the perfect seasonal accessory, especially this year as many of us have had to forgo our normal mane maintenance. From the H&M Conscious collection, this patchworked version is guaranteed to be made of at least 50 percent sustainable materials– like organic cotton and recycled polyester. Last but not least, what could be more classic than a pair of white Dr. Scholls originals? With soles made from natural beechwood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and leather sourced from the Leather Working Group, these shoes are guaranteed to stand the test of time–then, now, and back again without skipping a beat.