Posted By : Katherine Price

The environmental movement can be a depressing area to work within, there are small victories but in the grand scheme of things it is very heavy. Some of my favorite stories involve people transforming themselves, especially when the metamorphosis is based on obtaining new knowledge. It takes a strong person to adapt from one way of thinking to another. Long time jewelry designer, Susan Crow learned about the significant impact that creating jewelry and accessories can have on our planet. Susan then morphed herself into one of the Twin Cities’ most eco-friendly designers of jewelry. Working with Sol Inspirations has blessed me with the opportunity to meet so many great people, one of the ladies I have spent the most time with is Susan Crow. Susan is a driven woman whom I am thankful to know.

Susan Crow (left), Designer of East Fourth Street & Me (Katherine Price)

Something I always find myself asking environmental entrepreneurs is, where their passion stems from? With Susan it was refreshing to learn that she was simply moved by learning about the issues. All too often people are aware of negative consequence and they continue the offense because it is the easiest route. Thank goodness we have people like Susan in this world!

KP: What was the inspiration for this new brand?

SC: While in the program (Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Sustainable Design at MCAD) I learned that jewelry has one of the highest environmental footprints of all products. I decided that I could not keep making jewelry the traditional way. East Fourth Street jewelry is the sustainable re-launch of my jewelry.

KP: What are the aspects of your design process that make your jewelry environmentally conscious?
SC: Traditional metal-smithing uses toxic chemicals and processes that attribute to the high environmental impact associated with jewelry as well as the huge impacts from mining excavation. Sustainable jewelry is more than just using recycled metals and gemstones, it also means creating a closed loop system in the beginning of the design phase that analyzes everything from suppliers, electrical use, chemicals to waste stream. It also addresses the ethical issues surrounding the poor treatment of gold and gemstone miners which helps direct supply chains.

KP: I know you use recycled metals and conflict free stones, where do you source your materials?

SC: I buy most of my metal from Hoover and Strong who sells only certified recycled gold and silver. I also re-use my customer’s metal, creating something new for them. Presently I am only selling previously used diamonds and gemstones because of the very bad political and ethical problems surrounding the mining and cutting of stones.

KP: How did this become a passion for you?

SC: It became a passion by my learning about the environmental and ethical problems in the world and not wanting to contribute to them. Every product has an environmental footprint, but there are many things we can do to reduce it. Now that I know what I can change to lower the footprint of the products I design and make, it’s exciting.

KP: Are there any environmental issues that you are more passionate about than others?

SC: My blog; “The Metamorphosis” is about change. As more people become aware of the workers strife in gold and gemstone mines as well as the environmental destruction that mining creates, they will be empowered to support companies that are instigating change. I wrote the phrase; “conscious convergence of small actions” which means if we all commit to small positive actions to drive sustainability, our small actions will blend together to create a shift towards good. This is what I am passionate about; positive change.

KP: How do you incorporate environmental awareness in the rest of your daily life?

SC: There are a lot of little things we do that actually add up. Such as composting, driving as little as possible, only buying products that have as low of a footprint as possible and keeping our electronics unplugged when not in use. If you look around your house, it’s amazing how much waste we all generate. I also try to live life mindfully, thinking about the far-reaching impact and consequence my everyday actions have on our environment.

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Recently something extraordinary happened to East Fourth Street, Susan was invited to be a part of a “green” fashion show at NYC Fashion Week. This was an incredible opportunity for Susan to extent the awareness of her brand. Crow’s line of jewelry is definitely one to keep an eye on, they have pieces for a variety of occasions and styles. I urge you to check out the East Fourth Street Website.

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Posted By: Katherine Price

I went to Full Fashion Panic show full of anticipation for Block’s first full collection which was called the “Black Crow Collection”, and after an eye full of bows and Hello Kitty, Block’s well-edited garments strutting down the runway were exactly I needed. Deborah Block’s collection looked impeccable on the runway, no offense to the other designers, but my first thought when Block’s collection started coming out was “Now here is a fashion show!” Her intentional styling choices made all the difference and really told an enticing narrative. Block really put thought into every single element of the show; everything fit together. I especially loved the blood and tearing detail in the makeup on some of the girls. Block’s boyfriend Brady Hill mixed a great energetic soundtrack that the models worked-it-out to!! The amount of passion, energy and fashion know-how was evident throughout the entire collection.

Styling of the first look (featured to the right above)

Photo Credit: Chloe Glarner

Block opened the collection with a posh voluminous black coat dress. The model really rocked the runway with a super strong face (great bone structure), which I was really looking forward to after mine and Deborah’s conversation about model selection. The collection stood out for many reason but my favorite thing about each and every look is that I know I could feel good about buying them because of their upcycled and eco-conscious nature. Block prides herself on her sourcing of materials and clever use of scraps.

The ‘Black Crow Collection’ will be in the retailer You and Me starting Oct. 4 (today!) until the end of the month! Get there quickly as fashion junkies such as myself will be in line to snatch up our favorite pieces from the show. I know I have my eye on something special, I will keep it secret as some lucky girl might actually beat me to the store! Take your mark, get set, go to “You and Me”!

If I don’t run into you (literally) buying this fantastic collection then I hope to see your shinning face at the Red Stag on Wednesday from 4 to 6. If you can’t motivate yourself with the thought of like-minded people in the Minneapolis fashion scene that perhaps consider the Happy Hour special or the $1 off organic wine, whatever will you get down to NE. Parking is easy and also there a few other MN Fashion week events happening in the same area on Wednesday, so make a night of it!